Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore from his "15-Minute Meals" series is a delicious, quick and satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s based on the classic Italian recipe of Pollo alla Cacciatora, meaning "chicken hunter-style." Typically, cacciatore involves braising chicken in a savory tomato sauce with herbs, vegetables and a bit of wine but Jamie’s version takes a shortcut without compromising on taste. The beauty of this version is that it’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal that feels like it took hours to prepare.
Jamie’s focus in this recipe is on maximizing flavor in minimal time. The chicken cooks quickly in a pan while the tomatoes, olives and capers add vibrant acidity and depth. It’s a hearty, rustic meal that feels indulgent but is also fairly simple.
Jamie Oliver Chicken Cacciatore 15 Minute Meals Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Jamie’s recipe uses a balanced mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s a breakdown:
- Chicken Thighs (Boneless, Skinless). They cook fast, stay juicy and are full of flavor. You can swap these for chicken breasts if you prefer but thighs are preferred for a reason!
- Olives (Green or Black). Adds saltiness and a briny, Mediterranean kick.
- Capers – These bring an intense burst of flavor and acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic – You can’t go wrong with garlic in any Italian dish. It gives that rich, aromatic base.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes burst as they cook and create a vibrant sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Red Onion – This adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Fresh Basil – Basil brings a fresh, fragrant note to the dish that enhances the tomato flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar – For a little tang and richness, this ingredient rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil – To cook the chicken and sauté the veggies.
- Chicken Stock – Adds extra depth to the sauce, making it just the right consistency.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Equipment Needed
This dish is incredibly simple when it comes to equipment. You only need a few basic tools to pull it off:
- Large Pan or Skillet – Ideally, a large non-stick pan will work best. You need enough space to cook the chicken and simmer the sauce without overcrowding.
- Knife – A sharp knife for chopping the garlic, onions, tomatoes and basil.
- Chopping Board – Essential for prepping all your fresh ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula. For stirring and keeping the ingredients moving in the pan.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons – To ensure you get the right balance of ingredients, especially for things like balsamic vinegar and stock.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore 15 Minute Meals
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing your onion and garlic. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the basil and if you’re using whole olives, give them a quick chop too. This will make the cooking process smoother.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat some olive oil in your pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add them to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and garlic. Stir them for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then toss in the tomatoes, olives, capers and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Let this cook for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock and give everything a good stir. Bring it to a gentle simmer. The tomatoes should begin to break down and create a luscious sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Add the chicken back into the pan. Cover it with the sauce and cook for a few more minutes until everything is nice and hot. The sauce should be thickened and full of rich flavors.
- Serve: Once done, garnish with fresh basil and your dish is ready to serve! You can enjoy it with pasta, mashed potatoes or just some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore taught me a few key things.
- Speed Doesn’t Mean Sacrifice: The fact that this dish only takes 15 minutes yet is packed with deep, complex flavors is impressive. It’s proof that you don’t always need hours to create something delicious. The balance of ingredients, like the tang from the balsamic and the saltiness from the olives and capers, works wonders in a short amount of time.
- One Pan Cooking is a Game-Changer: The simplicity of cooking everything in one pan, from searing the chicken to simmering the sauce, is genius. It makes clean-up so much easier and the flavors from the chicken meld beautifully with the sauce. You can just throw everything into the pan and the meal essentially cooks itself.
- How to Build Flavors Quickly: The trick lies in the balance of acidity (tomatoes and balsamic), saltiness (capers and olives) and sweetness (onions and tomatoes). These ingredients don’t need long to cook to develop their flavors and when combined, they create a perfectly harmonious sauce.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore (15 Minute Meals)
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore in his 15-minute meal series is a brilliant go-to dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavors. But like any recipe, it’s fun to make it your own. Here are some tweaks that might elevate the dish or fit your personal taste.
1. Herbs And Spices
- Adding Fresh Herbs: While Jamie uses a basic combo of rosemary and thyme, you can mix it up with fresh basil or oregano. These herbs will add a different layer of flavor. Fresh oregano, for instance, pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce.
- Kick of Heat: If you like a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce. It won’t overpower the flavors but will add a subtle warmth.
- Garlic Upgrade: If you love garlic, don’t hold back! You could double the amount of garlic in the recipe or even roast it beforehand for a softer, sweeter flavor.
2. Chicken Options
- Bone-In Chicken: While boneless thighs are quick and easy, using bone-in chicken will give your dish a richer flavor. The bones add depth to the sauce as it simmers, making it even more satisfying.
- Chicken Breasts: If you prefer leaner cuts, opt for chicken breasts. However, you’ll need to make sure they’re cooked just right as they can dry out faster than thighs. A quick sear in the pan and finishing off in the sauce is key.
3. Veggie Variety
- Mushrooms: Adding some mushrooms to the mix gives a lovely earthy flavor and a bit of texture. They’ll soak up all the delicious sauce and add an extra veggie boost.
- Bell Peppers: If you’re in the mood for more veggies, throw in some sliced bell peppers. They’re sweet, colorful and will add a nice crunch when sautéed.
- Olives: A handful of olives (black or green) will add a briny contrast to the sweet tomatoes, making the dish even more complex.
4. Tomato Sauce Swap
- Diced Tomatoes vs. Passata: You can use passata for a smoother, silkier sauce or diced tomatoes for more texture. Some people even mix the two for the best of both worlds.
- Adding Wine: A splash of red wine can deepen the flavor. Just let it cook down with the tomatoes to bring out the richness.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers after making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore, don’t worry. it stores well and tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
1. Cooling Down
- Before storing, let the chicken cacciatore cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside your container which could make your meal soggy.
2. Container Choice
- Store your leftovers in an airtight container. If possible, separate the chicken from the sauce to keep the flavors intact and avoid the chicken getting too soggy.
3. Fridge Or Freezer?
- Fridge: Your leftovers will stay good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly when you’re ready to eat.
- Freezer: If you want to store the cacciatore for a longer time, freeze it! You can freeze the chicken and sauce together for up to 3 months. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.
4. Reheating Tips
- When reheating, it’s best to do it on the stovetop or in the oven. If you’re using the microwave, make sure to stir the dish to heat it evenly. Add a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore?
Jamie’s Chicken Cacciatore is a meal on its own but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into something extra special. Here are some great options:
1. Classic Pasta
- Spaghetti or Penne: A simple plate of pasta is a classic choice. The rich tomato sauce will coat the pasta beautifully.
- Polenta: If you’re looking for a twist, serve the cacciatore with creamy polenta. It’s hearty and works wonderfully with the sauce, soaking up all the flavors.
2. Bread
- Crusty Bread: You’ll want some good bread to mop up the delicious sauce. A fresh baguette or a rustic sourdough will do the trick.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread is always a hit. It adds a bit of crispy crunch alongside the tender chicken.
3. Salad
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with some crunchy vegetables and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cacciatore.
- Roasted Veggies: If you want more warmth, try roasted veggies like zucchini, carrots or asparagus. The caramelization adds a sweet balance to the savory dish.
4. Wine Pairing
- A glass of red wine can really elevate the experience. Something medium-bodied like a Chianti or Merlot complements the tomato sauce and chicken perfectly.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore?
You’ll need chicken thighs, onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, red wine vinegar, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Cacciatore In Less Than 15 Minutes?
It’s a quick recipe, but you might need a little extra time for prep. The actual cooking time is fast, but you may need about 20 minutes to get everything ready.
Can I Substitute The Chicken Thighs With Something Else?
Yes! You can use chicken breasts, but thighs work best for flavor and juiciness. You could also try other meats like pork or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms.
