Skillet Chicken Puttanesca

Skillet Chicken Puttanesca

4 servings
This Skillet Chicken Puttanesca comes together so quickly, you'll hardly believe how good it tastes. Made with chicken breasts, canned tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, fresh oregano, and plenty of olive oil. Ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • whole peeled tomatoes

    with their juices

    1 can
  • anchovy fillets

    coarsely chopped, optional

    4
  • pitted kalamata or other black olives

    coarsely chopped

    1 c
  • capers
    ¼ c
  • crushed red pepper
    1 tsp
  • chopped fresh oregano
    3 tbsp
  • skinless

    boneless chicken breasts, about 3 pounds

    4
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • ground black pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • olive oil

    divided

    3 tbsp
  • garlic

    finely chopped

    2 cloves
  • extra sprigs fresh oregano

    for garnish

  • crusty bread

    to serve, skip if serving gluten-free

Directions

  1. 1

    Prep the tomato sauce: Pour the tomatoes into a bowl and crush with your hands or with a wooden spoon until you have uneven 1-inch pieces (you can also use scissors to snip the tomatoes into small pieces). Mix in the anchovies, olives, capers, red pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the oregano to the bowl. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Sear the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken all over with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until hot. Add the chicken and cook without disturbing for 3 minutes, or until browned. If you are using a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet, do not turn until the chicken moves easily without prodding. Turn and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

  3. 3

    Make the sauce: In the skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the tomato mixture – be careful since the juices will splutter when you add them to the pan. Cook for 1 minute or until the spluttering stops. Stir well, turn down the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add more salt, black pepper, or red pepper, if you like.

  4. 4

    Add the chicken and finish the sauce: Add the chicken breasts and any juices to the skillet and spoon a little sauce over top. Cover the pan and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F.

  5. 5

    Serve: Serve straight from the skillet or transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon oregano over the top and garnish with oregano sprigs. Serve with plenty of crusty bread.

Skillet Chicken Puttanesca

Skillet Chicken Puttanesca

4.4(7)30 min4 servings397 cal

Similar Recipes

Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan

Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan

This gluten-free chicken parmesan gives me all the comfort. It’s pan-fried for that golden crunch, then finished in the oven with marinara and melty mozzarella. It’s surprisingly easy to pull together, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday dinner.Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

40 minutes6 servings697 kcal
Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets

Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets

This quick and easy cheesy bruschetta chicken cutlets recipe is ready in 15 minutes flat. Chicken cutlets are topped with canned tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

15 minutes4 servings437 kcal
Sheet Pan Tomato and Artichoke Chicken

Sheet Pan Tomato and Artichoke Chicken

Make this easy artichoke chicken bake for a healthy weeknight dinner

30 minutes3 servings
Skillet Greek Chicken

Skillet Greek Chicken

Skillet Greek Chicken is a flavorful chicken marinated in yogurt and spices cooked on the stove. This easy chicken dinner is great for low-carb, meal prep, or just a delicious meal served with warm naan.

40 minutes
Tuscan Portobello Stew

Tuscan Portobello Stew

Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Tender Skillet is a delicious, hearty, tangy, and creamy dinner that is great over rice, vegetables, pasta - or on it's own!

30 minutes565 kcal
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

There's something magical about the simplicity of garlic and butter. These two humble ingredients, when paired with perfectly cooked pasta and tender, seasoned chicken, create a symphony of flavors that feels both luxurious and comforting. This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a recipe that brings people together. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy date night at home, or a festive gathering, this dish always steals the spotlight. I first fell in love with this recipe on a chilly winter evening. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled my kitchen, and I knew I was on the brink of creating something special. The first bite was everything I’d hoped for: creamy, savory, and just a touch garlicky. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, loved by family and friends alike. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist its charm! This recipe also holds a universal appeal. It takes inspiration from Italian cuisine, where garlic and butter have long been celebrated as the foundation of rich, indulgent sauces. Over time, variations of this recipe have emerged across the world, with each culture adding its unique twist. My version stays true to its roots while offering a few personal touches to make it extra special. What makes this dish even more delightful is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be approachable, foolproof, and utterly delicious.

Caprese Chicken Skillet

Caprese Chicken Skillet

One pan caprese chicken dinner

28 minutes2 servings

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Excellent

Based on 7 ratings

simplyrecipes.com
4.4(7 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together in a flash? This Skillet Chicken Puttanesca is your answer, delivering authentic Italian-inspired taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for any weeknight.

What makes this recipe truly special is how quickly bold, complex flavors develop. With chicken breasts cooked right in a rich, tangy sauce featuring canned tomatoes, salty olives, bright capers, and a hint of anchovy, you achieve a depth of flavor in just 30 minutes that usually takes hours.

Prepare for a hearty and satisfying meal where tender chicken bathes in a rustic, well-balanced sauce. You'll experience the delightful punch of briny olives and capers, complemented by the subtle umami from anchovies (which melt away, leaving only savory depth), and a gentle warmth from crushed red pepper, all brightened by fresh oregano. This naturally gluten-free dish is also a healthy and paleo-friendly option for a delicious dinner, proving that quick meals don't sacrifice taste or quality.

This versatile Skillet Chicken Puttanesca easily adapts to your pantry and preferences. For a vegetarian take, omit the chicken and anchovies, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can skip them entirely; the sauce will still be delicious thanks to the other briny components. You can also adjust the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper to suit your taste.

Serve this quick and easy 1-Pot Skillet Chicken Puttanesca as a robust main course, perhaps alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the incredible sauce (just skip the bread if you're keeping it gluten-free). It's an ideal choice for a casual family dinner or an impressive, yet effortless, meal for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions