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‘Hunter’s’ chicken stew

⏱ 45 min🍳 45 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Hunter’s chicken ‘cacciatora’ stew is a classic Tuscan dish that, on account of its delicious, unique taste, has now really caught on all around the world. It is commonly recognized as a recipe popular amongst peasant land workers: while the men were out hunting, the women stayed at home to cook what little the pantry offered them, trying their best to find something flavourful and satisfying to eat on their return. And so, with a simple chicken or cockerel and some vegetables from the garden – perhaps some tomatoes, sage leaves, an onion, a carrot, and maybe a glass of wine if there was some around, plus a few olives - a culinary masterpiece was born and became a classic Sunday dish for the family. It’s particularly delicious if served with two other classic side dishes: potatoes and salad. And for the adults, of course, a lovely glass of wine.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving
Protein
42g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
45 minutes Total time
45 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Place a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a knob of butter in a large pan. Add the coarsely sliced garlic, carrot and onion. Rub salt and pepper into the chicken and add it to the pan. Sauté the chicken on high heat on all sides. Pour in the white wine and the rosemary and sage. Then add the tinned tomatoes and tomato concentrate. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer. After half an hour, add - if you want them - the olives. Finish cooking for a few minutes without the lid so as to achieve the right consistency for the sauce. Serve hot.

Tips
This recipe works well for both chicken and hens, but even better with rabbit. If you're in a hurry, there are commercially available sauces for adding to your meat without having to go to the bother of buying all the separate ingredients, but of course you won’t get the same result as one made entirely at home.
Trivia
Hunter’s chicken stew is a recipe with purely peasant origins. Geographically, Tuscany claims to be the region where the dish was first made, although some argue that it has its roots in Umbria, or even Emilia. As for the etymology of the name of the recipe, "hunter", this refers to the particular flavour derived from a combination of garlic and rosemary used in the preparation of the dish, the same ingredients that hunters used to use to flavour and cook their prey when out on a hunt.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Chicken Cacciatora with Taggiasca Olives

One of the tastiest variations of Chicken Cacciatora is undoubtedly the one with Taggiasca olives. This ingredient not only enriches the dish with its intense flavor but also adds a note of saltiness that pairs perfectly with the chicken and tomato. To prepare this version, simply add the Taggiasca olives halfway through cooking, allowing them to release their flavor and blend well with the sauce. The use of olives not only makes the dish more flavorful but also adds a beautiful color to the plate, making it visually appealing. This variation is ideal for those who desire a meal rich in Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a family dinner or with friends.

Sicilian Chicken Cacciatora

Sicilian Chicken Cacciatora is a dish that fully represents the culinary tradition of the island. This variation involves the use of fresh, local ingredients, such as carrots and onions, which are sautéed together with the chicken to enhance the flavors. Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb all the aromas of herbs, such as rosemary and sage, making the dish particularly fragrant. In the Sicilian preparation, the use of fresh tomatoes is also common, which impart a natural sweetness to the sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors and traditional cuisine, offering an authentic taste of Sicily with every bite.

Light Chicken Cacciatora without Butter

For those who are mindful of their diet, there is a light version of Chicken Cacciatora that eliminates butter, replacing it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This variation maintains the flavors of the original dish but reduces the caloric and fat content. By using only oil, it is possible to achieve a dish that is just as flavorful, utilizing herbs and tomatoes to provide taste. Additionally, one can opt for a leaner chicken, such as chicken breast, to make the dish even lighter. This preparation is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a traditional dish without compromising their dietary regimen.

Chicken Cacciatora: Benefits and Nutritional Values

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and metabolism. This ingredient is rich in B vitamins, such as B6 and B12, which support nervous system health and energy production. Furthermore, the tomato, present in the preparation of Chicken Cacciatora, is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A serving of Chicken Cacciatora provides approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and the type of chicken used. This makes the dish a great choice for a balanced and nutritious meal.

How to Store Chicken Cacciatora?

One of the most frequently asked questions about Chicken Cacciatora is: "How do you store it?". This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Before storing, it is advisable to let it cool completely to avoid condensation inside the container. If you wish to store it for a longer period, you can also freeze it. In this case, make sure to portion it out and use freezer-safe food bags. When ready to consume, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in a pan or microwave, thus preserving the flavors of the original dish.