Roman-Style Chicken Recipe – Italian Special

Roman-Style Chicken is a classic Italian dish that captures the rustic, bold flavors of Rome. This comforting recipe features chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, flavored with aromatic garlic, onions, olives, capers, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. The combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet elements creates a deeply satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. With its simple ingredients and Mediterranean flair, Roman-Style Chicken is a perfect way to bring the flavors of Italy to your table, offering both elegance and ease for any occasion.

  • Prep Time20 min
  • Cook Time40 min
  • Total Time1 hr

Roman-Style Chicken Ingredients :

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Sear the Chicken:

1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

2

Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

3

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Deglaze and Simmer:

5

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

6

Stir in the diced tomatoes, olives, capers, oregano, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook the Chicken:

7

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.

8

Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Garnish and Serve:

9

Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Recipe Notes :

Chicken:Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture. You can also use chicken breasts, but they may cook a bit faster.

Olives and Capers:The combination of olives and capers adds a wonderful briny flavor to the sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of capers or use green olives instead of Kalamata.

Cooking Method:For a deeper, more developed flavor, you can simmer the chicken on very low heat for longer, ensuring it’s tender and infused with the sauce.

Serving:Roman-Style Chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or a green vegetable like spinach or broccoli. You can also serve it over rice to soak up the sauce.