Delicious Chicken Calabrese Recipe

I’m excited to share my version of the Delicious Calabrese chicken recipe. It’s a mix of Italian simplicity and Mediterranean boldness.

This Best Chicken Calabrese recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s fast to make and full of flavor. It’s a favorite in Italy and loved worldwide.

This recipe is all about simplicity and quality ingredients. With just a few key items, you can make a meal that’s both filling and tasty.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Packed with Mediterranean flavors
• Perfect for a weeknight dinner
• Simple yet delicious ingredients
• Originates from Italian cuisine

My Love Affair with Chicken Calabrese

The first time I tasted Chicken Calabrese, I was amazed by its flavors. It was love at first bite. This Italian style chicken dish has become a favorite in my kitchen.

What Makes This Dish So Special

Chicken Calabrese is special because of its simplicity and quality ingredients. It’s a dish that lets a few exceptional components stand out. The mix of tender chicken, tangy Calabrese sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is unbeatable.

The Rich Flavor Profile You’ll Crave

The flavor of Chicken Calabrese is rich and complex. The Calabrese sauce, with its garlic, red pepper flakes, and sometimes anchovies, adds a unique taste. Paired with mozzarella and juicy chicken, it’s a Calabrese chicken recipe you’ll want more of.

A Taste of Calabria: The Story Behind the Dish

Exploring Chicken Calabrese takes me into the heart of Calabria, southern Italy. This dish is famous for its bold flavors and spicy kick. It truly shows what Calabrian cuisine is all about.

Exploring Calabrian Culinary Traditions

Calabrian cooking is all about fresh ingredients, herbs, and chili peppers. These give the food its spicy flavor profile. The area’s food traditions come from its rich history and diverse cultures.

• Use of fresh vegetables and fruits
• Incorporation of high-quality olive oil
• Prominent role of garlic and onions in many recipes

How This Recipe Made Its Way to American Kitchens

Chicken Calabrese is now a favorite in American homes. It’s thanks to Italian immigrants and local cooking styles. The recipe has been tweaked to fit American tastes, keeping the Authentic Calabrese cuisine spirit alive.

Its flavorful and spicy taste has made it a hit in Italian-American restaurants. It’s a dish that many love.

Chicken Calabrese: Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a delicious Chicken Calabrese is in its ingredients. Choose the freshest and highest quality items for the best taste. This ensures a rich and satisfying flavor.

Choosing the Perfect Chicken

For an Easy Chicken Calabrese, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Choose organic or free-range chicken for better taste and texture. Make sure the chicken is fresh and of high quality.

Fresh Produce That Makes the Difference

Fresh produce is key for a great Chicken Calabrese. You’ll need:

• Fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes
• Garlic
• Fresh basil leaves

These ingredients add depth and freshness to your dish.

Essential Herbs and Spices

To get the signature flavor, you’ll need:

• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper

Complete Shopping List

Here’s a concise Ingredients List for your Easy Chicken Calabrese:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups of fresh tomatoes or 1 can of high-quality tomatoes
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

With this list, you’re ready to make a delicious Chicken Calabrese that will impress everyone.

Cooking Your Chicken Calabrese Step by Step

To make perfect Chicken Calabrese, just follow my guide. It might seem hard, but breaking it down makes it simple.

Preparing Your Ingredients

First, prepare your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and easy.

Preparing Your Ingredients

Before we start cooking, it’s essential to prepare our ingredients. This step ensures that the cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Preparing Your Ingredients

Before we start cooking, it’s essential to prepare our ingredients. This step ensures that the cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Chicken Preparation Techniques

To prepare the chicken, pound it to an even thickness. This ensures it cooks evenly. Season it with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Vegetable Prep Tips

For the vegetables, slice them into uniform pieces. Use bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for flavor and texture. Remove seeds and excess moisture to avoid sogginess.

Creating the Signature Calabrese Sauce

The Calabrese sauce is key. Mix crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes in a pan. Simmer it over low heat. Adjust the spiciness with red pepper flakes.

Bringing Everything Together

With ingredients ready and sauce simmering, it’s time to combine them. Sear the chicken until golden, then set it aside. Cook the vegetables until tender. Add the chicken back, pour in the sauce, and simmer for a few minutes.

How to Know When It’s Perfectly Done

The chicken must be cooked through and flavors must meld. Check the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). The sauce should coat everything well. Follow these steps for a delicious meal.

Making the Most of Your Chicken Calabrese

Now that you’ve learned how to cook Chicken Calabrese, let’s find ways to enjoy it more. You can impress guests or just have a great meal. There are many ways to make your meal better.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

Chicken Calabrese can be served in many ways. Try it with garlic roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light meal. For something more filling, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty pasta dish.

Another idea is to use Chicken Calabrese in sandwiches or wraps. Slice the chicken, add mozzarella cheese, and top with Calabrese sauce. It’s a tasty and easy meal to take on the go.

My Favorite Variations and Twists

One fun part of making Chicken Calabrese is trying new things. Add spicy peppers for a kick or use different cheeses for a unique taste.

I also like adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the sauce. It adds a burst of flavor. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Chicken Calabrese can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot.

You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as before.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Weeknights

To make Chicken Calabrese easy for busy nights, prepare the Calabrese sauce ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to a week.

You can also marinate the chicken breasts in advance. This makes cooking them quick and easy. Just follow the recipe, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready fast.

Conclusion: Why This Chicken Calabrese Recipe Will Become a Family Favorite

I’m excited to share Chicken Calabrese with you. It’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. The mix of tender chicken, rich Calabrese sauce, and fresh veggies makes it both tasty and fulfilling.

Chicken Calabrese is easy to make, which is another reason it’s great. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make a meal that will wow everyone. It’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing Chicken Calabrese with your family. It will surely become a Family Favorite. It’s a dish that brings people together, making every mealtime special.

For a light and crunchy side that pairs perfectly with bold Italian flavors, try these Homemade Cottage Cheese Chips.

Delicious Chicken Calabrese Recipe

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• Author: Jake Miller
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This bold and savory Chicken Calabrese recipe combines tender chicken breasts with spicy Calabrian chili peppers, sweet bell peppers, and a tangy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals, this dish bursts with Southern Italian flavors and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

• Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden. Remove and set aside.

• In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

• Stir in garlic, Calabrian chili paste, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute.

• Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

• Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

• Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan if desired.

• Serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread.

Notes

• Adjust the level of heat by using more or less Calabrian chili paste.
• Can be made ahead and reheated; flavors deepen with time.
• Add olives or capers for extra Mediterranean flair.
• For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and veggies
• Calories: 320kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chicken calabrese, spicy chicken recipe, Italian chicken skillet, Calabrian chili chicken, weeknight dinner