Chicken Puttanesca
A bold and savory Italian-inspired chicken dish featuring anchovies, olives, capers, and fresh basil, perfect for those who enjoy vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a hearty touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Broil chicken breasts 6 to 7 minutes on each side until done.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add anchovies and cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon to make a paste.
- Add chopped garlic and cook until browned, about 2 minutes.
- Chop the whole tomatoes coarsely and add them with their liquid to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add sliced black olives, pimento-stuffed green olives, capers, and crushed red pepper to taste, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add chopped basil during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Cut broiled chicken into chunks and serve topped with the sauce.
- Can also be served over pasta or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when cooking the anchovies. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or omit it entirely. Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned, but make sure to peel and seed them first. Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Puttanesca over a bed of pasta or rice for a hearty meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes that feature robust flavors, such as Chicken Cacciatore(Low-Fat) or Speedy Pasta With Chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Puttanesca contains roughly 1400 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 153g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 675mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 2-3 cups of peeled and chopped tomatoes. Just be sure to cook them longer to break down and release their juices, which will help create a similar sauce consistency.
What can I substitute for anchovies?
If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute with capers for a briny flavor or use a bit of miso paste for umami. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the overall taste of the dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Chicken Puttanesca is great for meal prep. Just store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain texture. When ready to eat, combine and reheat for a quick and flavorful meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).