Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a vibrant sauce of tomatoes, briny capers, and savory olives—this Italian delight is not just a meal; it's a culinary escape to the sun-drenched Mediterranean! With just 40 minutes of your time, you can create a dish that dazzles both the eyes and the palate, perfect for impressing family and friends or simply treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Chicken with Tomatoes, Capers, and Olives!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring to incorporate garlic and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add sliced olives and capers to the tomato mixture. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped.
- Serve immediately, plating chicken breasts with a generous amount of tomato, caper, and olive sauce.
Tips
- Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: For even cooking, take the chicken breasts out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you start cooking. This simple step ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Browning: After seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust that adds flavor and texture.
- Use a Hot Skillet: Preheat your skillet until the olive oil shimmers. This high heat is essential for searing the chicken properly, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it! It only needs 30-45 seconds to become fragrant—overcooking can lead to bitterness.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the tomato, caper, and olive mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors beautifully. The longer you let it cook, the more delicious it will become!
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor. Don’t skimp on the garnish; it elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of pasta to soak up the incredible sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
