Description
Chicken Puttanesca is a bright, briny, weeknight-friendly spin on an Italian classic. Juicy seared chicken simmers in a bold sauce of garlic, crushed tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, and a hint of heat. It’s fast, deeply flavorful, and perfect for piling over pasta or keeping low-carb with veggies or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the same skillet and sauté 30–60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes; add olives, capers, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook 5–7 minutes to meld flavors.
- Nestle chicken back into the sauce and spoon sauce over the top. Cover and cook 5 minutes to heat through and infuse with flavor.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with pasta, rice, polenta, or crusty bread.
Notes
Rinse olives and capers to control saltiness. Adjust chili flakes to taste. If your chicken breasts are thick, pound to even thickness for quicker, more even cooking. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). Skin-on thighs also work sear well and simmer until 175°F (80°C) for best texture
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg (varies with olive/caper brand)
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: chicken puttanesca, skillet chicken, Italian chicken, quick dinner