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Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms

Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms
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This quick Chicken Cacciatore with Bell Peppers and Mushrooms is a vibrant and hearty Italian-inspired dish bursting with bold tomato sauce, tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and sweet bell peppers. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines fresh vegetables and classic seasonings for a comforting, colorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

Pantry Staples & Seasonings

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil blend)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by slicing the bell peppers and mushrooms evenly, and finely chopping the onion and garlic. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a flavorful foundation.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and brown on each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the sliced bell peppers and mushrooms, sautéing until they start to caramelize and release their natural juices.
  4. Simmer with Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes to the vegetables along with an extra pinch of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
  5. Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing it to soak up the rich cacciatore flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color. Serve hot, spooned generously over your favorite pasta, rice, or creamy polenta.

Notes

  • Even chopping: Uniform vegetable slices ensure even cooking and a balanced texture.
  • Pat chicken dry: Drying the chicken before browning helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
  • Don’t rush the simmer: Let the sauce gently bubble to develop full-bodied flavors without drying out.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley brightens up the rich sauce and adds freshness to every bite.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving to tweak salt, pepper, or a splash of acidity if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Cacciatore, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Italian, Quick Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Gluten Free, Weeknight Dinner

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/chicken-cacciatore-with-bell-peppers-and-mushrooms/