Chicken Puttanesca: 1 Incredible Italian Dinner

Chicken Puttanesca: A Taste of Italy Made Simple

Growing up, my grandmother s kitchen was pure magic. It smelled amazing. It felt so warm and inviting. She taught me that delicious food doesn t need to be complicated. That s the heart of . We love sharing food. We love making it easy for you. This Chicken Puttanesca is a perfect example. It brings bold Italian flavors right to your table. You get that classic puttanesca taste. Think olives, capers, and rich tomatoes. All with tender chicken. It s a dish that feels special. Yet, it s so simple to make. Even on a busy weeknight. It s a true taste of Italy. Made with love, just for you.

Why You ll Love This Easy Chicken Puttanesca

This Italian chicken dish is a winner. You ll want to make it again and again. Here s why it s so great:

• Quick Prep: Get dinner on the table fast.
• Bold Flavors: Olives and capers give it a zesty kick.
• Simple Steps: Anyone can make this puttanesca sauce.
• Family Favorite: It s a crowd-pleaser for sure.

Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken Puttanesca

To create this delicious Italian chicken, you ll need a few key players. I always start with 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cutting them into 1-inch pieces makes them cook evenly.

You ll also need:

• 2 tablespoons of good olive oil.
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine.
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Don t be shy with the garlic!
• 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. This is the base of our .
• 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved. These add that salty, briny punch.
• 1/4 cup of capers, drained. They bring a lovely tang.
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Use more if you like it spicy!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, of course.
• Fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

If you don t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts. Just remember they cook faster. You might need to cut back on the simmering time a bit. Nobody wants dry chicken!

Simple Steps to Prepare Your Chicken Puttanesca

Now for the fun part! Making this Chicken Puttanesca is surprisingly straightforward. We ll break it down into easy steps. So you can whip up this Italian classic without any fuss. Grab your favorite skillet or a Dutch oven. We want to get cooking!

Browning the Chicken

First, let s get that chicken nicely browned. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces. You don t want to crowd the pan. Cook them in batches if needed. Brown them well on all sides. This browns the chicken. It also adds great flavor to our puttanesca sauce. Once browned, take the chicken out of the skillet. Set it aside for a moment.

Building the Flavorful Puttanesca Sauce

Next, we build the heart of our dish. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook until it softens up nicely, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just another minute until it smells amazing. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add your olives and capers. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you re using them. Give it all a good stir. This is where the magic happens. The puttanesca sauce starts to come alive.

Simmering to Perfection

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Now, return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Season everything with salt and pepper. Taste it as you go! Reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. You ll know it s ready when the chicken is cooked through. The sauce will also thicken up a bit. Give it a stir now and then. This ensures everything cooks evenly. Your amazing Chicken Puttanesca is almost ready to serve!

Tips for the Best Chicken Puttanesca

Want to make your Chicken Puttanesca truly shine? A few little tricks make all the difference. Always use good quality Kalamata olives and capers. Their briny flavor is key to that authentic taste. Don t rush the browning of the chicken. That sear creates wonderful depth. For the sauce, taste and adjust seasonings as you go. This ensures perfect balance. If your sauce seems too thin, simply simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. This lets some liquid evaporate. It concentrates the flavors beautifully. It really elevates this simple Italian chicken dish.

Serving Your Delicious Chicken Puttanesca

This vibrant Italian chicken dish is wonderfully versatile. It pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. It also tastes amazing served over fluffy rice. Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Puttanesca

Got questions about making this delicious Chicken Puttanesca? I ve got answers! It s a flexible dish. We can tweak it to fit your needs. Let s dive in.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Chicken Puttanesca?

Yes, you absolutely can! Chicken breasts are a leaner option. They work well in this easy Italian chicken recipe. Just watch the cooking time closely. Chicken breasts cook faster than thighs. They can dry out if overcooked. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes instead of 15-20. You want it just cooked through.

How can I make Chicken Puttanesca spicier?

Love a little heat? I do too! For a spicier puttanesca sauce, simply add more red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon. You can go up to 1.5 or even 2 teaspoons. Taste the sauce as it simmers. Adjust until it s perfect for your palate. A pinch of cayenne pepper also works wonders.

What are the best sides for Chicken Puttanesca?

This quick puttanesca sauce is fantastic with so many things! My family loves it over . Crusty bread is a must for dipping. It s also great with couscous or polenta. A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely. Enjoy your Italian chicken creation!

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Puttanesca

Leftover Chicken Puttanesca is a gift! Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. You can also use the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems dry. Enjoy that delicious Italian chicken again!

Understanding the Nutrition of Chicken Puttanesca

It s always good to know what s in your food! Here s a look at the approximate nutritional breakdown for our flavorful Chicken Puttanesca. This recipe makes about 4-6 servings.

Each serving generally contains:

• Calories: Around 350
• Fat: About 15g
• Saturated Fat: Around 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: About 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 20g
• Fiber: About 4g
• Protein: A solid 30g
• Sodium: Around 700mg
• Sugar: Approximately 8g
• Cholesterol: About 100mg

Please remember these numbers are just estimates! They can change depending on the exact ingredients you use. For example, the brand of crushed tomatoes or the amount of salt you add can make a difference. It s all part of the fun of home cooking. You can tailor it to your taste! This Italian chicken dish is a satisfying meal.