Chicken cacciatore, meaning “hunter’s chicken” in Italian, is a hearty and flavorful dish that boasts tender chicken braised in a rich tomato-based sauce. This classic Italian comfort food, brimming with vegetables and aromatic herbs, is a culinary experience in itself. But what truly elevates this dish is finding the perfect accompaniments to complement its robust flavors. Let’s explore the best culinary companions for your chicken cacciatore, transforming a simple meal into a truly memorable Italian feast.
The Essential Carb Companions
Choosing the right carbohydrate side is crucial for soaking up that luscious cacciatore sauce. Options abound, each bringing its own texture and flavor profile to the table.
Pasta Perfection
Pasta is perhaps the most traditional and beloved pairing for chicken cacciatore. The key is selecting the right shape to capture the sauce and enhance the overall experience.
Wide Noodles: Pappardelle, tagliatelle, and fettuccine are excellent choices. Their broad surfaces provide ample space for the sauce to cling to, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite. The slight chewiness of these noodles also complements the tender chicken.
Short Shapes: Penne, rigatoni, and shells (conchiglie) also work beautifully. Their ridges and curves trap the sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. For a fun twist, consider using cavatappi (corkscrew pasta) or farfalle (bowtie pasta).
How to Serve: Toss the cooked pasta directly into the pot of cacciatore sauce, allowing it to simmer for a minute or two to absorb the flavors. Alternatively, serve the pasta on a plate and spoon the chicken and sauce over the top. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch.
Creamy Polenta: A Northern Italian Delight
Polenta, a creamy cornmeal porridge, is a popular choice in Northern Italy and provides a wonderful textural contrast to the chicken cacciatore. Its smooth, comforting texture balances the slightly acidic tomato sauce.
Preparation is Key: Use a high-quality polenta and cook it slowly with broth (chicken or vegetable) and a touch of butter and Parmesan cheese for added richness. Ensure it’s cooked to a creamy, rather than gritty, consistency.
Serving Suggestions: Polenta can be served soft and creamy or cooled, sliced, and grilled for a crispy exterior. Either way, it provides a fantastic base for the chicken cacciatore.
Crusty Bread: For Saucier Moments
Never underestimate the power of good bread! A crusty loaf of Italian bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious cacciatore sauce.
Choosing the Right Bread: Look for a loaf with a hearty crust and a soft, airy interior. Sourdough bread, ciabatta, or a simple Italian loaf all work well.
Serving Style: Slice the bread and serve it warm alongside the chicken cacciatore. Consider drizzling a little olive oil on the bread for added flavor. You can even lightly toast the bread for extra crunch.
Rice: A Simple and Satisfying Choice
While less traditional than pasta or polenta, rice is a perfectly acceptable and satisfying side dish for chicken cacciatore. Its neutral flavor allows the sauce to shine.
Type of Rice: Opt for long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, for a light and fluffy texture. Arborio rice, used for risotto, can also be a good choice if you’re looking for a creamier texture.
Enhancing the Flavor: Cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. You can also stir in some herbs, such as parsley or thyme, after it’s cooked.
Vegetable Sides: Adding Freshness and Balance
While chicken cacciatore already contains vegetables, adding an additional side dish of fresh vegetables enhances the meal and provides a healthy balance.
Simple Green Salad: A Refreshing Counterpoint
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cacciatore.
Salad Greens: Use a mix of greens, such as romaine lettuce, arugula, and spinach.
Vinaigrette: A basic vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey is perfect.
Adding Extras: Consider adding some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onion for added flavor and texture.
Roasted Vegetables: Bringing out the Sweetness
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a wonderful caramelized flavor.
Vegetable Choices: Bell peppers (matching those in the cacciatore adds consistency), zucchini, eggplant, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all excellent choices.
Roasting Technique: Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (such as rosemary or thyme). Roast them at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) until they are tender and slightly browned.
Sautéed Spinach or Kale: A Nutritious Boost
Sautéed spinach or kale is a quick and easy way to add a healthy dose of greens to your meal.
Preparation: Sauté the spinach or kale with garlic and olive oil until it is wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Garlic Green Beans: A Classic Combination
Green beans sautéed with garlic are a simple yet elegant side dish that complements the Italian flavors of chicken cacciatore.
Enhancing the Flavor: Blanch the green beans briefly before sautéing them to retain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. A sprinkle of toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch.
Wine Pairings: Completing the Culinary Experience
No Italian meal is complete without the perfect wine pairing. The best wine to serve with chicken cacciatore will depend on the specific flavors and ingredients in your sauce, but here are some general guidelines.
Red Wines: The Traditional Choice
Red wines are the classic pairing for chicken cacciatore, complementing the rich tomato sauce and savory chicken.
Chianti: A classic Tuscan wine with bright acidity and earthy notes. Its cherry and herbal flavors pair beautifully with the tomato sauce and herbs in the cacciatore.
Barbera: A fruity and approachable red wine from Piedmont with high acidity and soft tannins. Its vibrant flavors complement the richness of the dish.
Sangiovese: Another excellent Italian red wine with earthy and savory notes. Its medium body and balanced acidity make it a versatile pairing for chicken cacciatore.
White Wines: A Lighter Option
If you prefer white wine, there are still options that pair well with chicken cacciatore, especially if the sauce is lighter or less tomato-heavy.
