Chicken Puttanesca

If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, look no further than Chicken Puttanesca. This Italian-inspired dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a robust sauce that boasts bold flavors like garlic, olives, and anchovies. It’s a delightful combination that’s sure to impress your family or guests, all while being simple enough for a casual evening at home. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy!

Top Reasons to Make Chicken Puttanesca

– **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of garlic, anchovies, olives, and capers creates a complex, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
– **Quick and Easy**: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– **One-Pot Wonder**: Less mess means more time enjoying your meal and less time doing dishes.
– **Versatile**: Pair it with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
– **Impressive Presentation**: The vibrant colors of the sauce make this dish visually stunning, perfect for entertaining.

Ingredient Rundown

To create this flavorful Chicken Puttanesca, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – The skin adds flavor and richness, while the bone keeps the meat juicy.
• Kosher salt – Essential for seasoning your chicken to perfection.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing and adding healthy fats to the dish.
• 6 cloves garlic – Thinly sliced for a fragrant base.
• 4 anchovy fillets – Anchovies melt into the sauce, providing depth of flavor. You can substitute with 2 teaspoons anchovy paste if preferred.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Adjust the amount for your spice tolerance.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• 1 cup kalamata olives – Pitted, these add a briny flavor that complements the dish.
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes – A can of tomatoes provides a juicy base for the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons capers – Drained, these bring a tangy punch to the overall flavor.
• 2 bay leaves – Infuse the sauce with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – Use this to create a rich sauce. Water can be used as an alternative.

Tools of the Trade

To make your Chicken Puttanesca, gather these tools:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy skillet – Perfect for browning the chicken and developing the sauce.
• Wooden spoon – For stirring and scraping up those delicious brown bits.
• Measuring spoons and cups – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife – To thinly slice garlic and chop any other ingredients.
• Cutting board – Essential for prepping your ingredients.

Chicken Puttanesca in Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help them achieve a nice, crispy skin when cooked. Season both sides generously with kosher salt.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the thinly sliced garlic and anchovies. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the anchovies have melted into the oil. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the crushed red pepper flakes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute to deepen the flavor. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes, olives, capers, and chicken broth. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Add the bay leaves on top. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

After 30 minutes, remove the lid and check the chicken for doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If needed, simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Adaptations for Special Diets

If you need to adapt the Chicken Puttanesca to suit specific dietary needs, consider the following:

• Gluten-Free – This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.
• Paleo – Swap out the olives and capers for additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
• Low-Carb/Keto – This dish fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto diet as it is high in protein and healthy fats without added sugars.
• Vegetarian – Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Chef’s Notes

• For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in some olive oil, garlic, and herbs a few hours ahead of time.
• If you prefer a less salty flavor, rinse the olives and capers before adding them to the sauce.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference.
• Pair this dish with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Chicken Puttanesca stores well and can be a great meal prep option. Here are some tips:

• Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Reheat – To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Chicken Puttanesca Q&A

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the chicken.

What can I use instead of anchovies?

If you’d prefer not to use anchovies, you can replace them with a tablespoon of soy sauce or miso paste for similar umami flavor.

Is Chicken Puttanesca spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The crushed red pepper flakes provide some heat, but you can add more or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I add vegetables to Chicken Puttanesca?

Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the garlic and anchovies.

That’s a Wrap

This Chicken Puttanesca recipe is a testament to the beauty of Italian cuisine, showcasing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please. With its bold flavors and hearty texture, Chicken Puttanesca will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a plate of pure deliciousness!