Chicken Cacciatore

Author Notes

I couldn't take it anymore. With the weather so warm here for the last couple of weeks, we've been eating salads and quick-grilled meats...tuna and a lot of sandwiches. But I wanted something cooked, something comforting. The other night we caught a few minutes of Bobby Flay doing a throw-down for chicken cacciatore. I knew that's what I wanted, and so it went. —inpatskitchen

Test Kitchen Notes

We chose this recipe as our inaugural Winner Winner Chicken Dinner feature, to get fall off to a cozy start. Whenever the temperatures start to drop, or if it's too cold to venture outside, you'll turn to this chicken recipe again and again. "Cacciatore" in Italian actually means "hunter," so this is essentially a hunger-style sauce that features whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, bacon, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. It's a great way to use up whatever produce you've got in your fridge or pantry. Fresh basil and oregano give a pop of brightness and color, but you can use whatever fresh, mild herbs you have too. And instead of bacon, you could use prosciutto or pancetta. Serving over pasta or polenta means that this recipe is the epitome of comfort food goodness. While the chicken is braising, cook the pasta or polenta in another large pot, like this one that has a built-in colander, which is super-convenient. Both will be ready at the same time, and you'll walk away from the meal completely satisfied and satiated.

The best part is all you need is a large skillet with a lid to cook the chicken and sauce, which makes cleanup a breeze. We like this beautiful green nonstick pan, which is a great size, and it can also go in the oven. It takes just about 30 minutes to simmer on the stove, after braising the chicken in seasoned flour, which is great since you don't ever have to turn your oven on.

This recipe is featured in the story, 14 Cozy, Tomatoey Braises to Warm Your Stove Now Through March, sponsored by Muir Glen. —The Editors