Juicy and tender gluten-free chicken cacciatore sautéed slowly over a low heat in an Italian rustic tomato and basil sauce. A ONE-POT little wonder.
Why you are going to love Rustic Chicken Cacciatore
Melt in your mouth chicken with the tangy and vibrant Italian tomato and basil sauce is about to make your heart sing. You are going to just love this rustic chicken cacciatore because just one bite is going to make you feel like you are in Tuscany overlooking the vineyards eating a marvelous meal that a sweet little Italian grandma made just for you.
This rustic chicken cacciatore is so tender and with loads of savory rich tomato basil sauce and is happily gluten-free. It is a snap to put together with just a handful of pantry ingredients.
I miss watching Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network show. All we have here in Hong Kong is the Asian Food Network which is good as many shows help me review my Mandarin language skills. Giada's infectious smile and her delicious cacciatore could light up any room. Giada's chicken cacciatore recipe is so perfect and close to my mom's recipe, there was no need to change a thing. Except, I had to make it gluten-free for me but that was such an easy swap and the flavors and textures are just gorgeous.
Less than 30 Minute Meal
I love these one-pan little wonders that you can get on your table in less than 30 minutes and that includes making a side of sautéed green beans and a salad. For all of you without gluten issues or diabetes, a big hearty piece of artisan bread to soak up all of those rich and delicious tomato and basil sauce is a little bite of heaven.
What is Cacciatore?
Chicken cacciatore is such a rustic looking dish and made from such simple ingredients and that is exactly why I love this dish so much. This dish has been around for centuries. The word "Cacciatore" means hunter in Italian and it was a dish that traditionally something that hunters could easily make out in the forest.
Traditional Way
The traditional way of making rustic chicken cacciatore is with just chicken braised with wine and a few herbs from the forest. Tomatoes were not used back then as you could imagine that would have been a tad bit messy to bring out in the middle of the hunting season, I don't think tupperware was invented yet.
Also, there is no way in heck that the hunters are going to be hauling heavy flour around to dredge their chicken or rabbit to cook. However, men will be men and of course there was always a little room in their rug sack for a bit of wine, so there you have it.
Benefits of cooking with chicken tenderloins
1) Chicken tenderloins require about half of the cooking time compared to chicken on the bone, so I can get dinner on the table in a flash.
2) Going to the wet market here in Hong Kong is not for the faint of heart. Picking out a live chicken at the market and then watching the local butcher do what it needs to do right it in front of you is not my idea of fun. For right now at least, I like my chicken that comes in little pre-packaged saran package that are labeled and has gone through the proper safety checks.
3) I can buy organic chicken tenderloins from Australia or US right here at the local ParknShop and well...they are on display right next to the "local chicken feet".
I know your going to want to add this delicious Italian rustic chicken cacciatore recipe to your monthly rotations as it only uses only a handful of pantry items and you are in business. Get this recipe on your meal plan.
More Delicious Recipes with Chicken Tenderloins
Thai Grilled chickenTenderloins and Zesty Dipping Sauce
Creamy Chipotle Chicken Skillet
Rosemary Chicken with Sautéed Onion Wine Sauce
Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato One Pot Chicken
Mushroom Chicken with Brandy Sauce
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Rustic Chicken Cacciatore
Ingredients
- 16 oz chicken tenderloins
about 2 tenderloins per person - salt and pepper
to taste - ½ cup Gluten Free Flour Mix (or can use regular flour if no gluten issues)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper
seeds removed and chopped - 1 onion
medium, peeled and chopped - 3 cloves garlic
peeled and sliced thinly - ¾ cup white wine
- 28 oz canned tomatoes
we used pureed by can use chopped. - ¾ cup chicken broth
reduced sodium/gluten-free (I used homemade stock) - 3 tablespoon capers
- 1.5 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ cup basil fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry your chicken tenderloins. Salt and pepper both sides of chicken tenderloins. Dredge your chicken tenderloins in the flour on both sides and shake off the excess flour. (By all means you can use chicken on the bone such as chicken thighs and breasts and that would be wonderful but will take an extra 10 minutes to cook)
- Place olive oil on the medium high griddle and add your chicken breast to the pan and sear on both sides until lightly golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and add chopped red bell peppers, onions, garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Saute until aromatic and translucent. Add the white wine to the pan to deglaze and use your spatula to lift any of the delicious chicken tasty morsels. Reduce the wine until about half. Add the pureed tomatoes, chicken broth, capers, oregano and salt and pepper to taste. (now here is the point that my mom would have usually added just a pinch of sugar to help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, I did not do that as the tomatoes were sweet and delicious)
- Add the chicken back into the tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until fork tender. (If you decided to use chicken on the bone it may need 10-15 minutes more to cook)
- Serve your delicious rustic chicken cacciatore recipe garnished with fresh chopped basil, a delicious side of sauteed green beans and side salad for a low carb, diabetic friendly meal. (You can also freeze this meal and enjoy another busy work week day)
Culinary Flavors says
This chicken looks absolutely irresistible! I would devour it in moments and scoop the sauce with a slice of bread! Pinned!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
Looks delicious 🙂 And I hear you on not being able to stomach the live poultry! My grocery store just started carrying a new brand of organic chickens, so I bought one whole, and then freaked out when I opened it up and they had left the chicken feet in tact. I had to have my husband cut them off before I would season it!