Pinot Grigio: A crisp and refreshing white wine with subtle citrus and mineral notes. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce, providing a refreshing counterpoint.
Vermentino: An Italian white wine with herbal and citrus notes. Its bright acidity and minerality make it a good pairing for lighter versions of chicken cacciatore.
Rose Wines: A Versatile Alternative
Rosé wines offer a nice balance between red and white, making them a versatile option for chicken cacciatore.
Dry Rosé: Look for a dry rosé with good acidity and fruit-forward flavors. Its refreshing character complements the savory flavors of the dish.
Other Considerations: Beyond the Basics
While the options above cover the most common and classic pairings for chicken cacciatore, here are a few other considerations to keep in mind.
Cheese: A Savory Addition
Grated Parmesan cheese is a classic topping for pasta dishes and works well with chicken cacciatore. Pecorino Romano, with its sharper and saltier flavor, is another option.
Gremolata: A Zesty Garnish
Gremolata, a mixture of chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic, adds a bright and zesty flavor to the dish. Sprinkle it over the chicken cacciatore just before serving.
Mashed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic
While not traditionally Italian, creamy mashed potatoes can be a comforting and satisfying side dish for chicken cacciatore, especially on a cold evening. Ensure they are well-seasoned and perhaps infused with garlic for added flavor.
Ultimately, the best side dish for chicken cacciatore is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different pairings and find what works best for your taste preferences. Embrace the rustic charm of this Italian classic and create a meal that is both delicious and memorable. The key is to choose accompaniments that complement the rich, savory flavors of the chicken cacciatore, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.
What kind of pasta goes best with Chicken Cacciatore?
Wide, sturdy pasta shapes like pappardelle or fettuccine are excellent choices for Chicken Cacciatore. Their broad surface area allows them to capture the rich, flavorful sauce and chunks of chicken and vegetables perfectly. The texture of these pasta types also holds up well against the hearty stew, providing a satisfying and substantial eating experience.
Alternatively, shorter pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne can also be used effectively. These pasta types nestle nicely among the ingredients of the cacciatore, creating a delightful mix of flavors and textures in each bite. Opt for pasta made from semolina flour for a traditional Italian taste that complements the rustic nature of the dish.
Can I serve something other than pasta with Chicken Cacciatore?
Absolutely! While pasta is a classic accompaniment, creamy polenta makes a fantastic alternative to pasta. Its soft and comforting texture provides a beautiful contrast to the savory and slightly acidic sauce of the cacciatore. The polenta acts like a sponge, soaking up all the delicious juices and flavors.
Another great option is crusty bread, such as a sourdough or ciabatta. Its robust texture is perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce after you’ve finished the chicken and vegetables. Toasted bread adds an extra layer of texture and a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall dining experience.
What vegetables pair well as a side dish with Chicken Cacciatore?
Roasted vegetables are a wonderful addition to a Chicken Cacciatore meal. Simple roasted asparagus or green beans offer a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness of the stew. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Alternatively, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty cacciatore. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish, preparing your taste buds for the next delicious morsel. A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing and vibrant contrast.
What wine complements Chicken Cacciatore?
A medium-bodied red wine with earthy notes is an ideal complement to Chicken Cacciatore. Chianti Classico, with its bright acidity and hints of cherry and spice, is a classic pairing that enhances the flavors of the tomato-based sauce and herbs. Its balanced tannins prevent it from overpowering the dish while providing a refreshing counterpoint.
If you prefer a different red wine, consider a Rosso di Montepulciano or a Dolcetto. These wines offer similar characteristics to Chianti Classico, with a focus on fruit-forward flavors and a pleasant acidity. Ultimately, the best wine pairing is the one that you enjoy most, so don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your personal preference.
Is there a simple appetizer that goes well with Chicken Cacciatore?
A classic Caprese salad is a simple and refreshing appetizer that complements Chicken Cacciatore beautifully. The combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil offers a light and flavorful start to the meal. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients create a visually appealing and palate-pleasing experience.
Another excellent option is bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The toasted bread provides a satisfying crunch, while the fresh toppings offer a burst of flavor that awakens the taste buds. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a touch of sweetness and complexity to the bruschetta, enhancing its overall appeal.
What dessert is a good ending to a Chicken Cacciatore meal?
A light and refreshing dessert is the perfect way to conclude a Chicken Cacciatore feast. A classic Italian dessert like panna cotta, with its smooth and creamy texture, provides a delicate contrast to the savory flavors of the main course. A simple berry sauce or a drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness without being overly heavy.
Alternatively, a scoop of gelato or sorbetto can cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing end to the meal. Lemon or raspberry sorbetto are particularly good choices, as their tartness cuts through any remaining richness. A small biscotti on the side adds a delightful crunch and a final touch of Italian flair.
Can I prepare some of these side dishes ahead of time?
Yes, several side dishes can be prepared in advance to streamline your meal preparation. Polenta can be made ahead of time and reheated with a little extra broth or milk to restore its creamy texture. Roasted vegetables can also be roasted ahead and reheated gently before serving, though they may lose some of their crispness.
Salads and appetizers like Caprese salad and bruschetta are best assembled closer to serving time to ensure the freshness of the ingredients. However, you can chop the vegetables for the bruschetta or prepare the vinaigrette for the salad in advance. This allows you to quickly assemble the final dish just before it’s time to eat.