What to Serve With Chicken Cacciatore? 26 Delicious Pairings

Last updated on August 8th, 2024

Chicken Cacciatore, with its rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, is a heartwarming dish that brings the flavors of rustic Italian cuisine to your table. But while this savory classic stands strong on its own, it’s also excellent paired with the right sides. Here are 26 delicious pairings that complement the hearty flavors of this beloved dish!

What is Chicken Cacciatore?

The term cacciatore means “hunter style” in Italian. The dish features mushrooms and bell peppers simmered in a rich tomato sauce, intensified with the inclusion of wine, capers, and herbs.

Traditionally, this stew was cooked over an open fire, with whatever the hunter had caught. this could be a rabbit, game birds, or pheasants. Any part of the animal could be used for this stew. Often the meat would be cooked in the stew for a long time to tenderize the meat.

What Goes With Chicken Cacciatore?

While chicken cacciatore can certainly be eaten on its delicious, scrumptious own, there’s no harm in trying out a few delicious recipes along with it!

Oxo Roast Potatoes

Roast potatoes are a popular side dish to go for, when it comes to serving suggestions for soups and stews. The best type of roast potatoes to have with chicken cacciatore is oxo roast potatoes.

The potatoes are boiled briefly to ensure a fluffy interior, and crisp exterior. The addition of beef stock cube only enhances the delicious flavor.

Mashed Potatoes

A heaped serving of mashed potatoes is always appreciated alongside a rich and flavored stew like cacciatore.

If you want to shake things up a little, then you can opt for sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, for the ultimate delicious meal.

Baguette

A side of crusty French bread, accompanied by a bowl of chicken cacciatore makes for an amazing dinner. Especially when using the softened interior of the bread to soak up all the amazing savory juices.

When hosting a dinner party, French baguette is an ideal side to serve and allow guests to help themselves to as much as they want.

Spread a glob of salted butter over some sliced French baguette for ultimate satisfaction.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is known for its ability to absorb flavors. This classic bread has a crispy crust and a light, airy interior with many small holes. These characteristics make it excellent for soaking up the rich sauce of chicken cacciatore.

For the best experience, slice the ciabatta thickly and lightly toast it. You can tear off pieces to use for collecting any remaining sauce on your plate. The irregular holes in ciabatta’s structure are perfect for holding onto the cacciatore sauce, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.

Focaccia

Focaccia’s chewy texture and herby flavor make it an excellent accompaniment to chicken cacciatore.

To serve, tear the focaccia into smaller pieces and place them around your plate. This allows the bread to absorb any extra sauce, adding a herby element to each bite. The olive oil in the focaccia’s crust complements the rich flavors of cacciatore well. For the best taste, warm your focaccia in the oven before serving to enhance the aroma of the herbs.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a popular choice that pairs well with chicken cacciatore, and why wouldnt it be when garlic bread goes with everything.

Here’s a simple recipe:

1. Choose a loaf of Italian bread.
2. Cut it in half lengthwise.
3. Prepare a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
4. Spread this mixture generously over the bread.
5. Wrap the bread in foil and bake until hot and crispy.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

If you love roast potatoes, you’re going to love crispy garlic parmesan potatoes, they certainly go down a treat!

Once you’ve had your first bite, you’ll want to make these over and over again. You can include any flavorings you like, from fresh herbs to a sprinkling of garlic powder, for a flavorful punch.

Fried Gnocchi

Fried gnocchi is another amazing side dish to serve alongside chicken cacciatore. It’s crisp, fluffy, and ever so satisfying. If you’ve never tried gnocchi before, then this is your sign to go ahead and make some.

Gnocchi is a little like pasta in the sense where it is boiled and served with a thick sauce. In this case you would fry your gnocchi, and serve them topped with chicken cacciatore, or simply served alongside it, to dip and delight your taste buds.

Spaghetti

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ plate of spaghetti? When it comes to pairing pasta with chicken Cacciatore, spaghetti will never let you down. Its long, slender strands are perfect for twirling.

Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Boil salted water and cook spaghetti for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Check doneness 2 minutes before package instructions suggest.
3. Aim for slightly firmer than al dente.
4. Drain, saving some cooking water.

Pro tip: Finish cooking the pasta in the Cacciatore sauce:

1. Add drained, slightly undercooked spaghetti to the hot sauce.
2. Toss for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
3. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to thin the sauce.
4. Continue tossing until pasta is fully cooked and well-coated.

This method allows the spaghetti to soak up more flavor, while its starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles. 