Sharing this beautiful creation 🙂
gourmetgetaway says
Rustic and classic, indeed but healthy and tasty for sure. Love it, Bam!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Julie and Alesah! Sometimes you just need some comfort food and this checks all the boxes.
whatjessicabakednext says
Love chicken cacciatore - definitely one of my favourite Italian dishes! This looks divine, great for a one-pot dinner!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
Your cacciatore looks really delicious! The photo with the sauce on the bread makes me want to eat this right now for breakfast. I make one a lot when we would have a lot of peppers and tomatoes from the garden and it's always a hit.
Mary Frances says
That sauce looks absolutely delicious! Looking at your photos, I can almost taste it!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Mary you are so sweet. Thanks for you kind comment.
David Crichton says
We have some strange ESP going on here. I made the exact same thing the other day. I've only eaten it once before, and to finish the sauce off a big of dollop of mascarpone was added. I found it just made it a little more unctuous.
It's such a brilliant recipe though.
Healthy World Cuisine says
You know what they say, great minds think alike but I will for sure have to try a dollop of mascarpone for my boys next time I make this dish. I hope you are doing well, safe travels to you!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
When I saw that dish I wanted to stick a piece of bread in that sauce. I didn't grow up with this dish but my best friend did. I tried to wrangle an invitation to dinner every time her mother cooked it. It never looked this good!
I couldn't bear the wet market. I'm happy to be labeled a wimp.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you dearest Maureen! My boys bless their hearts were dunking bread in the sauce while it was cooking. I was just glad there was enough sauce to get a few photos. If I could somehow send a big plate of it over to you in Australia still hot I would. You take good care of yourself dear and hoping that you recover soon!
Abbe @ This is How I Cook says
My mother used to make chicken cacciatore all the time. This looks fabulous and I'm with you about not going to the wet market! Ouch!
Healthy World Cuisine says
I do go to the wet market for fresh veggies, fruits and seafood but when it comes to the hanging meat and still walking and clucking chickens I get a little weak in the knees. Thank goodness in Aberdeen market that is up one floor from the fruits and veggies so I can avoid it all together for the moment at least.
hotlyspiced says
Wonderful flavours here and a really good meal that can also be frozen so is handy. I love how this is rustic! I do find rustic dishes very comforting xx
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Charlie, this meal freezes great. Thanks for the reminder as I should add that on to my recipe! I hope that you are enjoying your trip. Take care
mjskit says
I know I've eaten this dish but have never made it. What a great way to enjoy chicken and tomatoes. I'd love to make this with some fresh tomatoes from the garden. Soon...very soon. 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello MJ. Rustic chicken cacciatore would be stunning with fresh tomatoes from the garden. If you are looking for a quick and easy dish this one is sure to please.
dianeskitchentable says
This brings back fond memories. My mother used to make this a lot but I haven't thought of it in years. My mother also grew up on a farm so I saw plenty of chickens snagged for the table at my grandparents' farm. Yikes! It really isn't something that I want to think about either. Saran wrapped chicken is fine by me.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hi there Diane! Rustic chicken cacciatore is certainly a retro dish. I think we all remember this one growing up as a child. I don't know why it went out of style as it really is a great one-pot 30 minute easy dish. Yep, saran wrapped poultry with an USDA stamp of approval is all good with me.
Daisy@Nevertoosweet says
It's nearly midnight over here and you're making me so so hungry!!! Looks awesome x
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Daisy! Wishing you well and good luck with your new position! 🙂
dedy oktavianus pardede says
Damn delicious!!!
i almost licking my monitor screen while scrolling down your chicken cacciatore photographs Bam.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Dedy, I feel the same way when I am reading your recipes. Happy Studying Dedy!
nancyc says
This sounds so good–and I can use my fresh basil that I'm growing now! 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Nancy. Don't you just love growing your own fresh herbs. It makes so easy to add them in your recipes whenever you want to.