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Chicken Calabrese Recipe

How To Make Chicken Calabrese – A One-Pan Italian Classic

Chicken Calabrese is a flavorful Italian dish featuring tender chicken, spicy Calabrian peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’s a comforting, rustic dish with a bit of heat, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste or chopped Calabrian peppers
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for extra spice
  • ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or mascarpone cheese optional for a creamy version
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Sear the Chicken:
  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce:
  • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in cherry tomatoes, Calabrian chili paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften.
  • Pour in chicken broth or wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Add oregano, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well.
  • Simmer And Finish:
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, covering it with the sauce.
  • Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
  • (Optional) Stir in heavy cream or mascarpone for a creamy sauce.
  • Serve And Enjoy:
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
  • Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce!

Notes

  • Milder Version? Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes & Calabrian peppers.
  • Prefer Bone-In Chicken? Adjust cooking time simmer for 20-25 minutes instead.
  • Want More Veggies? Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 40gFat: 18g
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