When you think of a comforting meal that brings the warmth of Italian kitchens to your table, Oven Baked Chicken Cacciatore might just come to mind. This dish combines tender chicken with a luscious tomato sauce, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. It's not just a feast for the senses; it's also a practical choice for meal prep or family dinners. Curious about how to make this hearty dish come alive in your own kitchen?
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Oven-baked chicken cacciatore features tender chicken thighs and drumsticks cooked in a rich tomato sauce with veggies.
- The dish is seasoned with garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
- It requires browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables before baking for 40-45 minutes at 375°F.
- Perfect for meal prep, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Each serving contains approximately 350 calories and 30 grams of protein, making it a nutritious option.
How To Make It – Recipe
Oven Baked Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the rustic tastes of Italy right into your home kitchen. This comforting meal features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with bell peppers, onions, and herbs.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to let the oven do most of the labor for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you relax or prepare a side dish. Oven baked chicken is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners.
To begin making this delicious chicken cacciatore, gather your ingredients and preheat your oven. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, and the best part is that it can be made ahead of time. With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for about 5 minutes on each side until golden.
Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, then add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, oregano, and basil.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover the skillet and transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Extra Tips:
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken with herbs and spices a few hours before cooking. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to add more color and nutrition to the dish.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply remove the lid for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to reduce. Serve your oven-baked chicken cacciatore over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy a truly comforting meal!
Substitution Suggestions
While you might've a few ingredients on hand, don't worry—there are plenty of substitution options to make this oven baked chicken cacciatore fit your pantry.
If you're out of oregano, try basil or thyme as herb alternatives to keep that flavor profile vibrant. For your bell peppers, any color will do, or you can swap in zucchini or mushrooms for a different twist.
Don't have diced tomatoes? Canned crushed tomatoes work just as well. Additionally, you can enhance your dish with deliciously simple oven baked chicken techniques to ensure a flavorful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken cacciatore is a comforting dish that deserves a thoughtful presentation. Serve it over al dente pasta or creamy polenta to soak up the rich sauce.
Pairing options like a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can brighten the meal, while garlic bread offers a delightful crunch. Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, add color and nutrition to your plate.
Consider a glass of red wine, like Chianti, to elevate the experience. Additionally, serving it with fluffy rice can provide a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. With these side dishes and pairing options, your chicken cacciatore won't only satisfy but also impress your family and friends. Enjoy the feast!
Make-Ahead and Storage
Preparing chicken cacciatore ahead of time can make mealtime a breeze, especially when hosting friends or family.
Start your meal prepping by chopping veggies and marinating chicken the day before. Store the ingredients separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
When you're ready to cook, simply combine everything in your baking dish and pop it in the oven. For ideal ingredient storage, keep the sauce and chicken components separate if you plan to freeze them.
This way, you'll enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones. Additionally, using oven baked chicken ensures that the dish remains juicy and flavorful while cooking.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To keep your leftover chicken cacciatore tasting fresh and delicious, start by letting it cool to room temperature before storing it.
Transfer the dish to an airtight container for ideal leftover storage. It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for about three months. Additionally, you can enhance your meal by serving it with oven baked chicken to create a delightful pairing.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, use these reheating tips: thaw frozen cacciatore overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave.
Stir occasionally to guarantee even heating, and savor the flavors just as you did the first time!
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
When you indulge in a serving of oven-baked chicken cacciatore, you're not just treating your taste buds; you're also nourishing your body.
This hearty dish boasts a caloric content of around 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet balanced meal. The chicken serves as a fantastic protein source, providing about 30 grams of lean protein per serving, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Coupled with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes, you're also getting a boost of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, oven-baked chicken retains moisture and tenderness, ensuring each bite is succulent and enjoyable.
Enjoy this flavorful dish, knowing it fuels your body while delighting your palate.
Final Thoughts
After savoring the nutritious benefits of oven-baked chicken cacciatore, it's clear this dish is a winner in both flavor and health.
The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful palette that'll have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it's perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making busy days a breeze.
The slow roasting not only enhances the flavors but also allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. Embrace this comforting classic; it's a delicious way to nourish yourself while savoring every bite. Enjoy! Additionally, oven baked chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted with various spices and marinades to suit your palate.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken for this recipe! Just remember to adjust the cooking time since boneless chicken cooks faster. Keep an eye on it to guarantee it stays juicy and tender.
What Type of Wine Is Best for Cacciatore?
For cacciatore, a robust red wine like Chianti enhances the dish's flavors beautifully. However, if you prefer white wine, a dry varietal like Pinot Grigio can also complement the savory elements perfectly.
Is Chicken Cacciatore Spicy?
You might wonder about the spice levels in chicken cacciatore. Typically, it balances rich flavor profiles, with a hint of heat from peppers. It's not overly spicy, but you can always adjust it to your liking!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Dish?
Yes, you can certainly add vegetables to the dish! Try incorporating bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. They'll enhance the flavor and nutrition, making your meal even more delicious and satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with vibrant additions!
How Long Does It Take to Cook the Chicken?
Did you know that cooking chicken at 375°F (190°C) usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes? Following these temperature guidelines guarantees juicy, thoroughly cooked chicken, making the wait worthwhile for your delicious meal. Enjoy!
