Potato Casserole

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.

The post Potato Casserole appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this creamy, cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this potato casserole recipe is comfort food at its best. The crunchy, cheesy topping is a little sweet, a lot savory, and makes this the perfect side for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

What is Potato Casserole?

Diced potatoes are blanketed in a sauce made from cheddar cheese, milk, and sour cream; seasoned with onions and garlic; and topped with crunchy corn flake cereal. It’s the ultimate cheesy, creamy, and crunchy side dish. So grab a 5 lb. bag or potatoes and get cooking!

Ingredients for Potato Casserole

  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are in between starchy and waxy, making them perfect for this casserole since they hold their shape well. You’ll need 3 lbs. or about 6 medium potatoes.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor to the dish and helps prevent the onions and garlic from burning in the pan.
  • Onion and Garlic: These alliums add a classic earthy and sweet flavor that adds depth to this dish.
  • Salt: Kosher salt enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A little bit of flour helps to thicken up the sauce.
  • Milk: Milk adds moisture to the sauce. You can use any kind of milk you have on hand, including plant-based.
  • Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: We love the flavor of extra sharp, but any kind of cheddar works well.
  • Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a touch of brightening tanginess and richness to the dish.
  • Corn Flake Cereal: Crushed corn flakes create the perfect slightly sweet, super crunchy topping for this casserole. You can also use Panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers if that’s what you have on hand.

What Else Can I Add To Potato Casserole?

This is a great recipe for using up leftovers. Got some bacon or ham burning a hole in your refrigerator? Throw it in! You can swap the sour cream for Greek Yogurt if that’s what you have on hand. And feel free to top it with any leftover herbs you have lying around– parsley, chives, or scallions would all be delicious!

How to Serve Potato Casserole

Serve this creamy, cheesy potato casserole with Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, Classic Homemade Meatloaf, or some Turkey Meatballs. It’s also great for breakfast with Fried Eggs or Maple Sage Breakfast Sausage.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover potato casserole tightly covered with aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or you can wrap it in a double-layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can reheat it covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly.

close up view of a wooden spoon in potato casserole.
Print

Potato Casserole

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $9.06 recipe / $0.90 serving
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 459kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes $3.00
  • 1/4 cup butter $0.53
  • 1/2 onion $0.16
  • 2 cloves garlic $0.16
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.05
  • 2 cups milk $0.96
  • 3 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided $3.21
  • 1/2 cup sour cream $0.53
  • 1 cup crushed corn flake cereal $0.44

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Peel and dice the potatoes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
  • Add the potatoes to a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, cooking for 8-10 minutes until fork tender. Strain in a colander. Then, transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
  • While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat.
  • Add in the onion and salt, and cook for a few minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then, stir in the flour.
  • Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to incorporate.
  • Add in 2 cups of cheese and the sour cream. Stir until melted and incorporated.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Gently combine until the potatoes are fully coated.
  • Top with the crushed cereal and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Sodium: 615mg | Fiber: 4g

how to make Potato Casserole – step by step photos

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Peel and dice 3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, finely chop 1/2 onion, and mince 2 cloves garlic.

Add the potatoes to a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, cooking for 8-10 minutes until fork tender. Strain in a colander. Then, transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.

While the potatoes are boiling, melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add in the onion and 1/2 tsp salt, and cook for a few minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then, stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.

Slowly pour in 2 cups milk while whisking to incorporate.

Add in 2 cups of cheese and 1/2 cup sour cream. Stir until melted and incorporated.

Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Gently combine until the potatoes are fully coated.

Top with 1 cup crushed corn flake cereal and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

This savory and cheesy potato casserole is the perfect side dish for your next brunch or dinner party!

The post Potato Casserole appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Air Fryer French Fries

These 5-ingredient Air Fryer French Fries are simply seasoned and the perfect side dish for any meal!

The post Air Fryer French Fries appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I really love french fries, but deep frying can be such a hassle. On busy weeknights when I’m craving a crispy side, I make these Air Fryer French Fries, and all my troubles just melt away! Seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic and onion powder, and salt, these fries pack a punch and are mess-free! This air fryer french fry recipe is the kind of easy side dish I’m serving up every week because it’s just so simple.

Overhead view of 2 french fries dipped into ketchup on a platter of fries.

