Clay Pot Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Cacciatore me ans hunter's style This dish developed incentral Italy and has many variations. It is considered a country-style dish in which chicken pieces are simmered together with tomatoes and mushrooms.

The dish originated in the Renaissance period (1450-1600) when the hunters would come back from their hunting trip to enjoy a heartwarming meal that had been simmering on the fire for some hours.

Ingredients for Chicken Cacciatore

• 1 frying chicken, cut up in parts
•   1 onion, sliced
•   1 cup sliced mushrooms
•   1 ( 28-ounce) can diced Italian tomatoes with juice
•   3 cloves garlic, minced
•   1 red and 1 green bell pepper, chopped
•   1/4 cup dry white wine
•   1/2 cup chicken broth
•   ½ teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
•   1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
•   3 tablespoons rinsed and drained capers
•   Freshly ground pepper and salt to taste
•    1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Directions for Chicken Cacciatore

1. Place all ingredients except capers and basil in VitaClay® Pot.
2. If you like to brown the chicken for more color and flavor, heat oil in a deep skillet.
3. Roll and coat each piece of chicken in some flour.
4. Brown each piece of chicken until golden brown, then proceed as above.
5. Cover and cook on”Stew” settingfor about 1-1/2 to 2 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
6. Add capers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
7. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves on top when ready to serve.
8. You can serve with rice, polenta, or your favorite Italian bread.

Yields about 6 servings.

Health Note:

Capers are the pickled flower buds of a Mediterranean shrub; Capers are a sharp, distinctively flavored addition to sauces, stews, fish dishes, and salads. Capers are packed in brine, so it is best to rinse and drain them before using. Opened jars should be kept refrigerated. Capers are very low in Cholesterol.

It is also a good source of Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Niacin, Calcium and Manganese, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Magnesium and Copper.

Fennel Seed is used as an appetite suppressant and eyewash. Promotes the functioning of the kidneys, liver & spleen.

Helps relieve abdominal pain, colon disorders, gas, and gastrointestinal tract spasms.