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.
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)
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