This skillet Sicilian chicken is bright, saucy, and simple. Tender chicken breasts simmer in juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and warm oregano. The garlic and onion give a sweet, savory base. Fresh basil at the end adds a pop of color and fresh scent. It comes together in under an hour and makes a weeknight dinner feel special.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: ~420 kcal
- Protein: ~53 g
- Carbohydrates: ~10 g
- Fat: ~19 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~750 mg
Why Make Delicious Skillet Sicilian Chicken
This recipe is quick, bold, and homey. The tomato sauce keeps the chicken juicy. Olives add a salty, slightly fruity bite. Oregano and garlic give an Italian feel without fuss. You can make it on a busy weeknight or for guests. It pairs well with simple sides and needs only one skillet for easy cleanup.
How to Make Delicious Skillet Sicilian Chicken
This method focuses on browning the chicken, building a tasty pan sauce, then gently simmering so the meat finishes tender and flavorful. It uses pantry items and a short simmer to meld flavors. A meat thermometer and a quick rest make the chicken perfect every time.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and slice the olives if needed. Shake the can of diced tomatoes to mix.
Step 2: Mixing
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté, stirring, until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Cooking
Move the onion and garlic to the side. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Brown the chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, add the sliced olives, and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir gently to combine.
Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Finishing
Uncover and taste the sauce. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Let the chicken rest in the sauce off the heat for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
How to Serve Delicious Skillet Sicilian Chicken
- Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or creamy polenta.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
- For a lighter meal, serve over a bed of sautéed greens or spiralized zucchini.
How to Store Delicious Skillet Sicilian Chicken
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is thick. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between them.
Expert Tips for Perfect Delicious Skillet Sicilian Chicken
- Dry the chicken before searing to get a good brown crust.
- Use a thermometer to ensure safe doneness (165°F / 74°C).
- Don’t over-cover while simmering; keep heat low so the sauce reduces slowly and the chicken stays tender.
- If olives are very salty, rinse them briefly to reduce sodium.
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth when you add the tomatoes for extra depth.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes off the heat so juices redistribute.
Delicious Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in or boneless thighs for richer flavor and slightly longer cooking.
- Capers & Lemon: Add 1–2 tablespoons capers and a squeeze of lemon for a tangy twist.
- Spicy Sicilian: Add red pepper flakes or chopped pepperoncini for heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with thick eggplant slices or firm tofu. Brown them first, then simmer in the same sauce.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in 1/4 cup cream or mascarpone at the end for a silky sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs are forgiving and flavorful. Reduce heat and add a few extra minutes to reach a safe internal temperature. Bone-in thighs take longer—check with a thermometer. -
Q: How do I reduce the salt from the olives?
A: Rinse sliced olives under cold water and pat dry before adding. Choose low-sodium or rinsed canned olives. -
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the dish, cool, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently. The sauce often tastes better the next day after flavors meld. -
Q: What can I serve with this for picky eaters?
A: Offer plain pasta, mashed potatoes, or white rice on the side. Serve the sauce on the side so diners can choose the portions. -
Q: Will the chicken dry out if I simmer too long?
A: Yes. Keep the simmer gentle and check at 20 minutes. Use a thermometer. Overcooking breast meat will make it firm; if needed, add a bit of broth and lower the heat. -
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes. Use about 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes and cook a bit longer to break them down. Taste and adjust seasoning. -
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool fully, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Delicious Skillet Sicilian Chicken is an easy, flavorful meal that balances juicy chicken with bright tomatoes and briny olives. It’s fast enough for weeknights and tasty enough for guests. If you enjoy skillet chicken recipes and want a closely related classic for inspiration, see this version of The Original Marry Me Chicken. Give this recipe a try—taste, tweak, and make it your own.
Print
Delicious Skillet Sicilian Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
This skillet Sicilian chicken is bright, saucy, and simple, featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and warm oregano, topped with fresh basil.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and slice the olives if needed. Shake the can of diced tomatoes to mix.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté, stirring, until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Move the onion and garlic to the side. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Brown the chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, add the sliced olives, and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Uncover and taste the sauce. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Let the chicken rest in the sauce off the heat for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Dry the chicken before cooking for a better sear. Use a thermometer to ensure safe doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 53g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
