This month’s recipe redux is chicken cacciatore, a classic Italian-American dish that appeared in the magazine in August 1949. “Did you ever stop to wonder whether that old Sunday standby—roast chicken—is boring your family to death?” the recipe’s introduction inquires. I never tire of roast chicken, but I love this classic preparation in which chicken is first browned and then finished in a fragrant tomato sauce. To suit contemporary tastes, I pan-fry the chicken in olive oil (instead of shortening) and use thighs or drumsticks instead of the whole bird because it’s easier. Adding more vegetables and introducing white wine and fresh herbs creates an aromatic braising liquid for the chicken.

1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (such as Texmati)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup oil-cured olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped cornichons (or other pickles)
1/4 cup pimiento or roasted red peppers
1 small onion (or 1 bunch scallions), minced
1/2 cup mayonnaise (plus more as desired for texture)
Leaf lettuce or radicchio, for serving (optional)
Sliced hard-boiled eggs, for garnish (optional)

1. Prepare the rice according to package directions, using water or chicken stock. Meanwhile, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add the warm rice and use a rubber spatula to toss until combined. Set aside to cool briefly.

2. Add the olives, eggs, celery, cornichons, pimientos, onion and mayonnaise and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, vinegar or mayonnaise as desired. Serve immediately (or chill up to two days in advance) on lettuce leaves garnished with slices of hard-boiled eggs.

Serves 6–8.

Cook’s Tip

For a deeper golden hue, add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric to the dressing. Consider garnishing each serving with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkling of smoked paprika.