Fettuccine

These flat and wide noodles and work well with the thick sauce of Cacciatore.

Fettuccine is thicker than spaghetti. This means it can hold up well with the chunky parts of the Cacciatore, like pieces of chicken or vegetables. Many people enjoy how these wide noodles wrap around a fork.

If you want to try something special, you could make fettuccine at home. Making pasta from scratch might seem hard, but it’s not as difficult as you might think. Fresh pasta can make your meal taste even better, similar to what you might eat in a nice restaurant.

When cooking fettuccine for Cacciatore, follow the package instructions but stop cooking a minute early. Then finish cooking the pasta in the sauce to add more flavor.

Penne

These are small tubes with ridges on the outside. The ridges and the hollow center help hold onto the sauce which means you get lots of flavor in each bite.

Penne works well with Chicken Cacciatore because of how it feels when you eat it. The pasta should be cooked until it’s firm when you bite it. This firmness, along with the soft chicken and the sauce inside the tubes, gives you different textures in one bite.

If you want to try something different, you could use whole wheat penne. It has a slightly nutty taste and more fiber than regular pasta. This can make your meal a bit healthier, but it still tastes good.

Other Pasta

While spaghetti, fettuccine, and penne are the classics, don’t be afraid to branch out. The world of Italian pasta is vast and varied, and there’s no rule saying you can’t experiment.

Here are a few off-the-beaten-path options to consider:

• Rigatoni: Like penne’s bigger, bolder cousin. Those wide tubes are perfect for chunky sauces.
• Fusilli: The spirals are great for catching bits of pepper and mushroom.
• Orecchiette: These little “ears” cup the sauce beautifully.

Polenta

This creamy cornmeal-based accompaniment complements the rustic flavors of the main dish perfectly. Creamy polenta absorbs the flavorful sauce from the cacciatore, enhancing the overall taste experience. You can also experiment with variations:

• Cheesy polenta: Add grated Parmesan or cheddar
• Herb-infused: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme
• Garlic polenta: Sauté minced garlic in butter before adding
• Mushroom polenta: Fold in sautéed mushrooms
• Sun-dried tomato polenta: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes

When serving, create a well in the polenta and place the chicken cacciatore on top, allowing the sauce to mingle with the creamy base.

Risotto

Risotto is pairs excellently with chicken cacciatore. Made with Arborio rice, it’s known for its creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors. 

To prepare, sauté finely chopped onions in butter, add rice and toast until slightly translucent. Gradually add warm broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked and creamy. The result is a luxurious side dish that complements the rich tomato sauce of cacciatore. 

For variation, consider making saffron risotto (risotto alla Milanese), which adds a subtle floral note to the dish.

Wild Rice

Wild rice, actually a grass seed, offers a unique alternative to traditional rice sides. It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts well with chicken cacciatore. Wild rice takes longer to cook than regular rice but rewards patience with its distinctive taste and appearance. 

To enhance flavor, toast the rice in a dry pan before cooking. Prepare it in a mixture of chicken broth and water for added taste. For extra flair, add sautéed mushrooms and chopped fresh herbs before serving.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice has a subtle floral aroma and slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory cacciatore. Jasmine rice cooks to a fluffy texture, contrasting nicely with the chunky vegetables and tender chicken. 

To prepare, rinse the rice well and use a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes off heat before fluffing with a fork. The result is a light, fragrant bed of rice ready to absorb the delicious cacciatore sauce.

Brown Rice

Brown rice retains its bran layer and germ for increased fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor stand up well to the robust flavors of chicken cacciatore. While it takes longer to cook than white rice, the added nutritional benefits make it worthwhile. 

To enhance brown rice, try sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil, then toasting the rice before cooking in chicken broth with a bay leaf. Once cooked, mix in chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. This simple preparation elevates the brown rice, making it a fitting accompaniment to chicken cacciatore while providing a healthier option.

Crunchy Green Salad

You can never go wrong with serving salad for dinner. The best part is, this salad can be prepared ahead of time, cooled in the fridge, and ready to serve.

Add a drizzle of light vinaigrette for the salad dressing and you’re goof to go!

Italian Lentil Salad

Last night’s veggies? No problem! Just toss them into this Italian lentil salad, and you’re good to go!

Make a quick dressing with extra virgin olive oil, a dribble or lemon juice, and some red pepper flakes for seasoning.

Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms

When it comes to Italian cuisine, there’s so much to go for. And these garlic stuffed mushrooms are the perfect addition to any Italian meal.

