Video:Chicken Cacciatore

SHARE ON                

Transcript:Chicken Cacciatore

Hi. I'm Heidi Dehncke-Fisher and welcome to About.com Food. Today I am going to be making chicken cacciatore.

Chicken Cacciatore Origin

Traditional Italian stew – chicken cacciatore is also known as hunter's chicken. This original Italian dish was prepared with whatever foul the hunter brought home but has come to be known as a chicken dish.

Traditional Chicken Cacciatore

Many Italian chefs say you must use the whole chicken – cut into 8 pieces then braise them in olive oil with herbs and spices, eventually adding the rest of the ingredients.

Chicken Cacciatore Ingredients

To make this dish you will need:

• 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces
• 1/4 cup of diced pancetta
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic chopped
• 1 stalk of celery, chopped
• 1 large can of peeled or chopped tomatoes – depending on your texture preference
• 6 or 7 fresh medium tomatoes
• 1 red pepper
• 3/4 cup of white wine
• 1/2 a teaspoon of dried or fresh rosemary
• 1 1/2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 of a cup chopped basil
• 2 tbs. oregano
• 2 tbs. parsley
• 1/2 cup of olives, sliced
• 1/2 can of tomato paste

Preparing Chicken Cacciatore

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and garlic and let cook for a minute. Then add the chicken and pancetta – browning evenly for about 30 minutes.

Add the white wine and let cook long enough for the alcohol to evaporate – about 10 minutes.

You may now add celery and your red pepper. Add your herbs and your can of peeled or chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for another 20 minutes.

Finally, add your sliced mushrooms and olives for another 15 minutes.

Serving your Chicken Cacciatore

This hunter's stew goes perfect over linguine, or with polenta or rice. A side of bread or salad completes this meal.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at food.about.com.