Chicken Puttanesca is the ultimate answer for anyone craving an Italian-inspired meal that’s loaded with bold flavors and beautiful colors, all coming together in under an hour. This beloved dish stars juicy chicken breasts, simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce studded with briny olives, punchy capers, and aromatic herbs. Imagine finishing your day with a plateful of tender chicken drenched in a saucy celebration of the Mediterranean—this is the kind of dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Chicken Puttanesca brings more than just flavor to the table—they’re the backbone of this classic, building a savory, tangy, and satisfying sauce that turns simple chicken into a show-stopping main. Here’s what you’ll need and how each ingredient makes a difference.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and easy to cook, these stay tender and soak up all the Puttanesca flavors.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality oil to brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics; it adds richness and depth.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion gives sweetness and forms the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Garlic: Four cloves might seem generous, but that’s exactly what infuses the sauce with its signature warmth!
- Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes keep things convenient while delivering juicy acidity and color.
- Kalamata olives: These dark, briny olives provide an intense kick that just can’t be skipped—halve them for even distribution.
- Capers: They may be small, but these salty little bursts add savory complexity throughout the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle heat that wakes up the sauce without overwhelming it.
- Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that heightens every bite with earthy, aromatic notes.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle kick that enhances all the Mediterranean flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped parsley is a fresh, vibrant finish—add just before serving for color and brightness.
- Tomato paste: Just a little brings deep, concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
How to Make Chicken Puttanesca
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. This simple step creates a tasty foundation and ensures every bite of Chicken Puttanesca is juicy and well-seasoned. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When hot, add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them through yet; you just want that enticing color and flavor on the outside. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onion. Let it cook for around 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and a little translucent. Next, add the minced garlic—a key player in any Chicken Puttanesca—and sauté for just a minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, letting those flavors merge and deepen.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and marvel at how the sauce transforms instantly into a savory, briny, and fragrant mixture. The olives and capers bring their characteristic tang that sets Chicken Puttanesca apart, while the tomatoes provide a luscious base.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the bubbling sauce. Cover and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. This simmering step lets the flavors soak into the chicken, making every bite rich and satisfying. If you like, remove the lid for the final few minutes to let the sauce thicken a little more.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and, if you like, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. This step may seem simple, but it makes your Chicken Puttanesca look as appetizing as it tastes. Serve it hot, ideally with something to soak up the incredible sauce!
How to Serve Chicken Puttanesca
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic, but don’t stop there. Grate a little lemon zest over the top for even more brightness, or add sliced basil for a fragrant twist. The fresh green flecks make your plate of Chicken Puttanesca unmistakably inviting!
Side Dishes
Chicken Puttanesca is irresistible served over al dente pasta, steamed rice, or with hunks of warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce. If you’re looking to lighten things up, a simple green salad or garlicky sautéed greens make wonderful, fresh partners.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, serve Chicken Puttanesca in shallow bowls over a bed of creamy polenta, letting the sauce swirl around. Or try slicing the chicken to top a big platter of herbed couscous and finish with extra olives and capers for a family-style meal. If you’re feeding a crowd, turn it into sliders with toasted buns and melted mozzarella!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Puttanesca will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Simply transfer cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-after leftovers especially delicious for easy lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Chicken Puttanesca! Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place Chicken Puttanesca and its sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat; cover and warm gently until hot all the way through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave portions in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute and actually bring even more juiciness to the final dish. Just adjust the simmering time as needed to cook them through. Chicken Puttanesca welcomes this swap with open arms!
Is Chicken Puttanesca very spicy?
It has a gentle warmth from the crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to dial up or down depending on your tastes. If you prefer things mild, simply use less pepper, or leave it out altogether.
Can I make Chicken Puttanesca ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is ideal for preparing in advance! The sauce gets even better as it sits, and the chicken remains tender. Store it in the fridge and simply reheat when you’re ready to eat.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce needs thickening, uncover the skillet for the last few minutes of simmering to let some liquid evaporate. Alternatively, stir in a little extra tomato paste and simmer for a couple more minutes.
Does Chicken Puttanesca work for meal prep?
Definitely! Pack it with rice, pasta, or steamed veggies in individual containers. The flavors only get better after a day or two, making Chicken Puttanesca perfect for quick and satisfying meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that delivers on flavor, comfort, and excitement, Chicken Puttanesca is a must-try. It’s robust, satisfying, and beautiful on the plate—so gather your ingredients and let this Mediterranean favorite become a new staple in your kitchen!
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Chicken Puttanesca Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and savory dish, Chicken Puttanesca is a classic Italian recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with olives, capers, and aromatic herbs. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Puttanesca Sauce:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Saute aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, olives, capers, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option.
- For a more pronounced briny flavor, increase the amount of olives and capers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