They can be served as a starter, or a side dish, depending on what you plan to sink your teeth into first!

Add a generous helping of cheese, before placing them under the grill to melt and become deliciously gooey for you and your guests to devour.

French Fries

While this may not be a unique side dish for chicken cacciatore, it really is delicious!

French fries are the ultimate side dish to have alongside almost any meat-based meal, so why not appreciate it’s crispiness with a little cacciatore sauce?

Simply dip and indulge! You can also opt to eat this with malt vinegar!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussel sprouts may have adopted a bad reputation, but they deserve so much better!

Apart from the over boiled mush you may have eaten as a child, they can be pretty delicious when prepared with love!

• Simply slice them in half, add a drizzle of olive oil,.
• Roast them in the oven.
• Once they’re nice and brown, squeeze some lemon juice, followed by some freshly grated parmesan cheese.

These little balls of magic will have you licking your fingers in no time.

Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus makes an excellent side dish, offering a crisp texture and slightly nutty flavor when roasted.

To prepare roasted asparagus:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears.
3. Arrange asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast for 12-15 minutes, until tender but still crisp.

For added flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus during the last 2-3 minutes of roasting. The slight bitterness of asparagus pairs well with the rich tomato sauce of chicken cacciatore.

Sautéed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers, when sautéed, provide a sweet and colorful accompaniment. To sauté bell peppers:

1. Slice bell peppers into thin strips, removing seeds and membranes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add pepper strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano.
5. Cook until peppers are tender but still slightly crisp.

Using a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers not only enhances the visual appeal of your meal but also provides a variety of flavors. The sweetness of the peppers complements the savory notes in the chicken cacciatore.

Grilled Zucchini

Zucchini, when grilled, offers a smoky flavor and tender texture that pairs well with chicken cacciatore. The mild flavor of zucchini allows it to absorb the smoky notes from grilling while providing a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken cacciatore sauce.

To prepare grilled zucchini:

1. Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
2. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Grill zucchini for 3-4 minutes per side, until tender with grill marks.
5. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Roasted Fennel

Roasting caramelizes the fennel, bringing out its natural sweetness and mellowing its anise flavor. This complements the tomato-based sauce of chicken cacciatore while adding a unique flavor profile to the meal.

To roast fennel:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Trim the fennel bulbs, removing the stalks and fronds.
3. Cut the bulbs into 1/2-inch thick wedges.
4. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Steamed Broccoli

Broccoli, when steamed, retains its nutrients and bright green color, providing a healthy and visually appealing side for chicken cacciatore.

To steam broccoli:

1. Cut broccoli into florets of similar size.
2. Place in a steamer basket over boiling water.
3. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

The mild, slightly bitter taste of broccoli offers a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of chicken cacciatore. Its sturdy texture also makes it perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.

Chicken Cacciatore Recipe

You’ve got the side dishes, now it’s time to make the main meal!

Take a look at the recipe below:

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, finely minced
• 1 celery stalk diced
• 1 carrot diced
• 1 clove of garlic minced
• ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 5 sage leaves
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• Handful of black olives

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry, then season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large lidded pot, over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in the oil, for 3 minutes per side, then transfer the chicken pieces to a plate and set them aside.
2. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and red chili, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook, remembering to stir, preventing the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Once the vegetables are nice and tender, stir in the bay leaf, rosemary sprig, and sage, then add the chicken pieces back to the pot.
5. Pour in the red wine, and let this simmer over medium heat, until the wine has reduced. Stir in the tomatoes, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer, until the sauce has thickened.
6. Uncover, add olives, and taste adjusting the seasoning accordingly.
7. Serve with slices of bread.

Serve it Up with Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken cacciatore can be served with almost anything you can think of.

Choose from a variety of scrumptious side dish ideas, to really get your tummy rumbling!

1. Oxo Roast Potatoes
2. Mashed Potatoes
3. French baguette
4. Ciabatta
5. Focaccia
6. Garlic Bread
7. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
8. Fried Gnocchi
9. Spaghetti
10. Fettuccine
11. Penne
12. Polenta
13. Risotto
14. Wild Rice
15. Jasmine Rice
16. Brown Rice
17. Crunchy Green Salad
18. Italian Lentil Salad
19. Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms
20. French Fries
21. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
22. Roasted Asparagus
23. Sautéed Bell Peppers
24. Grilled Zucchini
25. Roasted Fennel
26. Steamed Broccoli

So get cooking!

What to Serve With Chicken Cacciatore – FAQs