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Chicken Cacciatore (Hunter’s Chicken)

Chicken Cacciatore (Hunter’s Chicken)

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A rustic Italian classic, this Chicken Cacciatore is rich, hearty, and full of flavour. Tender chicken is simmered in a savoury tomato and herb sauce with pancetta, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or satisfying leftovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 150 g 5 ½ oz pancetta
  • Olive oil QB
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 celery stalk finely chopped
  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 80 mL 1/3 cup dry white wine (or dry vermouth)
  • 2 × 400 g 14 oz tins chopped tomatoes
  • Water if needed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper QB
  • 1 sprig of rosemary
  • Fresh parsley to garnish
  • 125 g 4½ oz button mushrooms, thickly sliced (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cube the pancetta into small pieces.
  2. Heat a large casserole dish on medium-high heat (we used our Le Creuset). Add the pancetta and fry until the fat renders.
  3. Remove the pancetta and fry the chicken in batches in the rendered fat. Add olive oil if needed, especially if using leaner bacon instead of pancetta. Remove the browned chicken pieces and set aside.
  4. Return the pancetta to the pan and add the onions, celery, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté until the onions are translucent, being careful not to burn them. Add the garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant (do not brown).
  5. Add the wine and cook for a minute or two to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
  6. Return the chicken pieces to the pan. Add the canned tomatoes, rosemary, and bay leaf. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little water (we used just enough to rinse out the tomato tins). Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
  7. If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and boil the sauce until it thickens to your liking. Then return the chicken to the pan and heat through.

Notes

Serve the Chicken Cacciatore (garnished with fresh parsley) over:
  1. A bed of rice
  2. Al dente pasta (as pictured)
  3. Slices of warmed ciabatta bread
Tip:
  1. Slice the chicken to make it easier to eat from a bowl (as pictured).
 

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