Simple & Zesty Chicken Puttanesca Recipe That Wows Every Time

Pasta nights reach new heights with this zesty chicken puttanesca that packs a flavor punch.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in a symphony of bold tastes.

Salt-brined capers and tangy olives create an unforgettable sauce that instantly transports you to coastal Italy.

Plump chicken pieces absorb the robust tomato base, turning each bite into a culinary adventure.

Sharp notes of garlic and red pepper flakes weave through the dish, adding complexity and depth.

Weeknight cooking becomes an exciting journey with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this meal comes together, promising restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.

What Goes Well With Chicken Puttanesca

Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the bold, tangy flavors of the puttanesca sauce.

Serve over al dente spaghetti or linguine to soak up the rich, briny sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken.

Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the sauce’s intensity and add a refreshing, light element to the meal.

Toast rustic Italian bread with garlic and olive oil to help diners mop up every delicious drop of the vibrant puttanesca sauce.

Storing Chicken Puttanesca for Lunches

• Store leftover Chicken Puttanesca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Chicken Puttanesca?

The dish originates from Naples, Italy, traditionally made with pasta but now adapted to include chicken as a protein-rich alternative.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild to moderate heat level, which can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make this dish without anchovies?

Yes, anchovies are optional. If you don’t like them, simply omit them from the recipe without significantly changing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• What makes the sauce unique in this recipe?

The combination of olives, capers, and red pepper flakes creates a bold, tangy, and slightly briny sauce that gives Chicken Puttanesca its distinctive Mediterranean flavor.

Why Chicken Puttanesca Packs Big Flavor

• Savor Bold Flavors: Packed with zesty ingredients like olives, capers, and red pepper flakes, this chicken dish delivers an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired taste in every bite.
• Master Quick Cooking: Preparation and cooking happen in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality meals without complex techniques.
• Create Versatile Meal: Adaptable to different serving styles, you can pair this chicken with pasta, crusty bread, or a simple salad, making it ideal for casual family dinners or impromptu gatherings with friends.
• Enjoy Nutritious Protein: Chicken breasts provide lean protein, while the tomato-based sauce offers additional nutrients, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or health.

All the Ingredients for Chicken Puttanesca

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the centerpiece of this classic Italian-inspired dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy foundation for the puttanesca sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

• Olives, Capers: Bring a briny, salty depth to the sauce.
• Anchovies: Contribute an umami and intense savory note to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add a subtle heat and spicy kick.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and other sharp ingredients.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall flavor.
• Oregano: Provides a classic Mediterranean herb taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and creating the sauce base.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional herbs for garnishing and adding a fresh, bright element.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for extra richness and flavor.

Steps to Make Chicken Puttanesca at Home

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Massage chicken breasts with a zesty blend of salt, pepper, and a whisper of oregano. Let the seasonings dance across the surface, creating a flavor foundation.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently lay chicken breasts into the sizzling pan.

Cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown and feels firm to the touch, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, drop minced garlic and let it release its aromatic magic. Stir quickly for about a minute until the kitchen fills with its irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Build the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Olives
• Capers
• Anchovies (optional)
• Red pepper flakes
• Oregano
• Sugar

Stir these ingredients together, creating a symphony of bold Mediterranean flavors.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Depth

Let the sauce bubble gently, melding its ingredients for 5-7 minutes.

Watch as it thickens slightly and the flavors intertwine.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the golden chicken breasts to the skillet.

Lovingly spoon the sauce over each piece, allowing them to heat through and absorb the rich flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Plate the Chicken Puttanesca with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.

Add a shower of Parmesan cheese if desired. Accompany with pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal that transports you straight to the Italian coastline.

Tips for Savory and Zesty Chicken Puttanesca

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Skip anchovies if you dislike their intense taste, or replace with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for similar umami depth without fish flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – use less for mild palates or more for those who enjoy a spicier kick to the puttanesca sauce.
• Let sauce simmer uncovered to naturally reduce and concentrate flavors, creating a rich and robust coating for the chicken.
• Chop basil or parsley just before serving to release maximum aromatic oils and add a bright, fresh element to the finished dish.

Puttanesca Variations for a New Twist

• Mediterranean Turkey Swap: Replace chicken with lean ground turkey, maintaining the robust puttanesca sauce flavors while offering a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Alternative: Substitute chicken with thick-cut roasted eggplant slices, keeping the zesty tomato and olive sauce intact for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Embrace: Use cauliflower steaks instead of chicken, searing them to create a crispy exterior and pairing with the classic puttanesca sauce for a keto-friendly meal.
• Seafood Transformation: Swap chicken for white fish like cod or halibut, allowing the fish to absorb the tangy, briny sauce while providing a delicate protein alternative.

Chicken Puttanesca Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Chicken Puttanesca delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with tangy olives, capers, and rich tomato sauce. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a robust Italian-inspired dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Base:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 4 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional)

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

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Instructions

1. Generously season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano, ensuring even coverage.
2. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, keeping warm.
5. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, kalamata olives, briny capers, optional anchovies, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
7. Stir sauce ingredients thoroughly, allowing them to incorporate and develop complex flavors during a 5-7 minute simmer.
8. Gently nestle cooked chicken back into the bubbling sauce, spooning liquid over the meat to reheat and infuse with intense Mediterranean flavors.
9. Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to ensure chicken is heated through and sauce reaches desired consistency.
10. Plate the chicken, generously coating with sauce and garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Serve immediately alongside al dente pasta or warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Notes

• Reduce sodium by choosing low-salt capers and olives, perfect for those watching their salt intake.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, tangy flavor profile.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture and deeper taste, preventing dry meat.
• Add a splash of white wine during sauce simmering to enhance the complexity and depth of the puttanesca sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg