Chicken Puttanesca

If you’ve ever had Pasta Puttanesca, you know how irresistible that combination of bold, briny flavors can be. Now, imagine taking those very same flavors and swapping out the pasta for juicy, tender chicken. That’s exactly what Chicken Puttanesca brings to the table—a comforting, flavorful dish with a rich tomato sauce, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies, all paired with perfectly cooked chicken. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become your new go-to for a simple yet delicious dinner that’s anything but boring. Ready to dive into a plate of pure, savory bliss? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Puttanesca

This Chicken Puttanesca is packed with so much flavor it’s hard to believe it’s so easy to make. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:

Bold Flavors

The tangy, salty, and slightly spicy flavors of olives, capers, anchovies, and garlic come together in a rich, aromatic sauce that elevates the chicken to something extraordinary.

Quick and Easy

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious! With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a savory, satisfying meal on your table in no time.

Versatile

This dish is incredibly flexible! Serve it over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. You can also enjoy it with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Healthy and Hearty

With lean chicken breasts and an abundance of veggies in the sauce, this dish is packed with protein and flavor without being heavy. It’s a great way to get your savory fix while keeping things light and balanced.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious Chicken Puttanesca:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Puttanesca Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 4 anchovy fillets, chopped (optional but adds great depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this flavorful masterpiece:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Puttanesca Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat over medium. Add the garlic and onion, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and stir in the olives, capers, anchovies (if using), oregano, basil, and a pinch of sugar (if desired). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, if needed.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. You can enjoy the Chicken Puttanesca over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce.

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 960mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 40g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Puttanesca

Here are a few ideas for serving Chicken Puttanesca:

Over Pasta

Serve it the classic way—over a bed of spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you like. The sauce clings perfectly to the noodles for a comforting and filling meal.

With Rice

If you want a lighter option, serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice for a great low-carb alternative.

With Zucchini Noodles

For a healthy and low-carb twist, serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or any other vegetable noodles of your choice.

With Crusty Bread

A side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up all that rich, flavorful sauce. You can also try garlic bread for extra deliciousness!

As a Salad Topping

Slice the chicken and serve it on top of a fresh green salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Chicken Puttanesca even more delicious:

• Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili to ramp up the heat if you like it spicy.
• Substitute the chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, try chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful cut of meat.
• Use homemade marinara: If you want to elevate the flavor even more, use homemade marinara sauce instead of canned crushed tomatoes.
• Add veggies: You can add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make Chicken Puttanesca ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce and chicken together before serving.

Q2: Can I freeze this dish?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool everything completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q3: What if I don’t like anchovies?
A3: Anchovies add a savory depth of flavor to the sauce, but if you’re not a fan, you can leave them out. The dish will still be delicious without them!

Q4: Can I use other types of olives?
A4: Yes, you can substitute green olives or Niçoise olives if you prefer. Kalamata olives give the sauce a rich, fruity flavor, but any olives will work.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: Add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce, depending on your spice tolerance.

Q6: Can I serve this with pasta?
A6: Yes! Pasta is a classic option for serving with Chicken Puttanesca. Any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine will pair perfectly with the sauce.

Q7: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A7: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, and they’ll work wonderfully in this dish. Just cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q8: Is this recipe low-carb?
A8: The chicken and sauce are low in carbs, but if you want to make the dish even more low-carb, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or regular rice.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables?
A9: Yes, feel free to add spinach, zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Q10: Can I use a different type of tomato?
A10: Yes, you can substitute crushed San Marzano tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes. Just break them up in the sauce with a spoon or hand blender for a smooth texture.

Conclusion

Chicken Puttanesca is a game-changer, offering the same bold, tangy flavors you love about the traditional pasta dish, but in a more savory and satisfying way with juicy chicken. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any weeknight dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or veggies. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!

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