🇲🇹 Maltese Recipes

Traditional Mediterranean Cuisine

Tiġieġa Stil tal-Kaċċaturi (Chicken Hunter's Style)

Tender chicken braised with onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes in white wine - a rustic Maltese classic.

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 45 minutes Servings: 4-6 people
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Watercolour illustration of braised chicken with mushrooms, onions and tomato sauce.

Ingredients

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Measures: 1 tbsp = 15ml; 1 tsp = 5ml. For local ingredient names and substitutions, see our guide to Maltese ingredients abroad.

Instructions

  1. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces well on all sides (about 12-15 minutes). Remove and set aside if needed.
  2. Cook the onions: In the same pan, add the thinly sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat until soft and lightly golden (about 10-12 minutes).
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until slightly reduced.
  5. Add tomatoes and seasoning: Return the chicken to the pan. Add the tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Stir well.
  6. Simmer: Cover and cook gently for about 20 minutes.
  7. Add mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tiġieġa Stil tal-Kaċċaturi (Chicken Hunter’s Style) is a beloved Maltese dish featuring chicken pieces braised in a rich sauce of tomatoes, white wine, onions, and mushrooms. This rustic, hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and brings together the flavors of traditional Mediterranean cooking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce
  • Excellent with roasted potatoes on the side
  • Pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine
  • Perfect for Sunday family dinners

Tips

  • Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture
  • Don’t skip the browning step - it adds depth to the dish
  • The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes
  • Fresh mushrooms work best, but you can use any variety you prefer
  • This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together
  • Can be made ahead and reheated gently

Gawdi l-ikel! (Enjoy your food!)