Grilled Chicken Breast Cacciatore

Created by Chef Robert Irvine 

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 medium onions, sliced
• 4 green bell peppers, sliced julienne
• 4 red bell peppers, sliced julienne
• 3 cups white mushrooms, cleaned and quarter-cut (about 1 lb.)
• 6 large ripe tomatoes, large diced
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 3 tbsp. chopped shallots (about 3 to 4)
• 3 tbsp. chopped garlic (about 7 to 8 cloves)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (about ½ bunch)
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped (about ½ bunch)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 12 4-5 oz. boneless chicken breasts

For the Polenta

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 tbsp. butter
• 8 cups water
• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• Grated Parmesan

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepot and sauté onions, peppers and mushrooms until onions begin to turn translucent and peppers begin to soften.
2. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato juice, shallots, garlic, basil and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Let simmer 45 minutes until medium thickness.
4. Preheat a grill to high.
5. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
6. Grill on both sides until cooked through.
7. Arrange on serving platter and spoon sauce around.
8. Serve with a side of polenta (as you would mashed potatoes), and remaining sauce in a gravy boat.

The Polenta

1. Sauté onion in butter until softened.
2. Add water and stir in polenta.
3. Cook on low heat, stirring often, for about 40 minutes until tender.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan.