Pork or Chicken Cacciatore Watermelon's Style

Experience the bold and unexpected flavors of Pork or Chicken Cacciatore Watermelon's Style—a vibrant twist on the classic Italian dish. This recipe combines tender, juicy pork chops or chicken thighs with a rich, herbaceous tomato-based sauce made with red wine, bell peppers, and aromatic garlic. The real surprise lies in the addition of sweet, juicy watermelon cubes, which bring a refreshing contrast to the savory, hearty flavors. Perfectly simmered to perfection, this one-pan dish is easy to prepare, bursting with Mediterranean flair, and ideal for family dinners or impressive entertaining. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce, making it a unique, unforgettable meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Pork chops or chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large Bell peppers, sliced (any color)
• 14 ounces Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup Chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup Dry red wine
• 1 teaspoon Fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Capers (optional)
• 2 cups Seedless watermelon, cubed
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the pork chops or chicken thighs on both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the meat for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and red wine. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped rosemary, thyme, and capers (if using). Return the pork chops or chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and tender.

Step 7

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the watermelon cubes and set them aside.

Step 8

Once the meat is cooked, remove the lid and add the watermelon cubes. Gently stir to combine and allow the watermelon to heat through for 2-3 minutes without breaking apart.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or black pepper, as needed.

Step 10

Serve the cacciatore hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2433.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1840.4

Total Fat 87.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 288mg	0%
Sodium 3979.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 70.5g
Protein 105.2g	0%

Vitamin D 28IU	0%
Calcium 245.4mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 4219.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.0%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 26.4%