Chicken Cacciatore & Cous Cous

To prepare Chicken Cacciatore with Cous Cous, start by preheating your oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Brown the chicken portions in a hot griddle pan with vegetable oil, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to an oven-proof casserole dish, then add chopped onions, garlic, peppers, olives, and canned tomatoes. Mix well and bake uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked. For the cous cous, pour boiling water over it in a bowl, season, cover, and let it sit until the water is absorbed. Finally, fluff the cous cous with a fork and serve it alongside the chicken.

Traditional cous cous is made from wheat, making it unsuitable for gluten-free diets. However, you can easily substitute cous cous with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice. This way, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Chicken Cacciatore while adhering to gluten-free dietary restrictions.

If you don't have certain ingredients on hand, there are several substitutions you can make for Chicken Cacciatore. For example, you can replace chicken portions with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. If you don't have olives, you can use capers or skip them altogether. For the vegetables, feel free to add mushrooms or zucchini instead of peppers. Canned tomatoes can be swapped with fresh tomatoes if you prefer a fresher taste.

To store leftover Chicken Cacciatore and Cous Cous, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to airtight containers. The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the cous cous, which can be stored in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 75 degrees Celsius.

Chicken Cacciatore pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a light complement. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread can also be a great addition to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a heartier option, roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli would enhance the meal beautifully.