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chicken calabrese

📝 Chicken Calabrese

Chicken Calabrese is a bold and rustic dish from Calabria, Italy, known for its spicy, rich tomato sauce, savory peppers, and tender chicken. This one-pan meal bursts with Southern Italian flavor – perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
  • Salt & pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small red onion sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Optional: Calabrian chili paste or chopped Calabrian chilis

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Prepare the chicken
  1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Build the sauce
  1. In the same skillet, sauté onions and peppers for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and tomato paste. Stir until fragrant (~1 minute).
  3. Add cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and wine (or broth). Bring to a simmer.
Simmer
  1. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling into the sauce. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Finish
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning. If desired, stir in Calabrian chili paste for extra heat.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve over creamy polenta, pasta, or crusty bread.
You can use boneless thighs or breasts – just reduce cooking time by 5–10 minutes.
Add olives or capers for a briny twist.