Why Make French Fries in the Air Fryer

I don’t know about you, but I love my air fryer. It’s the perfect little hero appliance for all types of fried foods. If you hate a mess in the kitchen as much as I do, you need this air fryer french fries recipe in your life! These fries are just as crispy as if they came fresh from the fryer but without the hassle and burning eyes! This is the perfect recipe to use up those last few potatoes from that 5-pound bag in the pantry before they start sprouting.

Ingredients for Air Fryer French Fries

You’re just 5 simple ingredients away from crispy, crunchy french fries! Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer french fries:

  • Russet Potatoes: Just one pound of potatoes, or approximately 2 medium Russet potatoes, is all you need to make air fryer french fries. Russet are creamy on the inside and a classic fry potato, but Yukon Gold are a great choice if you like firmer fries.
  • Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice– vegetable or canola can help cut costs) to help the seasoning stick to the potatoes and help the potatoes to brown evenly while cooking.
  • Seasoning: A combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and salt is simple but oh-so flavorful!

What Else Can I Add to Air Fryer French Fries?

This simple seasoning blend is quick, easy, and delicious, but you can also get creative with seasonings. Try:

Tips for Making Air Fryer French Fries

To get the crispiest french fries in the air fryer, follow these tips:

  • Soak the cut potatoes to remove excess starch.
  • Pat the potatoes dry to remove excess moisture. Moisture is the enemy of crispy.
  • Work in batches to ensure every fry is crisp. Overcrowding can lead to soggy fries, so cook in a single layer with space in between.
  • Test each batch of fries to ensure they are properly cooked.
  • When in doubt, keep cooking! Every air fryer is a little different, so your fries may need more time.
  • Recrisp all of the fries together for 1-2 minutes in the air fryer at the end so everything is hot and ready for serving.

How to Store Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, these air fryer french fries can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in a single layer in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Overhead view of 2 french fries dipped into ketchup on a platter of fries.
Overhead view of air fryer french fries on a white plate with ketchup.
Print

Air Fryer French Fries

These 5-ingredient Air Fryer French Fries are simply seasoned and the perfect side dish for any meal!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $1.75 recipe / $0.87 serving
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 307kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Wash and dry the potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch matchsticks.
  • Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cool water for 15 minutes. While the potatoes soak, preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
  • Once the potatoes have finished soaking, pat them dry with paper towels. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Working in batches, arrange the fries in an even layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Repeat with the remaining fries until they have all been cooked. Serve immediately.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

Cook time reflects making the fries in two batches.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 594mg | Fiber: 3g
Overhead view of air fryer french fries on a white plate with ketchup.

how to make Air Fryer French Fries – step by step photos

Wash and dry 1 lb. of Russet potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch matchsticks.

Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cool water for 15 minutes. While the potatoes soak, preheat the air fryer to 380°F.

raw french fries in the basket of an air fryer.

Once the potatoes have finished soaking, pat them dry with paper towels. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with 3 Tbsp of olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss to coat evenly.

Working in batches, arrange the fries in an even layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Repeat with the remaining fries until they have all been cooked. Serve immediately.

These fries are the ultimate weeknight hero. Simple, mess-free, and so flavorful!

The post Air Fryer French Fries appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those recipes that feels super fancy but is ready in under an hour! It’s so saucy, cheesy, and delicious!

The post Chicken Cordon Bleu appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those recipes that feels super fancy but doesn’t actually take a ton of effort. It can be pricey if ordering at a restaurant, but we have developed a budget conscious recipe that can be made at home. With some simple technique and a little bit of patience, you can make this savory, cheesy, saucy dinner recipe in under an hour!

close-up view of a sliced chicken cordon bleu breast.

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu is made by butterflying a chicken breast and stuffing it with slices of creamy, melty Swiss cheese and salty deli ham. The whole thing gets rolled up, dipped in breadcrumbs, and doused in a creamy sauce for the ultimate decadent dinner. While it can be expensive when ordering out, our version is more cost effective but equally as delicious.

