The Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore is a delicious, rustic Italian dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich tomato-based sauce full of Mediterranean flavors. “Cacciatore” means “hunter” in Italian, and this dish traditionally uses simple ingredients that create a hearty, comforting meal. It’s ideal for family dinners or special occasions, and it pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
What is Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore?
Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish featuring chicken cooked in a tomato and wine sauce with olives, herbs, and vegetables. The dish is hearty and comforting, with layers of savory flavors. The sauce is slow-cooked to infuse the chicken with the rich flavors of garlic, onions, herbs, and tomatoes, resulting in a satisfying and deeply flavorful meal.
Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- A comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish.
- Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
- Packed with Mediterranean flavors.
- Perfect for family meals or dinner parties.
- Ideal for making ahead and reheating.
- A one-pan dish that reduces clean-up time.
- It can be paired with various sides like pasta or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore
- Chicken thighs (6-8 pieces, bone-in, skin-on): These add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Bell peppers (1 red and 1 yellow, sliced): Adds color and sweetness.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Enhances the tomato flavor of the sauce.
- Canned chopped tomatoes (400g): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Red wine (125ml): Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Chicken stock (250ml): Helps to create a rich, savory sauce.
- Fresh rosemary (1 sprig): Provides an aromatic herbal note.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Adds classic Italian seasoning.
- Olives (75g, pitted, green, or black): Adds a briny, salty contrast to the sweetness of the sauce.
- Bay leaves (2): Add a subtle, earthy flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, chopped): Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Add tomatoes and stock: Stir in the canned tomatoes, chicken stock, rosemary, oregano, and bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Return the chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pan, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Add the olives.
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
What Goes Well with Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore?
- Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for a complete meal.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich sauce beautifully.
- Polenta: For a traditional Italian pairing, serve the chicken with soft polenta.
- Crusty bread: Use thick slices of bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or squash for a hearty side.
- Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed rice for a simple and filling meal.
- Green salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the rich dish.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore
- Use bone-in chicken thighs: Bone-in thighs add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken: Browning the chicken adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Deglaze the pan: After browning the chicken and vegetables, deglazing with wine or stock ensures you capture all the flavor from the browned bits in the pan.
- Simmer for a deeper flavor: Let the sauce simmer with the chicken for a longer time to develop a deeper, richer taste.
- Use high-quality tomatoes: Using good-quality canned tomatoes makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice: Just before serving, a squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore
- Use chicken breasts: If you prefer, substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Add mushrooms: For an earthier flavor, sauté mushrooms with the onions and peppers.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- White wine option: Substitute red wine with white wine for a lighter sauce.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian take on this dish.
- Extra herbs: Add thyme or basil for additional herbal flavors.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: You can freeze Chicken Cacciatore in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Store sauce separately: If you want to maintain the chicken’s texture, store the sauce separately and combine when reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore
- Reheat in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and reheat the chicken in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave for quick reheating: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Reheat on the stovetop: Warm leftovers in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of stock or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore Healthier?
- Use skinless chicken: For a lighter dish, use skinless chicken thighs or breasts to reduce fat content.
- Reduce the oil: Cut down on the olive oil to reduce the fat without sacrificing flavor.
- Add more vegetables: Include additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the salt content.
- Skip the wine: Replace the wine with extra chicken stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore with chicken breasts?
Yes, you can make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore with chicken breasts. However, since chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Sear the breasts until lightly browned, then simmer in the sauce until fully cooked, about 20-25 minutes.
What wine is best for Chicken Cacciatore?
Red wine, such as Chianti or a light Merlot, is traditionally used in Chicken Cacciatore for its deep flavor. However, you can also use white wine for a lighter, slightly tangier sauce. The wine adds richness to the sauce, so choose one that you enjoy drinking.
How do I thicken the sauce for Chicken Cacciatore?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can also mix a teaspoon of cornflour with a little water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until it thickens.
Can I freeze Chicken Cacciatore?
Yes, Chicken Cacciatore freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting family meal. With its tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and savory vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the classic flavors of Italy!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Chicken Malaysian Curry
- Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Curry With Coconut Milk
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
- Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken
Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish featuring chicken cooked in a tomato and wine sauce with olives, herbs, and vegetables. The dish is hearty and comforting, with layers of savory flavors. The sauce is slow-cooked to infuse the chicken with the rich flavors of garlic, onions, herbs, and tomatoes, resulting in a satisfying and deeply flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (6-8 pieces, bone-in, skin-on): These add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Bell peppers (1 red and 1 yellow, sliced): Adds color and sweetness.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Enhances the tomato flavor of the sauce.
- Canned chopped tomatoes (400g): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Red wine (125ml): Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Chicken stock (250ml): Helps to create a rich, savory sauce.
- Fresh rosemary (1 sprig): Provides an aromatic herbal note.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Adds classic Italian seasoning.
- Olives (75g, pitted, green, or black): Adds a briny, salty contrast to the sweetness of the sauce.
- Bay leaves (2): Add a subtle, earthy flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, chopped): Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Add tomatoes and stock: Stir in the canned tomatoes, chicken stock, rosemary, oregano, and bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Return the chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pan, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Add the olives.
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
