Description
An authentic Italian Chicken Cacciatore (Pollo alla Cacciatora) made with tender chicken simmered in a rustic tomato sauce infused with rosemary, celery, carrots, and onions. This hearty, homestyle dish captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking — simple, comforting, and full of rich flavor.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 sprig rosemary
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
400 g peeled tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 bunch parsley, chopped
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Clean and cut the chicken into serving pieces, leaving the skin on for added flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium–high heat. Add chicken pieces and brown on both sides for about 10 minutes until golden.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma.
- Pour in the broth and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Stir to combine, then cover and simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash of water or extra broth.
- Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, stir in freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or rustic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
Add olives or capers for a Southern Italian variation.
For deeper flavor, mix in a pinch of nutmeg or thyme.
Use only chicken thighs or drumsticks for a richer, more tender result.
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes for a thicker consistency.
The dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
