An authentic, classic Italian dish. Cacciatore is Italian for “hunter,” referring to a dish that is prepared “hunter-style.” Though many variations of Cacciatore exist, hunter-style always calls for tomatoes, onions and herbs, and sometimes bell peppers and wine. Cacciatore is also commonly made with rabbit. Different regions of Italy call for varying ingredients, but the method of preparation is standard across regions: The chicken or rabbit parts are fried in olive oil and then set aside. The vegetables are then sauteed and a sauce is prepared, often using red or white wine. This version, using red wine, is what you would find in Southern Italy. Cacciatore is traditionally served with crusty bread, pasta, or, as in this recipe, polenta – another Italian classic.
Note: The ground dried porcini mushrooms contribute such a fabulous flavor to this dish. Don’t leave them out! They can be found in some large grocery chains or purchased online.
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 10 oz fresh cremini or white button mushrooms, brushed clean
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup hearty red wine
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp ground dried porcini mushrooms
- 1 cup non-instant polenta (coarse cornmeal), cooked (See https://www.daringgourmet.com/2013/02/18/polenta-lasagna/ for directions on how to prepare polenta, only change quantity to 1 cup coarse cornmeal and 3 cups chicken broth.)
- Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, four at a time to avoid over-crowding - and fry until both sides are browned, about 5 minutes on each side. Repeat with the remaining chicken and transfer to a plate.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes, until softened. Add the mushrooms and garlic and saute another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Add the dried herbs and red pepper flakes.
- Add the red wine and bring it to a boil over heat heat until the liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and ground porcini mushrooms. Stir to combine and return to a boil. Return the chicken to the Dutch oven and cover. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, showing no signs of pink when cut into near the bone.
- Transfer the chicken to a warmed platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Return the sauce to a boil over high heat and cook until it has thickened a little, 3-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Dish out the polenta onto four plates, arrange two pieces of chicken on top of each serving of polenta, and spoon the sauce and vegetables over the chicken and polenta. Serve immediately.
Inspired by and altered from Williams Sonoma
Anonymous says
Made this dish tonight. First time making polenta.. Loved it. Theresa came back for more..Its a hit in our house.. Happy Birthday Kimberly..
The Daring Gourmet says
Fantabulous!! You are quite courageous for having made the polenta. Many people are initially a little intimidated to try, but then find it’s really quite simple. And delicious! Were you able to find the dried porcini mushrooms? They make a huge difference.
Now that you’ve got the polenta down, you’ll need to try my Polenta Lasagna!
Anonymous says
Funny thing was I made the polenta I was looking at it the whole time thinking this is going to be bad. Well after it cooled down I tasted a little corner.. Then I tasted a bigger corner..It was good..But I cheated Ill tell you what I put in it.. Later..
The Daring Gourmet says
So glad you liked it, despite the initial skepticism :) You cheated?? Do tell! Something I occasionally add to the polenta while it’s cooking is grated Parmesan cheese – it’s a really delicious addition!