Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a one-pot meal. This Italian-style chicken stew is not just another recipe – it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. With tender, golden-brown chicken thighs simmering in a rich, aromatic sauce, this recipe promises to become your new weeknight dinner hero that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano on both sides.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down to brown. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside on a clean plate.
- In the same pot, add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Check chicken's internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
- Serve hot, preferably with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Chicken Selection: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. The skin helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the chicken. A deep golden-brown color develops incredible depth of flavor that will elevate the entire dish.
- Don't Rush the Sauté: When cooking onions, peppers, and garlic, allow them to develop a slight caramelization. This builds a more complex flavor base for your stew.
- Temperature Control: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when cooking the chicken. This ensures the meat stays tender and doesn't become tough.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil for garnishing. The bright, aromatic herbs will add a fresh contrast to the rich, hearty stew.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of simple green salad can complement the meal perfectly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 135mg
