Description
Chicken Pizzaiola is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with capers, garlic, and aromatic herbs, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh herbs for a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless & skinless)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoons capers (drained)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings and Garnish
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to prepare them for cooking.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook about 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release aroma.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, then stir in capers, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Broil with cheese: Preheat the oven broiler. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each chicken breast in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes just until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and fresh basil. Serve each portion with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transition from stovetop to broiler.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
