Chicken Cacciatore "Stoup"
I recently received a request for a soup recipe. Preferably with a tomato-y flair. I reallllly need to contact my Grandmother to get her homemade tomato soup recipe, it was AWESOME. However, since I don't have that one now, and it is so predictable, I decided to try something a little different. The ingredients are simple enough: can diced tomatoes (or fresh), mushrooms, onion, garlic, olive oil, italian seasonings and chicken. This can be served with a loaf of crusty french bread or with rice if you want a little more texture. Also, my can of tomatoes weren't very juicy so I ended up adding some chicken broth to the pot.
Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish that has sometimes been referred to as Hunter's Stew. Early recipes were often made with rabbit as those preparing it were often traveling or hunting for several days and needed an easy and quick meal to prepare outside. It was orginally made just using chicken (or rabbit), mushrooms, possibly garlic and onions, and spices. Tomatoes were a more modern addition. Mostly dark meat would have been used, rendering a darker sauce and deeper flavor. However, to lighten the fat content and make it quicker to prepare, white meat has become more common. Wine can also be added as another layer of flavor and an extra italian touch.
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Then brown in a skillet on medium heat with olive oil.
Dice onion and chop mushrooms.
Here's the garlic I left out of the picture of ingredients.
Remove the skin and finely dice.
After the chicken is opaque, remove to a plate and keep warm. Add the mushrooms and onion and cook till soft. Add the tomatoes, seasonings and garlic to the pan and simmer for 5 min.
I could just spoon this on some bread and be happy! And it smells oooooo sooo good.
Ok, Ok, back to it. Add the chicken along with any juices back to the pan. If the mixture appears to dry (like mine did) add some chicken broth and simmer for 25 min.
As you can see here I served mine over rice. It was pretty good and flavorful, however, next time I think I will add some wine and see how the flavor profile changes. Like I know what I'm talking about! Anyway, try it, you'll like it!
Later, Peace out!
Chicken Cacciatore "Stoup"
2 Large boneless, skinless chicken breast or 6 tenders, cut into manageable pieces
2 Tbls olive oil.
1/2 lb mushrooms, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can diced tomatoes
2 Tbls italian seasoning
chicken broth and wine are optional
Season chicken with salt and pepper and brown in olive oil in a skillet set to medium heat. Remove from pan. Add onions and mushrooms and cook till onion is translucent. Add tomatoes, seasonings and garlic. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 min. Add chicken along with any juices that have accumulated back to pan. If mixture is dry add some chicken broth and/or wine. Simmer covered for 20-25 min. Serve over rice or with crusty bread.