Bold, briny, and bursting with Mediterranean character, Chicken Puttanesca is the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours. This vibrant Italian classic features juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich tomato sauce loaded with olives, capers, garlic, and fresh herbs—the kind of meal that instantly transports you to a sun-soaked Tuscan kitchen. If you love dishes that are astonishingly easy, soul-satisfying, and full of personality, Chicken Puttanesca will absolutely win your heart (and your taste buds) with every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Puttanesca lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one does its part to transform simple chicken into a spectacular, flavor-packed main dish. Nothing fancy here, but every addition brings color, zest, and irresistible depth.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless for quick, even cooking and a lean protein base that soaks up all those bold flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and helping the chicken develop a golden exterior.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything meld together beautifully in the skillet.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp! Freshly minced gives the sauce a fragrant, instantly appealing aroma.
- Red pepper flakes: Just the right hint of heat to wake up your palate—adjust as you like for spice.
- Crushed tomatoes: Choose a good-quality canned tomato for the boldest, brightest sauce.
- Kalamata olives: Pitted and halved, their briny, deep flavor defines Chicken Puttanesca’s signature lift.
- Capers: Tiny but mighty, they bring a wonderful tang that sets this dish apart.
- Dried oregano: Adds classic Italian herb notes and a little earthiness.
- Fresh parsley: A handful of vibrant green for a pop of color and a clean, fresh finish.
- Fresh basil (optional): If you have it, basil makes the whole kitchen smell like summer!
How to Make Chicken Puttanesca
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step is simple, but it’s what helps the chicken develop that irresistible golden crust and infuses every bite with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and let it sizzle away for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden sear here, which not only looks stunning but also locks in the juices. After both sides are browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Chicken Puttanesca Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and toss the minced garlic and red pepper flakes right into the same skillet. Sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—so the garlic doesn’t burn. Pour in your crushed tomatoes, then add in the halved olives, capers, and dried oregano. Give everything a good stir and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This is when the kitchen smells absolutely amazing, and all those bold, Mediterranean flavors start mingling.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Now, return the chicken breasts (and any juices on the plate) back into the skillet. Nestle them down into the sauce so they’re almost submerged. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken finishes cooking while soaking up the rich, tangy, salty sauce—it’s pure magic by the end!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, sprinkle the whole dish with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, some torn fresh basil. These herbs brighten up the robust sauce and add a fresh, colorful finish that makes Chicken Puttanesca truly pop on your plate.
How to Serve Chicken Puttanesca
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley or basil right before serving is more than just eye candy—it brings a touch of garden-fresh flavor that lifts the whole dish. For even more Mediterranean flair, a few extra olives or a drizzle of good olive oil on top will make your Chicken Puttanesca restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This sauce longs for something to soak it up! Classic spaghetti is always a hit, but fluffy rice or rustic, crusty bread turn Chicken Puttanesca into a comforting, satisfying meal. If you’re keeping things lighter, steamed green beans or sautéed spinach are tasty companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, try piling saucy Chicken Puttanesca over creamy polenta or serving it as an open-faced sandwich on toasted ciabatta. For a dramatic presentation, sprinkle with extra chopped olives, or serve family-style in a big skillet right at the table—let everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Chicken Puttanesca cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 days, and the sauce only gets richer as it sits.
Freezing
Chicken Puttanesca is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Just portion into containers, making sure to cover the chicken in sauce to prevent drying out. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks thick. You can also use the microwave—just be sure to cover and heat in short bursts to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Juicy, bone-in or boneless chicken thighs are excellent in Chicken Puttanesca. They stay extra tender and really soak up that bold sauce, making the whole dish even more luscious.
How spicy is this recipe?
With just half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, Chicken Puttanesca lands at a gentle glow of heat. If you like things milder or spicier, simply adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
What’s the best type Main Course
Kalamata olives are classic for their deep, briny character, but any high-quality black olives will work. Just make sure they’re pitted and flavorful to give your Chicken Puttanesca its signature punch.
Can this dish be made ahead?
Yes, Chicken Puttanesca is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Simply cook as directed, then cool and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better for lunch or dinner the next day.
Do I have to use fresh herbs?
Fresh parsley or basil add a wonderful pop of color and flavor, but if you’re short on time, dried herbs will work in the pinch. Just use about one-third the amount and sprinkle them in with the sauce, not as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something satisfying, vibrant, and downright irresistible, Chicken Puttanesca is the answer. It’s fast enough for Tuesday night but special enough for company—so go ahead, gather your ingredients and bring a bit of Italy to your table tonight!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and savory Italian dish, Chicken Puttanesca is a flavorful combination of tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce with olives, capers, and aromatic herbs. Serve this hearty and satisfying meal over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken Puttanesca:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, olives, capers, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and basil before serving.
Notes
- Serve over spaghetti, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
