Nigella Chicken Puttanesca ​Recipe

This easy Chicken Puttanesca is a delicious and hearty meal that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can easily customize it with pantry staples like olives and capers. Enjoy the comforting flavors and vibrant colors that will impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 fresh red chili, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 6 oz (175 g) pitted black olives, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make nigella chicken puttanesca :

1. Heat Oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a frying pan until it’s very hot.
2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper, season with salt and pepper, and place in the hot oil. Fry over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes, until golden brown on both sides. Transfer chicken to a plate.
3. Add Garlic and Chili: To the same pan, add garlic and chili, frying for about 30 seconds.
4. Make the Sauce: Add chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, olives, capers, basil, and some salt and pepper. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, then return the chicken to the pan, skin side up. Baste with sauce and push the chicken down slightly.
5. Simmer: Let it simmer, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Cook Tagliatelle: About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, boil a large pan of salted water. Cook the tagliatelle for 5 minutes, then drain.
7. Serve: Place the chicken on a plate, spoon sauce over the top, serve with tagliatelle on the side, and garnish with basil sprigs.

Recipe Tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality olives will enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili to suit your spice preference.
• Substitute Pasta: If you don’t have tagliatelle, any pasta type like spaghetti or penne will work well.
• Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and tastes even better the next day.
• Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute chicken with other proteins like turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers:

• Storing: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 30g

Try More Nigella  Lawson Recipes:

• Nigella Chicken Liver Pate
• Nigella Chicken And Ham Pie
• Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Tray Bake