Easy Cheapsy Chicken Cacciatore

When I graduated college and money was tight on a first year teacher’s salary, I got pretty good at making easy and cheap chicken dishes.  Whatever was on sale was what I made.  Apparently one of them, Chicken Cacciatore, was good enough for my roommate Caitlin to ask for repeatedly during the three years we lived together.

Usually the conversation would go…

“Lauren, are you making dinner tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Good, I’m hungry.  Can it be chicken cacciatore?”

So, Caitlin… this one is for you!  Easy, cheap, and perfectly gluten and dairy free!

Easy Cheapsy Chicken Cacciatore

Pieces:

1. One cup rice, cooked to package directions
2. 1-2 pounds chicken tenderloins, or 1-2 chicken breasts
3. 1-2 tbsp. olive oil
4. 3 green peppers, sliced into strips
5. one half of an onion, chopped
6. 2 cans diced tomatoes, preferably garlic and onion flavored
7. 1 package chopped mushrooms
8. 1 tsp. each thyme, parsley, paprika, garlic salt, and pepper

Process:

1. Cook rice according to package directions.  Set aside.
2. In a large coated saute pan, add the chicken tenderloins.  Cook for a few minutes on each side, enough to sear each side, but not cook completely through.
3. In a different saute pan, add the olive oil, green peppers, and onion and cook until tender.
4. In the chicken pan, add the peppers and onion.  Also add the diced tomatoes, mushrooms, and spices.  Cook on medium heat, covered, until cooked through and all ingredients are tender (about 10-15 minutes).
5. Serve chicken mixture over rice.

Happy Allergy Free Eating!