Italian Chicken Cacciatore: A Hearty, Flavorful Classic 🍗🍅
This Italian Chicken Cacciatore is a rustic, comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with sweet vermouth, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Infused with savory herbs and finished with Parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Serve over pasta or rice, or enjoy it on its own with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
⏲️ Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4-6
🔥 Kcal: ~350 kcal per serving (without pasta or rice)
📅 Published: August 8, 2025
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups (480ml) sweet vermouth
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 2 cans (6 oz each, 340g total) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil (or to taste)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chicken strips, sprinkle with 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). No need to cook through fully, as it will simmer later.
Step 2: Add Liquids
- Pour in 2 cups sweet vermouth and 2 cups chicken broth.
- Stir in 2 cans of tomato paste and 1 tsp dried basil until fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
- Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir to incorporate.
Step 5: Continue Cooking
- Simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 6: Finish
- Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or basil if needed.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve hot over cooked pasta (e.g., spaghetti or fettuccine), rice, or on its own with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Chicken Variations: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option or use bone-in pieces for extra flavor (adjust cooking time as needed).
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add zucchini, carrots, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure chicken broth and tomato paste are gluten-free; serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the vegetables for a kick.
- Alcohol-Free: Replace sweet vermouth with grape juice or additional chicken broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Serve over al dente pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or pappardelle.
- Alternative Bases: Try with polenta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Sides: Pair with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully.
🌿 Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: High in lean protein for muscle health.
- Mushrooms: Provide B vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Tomatoes & Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants for immune support.
- Parmesan: Adds calcium and protein.
🥄 Dietary Information
- Contains Dairy: Due to Parmesan cheese. Omit or use a dairy-free alternative for lactose-free diets.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free broth and tomato paste; serve with gluten-free sides.
- Allergen Note: Contains dairy; check for soy or other allergens in broth or tomato paste.
📊 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate, Without Pasta/Rice)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 25g
🗃️ Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Who Will Love This Dish?
- Italian Food Fans: A classic cacciatore with a rich, tomatoey twist.
- Comfort Food Lovers: Perfect for those craving a hearty, savory meal.
- Home Cooks: Easy to make with pantry staples and versatile ingredients.
- Dinner Party Hosts: Impress guests with a rustic, flavorful dish that pairs well with wine.
Why It’s Awesome
- Bold Flavors: Sweet vermouth and tomato paste create a deep, rich sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Versatile: Works with various sides and can be customized with extra veggies or spices.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Conclusion
Italian Chicken Cacciatore is a timeless dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious tomato-vermouth sauce, it’s a perfect balance of rustic and refined. Serve it over pasta or rice for a comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Buon appetito! 🍝🍷
