Teresa's Hearty Chicken Cacciatore - A Delicious Italian-Inspired Chicken Dish

Enjoy the flavors of an authentic Italian dish with Teresa's Hearty Chicken Cacciatore. This recipe features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Serve this comforting dish over a bed of pasta or creamy polenta for a satisfying meal that will warm your heart.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick separated)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Season the chicken legs with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken legs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes.
7. Return the chicken legs to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. Serve the chicken cacciatore over a bed of pasta or creamy polenta, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

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