Description
Chicken Pizzaiola with Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, oregano, and sweet bell peppers. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or when you want a comforting yet impressive meal that pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables
- 1 each red, yellow, and green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce Base
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Peppers and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the thinly sliced bell peppers and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the peppers soften and the garlic becomes fragrant, unlocking the peppers’ natural sweetness.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir in dried oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 7-10 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Nestle the browned chicken back into the sauce in the skillet. Cover and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juicy, absorbing the sauce’s robust flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the dish for color and freshness. Serve hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or bread to enjoy the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh minced garlic for sharper, more vibrant flavor.
- Do not overcook the peppers; keep them tender-crisp for color and texture.
- Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to meld flavors without drying out the chicken.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron or stainless steel for even heat distribution and better searing.
- Let the dish rest a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute in the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Chicken Pizzaiola, Italian chicken recipe, Bell pepper chicken, Quick chicken dinner, Gluten-free chicken recipe