Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Hunter’s Chicken: A Rustic Sicilian Classic
Delve into the comforting flavours of Sicilian hunter’s chicken, brimming with fresh ingredients and rich, inviting aromas.
📖 What is it
Delve into the comforting flavours of Sicilian hunter’s chicken, brimming with fresh ingredients and rich, inviting aromas.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1.5 kg chicken, cut into parts
- ✓ 2 onions
- ✓ 3 ripe tomatoes
- ✓ black olives
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ 50 g butter
- ✓ 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- ✓ herbs and spices (ground)
- ✓ vegetable stock
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Hunter’s chicken is a dish that truly captures the heart of Sicily, marrying simplicity with exceptional flavour. Giuseppe Rizzo shares how this recipe has roots in rural traditions, originally made with wild game. Over time, chicken has taken centre stage, offering a delicious and more accessible twist. Picture the enticing scent of herbs filling the kitchen as the dish gently simmers, wrapping the room in warmth. Perfect for cosy autumn evenings, hunter’s chicken celebrates togetherness – ideal for gathering family and friends around a well-set table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Rinse the chicken well, pat dry, and cut into pieces.
- 2
In a large pan, gently soften the sliced onions in the butter, then add the chicken pieces.
- 3
Brown the chicken nicely before stirring in four generous tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the peeled and deseeded tomatoes chopped roughly, and the tablespoon of tomato purée dissolved in a cup of vegetable stock.
- 4
Cook for about ten minutes, then add the herbs, black olives, a pinch of salt, and a good grind of fresh black pepper.
- 5
Cover the pan and allow to simmer gently over a moderate heat for roughly an hour.
- 6
Once cooked through, serve the hunter’s chicken piping hot, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes or a side of peas with ham.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of red wine during cooking to deepen the flavour. If you prefer a milder taste, swap the black olives for green ones.
📦 Storage
- • Store leftover hunter’s chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- • You can freeze it for up to a month – just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
- • Reheat gently on the hob over a low heat to keep the chicken tender.
🍷 Pairing
This hunter’s chicken pairs beautifully with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Grillo, a sparkling wine with elegant aromas and a beautifully structured palate.
Give this hearty Sicilian hunter’s chicken a try at home – it’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with comfort. Gather your loved ones, share good food and stories around the table, and relish the simple joy of a truly timeless recipe.
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