If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold Mediterranean flavors and is surprisingly simple to prepare, this Chicken Puttanesca Recipe will soon become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos. With tender chicken breasts bathing in a rich, savory tomato sauce studded with briny olives and tangy capers, every bite offers a perfect balance of zesty, salty, and herbaceous goodness. It’s comfort food with a bright, robust personality that you’ll love sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each plays an essential role in creating the irresistible taste and vibrant color that make this Chicken Puttanesca Recipe so special. From the juicy chicken breasts to the punchy capers and olives, they all come together harmoniously for a delicious result.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes juicy and tender as it soaks up the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a golden sear on the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The bright, tangy base for the robust sauce.
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives (halved): Bring a salty, slightly fruity bite that’s signature to puttanesca sauce.
- 2 tablespoons capers (rinsed and drained): Add a lovely briny pop that compliments the olives perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides an herbaceous, woodsy note to balance the acidity.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and flavor just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Puttanesca Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning each chicken breast generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning is key to building flavor right from the start. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear it for 3–4 minutes on each side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a delightful texture. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside – don’t rush this step; a good sear makes all the difference.
Step 2: Build the Puttanesca Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. This quick step releases the garlic’s sweet aroma that infuses the entire dish. Now it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes, halved Kalamata olives, capers, red pepper flakes if using, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce will start to meld the bold flavors and create that classic puttanesca taste we all adore.
Step 3: Simmer Chicken in Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce and spooning some of the tomatoes, olives, and capers over the top. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pan. Let the chicken cook through and soak up the vibrant sauce for 15 to 20 minutes, until it’s tender and succulent. This slow simmer step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Finish and Thicken
After the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and let the sauce simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This reduces and thickens the sauce just enough so it clings beautifully to the chicken. The result is that perfect texture and intense tomato-ey, briny sauce that makes this Chicken Puttanesca Recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Chicken Puttanesca Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are the easiest way to elevate your dish and add a pop of freshness. Garnish your chicken puttanesca with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil just before serving. They brighten up the flavors and add a lovely contrast to the robust sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Serve it hot over al dente pasta for a classic pairing that soaks up every bit of the rich sauce. Alternatively, make it over steamed rice or accompany it with crusty bread to mop up those irresistible juices. A side salad of crisp greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing bite alongside the hearty chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating each chicken breast on a bed of creamy polenta or roasted vegetables. Drizzle some extra sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (if you like dairy). Alternatively, shred the cooked chicken and toss it with pasta tossed in the puttanesca sauce for a casual family-style meal. The versatility in presentation means this Chicken Puttanesca Recipe can be as elegant or as rustic as you want.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The sauce actually deepens in flavor overnight, making the next day’s meal even better. Consume within 3 to 4 days for optimum freshness and safety.
Freezing
This Chicken Puttanesca Recipe freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Freezing is perfect for meal prep or when you want a quick homemade dinner ready to go.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave covered in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the chicken and toughen its texture.
FAQs
What makes puttanesca sauce unique?
Puttanesca sauce is famous for its bold, briny flavors coming from olives, capers, and sometimes anchovies, combined with a bright tomato base. These ingredients give it its signature tangy, salty, and savory taste that pairs perfectly with chicken or pasta.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their quick cooking time and mild flavor, thighs or even bone-in pieces work wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Chicken Puttanesca Recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of any sides you serve with it, like pasta, and opt for gluten-free versions if needed.
Can I add anchovies to the recipe?
Definitely. Adding anchovy paste or finely chopped anchovies when sautéing the garlic deepens the umami profile and adds an authentic touch to the traditional puttanesca sauce.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Puttanesca?
Look for a crisp, medium-bodied white like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti. Their acidity and fruitiness complement the tangy tomatoes and salty capers beautifully without overpowering the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Puttanesca Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s vibrant, comforting, and packed with flavor — a real crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. I can’t recommend it enough; once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Trust me on this one — get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Puttanesca Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Puttanesca is a vibrant Italian main course featuring seared chicken breasts simmered in a tangy sauce of crushed tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This gluten-free and dairy-free skillet dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for a quick yet flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and add sauce ingredients: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, red pepper flakes if using, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the sauce: Uncover the skillet and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top and serve the chicken hot, ideally over pasta, rice, or accompanied by crusty bread.
Notes
- This dish offers bold Mediterranean flavors with minimal ingredients, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
- For added depth and richness, incorporate a splash of red wine or a small amount of anchovy paste while sautéing the garlic.
- Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice to keep the meal gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
