If you are craving a vibrant dish bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors, this Chicken Puttanesca Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in a tangy sauce of olives, capers, garlic, and tomatoes deliver a perfect harmony of savory, salty, and slightly spicy notes. Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is straightforward and quick to make, making it an absolute gem for busy cooks who still want delicious, impressive meals on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this Chicken Puttanesca Recipe. Each item plays an essential role, adding layers of flavor, texture, or brightness that come together effortlessly.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, it adds richness and helps sear the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves provide a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a lovely hint of heat.
- Diced tomatoes: Bring juicy acidity that balances the salty olives and capers.
- Kalamata olives: These give the dish its signature briny, savory punch.
- Capers: Tiny bursts of flavor offering tang and saltiness.
- Anchovy fillets: Optional yet recommended to deepen the umami notes authentically.
- White wine or chicken broth: Adds depth and helps meld the sauce ingredients.
- Dried oregano: Earthy herb that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For a fresh, bright garnish.
- Spaghetti or your favorite pasta: A cozy base to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional but a delicious finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Puttanesca Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial as it enhances the natural flavor of the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through. The aroma of searing chicken will fill your kitchen and build anticipation for the sauce to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Puttanesca Sauce
Using the same skillet, you’ll build the sauce right where you cooked the chicken, which captures all those browned bits and flavors. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then, stir in diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, and the anchovy fillets if you’re using them. This combination forms the bold heart of your Chicken Puttanesca Recipe.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Let the sauce gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This simmering step lets the flavors mingle and the sauce thicken slightly, intensifying the overall taste while keeping the texture delightful.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece to ensure every bite is flavorful. Let the mixture simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all the savory goodness from the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Chicken Puttanesca Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it over your choice of cooked spaghetti or pasta to catch every drop of sauce, or alongside crusty bread if you prefer to savor it in a more rustic way.
How to Serve Chicken Puttanesca Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley makes a wonderful finishing touch, adding a burst of color and fresh herbal notes to balance the robust flavors. Don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese if you want to add a creamy, salty contrast on top.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like a mixed green salad tossed lightly with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. These sides provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try plating the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or grilled vegetables. You can also turn the chicken pieces into a centerpiece by arranging them on a large platter with the sauce spooned generously over, perfect for sharing around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Puttanesca Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing everything together helps the flavors to deepen, so reheated bites can be even more delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, separating chicken and pasta if desired. Properly sealed, you can keep it frozen for up to 2 months, making it a great option for meal prep and busy days.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stove over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. This helps maintain the tender texture of the chicken and the vibrant flavors of the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
You can, but boneless chicken breasts cook faster and absorb the flavorful sauce more evenly. If using bone-in pieces, allow extra cooking time to ensure they are fully done.
Is anchovy necessary in Chicken Puttanesca Recipe?
While optional, anchovies add a subtle depth and authentic umami that enhances the sauce without tasting fishy. If you’re hesitant, try adding just one or two fillets or substitute with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar effect.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply serve the Chicken Puttanesca Sauce over gluten-free pasta, rice, or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. Removing them entirely will make the dish more mild but still flavorful.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Puttanesca?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complement the vibrant flavors without overpowering the palate.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Puttanesca Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet full of enough flavor to impress guests any day of the week. I can’t recommend it enough—grab the ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to fall in love with this bright, briny, and utterly satisfying dish.
Print
Chicken Puttanesca Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Puttanesca is a vibrant Italian dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a tangy, savory puttanesca sauce made with tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies. This flavorful skillet meal comes together quickly and pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Puttanesca
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 4 anchovy fillets, minced (optional, but recommended for authentic flavor)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even coverage for flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Remove Chicken: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest briefly.
- Make the Puttanesca Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant to build the flavor base.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, sliced Kalamata olives, drained capers, and minced anchovy fillets if using. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and the flavors blend well.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the puttanesca sauce, spooning some sauce over the top.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the robust flavors of the puttanesca.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Puttanesca over cooked pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, adding freshness and richness.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic sauce, substitute white wine with chicken broth.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
- For gluten-free, serve over gluten-free pasta or vegetable noodles.
- The anchovies add authentic depth of flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
