Mary Berry Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

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Mary Berry Chicken Cacciatore is a comforting Italian-inspired chicken dish cooked gently in a rich tomato sauce with peppers, onions, herbs, and tender pieces of chicken. The sauce is savoury, lightly tangy, and full of mellow garlic flavour, while the chicken becomes wonderfully juicy as it simmers. It is an easy family meal with very little fuss, making it ideal for weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Total time is around 1 hour, including preparation and cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red pepper, sliced
1 yellow pepper, sliced
400g tin chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato purée
150ml chicken stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil

To Finish

Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Mary Berry Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C or 170°C fan. Place a shelf in the centre of the oven for even cooking.
Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof casserole or deep frying pan. Season the chicken and brown on both sides for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove to a plate.
Cook the vegetables: Add the onion and peppers to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic.
Make the sauce: Add chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, stock, oregano, and basil. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Assemble the dish: Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top.
Bake: Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 35 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Finish the sauce: Remove the lid for the last 10 minutes if you would like the sauce thicker and richer.
Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Use chicken thighs rather than breast meat, as they stay juicy during longer cooking.

Why is my sauce too thin?

Cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes so excess liquid reduces naturally.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, the flavour improves after resting, so it is excellent made a day in advance.

How can I add more flavour?

A few olives, mushrooms, or a splash of red wine added to the sauce work beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with buttery mashed potatoes.
Spoon over pasta or tagliatelle.
Pair with steamed rice.
Add crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
Serve with a crisp green salad.

Storage

Room Temperature

Do not leave out for more than 2 hours. Cool promptly before storing.

Refrigerator

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly until piping hot.

Freezing

Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 620mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly so the meat stays moist. Check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Can I make Chicken Cacciatore on the hob only?

Yes, simmer gently with a lid on for around 35 to 40 minutes instead of baking.

What does cacciatore mean?

Cacciatore means hunter-style, usually referring to meat cooked with tomatoes, onions, herbs and vegetables.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.