Spicy and Flavorful Chicken Fra Diavolo Recipe – A Perfect Italian Delight
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine and love a bit of heat, then you’ll adore our Chicken Fra Diavolo. This dish, traditionally made with seafood, gets a delicious twist with tender chicken thighs simmered in a spicy pepper and tomato sauce. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that will have you savoring every bite.
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The Best Chicken Fra Diavolo Recipe
This Chicken Fra Diavolo recipe is a delightful concoction of juicy chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and a tangy tomato base. The addition of fresh herbs and white wine elevates the dish, making it a standout choice for dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
Notes on Ingredients
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich, layered flavors. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Chicken Thighs: Skin-on and bone-in for maximum flavor.
- Hot Red Pepper: Adds the signature heat.
- White Wine: A dry white like Pinot Grigio works best.
- Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: For a robust, tangy base.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley add a fresh, fragrant finish.
How to Make Chicken Fra Diavolo
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry, trim any excess skin and fat, and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then remove and keep warm.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook the chopped onions and hot red pepper until softened. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the white wine and tomato paste, cooking briefly. Add the crushed tomatoes and minced basil, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Bake: Nestle the chicken thighs into the sauce, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional basil. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
How to Serve Chicken Fra Diavolo
Serve this spicy and savory dish with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad. For a complete Italian feast, accompany it with a glass of your favorite white wine.
How to Store Chicken Fra Diavolo
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months.
Nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 372.71 kcal | 19% |
| Total Fat | 26.19 g | 37% |
| Carbs | 6.75 g | 3% |
| Sugars | 2.84 g | 3% |
| Protein | 23.04 g | 46% |
| Sodium | 560 mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 1.68 g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 7.59 g | 38% |
| Trans Fat | 0.11 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11.36 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.86 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 132.44 mg | 44% |
| Calcium | 50.56 mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 29.12 mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 493.43 mg | 14% |
| Iron | 1.59 mg | 11% |
| Zinc | 1.8 mg | 18% |
| Phosphorus | 226.87 mg | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 139.43 mcg | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 14.02 mg | 18% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.11 mg | 10% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.21 mg | 15% |
| Niacin B3 | 6.2 mg | 39% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.53 mg | 38% |
| Folic Acid B9 | 9.11 mcg | 5% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.82 mcg | 33% |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 0.85 mg | 7% |
| Vitamin K | 17.29 mcg | 23% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Chicken Fra Diavolo
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but be mindful that chicken breasts may cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs.
How can I reduce the spiciness?
To reduce the heat, use less hot red pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, and make sure to remove the seeds from the peppers.
What can I serve with Chicken Fra Diavolo?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad. Crusty bread is also great for soaking up the sauce.
The Best Chicken Fra Diavolo Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 hot red pepper chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
- 1/2 cup white wine such as Pinot Grigio
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 14 1/2 ounce crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, and trim away extra skin and excess fat. Season each chicken thigh with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- When the butter is bubbling, add chicken thighs. Being careful not to crowd the skillet, work in batches to brown each thigh, 3 to 5 minutes per side. When all the thighs are browned, remove to a plate and keep warm.
- To the same skillet, add chopped onions and hot red pepper. Cook until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in wine, add tomato paste, and cook about 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and minced basil and cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Nestle browned chicken thighs, skin side up, into the sauce, and add any accumulated juices.
- Place skillet in oven; bake until an instant-read thermometer reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) when inserted near the center of chicken thighs.
- Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley and garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese, to taste. Serve warm.
This recipe promises a burst of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy making and savoring this Italian classic with a fiery twist!
