As we celebrate Ryan’s birthday this weekend, I wanted to take a moment to share a recipe that’s near and dear to his heart—a recipe passed down from his beloved grandmother. Her Chicken Cacciatore is a true family favorite, one that Ryan’s mom now continues to make every time we come home to visit. His grandmothers cooking and baking skills were unmatched, and each bite of this dish brings back cherished memories for him.

A Taste of Tradition:

Ryan often reminisces about his grandmother and how much joy she brought to family gatherings with her cooking. There’s something incredibly special about a dish that’s been shared across generations, and this Chicken Cacciatore is one of those recipes that feels like home. Ryan lights up whenever he talks about how she used to make it, especially on those days when he’d return home to visit. It was the ultimate comfort food after a long time away, and it’s a tradition we continue to keep alive today.

This version of Chicken Cacciatore is simple but full of flavor, bringing together tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. It’s a perfect meal to make for your loved ones, and it’s sure to bring a little bit of that grandmotherly magic to your table too.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boiled chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup diced celery
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 28-ounce can of tomato juice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

For Serving:

• Serve over pasta or rice
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Boil the Chicken: Start by boiling the chicken breast until fully cooked, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for getting that tender, flavorful chicken base for the sauce.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced celery, sliced onion, and green pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the Chicken: Toss in the shredded chicken and give it a good stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Add the tomato juice, diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, bay leaf and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook covered for about 30 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
6. Serve: Once everything is nicely mixed, it’s time to serve! Spoon the chicken and sauce over your favorite pasta or rice. Finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley or basil for an extra burst of freshness.

This dish is not only a delicious meal, but it’s also a way of connecting with the past and honoring the recipes that have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or just craving some comforting food, this Chicken Cacciatore is sure to bring warmth to your table.

Enjoy, and here’s to many more family meals filled with love, laughter, and amazing food!