“`html
If you’re craving the full-flavored charm of Italian cuisine but want to keep things light and nourishing, this Healthier Chicken Cacciatore Recipe is an absolute winner. It takes the traditional rich, hearty chicken stew you love and transforms it by using thin-sliced chicken breast fillets instead of thick cuts, skipping any breading or frying, resulting in a vibrant, juicy dish brimming with fresh tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs. The combination of slow-cooked tender chicken resting in a bright tomato sauce, crowned with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, makes for a fulfilling yet guilt-free meal that’ll delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Healthier Chicken Cacciatore Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, keeping the dish both wholesome and exciting. From the fresh veggies to the aromatic herbs and cheeses, everything comes together seamlessly to create a balanced and colorful meal.
- 1.75 pounds Thin-Sliced Chicken Breast Fillets: Using thin slices ensures quick cooking and tender, juicy chicken without any added fat from frying.
- 1 15-ounce can Tomato Sauce: Forms the rich and tangy base of the saucy goodness that ties everything together.
- ¼ cup Chicken Broth or White Wine: Adds depth and subtle acidity, enhancing the sauce’s complexity.
- 3 Roma Tomatoes, deseeded and ½-inch dice: Fresh tomatoes bring natural sweetness and a pleasant texture contrast.
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, ½-inch dice: Infuses a mellow sweetness that mellows as it cooks, creating a foundational savory note.
- 1 Medium Green Bell Pepper, ½-inch dice: Offers a slight bitterness and bright green crunch for balance.
- 1 Medium Red Bell Pepper, ½-inch dice: Brings a sweet, fruity flavor and vivid color to brighten the bowl.
- 8 ounces Button Mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and tender, mushrooms add umami and a meaty bite to the dish.
- 4 Large Garlic Cloves, minced: Garlic’s warm pungency permeates every bite, lifting the overall flavor profile.
- 2 Tablespoons Minced Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil injects aromatic brightness and herbaceous charm.
- 2 Tablespoons Capers, rinsed and drained: Their salty, briny punch creates an exciting contrast amidst the mellow sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Oregano Leaves: Adds a slightly woody and peppery note, quintessential in Italian cooking.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: Balances and enhances all the natural flavors.
- ¼ Teaspoon Freshly Cracked Pepper: Adds just a hint of sharp warmth to round things out.
- 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided: Melts into a creamy, cheesy layer that pulls together all the flavors.
- ¼ Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, Parmesan offers the perfect finishing touch.
- 1 Pound Pasta, cooked according to package instructions: Acts as a lovely vehicle to soak up the delicious sauce and juices.
How to Make Healthier Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Arrange the Chicken
Begin by moving your oven rack to the middle position and preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Lay the thin-sliced chicken breast fillets in a single layer across the bottom of the pan so each piece cooks evenly. This sets the stage for those juicy, tender chicken breasts that make this recipe so satisfying without any frying involved.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, chicken broth (or white wine, if you prefer), diced Roma tomatoes, onions, green and red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, fresh basil, capers, oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Give everything a quick but thorough stir so those fresh ingredients meld into a vibrant, fragrant sauce. This medley is where the magic truly begins, turning simple components into a rich Italian-inspired symphony.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour and spread the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken layers in the pan, making sure the vegetables and herbs coat the chicken beautifully. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to gently cook and absorb all those bright flavors. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. During the last five minutes, sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. This final melt adds a luscious, cheesy finish that elevates the dish into pure comfort food territory.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
After removing the pan from the oven, let the dish cool briefly—just about five minutes—to allow the cheese to set slightly and the flavors to settle. Sprinkle with extra fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, colorful garnish. Serve this delicious Healthier Chicken Cacciatore over your favorite cooked pasta, letting each forkful deliver a perfect balance of tender chicken, melty cheese, and vibrant veggies.
How to Serve Healthier Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are an ideal garnish for this recipe, adding a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that really complements the warm, savory sauce. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper on top can also enhance the taste and presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans. For something heartier, roasted Italian-style vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus also pair wonderfully with the flavors of the cacciatore.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this chicken cacciatore in individual shallow bowls over pasta for a charming rustic appeal. Alternatively, use it as a topping for creamy polenta or even whole grain rice to mix things up. For a lighter touch, wrap the chicken and vegetables inside warm whole wheat tortillas for a delicious Italian-inspired wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the dish even more satisfying the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
This Healthier Chicken Cacciatore Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, pressing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months, ready for a comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the chicken. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help maintain moisture when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for thin-sliced chicken breast for a leaner option, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a richer, juicier texture. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the thighs are fully cooked.
Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese?
Using both cheeses gives you the perfect blend of creamy meltiness from mozzarella and sharp, savory depth from Parmesan. You can adjust the amounts based on your preference or omit one to keep things lighter.
What’s the best pasta to serve with this dish?
This recipe works wonderfully with classic spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. The sauce clings nicely to ridged or tubular pastas, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheeses. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! This Healthier Chicken Cacciatore Recipe keeps well and tastes even better the day after cooking. Divide into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners during the week.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Healthier Chicken Cacciatore Recipe enough if you’re looking to enjoy a classic Italian meal with all the heartiness and flavor but without the heavy, greasy parts. It’s deliciously fresh, comforting, and so easy to make any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so healthy can taste so indulgent and satisfying.
“`
Print
Healthier Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthier Chicken Cacciatore offers a lighter twist on the classic Italian dish by using thin-sliced chicken breast fillets that are sautéed and baked instead of breaded and fried. Packed with vibrant bell peppers, mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a tangy tomato sauce, it’s topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect served over pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cheese
- 1.75 pounds Thin-Sliced Chicken Breast Fillets (Foster Farms brand recommended)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 Roma tomatoes, deseeded and diced ½-inch
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced ½-inch
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced ½-inch
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced ½-inch
- 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh oregano leaves
- 2 Tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth or white wine
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Other
- 1 pound pasta, cooked as per package instructions
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Move your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken: Place the thin-sliced chicken breast fillets in a single layer, making sure to cover the bottom of the pan evenly. This helps the chicken cook uniformly.
- Mix sauce and vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, chicken broth or white wine, diced Roma tomatoes, yellow onion, green and red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, fresh basil, fresh oregano, capers, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. Reserve 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan cheese for later use.
- Layer sauce over chicken: Evenly distribute the vegetable and tomato mixture over the chicken breasts in the pan, covering them completely.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking: Take the foil off and bake for an additional 20 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top to melt and brown slightly.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
- Serve: Serve the chicken cacciatore hot over cooked pasta of your choice, allowing the flavorful sauce and melted cheese to complement the dish perfectly.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with white wine for added depth of flavor.
- For a lower sodium version, reduce the amount of salt or omit the capers.
- To make this dish gluten-free, serve with gluten-free pasta.
- Make sure to deseed the Roma tomatoes to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
