Looking for a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and a bit of Italian flair? Chicken Puttanesca is your answer. This dish is all about the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy—thanks to the rich combination of tomatoes, olives, capers, and a dash of red pepper flakes. Trust me, every bite of this dish will make your taste buds sing. It’s a delicious, comforting meal that feels fancy enough for a dinner party, but simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner. You’ll love the way it fills your kitchen with the mouthwatering aromas of garlic and herbs as it cooks.
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Why You’ll Love Chicken Puttanesca
Let me tell you why this dish will quickly become a new favorite:
Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes creates a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s one of those dishes where you’ll savor each and every mouthful.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those days when you want something fast but full of flavor. No need to fuss for hours in the kitchen!
Healthy Yet Hearty: Chicken is the lean protein that keeps this dish satisfying, while the Mediterranean ingredients add layers of flavor without the need for heavy cream or sauces.
Versatile: You can serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a dish that’s just as versatile as it is tasty!
Ingredients
Ready to make this delicious meal? Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The star of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best as they cook quickly and stay juicy.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and creating a rich base for the sauce.
Garlic: A key ingredient to bring that aromatic, savory flavor to the dish.
Tomatoes (fresh or canned): A juicy, tangy base for the sauce. Use fresh tomatoes when in season, or canned tomatoes for year-round convenience.
Olives: Kalamata or green olives add that salty, briny flavor that really makes this dish stand out.
Capers: A Mediterranean favorite that gives the sauce a wonderful salty kick.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch to add a bit of heat and balance the flavors of the sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Basil, oregano, or parsley will bring freshness and vibrance to the dish.
White Wine or Chicken Broth: For deglazing the pan and adding depth to the sauce.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your Chicken Puttanesca:
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden.
Make the Sauce: Add the tomatoes (fresh or canned) to the pan, along with the olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Pour in a splash of white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to warm the chicken through and let the flavors marry.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top of the chicken and sauce, and serve with your favorite side—pasta, rice, or even just a hunk of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
How to Serve Chicken Puttanesca
Chicken Puttanesca pairs beautifully with many side dishes and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
Pasta: Serve this dish over spaghetti or penne for a classic Italian meal. The sauce will coat the pasta perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Rice: For a lighter option, serve the chicken and sauce over steamed white or brown rice. The rice will absorb all the amazing flavors of the puttanesca sauce.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget to serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce!
Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is a great complement to this rich, flavorful dish.
Additional Tips
Here are some helpful tips for making the most of your Chicken Puttanesca:
Use Skinless Chicken Thighs: For even more flavor and juiciness, consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’re incredibly tender and add richness to the dish.
Make It Ahead: The sauce for Chicken Puttanesca can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce and add the chicken when ready to serve.
Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in some extra veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added color and nutrition.
Store Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken with skin on?
A1: Yes, you can. Just make sure to cook the chicken skin-side down first to get it crispy.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the chicken just before serving.
Q3: Can I substitute green olives for Kalamata olives?
A3: Absolutely! You can use any type of olive you prefer. Green olives will give the dish a milder, less tangy flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Q4: Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
A4: Yes! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just freeze it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat it when ready to serve.
Q7: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
A7: Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Q8: Can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or even a chopped fresh chili pepper for an extra kick.
Q9: Can I use chicken breasts with the skin on?
A9: Yes, but it may require a longer cooking time to get the skin crispy. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q10: Can I serve this with something other than pasta or rice?
A10: Yes! This dish is also delicious served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even polenta.
Conclusion
Chicken Puttanesca is the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s bold, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends, this dish will never disappoint. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Print
Chicken Puttanesca
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Puttanesca is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato, olive, and caper sauce. With bold Mediterranean flavors, it’s perfect for a satisfying, high-protein dinner!
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
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2 anchovy fillets, chopped
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or marinara sauce)
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1 tablespoon capers
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1/2 cup olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
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1 teaspoon oregano (or Italian seasoning)
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1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
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Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté the onion until tender (3-5 minutes). Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and anchovies, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, capers, olives, oregano, and fish sauce (if using). Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through (about 15 minutes).
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Alternative Cooking Methods:
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Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
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Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook for 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low.
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Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
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Replace chicken thighs with drumsticks, legs, or breasts.
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For a lighter version, use boneless, skinless chicken.
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Swap chicken broth for white wine or clam juice for added depth.
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Enhance the sauce with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
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For extra flavor, cook bacon or pancetta first, use the rendered fat to sear the chicken, and mix the crispy bacon into the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg