Chicken Pizzaiola: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Pizzaiola is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory tomato and herb sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners or weeknight cooking.

Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the sauce before simmering.
- Use fresh tomatoes in season for a brighter flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken pizzaiola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Chicken Pizzaiola is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.
PrintChicken Pizzaiola: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Chicken Pizzaiola is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory tomato sauce with herbs, onions, and bell peppers. This easy-to-make skillet recipe delivers a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners, garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
Seasonings & Garnish
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering to prepare the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a well-combined flavorful sauce base.
- Return Chicken: Place the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece to ensure even coating.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the sauce for 20 minutes, or until fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Bell peppers can be any color you prefer; red adds sweetness while green offers a slightly bitter note.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the spices.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Chicken Pizzaiola, Italian chicken recipe, tomato sauce chicken, easy chicken dinner, skillet chicken recipe

