Take a journey down a flavorful road to Sicily, full of rustic charm and bold, hearty cooking. Easy Sicilian Braised Chicken is made with easy-going chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce filled with Mediterranean flavors. Each bite of the this Sicilian Braised Chicken is like a hug from Nonna. You can use this braised chicken for a cozy weeknight dinner, or, to become the kitchen hero for the oncoming holiday gatherings.
What makes this recipe special? The simplicity paired with depth. Unlike other braised dishes that require hours of babysitting, this recipe is surprisingly hands-off, as we allow the heat of the oven to work its magic and allow the chicken soak up the garlic, oregano, and a splash of white wine. And when the meal is served, your entire gathering will feel like they got the warm comfort of a hug, but also experienced something a little more elevated than your average chicken dinner. Easy Sicilian Braised Chicken is so comforting and easy even the pickiest of eaters will indulge in seconds.
Let’s talk versatility. This is one of those recipes that changes based on how you feel. Is your craving for something hearty? Serve it over creamy polenta or crusty bread. Looking for something lighter? Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. No matter how you serve it, this Sicilian Braised Chicken will take you on a journey to the sun-drenched hills of Sicily.
What makes this recipe so perfect, though, is its ability to bring people together. Nothing creates a sense of togetherness quite like the smell of garlic and herbs wafting through a kitchen. It makes everyone want to sit at the table and enjoy a meal together. It’s a dish to talk over, laugh about, and maybe even go back for seconds.
So put on your apron and let’s give this a try! Whether you are an experienced cook or have never stepped foot in the kitchen, you can make this Sicilian Braised Chicken and have a meal that is going to be memorable and delicious.
Why You Should Make This Sicilian Braised Chicken
I truly don’t know where to start. This Sicilian Braised Chicken is a game changer. This is not just another chicken recipe, it is a flavor bomb. Imagine juicy chicken thighs gently braised in a thick tomato sauce with fragrant garlic and oregano, a splash white wine, briny olives, and capers. This is one of those meals that is bold and comforting, simply memorizing.
What makes it so great is how uncomplicated it is. You do not have to be a Michelin-star chef to make this game changer. The prep is simple—and takes all of 10-15 minutes—and you can distinguished rich, succulent chicken for dinner.
I love that this meal is completely customizable. No olives? You could use artichoke hearts instead. Want a creamier sauce? Add a spoonful of ricotta before serving. This meal is customizable and adaptable to what you have on hand to make it an excellent go-to recipe to rotate.
Believe me, after you make this Sicilian Braised Chicken, it will be the dish you make over and over again for family dinners, potlucks, and everything in between.
The Background on This Sicilian Braised Chicken
The first time I made this Sicilian Braised Chicken was on a rainy Sunday afternoon when my husband and I were looking for comfort food. I came across this recipe in an old Italian cookbook and thought I would give it a whirl.
I had no idea – it would wind up being a family favorite. The moment that garlic and oregano smell hit the kitchen, my husband popped his head in and said, “Whatever you’re making, I want it now.” And when the dish made it to the table? We were both blown away. The chicken was so tender it fell off the bone and the sauce was tangy, rich, and full-on flavor.
Since that moment, this Sicilian Braised Chicken has become etched in our household. It’s the dish we make for birthdays, anniversaries, and even regular Tuesday nights. It is more than a recipe – it’s a memory maker.
Why You Should Make Sicilian Braised Chicken
Heavily flavored!
This standout recipe embodies Sicilian. Garlic, oregano, olives, and capers pack a wallop of flavor.
Beginner friendly!
There are no advanced cooking techniques for this dish. It is ideal for beginners or experienced cooks!
Flexible!
Change up the ingredients. Serve with different sides. There are tons of options!
Tips for Sicilian Braised Chicken
- Broil the chicken after braising. About 2-3 minutes with the broiler on high will create an extra crispy skin. (If you plan to remove the chicken from the pot for presentation purposes).
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
Substitutes and Variations
- Substitute the chicken thighs with drumsticks or breasts if you’d prefer.
- Swap the green olives with Kalamata olives for a deeper flavor.
- Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to reduce the fat.
- Replace half of the white wine with chicken broth for a lighter sauce.
- Serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of bread or polenta.
Sicilian Braised Chicken Wrap Up
And there you go! A meal that’s just as easy as it is tasty. We would love to see how your Sicilian Braised Chicken turns out, and be sure to check out some of our other recipes if you’re looking for culinary inspiration!
Easy Sicilian Braised Chicken
Description
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with olives, capers, and a hint of citrus, creating a beautifully balanced Sicilian Braised Chicken. This dish is a perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors, sure to impress your taste buds.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown—about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, olives, and capers. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Transfer the skillet to the oven and braise for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2514.35kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 182.81g282%
- Saturated Fat 44.2g221%
- Cholesterol 850.49mg284%
- Sodium 2416.15mg101%
- Potassium 2240.19mg65%
- Total Carbohydrate 27.58g10%
- Dietary Fiber 5.8g24%
- Sugars 7.63g
- Protein 144.55g290%
- Vitamin A 1336.78 IU
- Vitamin C 17.98 mg
- Calcium 217.46 mg
- Iron 8.59 mg
- Vitamin D 1.01 mcg
- Vitamin E 8.98 mg
- Vitamin K 118.63 mcg
- Thiamin 0.75 mg
- Riboflavin 1.27 mg
- Niacin 41.22 mg
- Vitamin B6 3.42 mg
- Folate 66.04 mcg
- Vitamin B12 5.6 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 9.18 mg
- Phosphorus 1476.51 mg
- Magnesium 223.02 mg
- Zinc 11.64 mg
- Selenium 165.92 mcg
- Copper 0.69 mg
- Manganese 0.87 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