Ingredients For Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need 4 large chicken breasts for this recipe so there’s plenty of room to stuff them. Look for ones that are about 7-8 ounces each.
  • Ham: Any flavor of deli ham works well.
  • Swiss Cheese: You can also use provolone or cheddar.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crunchy coating on the chicken. Regular or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are also a good choice.
  • Seasonings: Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper season the chicken. Salt also enhances the flavor of the sauce.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter helps the seasonings and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, and it also forms the base of the sauce.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A bit of flour helps to thicken the sauce.
  • Milk: Milk adds richness and moisture to the sauce. Any kind works, including non-dairy.
  • Dijon Mustard: A touch of mustard adds just a bit of warmth to the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This umami sauce adds incredible depth of flavor.

How to Butterfly a Chicken Breast

  1. Place the chicken breast flat on a cutting board and hold your knife horizontally to the cutting board.
  2. Place one hand on the chicken breast to keep it steady, then insert your knife into the center of the chicken breast and begin to cut horizontally until you have almost reached the other side.
  3. Open the chicken breast like a book.

What To Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken cordon bleu is rich and saucy, so it pairs beautifully with simple veggies, like Steamed Green Beans or Oven Roasted Broccoli. Soak up that beautiful sauce with Mashed Potatoes, Rice, or Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower.

How to Store Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, store chicken cordon bleu in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to freeze this dish, I recommend doing so before baking it for the crispiest results. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

overhead view of chicken cordon bleu covered with sauce on a plate with green beans.
overhead view of chicken cordon bleu covered with sauce on a plate with green beans.
Print

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those recipes that feels super fancy but is ready in under an hour! It's so saucy, cheesy, and delicious!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine French
Total Cost $17.22 recipe / $4.30 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 889kcal

Ingredients

Chicken:

Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup butter $0.53
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.05
  • 3/4 cup milk $0.40
  • 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.04
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle of the breast, taking care to not cut all the way through. Open the chicken breast up like a book.
  • Lay the breast flat between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts into a thin, even layer.
  • Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place a slice of ham and slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
  • Gently roll up the chicken breast.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic, powder, salt, and pepper. Set up a breading station with 2 shallow bowls; one of melted butter and one for the breading.
  • Dip the chicken rolls in the melted butter, and roll in the breadcrumbs until completely coated. Transfer to a parchment linked baking sheet.
  • Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour. Then, slowly pour in the milk while whisking to incorporate.
  • Add in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 889kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 69g | Fat: 57g | Sodium: 2027mg | Fiber: 1g
overhead view of slices of chicken cordon bleu on a plate.

how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu – step by step photos

a hand opening a butterflied chicken breast next to a knife.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butterfly each of 4 chicken breasts by slicing horizontally through the middle of the breast, taking care to not cut all the way through. Open the chicken breast up like a book.

a butterflied chicken breast under plastic wrap with a rolling pin.

Lay the breast flat between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts into a thin, even layer.

a butterflied chicken breast with a slice of ham and swiss cheese on top.

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place a slice of ham and 1 ounce of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.

a rolled-up stuffed chicken breast.

Gently roll up the chicken breast.

a rolled-up chicken breast dipped in breadcrumbs.

In a shallow bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set up a breading station with a shallow bowl of 1/2 cup melted butter and the breading. Dip the chicken rolls in the melted butter, and roll in the breadcrumbs until completely coated. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.

4 breaded and baked rolled-up chicken breasts on a baking sheet.

Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

milk added to a thick roux in a saucepan with a whisk.

To make the sauce, melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the 2 Tbsp flour. Then, slowly pour in 3/4 cup milk while whisking to incorporate.

thick and creamy white sauce in a saucepan with a spoon.

Add in 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Season with 1/2 tsp salt. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.

overhead view of chicken cordon bleu covered with sauce on a plate with green beans.

This crispy, cheesy, salty, and creamy chicken cordon bleu is the ultimate comfort food!

The post Chicken Cordon Bleu appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Buffalo Wings

This buffalo wing recipe has all the great flavor of classic fried wings with none of the mess of deep frying.

The post Buffalo Wings appeared first on Budget Bytes.

When it’s game day, there’s no food I crave more than spicy, saucy Buffalo Wings! I always thought they’d be such a pain to make, but baking them in the oven makes the process so easy. This buffalo wing recipe has all the great flavor of classic fried wings with none of the mess of deep frying.

overhead view of buffalo wings on a white platter with celery and white sauce.

Why Make Buffalo Wings?

Even on Wing Wednesday, buffalo wings can still be pricey. The price per wing really adds up, and I knew there must be a better and cheaper way. It turns out that making them at home was the solution to my wing woes! Seasoned with classic spices like paprika, garlic, and onion, these wings already have so much flavor. Once tossed in that creamy, buttery Buffalo Sauce, you’ll be wondering why you never made them at home before!

