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Easiest Chicken Pizzaiola Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners Tonight

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A quick and easy chicken pizzaiola recipe featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy tomato sauce with garlic and herbs, perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes (crushed by hand or with a spoon)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons red wine or balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan, leaving space between each piece. Cook without moving for about 4 minutes until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet.
  4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  5. Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn it.
  6. Pour in the canned tomatoes, crushing them gently with a spoon or spatula. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. If using, stir in 2 tablespoons of red wine or balsamic vinegar now.
  8. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce, spoon some sauce over the top, cover loosely, and simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream at the end to balance it. Do not rush the searing step to lock in moisture and build flavor. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Avoid crowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Garlic burns quickly, so add it after searing chicken and watch carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pizzaiola, easy chicken recipe, family dinner, tomato sauce, Italian chicken, quick dinner, cozy meal

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/easiest-chicken-pizzaiola-recipe-for-cozy-family-dinners-tonight/