Chicken cacciatore is a hearty, rustic, one-pot Italian dish that is every bit as delicious and nutritious as it is comforting. This version is my mom's special recipe and, of course, my favorite! This recipe calls for boneless chicken tenders in place of bone-in chicken thighs which speeds up the cooking process and amps up the nutrition. Simmered with onions, garlic, peppers and mushrooms in marinara sauce, the chicken is perfectly tender and juicy. There's plenty of extra sauce so be sure to serve with a loaf of crusty Italian bread for dipping. Buon Appetito!
1 pound chicken tenders, patted dry
3 bell peppers (1 orange, 1 yellow, 1 red), trimmed and sliced lengthwise into 1/2 inch pieces
1 white onion, sliced into 1/2 inch segments
2 cups white mushrooms, cleaned and sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
5 garlic cloves, cut into large chunks
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped or torn into small pieces
1 cup homemade tomato marinara sauce follow link for recipe (or substitute with your favorite jarred tomato sauce)
1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced or shredded (optional)
In a large bowl combine olive oil, salt and pepper
Add sliced peppers and toss until each piece is coated
Heat a 10-in skillet dish with a light layer of olive oil
Add chicken and cook until browned (approximately 3 minutes per side)
Remove from skillet and set aside
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet
Add peppers and saute until they start to brown
Add onions and continue to cook until translucent (approx. 5 - 7 minutes)
Add garlic and cook until fragrant (approx. 1 minute)
Add mushrooms and cook until softened
Add browned chicken back into skillet and mix well
Stir in marinara sauce and top with basil
Simmer on medium-low heat for 20 - 25 minutes
For extra creaminess, layer in mozzarella and simmer until melted (optional)
Top with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese, roughly chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve with crusty Italian bread or rice along with Arugula & Parmesan Salad for a fresh peppery bite.
A 3 ounce serving of chicken breast is a lean, healthy way to incorporate high quality protein into a meal with 122 calories, 3 grams total fat (primarily unsaturated), low cholesterol , 0 carbohydrates and 24 grams of protein. Chicken is also a good source of B vitamins (Niacin, B6 and B12), selenium and phosphorus. When eaten as part of a healthy balanced diet, chicken supports a wide range of functions including metabolism, energy production, brain health, immune function, nerve function and helps maintain lean muscle mass.
Tomatoes contain the powerful antioxidant, lycopene, which can help lower the risk of heart disease. Tomatoes also contain other antioxidants including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect vision and support eye health. Tomatoes also contain vitamin K and calcium which are important for bone health. The fiber in tomatoes promotes healthy digestion and increases satiety, the feeling of fullness.
Peppers add fiber, vitamins and minerals notably, vitamins A, K, C and folate supporting heart, bone and eye health.
Did you give this recipe a try?
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