Italian Chicken Cacciatore Delight
This Italian Chicken Cacciatore Delight is a savory and hearty dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Modified from Lorna Sass's 'Pressure Perfect', this recipe showcases succulent chicken cooked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, infused with fresh herbs, bell peppers, and olives. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this one-pot wonder is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare using a pressure cooker. Serve it over your choice of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will leave everyone wanting more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Shallots
3 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
Green bell pepper
1 medium (seeded and finely diced)
White wine
1/2 cup (none)
Mushrooms
10 ounces (sliced)
Bone-in skinless chicken breast halves or skinless chicken thighs
3 lbs (none)
Crushed tomatoes
2 cups (none)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
Pitted black olives or kalamata olives
1 (6 ounce) can (drained)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped (optional))
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Grated parmesan cheese or romano cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pressure cooker (4-quart or larger) over medium-high heat. Add the chopped shallots and diced bell pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes or until the shallots become slightly softened.
2
Pour in 1/2 cup of white wine and bring to a boil, allowing it to reduce until about half of the liquid evaporates. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the cooker to incorporate all the flavors.
3
Next, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped garlic, stirring them together. Place the chicken pieces on top of the mushroom-garlic mixture, then gently pour in 2 cups of crushed tomatoes ensuring the sauce envelops the chicken. Do not stir; let the chicken rest on top.
4
Dollop 2 tablespoons of tomato paste on top of the tomatoes and chicken. This will enhance the tomato flavor in the dish.
5
Lock the lid in place and turn the heat to high. Once it reaches high pressure, reduce the heat just enough to maintain that pressure, and cook for 8 minutes.
6
After the cooking time is done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure has fully come down, carefully remove the lid, tilting it away from you to let the steam escape.
7
Stir in the drained olives, chopped parsley (if using), crushed red pepper flakes (to taste), and 1/2 cup of your choice of grated parmesan or romano cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Chicken Cacciatore Delight?
It is a savory and hearty dish featuring succulent chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce with fresh herbs, bell peppers, and olives.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is modified from Lorna Sass's 'Pressure Perfect' cookbook.
What size pressure cooker is recommended?
A pressure cooker that is 4-quart or larger is recommended for this recipe.
How much olive oil is used for sauteing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How many shallots are needed for the base?
You will need 3 chopped shallots.
What type of bell pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 medium green bell pepper that is seeded and finely diced.
How much white wine is required?
Use 1/2 cup of white wine for the sauce base.
Why do you boil the white wine before adding other ingredients?
Boiling allows the wine to reduce by half and helps to scrape browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
How many garlic cloves should be added?
The recipe requires 3 chopped garlic cloves.
How many mushrooms are included in the dish?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
You can use either 3 lbs of bone-in skinless chicken breast halves or skinless chicken thighs.
Should the chicken be skinless?
Yes, both the breast halves and thighs should be skinless.
How much crushed tomatoes are used?
You need 2 cups of crushed tomatoes.
What is the purpose of adding tomato paste?
The 2 tablespoons of tomato paste enhance the overall tomato flavor in the dish.
Should I stir the sauce before locking the lid?
No, do not stir; let the chicken rest on top of the mushrooms and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
How long does the chicken cook under pressure?
Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
What is the method for releasing pressure?
The pressure should be allowed to release naturally after the cooking time is finished.
How should I open the lid safely?
Carefully remove the lid and tilt it away from you to let the steam escape safely.
When should the olives be added?
Stir in the olives after the pressure has been released and the lid is removed.
What type of olives can I use?
You can use one 6-ounce can of drained pitted black olives or kalamata olives.
Is fresh parsley included in the recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley can be added at the end, though it is optional.
How can I add heat to this dish?
Add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
What kind of cheese is recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of grated parmesan or romano cheese.
How do I adjust the final seasoning?
Adjust the taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper after cooking.
What are the suggested side dishes?
It is excellent served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a one-pot wonder that is quick and easy to prepare.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in this Italian Chicken Cacciatore Delight.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include chicken, cacciatore, italian, pressure cooker, quick meal, and one-pot recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Does the recipe use high or low pressure?
The recipe specifies using high pressure for the 8-minute cooking duration.