Nigella Chicken Cacciatore

Discover the warmth and rustic charm of Nigella Lawson's Chicken Cacciatore, a dish that brings the essence of Italian cooking right into your kitchen. This beloved recipe, featured in Nigella's "NIGELLA EXPRESS" book, is a testament to the comfort and simplicity of home cooking, showcasing Nigella's talent for transforming traditional recipes into quick, delightful meals that cater to the modern lifestyle without compromising on taste or authenticity.

Nigella Lawson's Chicken Cacciatore: A Brief Description

Nigella Lawson's Chicken Cacciatore, also known as Pollo Alla Cacciatora, is a simplified version of the classic Italian hunter's chicken. It's a hearty, one-pot meal that combines tender chicken thigh fillets with the rich flavors of pancetta, white wine, and cannellini beans, all simmered together with herbs and tomatoes to create a comforting stew. Nigella adds a twist to the traditional recipe with the inclusion of cannellini beans, making it an even more satisfying dish that can be prepared in about half an hour.

Cultural or Historical Context

Chicken Cacciatore, meaning "hunter's chicken" in Italian, has rustic roots, traditionally made with onions, herbs, tomatoes, and sometimes bell peppers, reflecting the simplicity and availability of ingredients to hunters in the Italian countryside. Nigella's adaptation maintains the essence of this classic dish while offering a quicker, yet equally comforting version suited for a busy lifestyle.

Ingredients for the Chicken Cacciatore

To make Nigella Lawson's Chicken Cacciatore, you will need:

• Garlic infused olive oil or regular olive oil with a clove of minced garlic: 1 tablespoon
• Pancetta, cut into cubes: 75 grams
• Spring onions, finely sliced: 6
• Rosemary needles, finely chopped: 1 teaspoon
• Chicken thigh fillets, each cut into 4 pieces: 500 grams
• Celery salt: ½ teaspoon
• White wine or chicken stock: 125 millilitres
• Chopped tomatoes (1 x 400 gram can)
• Bay leaves: 2
• Sugar: ½ teaspoon
• Cannellini beans (1 x 400 gram can)

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by heating the garlic oil in a heavy-based pan to fry the pancetta until the fat starts rendering.
2. Add in the spring onions and rosemary, followed by the chicken pieces seasoned with celery salt.
3. Deglaze the pan with white wine, then add the tomatoes, bay leaves, and sugar. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Finally, stir in the drained cannellini beans until warmed through, and your Chicken Cacciatore is ready to serve.

Storage and Reheating

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a little water or stock if necessary to keep it moist.

Nutritional Information

Nigella Lawson's Chicken Cacciatore is rich in proteins from the chicken, with a balanced amount of fats from the olive oil and pancetta. The cannellini beans add fiber and make it a nutritious, well-rounded meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I substitute any ingredients? Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer, and vegetable stock as a non-alcoholic option instead of white wine.
• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian? For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and pancetta and add more beans or vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

Nigella Lawson's Chicken Cacciatore is a splendid example of how traditional dishes can be adapted to suit our fast-paced lives without sacrificing the depth of flavor and the joy of eating well. Serve this delightful stew with some steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal that is sure to comfort and satisfy.

Original recipe by Nigella Lawson, as featured in NIGELLA EXPRESS (2007).

Enjoy exploring more of Nigella's recipes and share your own experiences with this dish or how you've made it your own.