Description
This easy Chicken Puttanesca recipe combines bold Mediterranean flavors like olives, capers, garlic, and tomatoes to create a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features juicy chicken breasts simmered in a tangy, savory sauce that’s perfect served with pasta, rice, or on its own for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Base & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Seasoning & Finishing
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown or burn.
- Build the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, drained capers, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
- Return Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and allow to simmer together for another 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Finish With Fresh Elements: Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for richer flavor and better texture.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Capers and kalamata olives provide the essential salty and tangy notes signature to Puttanesca.
- Adjust salt and pepper after the sauce simmers to avoid over-seasoning.
- Serve the dish immediately to maintain the juiciness of the chicken and freshness of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Chicken Puttanesca, Mediterranean chicken, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, low-carb chicken recipe