Authentic Rustic Italian Chicken in Tomato Sauce Recipe for Home

Slow-simmered rustic Italian chicken in tomato sauce captures the heart of traditional Mediterranean cooking with remarkable simplicity.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly in a robust, aromatic sauce that speaks volumes about authentic Italian flavors.

Garlic, herbs, and ripe tomatoes dance together, creating a symphony of taste that transports you straight to a cozy kitchen in Tuscany.

Each ingredient tells a story of generations-old culinary traditions passed down through loving hands.

The rich, velvety sauce clings to succulent chicken, promising a meal that warms both body and soul.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a vibrant finish that elevates this classic dish from mere sustenance to a culinary experience.

Prepare to savor every deeply satisfying bite of this comforting Italian classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Italian Chicken in Tomato Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the star of the dish, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the natural chicken flavor and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the overall seasoning of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Provides a classic Mediterranean cooking medium with rich, smooth flavor that helps create a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a vibrant, tangy base that infuses the chicken with classic Italian warmth and richness.
• Garlic, Basil, Oregano: Traditional Italian herbs and aromatics that will bring authentic Mediterranean depth and fragrance to the dish.

Tools for Crafting Italian Chicken the Right Way

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and building sauce, with high sides for even cooking.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken safely and moving pieces without piercing meat.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for seasoning and preparing chicken.
• Sharp knife: Helps trim or cut chicken if needed before cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and managing ingredients in skillet.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate salt and pepper seasoning.

Easy Steps to Cook Italian Chicken in Sauce

• Prepare Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously, ensuring both sides are well-coated with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a hot surface that will give the chicken a beautiful golden crust. Carefully place chicken in the pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a rich, appetizing brown color develops.

• Create Sauce Base

Lower the heat and add garlic, onions, and herbs to the same skillet, allowing them to release their aromatic oils and create a delicious foundation for the sauce.

• Simmer and Blend

Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the herbs and aromatics. Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.

• Cook to Perfection

Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.

• Final Touch

Remove the lid, check that chicken is cooked through, and let the sauce reduce slightly for a rich, concentrated flavor. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.

Tomato Sauce Tips for Juicier Italian Chicken

• Mastering the Perfect Texture: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Sauce Depth Enhancement: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the tomato sauce for a richer, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap chicken for firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives to create a delicious vegetarian or vegan version that maintains the classic Italian flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the meal satisfying and flavorful.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, with the flavors actually improving as they meld together overnight.

Serve Italian Chicken with Pasta, Bread, or Rice

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice the golden-brown chicken and arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh basil leaves, olives, and crusty Italian bread for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Serve over creamy polenta or al dente pasta, letting the rich tomato sauce cascade over the chicken and create a hearty, satisfying dinner.
• Fresh Mediterranean Twist: Top with crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add bright, zesty flavors that complement the tender chicken.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cool the chicken completely, slice thinly, and store in airtight containers with sauce for delicious lunch portions that taste even better the next day.

Store Italian Chicken and Sauce Without Losing Flavor

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Italian chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Magic: Carefully wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag where they'll stay delicious for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of extra tomato sauce, keeping the meat moist and preventing dryness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Prep-Ahead Power: Marinate chicken in tomato sauce mixture up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and enhance overall taste profile.

Rustic Italian Chicken In Tomato Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Italian chicken in tomato sauce delivers Mediterranean comfort with robust flavors. Fresh herbs and tender meat create a classic Italian dining experience you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Evenly coat chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high flame until it ripples with intense heat, then strategically place chicken to develop a robust golden-brown crust, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side to seal in rich flavors.
3. Preliminary Removal: Extract partially seared chicken and reserve on a clean plate, preparing for the subsequent sauce integration.
4. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onions until translucent and fragrant, releasing their essential oils and creating a flavor-packed base.
5. Sauce Development: Pour crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the skillet, incorporating dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, stirring to blend the vibrant ingredients into a harmonious sauce.
6. Liquid Infusion: Add white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up caramelized bits while introducing depth and complexity to the developing sauce.
7. Chicken Reintegration: Gently return seared chicken to the simmering sauce, nestling pieces to ensure complete coverage and allowing them to finish cooking through.
8. Simmering Finale: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to poach in the rich tomato sauce for 15-20 minutes, ensuring tender, thoroughly cooked meat that absorbs the intricate flavor profile.
9. Garnishing: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grate parmesan cheese over the dish just before serving, adding a final layer of aromatic freshness and savory complexity.

Notes

• Seal in Flavor: Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding chicken to create a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and develops rich caramelized notes.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Use a spacious skillet to prevent chicken pieces from steaming instead of searing, which helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior.
• Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat to create an even golden crust without burning the chicken, watching carefully for the ideal color and texture.
• Resting is Crucial: Let the chicken rest briefly after initial searing to redistribute internal juices, preventing dryness and maintaining tenderness during subsequent cooking stages.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg