The rich and hearty flavors of Roman-Style Chicken make this dish an instant classic. The combination of seared chicken, sweet bell peppers, briny capers, and crisp prosciutto creates a perfectly balanced bite every time. Finished with a touch of fresh parsley, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
This recipe is a fantastic choice for an easy yet elegant dinner. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the savory sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a special occasion, this dish will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with every forkful.
Full Recipe:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 anchovy fillet, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Make two cuts through the chicken skin on each thigh, down to the bone. Place in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with 2 teaspoons olive oil, season with salt, black pepper, cayenne, and dried Italian herbs. Toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 12 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Heat the remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken skin-side down until a deep golden-brown crust forms (about 5-6 minutes). Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions. Cook for 2 minutes until they soften.
- Push onions aside, then add garlic, capers, and anchovy in the center. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the wine and increase heat to high. Let it reduce by half, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped tomato and water, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce.
- Stir in sliced peppers, then scatter 3/4 of the prosciutto over the top.
- Return chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, spacing evenly. Tuck the remaining prosciutto slices between the chicken pieces.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4
Roman-Style Chicken: A Taste of Traditional Italian Cuisine
Roman-Style Chicken is a rustic yet elegant dish that brings the flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with vibrant bell peppers, salty prosciutto, briny capers, and a rich tomato-based sauce, making it a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Originating from the heart of Italy, this recipe showcases the simplicity of Roman cuisine, which relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients rather than complex cooking techniques. It’s a perfect example of how a few well-chosen ingredients can create a dish that is both comforting and full of depth.
The Essence of Roman Cuisine
Italian food is known for its regional diversity, and Rome’s culinary traditions are deeply rooted in history. Roman-style dishes often feature bold flavors, minimal ingredients, and a focus on using what’s readily available. Staples like olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and cured meats are frequently used, creating dishes that are hearty and satisfying.
This chicken dish is an excellent representation of these principles. The use of prosciutto adds a rich, salty contrast to the sweetness of the bell peppers and the acidity of the tomatoes. Meanwhile, capers and anchovies enhance the dish with a briny depth, giving it that signature Roman-style umami.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are many reasons why Roman-Style Chicken should be on your list of go-to meals.
- Bursting with Flavor – Each bite is a medley of savory chicken, sweet peppers, and the umami-rich combination of prosciutto and capers.
- Easy to Prepare – Despite its rich taste, the preparation is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
- Great for Entertaining – This dish looks and tastes impressive, making it ideal for dinner parties or family gatherings.
- Versatile Serving Options – Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A Taste of Italy at Home – No need to travel to Rome—this dish brings authentic Italian flavors straight to your dinner table.
The Role of Key Ingredients
Chicken Thighs: The Star of the Dish
Chicken thighs are the preferred cut for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender even after extended cooking. The high-fat content compared to chicken breasts ensures that the meat stays moist, while the skin crisps up beautifully when seared.
Bell Peppers: A Sweet and Vibrant Touch
Bell peppers not only add a pop of color to the dish but also contribute a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the prosciutto. They soften as they cook, blending seamlessly into the sauce while still maintaining a slight bite.
Prosciutto: The Italian Secret to Bold Flavor
Prosciutto, a dry-cured Italian ham, enhances this dish with its deep, salty taste. It crisps up slightly in the oven, adding texture while infusing the sauce with its rich, savory essence. If you don’t have prosciutto, pancetta or even bacon can be used as substitutes, though prosciutto provides the most authentic flavor.
Capers and Anchovies: The Umami Powerhouses
These two ingredients are small but mighty. Capers bring a briny, slightly lemony flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish, while anchovies dissolve into the sauce, providing an extra layer of umami without making the dish taste fishy. Together, they elevate the sauce and give it a distinctly Mediterranean character.
Wine and Tomatoes: The Perfect Sauce Base
White wine deglazes the pan, lifting all the flavorful browned bits left from searing the chicken. It adds acidity and complexity to the sauce, which is then balanced by the sweetness of fresh tomatoes. As the ingredients simmer together, they create a luscious sauce that ties all the elements of the dish together.
How to Serve Roman-Style Chicken
One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility when it comes to serving options. Traditionally, it’s served over a starch that can soak up the flavorful sauce. Here are a few great choices:
- Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
- Pasta – Classic choices like fettuccine or pappardelle work well, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta.
- Rice – A simple bowl of steamed rice helps to absorb the delicious flavors.
- Crusty Bread – A slice of rustic Italian bread is perfect for scooping up the sauce.
To complete the meal, consider pairing this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Since this dish features both white wine in the sauce and rich, savory flavors, it pairs well with a variety of wines. Here are some excellent choices:
- Pinot Grigio – A light and crisp Italian white wine that complements the dish’s acidity.
- Chardonnay – A buttery Chardonnay pairs well with the richness of the sauce.
- Chianti – If you prefer red wine, a medium-bodied Chianti enhances the dish without overpowering it.
- Vermentino – A lesser-known Italian white that has a bright, citrusy profile, balancing the dish beautifully.
Tips for Making the Best Roman-Style Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken – Letting the chicken rest with the seasoning for at least two hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Sear the Chicken Properly – Achieving a golden-brown crust on the chicken before baking is crucial for adding depth to the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Wine Reduction – Reducing the wine before adding tomatoes concentrates the flavors and enhances the final dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving brightens up the dish.
Conclusion
Roman-Style Chicken is the perfect dish for those who appreciate bold yet balanced flavors. With its combination of seared chicken, sweet bell peppers, salty prosciutto, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s a true celebration of Roman cuisine. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Easy to make, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully versatile, this classic Italian recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Serve it with your favorite side, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy a taste of Rome in the comfort of your own home.