This is a classic Italian dish known for its rich flavours and hearty ingredients. “Cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and this dish traditionally features chicken braised in a savoury tomato sauce with vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a cosy family dinner, this one-pot meal is both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken thighs with skin
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 6 sprigs of thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 28oz tin of crushed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons drained capers
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
Method of cooking:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
When the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until the skin is golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Turn the chicken and cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same frying pan, add the chopped onion, minced garlic and sliced carrots. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme sprigs and cook for a further 3-4 minutes, until the mushrooms are soft.
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and drained capers and mix well.
Return the roasted chicken thighs to the pan and nestle them into the sauce. Bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook the chicken in the sauce for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Taste the sauce and season to taste with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve the Skillet Chicken Cacciatore over a bed of pasta, rice, or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Accompany the dish with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Pair with a green salad for a complete meal.
