Savor the vibrant flavors of Sicilian chicken—a Mediterranean masterpiece featuring tender chicken simmered with tomatoes, olives, capers, and aromatic herbs. This dish embodies the spirit of Sicily, offering a harmonious blend of rustic ingredients, bold taste, and comforting warmth that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Italy.
Sicilian chicken is a flavorful dish that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Sicily, an island renowned for its unique blend of Mediterranean influences. The recipe likely evolved from a tradition of combining local ingredients such as tomatoes, olives, capers, and aromatic herbs—staples in Sicilian kitchens for centuries.
To prepare Sicilian chicken, bone-in or boneless chicken pieces are first seared to lock in their juices, then simmered gently in a sauce made from ripe tomatoes, briny olives, tangy capers, onions, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs like oregano and basil. Sometimes, white wine is added for extra depth.
What makes Sicilian chicken especially interesting is its harmonious balance of bold flavors and rustic simplicity, capturing the essence of sun-soaked Mediterranean cuisine. The dish’s adaptability allows cooks to personalize it with their favorite vegetables or spices, making it a comforting yet vibrant meal that transports you to Sicily with every bite.
This skillet Sicilian chicken recipe from Delish is easy and quick, making it a perfect one-pan meal that comes together in about 35 minutes, though you must carefully watch the chicken searing and baking steps. The flavor profile is rich and comforting, built on savory, crispy chicken skin and a luxurious cream sauce. Its signature Sicilian taste comes from the salty Parmesan cheese and concentrated, sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, which are nicely balanced by fresh garlic, thyme, and a subtle warmth from crushed red pepper flakes.
Sicilian Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- Torn fresh basil, for serving
Directions
- Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 375°. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 Tbsp. oil. Generously season chicken with salt and black pepper and cook, turning halfway through, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- In same skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil. Stir in garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan; season with salt. Bring to a simmer, then return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet.
- Transfer skillet to oven. Bake chicken until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 165°, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Arrange chicken on a platter. Spoon sauce over. Top with basil.
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