Quick and Flavorful Chicken Cacciatore
This Quick and Flavorful Chicken Cacciatore combines tender chunks of chicken breast with vibrant green bell pepper and rich marinara sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also quick to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners. Serve it over steaming hot rice for a satisfying meal that delights the palate without requiring hours in the kitchen. Inspired by the ease of home cooking, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering a taste of Italian cuisine that's accessible to everyone.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 teaspoon (None)
boneless chicken breast
1 pound (Cut into 1-inch pieces)
green bell pepper
1 large (Cut into thin strips)
marinara sauce
15 ounces (None)
water
1/2 cup (None)
rice
2 cups (Cooked and hot)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chicken pieces and sliced green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned.
3
Pour in the marinara sauce and the water, stirring to combine all ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
5
Once cooked, gently stir in the hot, cooked rice until well combined.
6
Serve warm, and enjoy your deliciously easy Chicken Cacciatore!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick and Flavorful Chicken Cacciatore?
It is a simple Italian-inspired dish featuring chicken breast pieces, green bell peppers, and marinara sauce served over rice.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
The total cooking time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes, including browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.
What type of chicken should I use?
This recipe calls for one pound of boneless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, though you may need to cook them slightly longer to ensure they are fully cooked through.
How should the green bell pepper be prepared?
The large green bell pepper should be cut into thin strips before being added to the skillet.
What kind of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe specifies using one teaspoon of olive oil.
What is the base of the sauce?
The sauce is made from 15 ounces of marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of water.
Is the rice cooked during the recipe process?
No, the recipe requires 2 cups of rice that are already cooked and hot before being stirred into the chicken mixture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
How long do I brown the chicken?
You should cook the chicken and pepper strips for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned.
Do I need to cover the skillet?
Yes, after adding the sauce and water, you should cover the skillet with a lid while it simmers for 5 minutes.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink in the center after simmering.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Absolutely; while green is traditional for this version, red, yellow, or orange peppers will also work well.
Can I substitute the rice with pasta?
Yes, you can easily serve the chicken cacciatore over your favorite cooked pasta instead of rice.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a quick one-pan meal that stores well and can be reheated for busy weeknight lunches or dinners.
What size should I cut the chicken pieces?
The chicken should be cut into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even and quick cooking.
Is this a spicy dish?
The recipe is mild, but you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, mushrooms or onions would be excellent additions to the skillet along with the peppers.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the chicken from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
How much water do I add to the sauce?
You should add 1/2 cup of water to the marinara sauce to reach the desired consistency for simmering.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
No, it is a simple 6-ingredient recipe focusing on pantry and produce staples.
Is this recipe considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is a simplified version of a traditional Italian cacciatore (hunter-style) dish.
Can I use frozen peppers?
Yes, frozen sliced peppers can be used if fresh ones are not available; just adjust the browning time slightly.
Should the rice be hot when added?
Yes, the instructions specify using hot, cooked rice to ensure the final dish is served warm.
What makes this 'quick'?
By using pre-cut chicken, store-bought marinara, and pre-cooked rice, the total active cooking time is minimized to under 30 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as you have a large enough skillet to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients.
What if I don't have olive oil?
You can use any neutral vegetable oil or even a small amount of butter to brown the chicken.
How do I incorporate the rice?
Gently stir the hot, cooked rice directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce until well combined.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Fresh basil or parsley added at the end of cooking would provide a great burst of freshness.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
The core ingredients are dairy-free, but always check your specific brand of marinara sauce to be sure.