Ingredients for Buffalo Wings

  • Cornstarch: A bit of cornstarch helps keep the wings crispy.
  • Spices: Paprika, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt add so much flavor to the wings. Keep the garlic powder handy for the sauce, too!
  • Cooking Oil: You’ll need just enough to drizzle over the wings so they crisp up in the oven. Canola or vegetable oil both work well here.
  • Chicken Wings: Wings or drumettes both work for this recipe, so choose one type or both for variety.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter makes the sauce thick and creamy.
  • Franks RedHot Sauce: Hot sauce is the one ingredient you’ll want to splurge a bit on. It gives these wings their signature flavor and spice! Use the leftovers to make Spinach Artichoke Dip.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This umami sauce adds depth to the buffalo sauce.

How to Serve Buffalo Wings

These classic baked buffalo wings are delicious served as an appetizer with Ranch Dressing or blue cheese for dipping and a side of carrot sticks and celery. You can also make them into a meal by adding a side of Garlic Parmesan Oven Fries, Easy Creamy Coleslaw, or Oven Roasted Broccoli.

Tips for Making Buffalo Wings

  • Pat the wings dry before seasoning them to remove excess moisture.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch. Tossing the wings in cornstarch helps bring moisture to the surface, leading to ultra-crispy wings.
  • Bake the wings on a wire rack to allow the hot air to circulate evenly around them. This will crisp the wings on all sides!
  • If making ahead, wait to toss the wings in the sauce until just before serving.

How To Store Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, store leftover buffalo wings in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours, before transferring to an air-tight container to store for up to 3 months. Reheat on a wire rack set in a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes if refrigerated or 15-20 minutes if frozen.

close up view of a buffalo wing dipped in white sauce.
overhead view of buffalo wings on a white platter with celery and white sauce.
Print

Buffalo Wings

This buffalo wing recipe has all the great flavor of classic fried wings with none of the mess of deep frying.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Total Cost $12.24 recipe / $3.06 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 774kcal

Ingredients

Chicken Wings

Buffalo Sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, pepper, and salt.
  • Pat the wings dry, then place them in a bowl. Drizzle the cooking oil over top, then toss until the wings are coated in oil. Add the cornstarch-seasoning mixture, then toss to coat again.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then place wire cooling racks on top. Place the seasoned chicken wings on the wire racks with space between each wing.
  • Bake the wings for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the wings have achieved the amount of browning desired (this will depend on the size of your wings).
  • While the wings are in the oven, melt the butter in a small saucepot over medium heat, then add the remaining ingredients (hot sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder).
  • Transfer the wings to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until fully coated.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 774kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 60g | Sodium: 1528mg | Fiber: 0.3g
overhead view of buffalo wings on a white platter with celery and white sauce.

how to make Buffalo Wings – step by step photos

spices in a white bowl.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.

seasoned raw chicken wings in a glass bowl.

Pat 2.5 lbs. of chicken wings dry, then place them in a bowl. Drizzle 1 Tbsp cooking oil over top, then toss until the wings are coated in oil. Add the cornstarch-seasoning mixture, then toss to coat again.

raw chicken wings on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then place wire cooling racks on top. Place the seasoned chicken wings on the wire racks with space between each wing.

baked chicken wings on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.

Bake the wings for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the wings have achieved the amount of browning desired (this will depend on the size of your wings).

buffalo sauce in a saucepan with a spoon.

While the wings are in the oven, melt 4 Tbsp butter in a small saucepot over medium heat, then add the remaining ingredients (1/2 cup hot sauce, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp garlic powder).

buffalo wings in a metal bowl.

Transfer the wings to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until fully coated.

close up view of buffalo wings on a white platter with celery and white sauce.

These buffalo wings are crispy, spicy, and so delicious– everything you want in a wing recipe!

The post Buffalo Wings appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is a wonderfully flavorful dish that’s ready to eat in just one hour. It’s wonderfully savory and succulent!

The post Chicken Cacciatore appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a splurge, look no further! Chicken Cacciatore is a wonderfully flavorful dish that’s ready to eat in just one hour. This one-pan chicken cacciatore recipe is savory and succulent thanks to juicy chicken thighs, budget-friendly canned tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and briny capers. It’s a real weeknight hero.

