Super Simple Italian Chicken
Ready in just 35 minutes, Super Simple Italian Chicken is a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to impress. Featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, oregano, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, this one-skillet recipe delivers classic Italian comfort with minimal effort. Finished with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley, it’s a family-friendly dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. With its quick prep time and bold, hearty flavors, this Italian chicken recipe is a must-try for easy weeknight meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes, canned
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy cup, pound them gently to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for a few seconds to toast the spices lightly.
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer. Season the sauce with the remaining salt and black pepper.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece of chicken to coat.
Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and tomato sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional minute, until the cheese has melted.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Pair with pasta, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1498 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.2 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.3 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 612 mg | 204% | |
| Sodium | 858 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.9 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 224.6 g | 449% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 335 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1856 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
