Ingredients

extra virgin olive oil
1/4 pound pancetta ( Italian bacon ) , thickly sliced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
6 chicken thighs with skin and bone
1 small green bell pepper , chopped
1 small sweet onion , diced
1 pound baby portobello mushrooms , sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3 cloves garlic , chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup dry red wine , or more to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch ( optional )
2 tablespoons water ( optional )
1 package rigatoni pasta
freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Hearty chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, it is sure to become a family favorite. The dish is traditionally cooked with chicken, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and is simmered in a tomato-based sauce that is flavored with herbs and wine. Some variations of the dish also include olives and capers for added flavor. The dish is typically served over pasta, such as rigatoni, and is finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whether you are looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress your dinner guests, Teresa's Hearty Chicken Cacciatore is the perfect choice.

Instructions

1.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2.Add the pancetta and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.
3.In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4.Season the chicken with salt and black pepper and dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5.Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes per side.
6.Add the bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, basil, and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7.Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet and add the tomato paste to the center.
8.Cook the tomato paste for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, then add the diced tomatoes and wine.
9.Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
10.Cook for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
11.If the sauce is too thin, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add to the skillet.
12.Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
13.While the chicken is cooking, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions.
14.Serve the chicken cacciatore over the rigatoni with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to taste.

PROS

This hearty dish is full of delicious flavors and is perfect for warming up on cold nights.

The chicken is tender and juicy, and the sauce is rich and flavorful.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and fat due to the pancetta and Parmesan cheese.

It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The chicken in this recipe is a good source of protein, which helps to build and repair muscles in the body.
The vegetables, particularly the mushrooms, provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamin D.
However, this dish should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.

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