Delicious Chicken Calabrese: A Flavorful Italian Dish You’ll Love

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

What is Chicken Calabrese?

Chicken Calabrese is a flavorful and vibrant dish inspired by the rich culinary traditions of southern Italy, particularly from the Calabria region. This dish typically features tender pieces of chicken cooked with a variety of fresh ingredients, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices. The combination of these ingredients brings a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a beloved recipe for many food enthusiasts.

At its core, chicken calabrese is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to various tastes. While the base ingredients remain similar, the specific preparation method can differ depending on whether the dish is cooked in a skillet, oven-baked, or even grilled. The use of Calabrian chili peppers is a hallmark of the dish, imparting a gentle heat that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Chicken Calabrese can be enjoyed as a main course, served alongside pasta, rice, or even a simple green salad. It’s a great option for those seeking a hearty yet flavorful meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special dish for guests, chicken calabrese offers a satisfying and delicious experience that showcases the bold flavors of Italian cuisine.

While you’re exploring delicious recipes, why not try making a Coffee Cake as a perfect dessert to pair with your Chicken Calabrese meal? Check out this Coffee Cake Recipe for a sweet finish to your dinner.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Calabrese

The key ingredients in chicken calabrese are essential to creating the bold, tangy, and spicy flavors that define this dish. These ingredients not only complement each other but also bring out the best in the chicken, making it a savory delight.

1. Chicken: The star of the dish, chicken, is typically used in boneless pieces like thighs or breasts. The chicken is often seared to a golden crisp before being simmered in a flavorful sauce.
   
2. Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes are crucial for adding depth and richness to the sauce. They provide a slightly sweet and tangy base, helping to balance the heat from other ingredients.
   
3. Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers are commonly used in chicken calabrese. They add a natural sweetness and a vibrant color, which enhances both the flavor and visual appeal of the dish.
   
4. Olives: Green or black olives are a must in this recipe. They lend a briny, earthy taste that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the peppers and the richness of the tomatoes.
   
5. Calabrian Chili Peppers: A defining ingredient of the dish, these small, spicy peppers are grown in Calabria. Their distinctive heat level adds a mild kick without overpowering the other flavors.
   
6. Garlic and Onion: Garlic provides a fragrant base while onions bring sweetness and depth to the sauce. Both ingredients work harmoniously to elevate the dish.
   
7. Herbs and Spices: Oregano, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes give chicken calabrese its signature Mediterranean flair, infusing the dish with aromatic and savory notes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Calabrese

Making chicken calabrese is a straightforward process that yields a mouthwatering, savory dish. Here’s a simple guide to preparing it from scratch:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Start by cutting the chicken into boneless pieces, preferably thighs or breasts, as these tend to stay juicy and tender. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until they turn soft and fragrant, usually 2-3 minutes.
• Add chopped bell peppers and cook for an additional 3 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Add Tomatoes and Olives

• Stir in chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned) along with a handful of pitted olives. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the tomatoes to break down and form a flavorful sauce.

4. Incorporate Calabrian Chili Peppers

• Add finely chopped Calabrian chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili paste to the sauce. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.

5. Simmer the Chicken

• Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Once the chicken is fully cooked, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve chicken calabrese with pasta, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, tangy, and spicy flavors!

Pro Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Calabrese

To elevate your chicken calabrese and ensure it’s packed with flavor, here are some expert tips:

1. Choose Bone-In Chicken: While boneless chicken is convenient, using bone-in chicken pieces like thighs can enhance the flavor. The bone helps retain moisture and infuses the meat with a deeper, richer taste as it simmers in the sauce.
   
2. Use Fresh Calabrian Chilies: If possible, use fresh or jarred Calabrian chili peppers for an authentic kick. These peppers add a distinct heat without being overpowering. If you prefer less spice, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
   
3. Caramelize the Onions: For a deeper flavor, allow the onions to caramelize slightly before adding the garlic and other ingredients. This step adds a natural sweetness that complements the tangy tomatoes and spicy peppers.
   
4. Simmer the Sauce Slowly: Don’t rush the cooking process. Let the sauce simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. This creates a rich, concentrated sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.
   
5. Add Fresh Herbs at the End: To preserve their vibrant flavor, add fresh basil or parsley right at the end of cooking. This step ensures the herbs remain fragrant and provide a burst of freshness.

By following these pro tips, your chicken calabrese will be flavorful, tender, and perfectly balanced.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Calabrese

To ensure your chicken calabrese stays fresh and delicious, proper storage and reheating techniques are essential.

Storing:

1. Cool Down: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation, which can make the sauce watery.
2. Store in Airtight Containers: Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure the chicken is fully covered by the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
3. Freezing: If you plan to store the dish for a longer period, chicken calabrese can be frozen. Transfer the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider separating the chicken from the sauce to retain the best texture.

Reheating:

1. Stovetop: To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
2. Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
3. Oven: For a more even reheat, place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

This will keep your chicken calabrese tasting just as good as when it was freshly made!

Why You Will Love Chicken Calabrese

Chicken Calabrese is a dish that combines bold flavors, vibrant colors, and an irresistible aroma, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, this dish offers something for everyone. The tender chicken, combined with the richness of tomatoes, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the briny punch of olives, creates a balance of tastes that are both comforting and exciting.

What makes chicken calabrese truly special is its versatility. You can easily customize the spice level to suit your preferences, adjusting the amount of Calabrian chili peppers to make it as mild or fiery as you like. Moreover, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from pasta to rice, making it a perfect option for family dinners or dinner parties.

Another reason you’ll love this dish is the ease with which it can be made. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. The slow-simmered sauce intensifies the flavors, ensuring that every bite is bursting with savory goodness.

In short, chicken calabrese is a flavorful, satisfying, and adaptable dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Chicken Calabrese Recipe: Spicy Italian Chicken with Tomato & Olives

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• Author: Chloe
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

 

This Chicken Calabrese recipe is a savory, flavorful Italian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, olives, and a hint of spice from Calabrian chili peppers. A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, it’s an ideal meal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup green or black olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1–2 Calabrian chili peppers, finely chopped (or 1 tsp chili paste)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano, then sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
• In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.
• Stir in chopped tomatoes, olives, Calabrian chili peppers, and herbs. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and cover it with the sauce. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or a green salad.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili peppers based on your preferred spice level.
• You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer leaner meat.
• This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g

Keywords: Chicken Calabrese, Italian chicken recipe, spicy chicken recipe, Calabrian chicken, Mediterranean chicken, chicken with olives, tomato chicken recipe, hearty chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe

FAQ: Chicken Calabrese