Savory Italian Chicken Cacciatore
This Savory Italian Chicken Cacciatore is a delightful one-dish meal that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This hearty dish features tender chunks of chicken simmered with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a rich tomato sauce, seasoned to perfection with aromatic herbs. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this recipe is flexible, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, for an extra touch. Easy to prepare, this dish can be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
1-2 tablespoons (for cooking)
green bell peppers
2 (cut into chunks)
onions
2 (cut into chunks)
garlic clove
1-2 (minced (optional))
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (cut into chunks)
diced tomatoes
14.5 ounces (canned)
tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
water
6 ounces (for sauce)
Splenda sugar substitute
2 packets (to taste)
red pepper flakes
1 dash (for heat)
basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
whole wheat spaghetti
1 pound (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large baking dish, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the green bell peppers, onions, and optional garlic, sautéing until they begin to soften.
3
Add the chicken chunks to the dish, mixing everything thoroughly.
4
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir in the Splenda, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano until well combined.
5
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
6
After 45 minutes, remove the foil, stir the mixture, and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 15 to 30 minutes more. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
7
While the cacciatore is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8
Serve the chicken cacciatore over the spaghetti or with roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Chicken Cacciatore?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring tender chicken chunks simmered with bell peppers and onions in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs.
How many servings does this chicken cacciatore recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be prepared either in the oven or on the stovetop.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, the recipe is flexible; you can add your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms for extra flavor.
How long does the chicken cacciatore bake in the oven?
It bakes for 45 minutes covered, followed by an additional 15 to 30 minutes uncovered.
What ingredients are needed for the sauce?
The sauce is made from diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, Splenda, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano.
Why is Splenda used in this recipe?
Splenda sugar substitute is used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.
What should I serve with Savory Italian Chicken Cacciatore?
It is traditionally served over whole wheat spaghetti or with a side of roasted potatoes.
How do I prepare the bell peppers and onions?
The green bell peppers and onions should be cut into chunks before cooking.
Is garlic required for this recipe?
Garlic is optional; if used, 1-2 minced cloves should be sautéed with the peppers and onions.
What seasonings give it an Italian flavor?
Dried basil and dried oregano provide the classic aromatic Italian seasoning for this dish.
How much whole wheat spaghetti is needed?
The recipe suggests using one pound of whole wheat spaghetti.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes of cooking.
What is the purpose of the red pepper flakes?
A dash of red pepper flakes is added to provide a touch of heat to the dish.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe requires 1-2 tablespoons of oil for cooking the vegetables.
What size of canned tomato products are used?
You will need a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes and a 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through and the surrounding vegetables are tender.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, rather than soft.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, while the recipe specifies green, you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers as well.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal hearty meal for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of water to be stirred into the tomato mixture.
Are the chicken breasts cooked before adding to the sauce?
No, the chicken chunks are added to the sautéed vegetables and then simmered in the sauce in the oven.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe specifies dried basil and oregano, you can substitute fresh herbs by increasing the amount.
What type of oil is best for this dish?
Any standard cooking oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, will work for this recipe.
How should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté them over medium heat until they just begin to soften before adding the chicken.
Is this a 'one-dish meal'?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal because the main components are cooked together in a single baking dish.
How many packets of Splenda are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 packets of Splenda sugar substitute.
Should the pasta be cooked separately?
Yes, the spaghetti should be cooked in a pot of boiling water while the chicken is baking.