Hunter’s Chicken

My favorite way to prepare chicken thighs. Chicken breasts can be substituted as well as cut up whole chicken pieces. But with skinless and boneless thighs the chicken is exceedingly moist, and skinless provides a healthier option. Layer this over pasta and it’s a complete meal. If short on time this can be cooked up in 30 minutes especially when using chicken breasts alone. If you are interested in a hearty meal with a veggie base this is the meal for you!

Recipe

5-6 Boneless and skinless chicken thighs
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Yellow onion-chopped
1 clove garlic-minced
1 Green bell pepper-sliced lengthwise
1 Red bell pepper-sliced lengthwise
15 Ounce can petite cut tomatoes or 2 cups freshly peeled and chopped tomatoes
1 Cup tomato sauce or pasta sauce
1/2 Cup chicken or vegetable broth (add more as needed for moistness)
2-3 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 Teaspoons mixed Italian spices
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan and chopped Italian parsley for garnish (optional)
Serve over al dente pasta of your choice.

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet large enough for all ingredients. Add the onion and sauté until tender. Add the garlic and continue for one minute or so.

Add the bell peppers and continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes.

Push all ingredients to the edges of the skillet and add the chicken thighs to the center 2 at a time to avoid dip in heat. Turn heat up slightly if needed. As heat evens out add the next two pieces and so on. Be sure to open up the chicken thighs to lay flat in the skillet. Spoon cooked vegetables over the thighs to allow for more room.

Add the tomatoes over all. Let heat rise again. The idea is to allow the heat to rise enough to slightly brown the thighs as you go. Turn thighs over as they turn slightly browned.

Add sauce and broth. Include spices, salt and pepper. Let simmer well.

Add tomato paste to thicken. Break up chicken thighs into smaller bite size pieces as this cooks. Simmer an additional 30 minutes to meld the flavors.

Serve over pasta if desired. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian parsley.