WHat Is Chicken Cacciatore?

Chicken Cacciatore is an Italian dish made from chicken braised in a tomato-based sauce with onion, garlic, mushrooms, bell peppers, wine, and capers. It’s a classic and simple dish that’s hearty enough to fill your grumbling belly!

Ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Cacciatore:

  • Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add a lot of extra flavor to this dish, but you can also use boneless, skinless thighs.
  • Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are classic seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A little bit of flour helps to seal in moisture and creates a crispy crust on the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice– vegetable or canola can help cut costs) helps everything cook without burning.
  • Onion and Garlic: Alliums are classic flavor enhancers that create a savory base for this dish.
  • Baby Bella Mushrooms: These mushrooms have a mild flavor and a meaty texture that adds a wonderful earthy component to the dish.
  • Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds a delightful crunch and a fresh and vegetal flavor. You could also use a yellow or orange pepper.
  • Red Wine: Adds a touch of acidity that balances the flavor of the sauce.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes forms the base of the sauce.
  • Capers: Capers add a briny brightness to the dish. Chopped green olives make a great substitute in a pinch!
  • Chopped Fresh Herbs: Garnishing this dish with plenty of basil or parsley is a great way to freshen things up. A pinch or two of the dried stuff will also work.

What To Serve with Chicken Cacciatore

We love to serve chicken cacciatore with plain pasta, Pasta Primavera, Mushroom Rice, Balsamic Roasted Vegetables, or even Garlic Parmesan Polenta. It’s also great served with a crunchy salad and a side of No-Knead Bread for sopping up all of that delicious sauce!

Can I Omit the Wine?

You can absolutely omit the red wine to make this dish more budget-friendly or to suit your personal preferences. Red cooking wine is a great cheaper alternative that lasts for a long time in the pantry, or you can simply use chicken broth.

HOW TO USE LEFTOVER CAPERS

You’ll likely have leftover capers after making this chicken cacciatore. Leftover capers can be stored, submerged in their brine, in the refrigerator for several months as well. I highly suggest making a batch of Chicken Piccata or Pasta Puttanesca with your leftover capers, but they’re also great when added to pasta salads, tuna salad, deviled eggs, or potato salad.

How to Store Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, this chicken cacciatore can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in a saucepan until warmed through and bubbling. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

overhead view of chicken cacciatore in a white pan.
Print

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is a wonderfully flavorful dish that's ready to eat in just one hour. It's wonderfully savory and succulent!
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Total Cost $15.17 recipe / $2.53 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 690kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs $6.65
  • 1 tsp salt $0.04
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.05
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided $0.36
  • 1/2 onion, chopped $0.20
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced $0.32
  • 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced $2.69
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced $1.59
  • 1/2 cup red wine $0.94
  • 1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes $1.89
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp capers $0.42
  • Fresh basil or parsley (to garnish)

Instructions

  • Place the chicken thighs in a bowl. Toss with the salt, pepper, and flour until fully coated.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add in the chicken thighs, cooking on both sides until browned. Then, transfer to a plate.
  • Add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the onion, and a sprinkle of salt. Cook for a few minutes until softened.
  • Add in the garlic, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Sprinkle with more salt and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
  • Pour in the red wine and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Add in the crushed tomatoes and capers.
  • Return the chicken thighs to the pan, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cover the pan, cooking for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Uncover the pan, and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 47g | Sodium: 975mg | Fiber: 4g

how to make Chicken Cacciatore – step by step photos

Place 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs in a bowl. Toss with 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until fully coated.

Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add in the chicken thighs, cooking on both sides until browned. Then, transfer to a plate.

Add in 1 Tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 of a chopped onion, and a sprinkle of salt. Cook for a few minutes until softened.

Add in 4 minced cloves garlic, 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, and 1 sliced red bell pepper. Sprinkle with more salt and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.

Pour in 1/2 cup red wine and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add in 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes and 1 1/2 Tbsp capers.

Return the chicken thighs to the pan, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cover the pan, cooking for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender. Uncover the pan, and cook for another 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

This delectable chicken cacciatore is going to be a staple in your weekly rotation; I just know it!

close up view of chicken cacciatore in a pan.

The post Chicken Cacciatore appeared first on Budget Bytes.