Chicken cacciatore is a simple, hearty dish that’s perfect for dinner on a chilly night.
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There are many ways to serve chicken cacciatore, but here are some of my favorite pairings with this meal.
What is chicken cacciatore?
Chicken cacciatore is a traditional Italian dish and is also a popular choice in the United States.
The chicken thigh is boned and cut into pieces before it’s added to a mixture of tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, wine, and herbs.
Cacciatore means “hunter” in Italian, which means this dish is prepared in a hunter style.
The meat is traditionally cooked on top of an open fire or stovetop with vegetables that are often found in forests (like mushrooms).
The origins of this dish are not entirely clear—some sources say that it was invented by hunters who wanted to make something quick at their campsite after killing an animal.
Others believe it was developed by peasants who used all parts of the chicken for cooking (including feet).
Whatever its origin story may be, this particular recipe has been around for a long time and still satisfies any eater with its rich and savory flavor.
8 best side dishes to serve with chicken cacciatore
So what is a good side dish option to enjoy with chicken cacciatore?
Checking the following eight side dish ideas and you can choose yourself:
Rice
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Rice is a great choice for serving with chicken cacciatore.
It’s delicious, and an excellent source of vitamin B, which will keep your body energized throughout the day.
If you’re looking to make white rice, simply cook it according to the instructions on the packaging and serve it plain with the flavorful chicken cacciatore.
Make sure not to overcook the rice so that it retains its satisfying chewiness.
If you want something different than white rice, brown rice is another excellent option for this dish because it is lower in sugar and carbs and more affluent in fiber.
Steaming or frying rice is your choice, and both can work well with chicken cacciatore as the fluffy texture of rice will easily absorb the rich sauce of the main course.
Polenta
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Polenta is a dish made from cornmeal that can be served as a side dish or even as a main course.
The word “polenta” comes from Latin, meaning “finely ground meal.”
It’s made by mixing water and polenta to create a soft, smooth texture.
Polenta is one of the classic side dishes to serve with chicken cacciatore, and it’s a great way to add some extra carbs and fiber to your meal.
Risotto Milanese
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Risotto Milanese is a traditional Italian dish that is made with Arborio rice, saffron, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
It’s usually served with chicken cacciatore and makes a great accompaniment to the main meal.
The key to making risotto Milanese is adding the right amount of stock in small increments while constantly stirring so that all of the starch from the rice gets pulled into the solution and coats each grain of rice with velvety creaminess.
After you master this basic recipe, feel free to experiment with other flavors like mushrooms or herbs.
Garlic bread
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Garlic bread is a staple of many Italian dishes.
You can make garlic bread on the grill, in the oven, or a toast.
The best way to make it is warm, crispy, and smothered in butter, garlic, and herbs.
Garlic bread goes best with saucy and creamy dishes, including chicken cacciatore.
Mashed potatoes
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Mashed potatoes are a classic American dish.
They go well with almost anything and can keep you full without being overwhelmed.
Mashed potatoes are easy to make and can be flavored with various herbs, spices, or meats.
You can also add cheese for a creamy consistency that will melt beautifully into your dish.
Green beans
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Green beans are a great side dish to serve with chicken cacciatore.
They can be prepared simply, served plain, or made more complicated and served alongside another sauce.
You can choose to make a green bean casserole, creamed green beans, baked green beans, or a simple steamed green bean dish within 15 minutes and serve with your chicken.
Green beans add a pop of green and crunchiness to the meal while being rich in numerous essential nutrients.
Pasta
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When it comes to Italian cuisine, pasta is one of the staples.
Pasta is a great way to use leftovers from your chicken cacciatore or another dish.
People often opt for store-bought pasta that only needs to be blanched and cooked in the recipe.
But if you want to showcase your cooking skills, you can make pasta by combining flour with eggs and water, then rolling out dough and cutting it into strips or desired shapes.
The possibilities are endless!
Bacon-wrapped asparagus
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To complement your chicken cacciatore, consider bacon-wrapped asparagus.
This healthy side dish is a great way to round out your meal and make sure everyone has enough energy to keep up with the kids.
Asparagus is packed with vitamins A, C, and folate.
It’s also a good source of fiber and potassium—making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes looking to control their blood sugar levels.
Bacon is known as something magical that can make everything taste better.
Therefore, wrapping asparagus with bacon while roasting or grilling will literally create an outstanding dish.
Conclusion
We hope this post has given you some good ideas for what to serve with chicken cacciatore.
We want to remind you that there are many other options out there, so don’t feel limited by this list!
Remember that these are just suggestions based on personal preferences and flavor combinations.
If something doesn’t sound right for a dish or meal, don’t force it — use your judgment instead of ours!
