Lidia’s Chicken Cacciatore – A Delicious and Hearty Italian Dish

If you’re looking for a delightful and comforting dish, Lidia’s Chicken Cacciatore is a surefire hit. This Italian classic is packed with rich flavors and plenty of tender chicken, making it a popular choice among families everywhere.

Ingredients:

– 1 whole chicken (4-5lbs)
– Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 large carrot, diced
– 1 stalk celery, diced
– 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
– 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
– 2 tablespoons capers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic, stirring constantly, and then add the chicken. Sear the chicken until lightly browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
4. Pour in the white wine and increase heat to high. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the wine has almost evaporated.
5. Add parsley, basil, tomatoes and water and bring to a boil.
6. Add the onions, carrots, celery, olives and capers, stirring gently and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables and chicken are cooked through.
7. Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened.
8. Serve with cooked pasta and a slice of crusty bread.

Lidia’s Chicken Cacciatore tastes as delightful as it smells. This dish has simple yet bold flavors. The heartiness of the tomatoes and chicken combined with the sweet tartness of the capers and olives makes it a genuinely unique and flavorful Italian meal.

This chicken cacciatore is perfect to serve at family dinners, potlucks and even game nights. Serve it with a side of cooked pasta or garlic toast, and you’ll have everyone licking their plates clean.

If you’re looking to experiment with this dish, you can switch up the ingredients with whatever you prefer. Instead of chicken, add in mushrooms and cubed eggplants for a truly delicious vegetarian cacciatore or some chopped seafood for a seafood twist. You can even turn this into a comfort food favorite by adding in some crumbled Italian sausage.

Whatever you decide to do, Lidia’s Chicken Cacciatore is sure to make to make your home-cooked dish a surefire success!