Air-Fried Chicken Cacciatore: A Quick, Tasty Italian Dish

Chicken cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish that is perfect for a family dinner. It is a hearty meal that involves braising chicken in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables and aromatics. The best cut for braising is bone-in chicken thighs, but you can also use chicken breast if you prefer white meat. The natural acidity in the tomatoes helps to tenderize the proteins quickly, and the bone adds flavour to the sauce. To make chicken cacciatore in an air fryer oven, you will need to first season and brown the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Then, add the vegetables and aromatics to the air fryer and cook until softened. Finally, add the tomatoes and other ingredients to make the sauce, and cook until the chicken is tender.

Choosing your chicken

Chicken cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish that is cooked "hunter-style" with onions, herbs, and usually tomatoes, bell peppers, and wine. The best cut of chicken for braising is bone-in chicken thighs as they have more connective tissue and fat, which prevents moisture loss. The braising liquid then helps to transform the collagen into gelatin, softening the meat and making the sauce richer.

If you are short on time, you can opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins, but decrease the cooking time to about 25 minutes. You can also use chicken drumsticks or a combination of thighs, legs, or breasts. If you are using breasts, divide them into smaller pieces for even cooking.

For the most flavour, it is recommended to keep the skin on the chicken and sear until crispy before finishing with a gentle cooking method. However, if you are looking for a leaner dish, you can remove the skin and fat and use less oil.

Preparing the vegetables

First, gather your vegetables. The base of a traditional cacciatore recipe includes onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can use a combination of red and green bell peppers to add a nice bit of texture and colour to your dish. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can also add some red pepper flakes.

Next, chop your vegetables to the desired size. For the onions, a medium dice or slightly thicker slices will work well. As for the bell peppers, remove the tops and bottoms, pull out the innards, and cut them into thick slices. You can do the same for the mushrooms, slicing them into slightly thicker pieces as they will cook down in the oven.

Now, heat some olive oil or cooking spray in a large pan or braiser over medium heat. Add your chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pan. Cook this mixture for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are slightly softened. Then, add the mushrooms and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.

At this point, you can season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Give the vegetables a good toss to coat them in the spices and oil. Cook this mixture for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Finally, your vegetables should be ready to be added to the sauce. If you are making a tomato-based sauce, you can now add the crushed tomatoes, canned tomatoes, or tomato paste along with the rest of the ingredients. If you are using a different type of sauce, you can adjust the recipe accordingly.

Making the sauce

First, heat some olive oil in a large pan or braiser over medium heat. Add the vegetables and aromatics: onions, celery, peppers, and garlic. Cook these for around 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Then, add the mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and add the herbs and spices: oregano, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes.

Next, add the wine to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes to reduce the wine. You can use either red or white wine, depending on your preference. A dry red wine will add robustness to the sauce, while a white wine will add fruity notes. After the wine has reduced, add the tomatoes. Use canned crushed tomatoes, and if you like a chunkier sauce, add some diced tomatoes too. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 10 minutes.

At this point, you can add the chicken back into the pan and cook everything together. However, if you want to make the sauce alone, simply let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until it has thickened and the flavours have melded. Add the basil towards the end of the cooking process so that its fresh flavour isn't cooked away.

Cooking the chicken

Chicken cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish that involves browning chicken pieces and then cooking them in a tomato-based sauce with vegetables and herbs. Here is a detailed guide on how to cook the chicken for this delicious dish using an air fryer oven:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a more rustic, comforting finish. If you prefer white meat, you can also use chicken breast on the bone or boneless chicken breasts. Remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the chicken pieces and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also get some seasoning underneath the skin. If desired, you can dredge the chicken in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking. This will create a crispy coating on the chicken.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat a large, oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or a combination of oil and butter. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces into the pan, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add your choice of vegetables and aromatics. Common choices include onions, garlic, bell peppers (red, green, or a combination), celery, and mushrooms. Cook the vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add dried or fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

To the vegetables, add red or white wine and let it cook for a few minutes to reduce. Then, add crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh) and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes. You can break up large chunks of tomatoes if you prefer a smoother sauce.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Make sure the skin side of the chicken is facing up and not completely submerged in the sauce to retain its crispiness. Cover the pan and place it in the preheated air fryer oven.

Step 7: Cook the Chicken Cacciatore

Cook the chicken cacciatore in the air fryer oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is very tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces. You can use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve the chicken cacciatore with your favorite pasta, polenta, rice, or a simple salad on the side. Enjoy the delicious, hearty meal!

Serving suggestions

Chicken cacciatore is a hearty dish and is often served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It is also commonly served with pasta, rice, polenta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can serve chicken cacciatore with spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or gluten-free pasta. For a true Italian feast, serve it with a side of garlic bread or focaccia and a nice bottle of wine.

• Serve it over any pasta (egg noodles, spaghetti, linguine, penne, or your favourite type of wheat or gluten-free pasta).
• Make a creamy risotto or polenta for a more traditional side dish.
• For a low-carb option, serve it with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
• If you're looking for a comforting side dish, mashed potatoes or rice are excellent choices.
• For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh Caesar salad or roasted vegetables.
• To round out the meal, add a loaf of crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
• And of course, don't forget the wine! A light, tart Pinot Noir will pair perfectly with this dish.

Frequently asked questions