Description
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore (15-Minute Meals) is a fast and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring seared chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce with olives, capers, and fresh herbs. Unlike the traditional slow-cooked version, this quick recipe delivers the same delicious taste in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
Quickly searing the chicken adds flavor and texture.
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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded thin)
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- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
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- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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- ½ teaspoon salt
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- ½ teaspoon black pepper
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cacciatore Sauce:
A rich, tomato-based sauce with Mediterranean flavors.
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- 1 onion (finely chopped)
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- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
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- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
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- 1 tablespoon capers (rinsed)
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- 80g black or green olives (pitted and halved)
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- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
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- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
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- 1 teaspoon dried basil or fresh basil (chopped)
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- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
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- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For Garnish and Serving:
Complementary sides make the meal complete.
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- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
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- Grated Parmesan (optional)
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- Crusty bread, pasta, or salad
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Quick cooking seals in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
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- Butterfly or pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster cooking.
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- Season both sides with oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
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- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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- Remove from the pan and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
A fragrant base builds deep flavor in minutes.
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- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
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- Stir in garlic and sliced bell pepper, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Cacciatore Sauce
A quick yet flavorful sauce makes this dish shine.
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- Stir in capers, olives, and chopped tomatoes.
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- Add balsamic vinegar, dried basil, and sugar (if using).
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- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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- Let the sauce simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Simmering in the sauce keeps the chicken juicy.
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- Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
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- Cover and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
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- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Final touches elevate the dish’s flavors.
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- Sprinkle with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
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- Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh salad.