Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken Thighs are the epitome of comfort food with a rich, savory flavor. The combination of braised chicken, tangy tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and a hint of prosciutto is sure to impress. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also beautifully presented, making it perfect for a family dinner or even a special occasion. Served over olive oil mashed potatoes, it’s a meal that is both satisfying and comforting.
This dish brings out the best of classic Roman flavors, with tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a tomato-based sauce. The addition of olives and anchovies gives it a depth of umami, while the bright bell peppers and fresh herbs round out the flavors. Perfectly balanced, this meal is sure to become a new family favorite!
Full Recipe:
- 6 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2–3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 anchovy filet
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste
- 3 red or orange bell peppers, seeded and cut into 3/8-inch strips
- 3 slices prosciutto, cut into strips
- Chopped Italian parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Make two cuts through the skin in the center of each chicken thigh. Place chicken in a mixing bowl and drizzle with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, seasoning with salt, pepper, cayenne, and dried herbs. Toss well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Heat the remaining olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, capers, and anchovy, cooking for another minute while smashing with a wooden spoon.
- Pour in the white wine, raising the heat to high and cooking for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half. Add the crushed tomatoes, water, and chicken bouillon paste. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the bell peppers, then place the chicken back into the skillet, skin-side up. Scatter prosciutto over the top, bake for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Garnish with Italian parsley and serve with olive oil mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 458 | Servings: 6
Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken: A Flavorful Culinary Journey
Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the best of Italian flavors into your kitchen. Known for its rich, savory taste, this recipe is all about bold ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and prosciutto, which infuse the chicken with layers of depth and complexity. The recipe features tender bone-in chicken thighs braised to perfection in a fragrant, tangy sauce. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a comforting family dinner or hosting friends for a special meal.
In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of this delicious recipe, explore its key flavors, and offer tips for preparation and serving. We’ll also look at potential variations you can make, so you can tailor the dish to your personal preferences. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a conclusion about why this dish deserves a place in your kitchen rotation.
The Origins of Roman-Style Chicken
Roman-style dishes often showcase the vibrant, bold flavors of the Mediterranean. In Rome, food is about simplicity, fresh ingredients, and creating bold flavors through a few carefully selected components. The use of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs are common in Roman cuisine, and this recipe embodies those key elements. Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken uses these flavors and elevates them by adding prosciutto, capers, and anchovy for that perfect umami touch.
Historically, Roman cuisine has been influenced by both the ancient Romans and modern Italian cooking traditions. This recipe takes inspiration from those culinary roots, making it both authentic and accessible for home cooks who want to bring a piece of Rome into their own kitchens.
The Rich Flavors of Roman-Style Chicken
What sets Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken apart is its complex flavor profile. The chicken is seasoned with a mix of spices like cayenne, thyme, rosemary, and oregano, which create a bold base flavor. As the chicken cooks, it absorbs the delicious sauce made from crushed tomatoes, white wine, and water, which adds acidity and depth. The bell peppers provide a slightly sweet note and a bit of crunch, while the prosciutto adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor. The result is a dish that is rich, satisfying, and full of contrasting yet complementary flavors.
The anchovy and capers in the dish are not just added for flavor but also to enhance the overall umami experience. Anchovies dissolve into the sauce as it cooks, contributing a deep, savory richness without being overpowering. Capers, on the other hand, add a burst of briny sharpness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
Tips for Cooking Roman-Style Chicken
Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken is a relatively easy dish to prepare, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the best results.
One of the key steps is allowing the chicken to marinate in the seasoning for at least two hours, or up to 12 hours if you have the time. This step ensures that the flavors penetrate the meat, making the chicken more flavorful and tender. If you can, let the chicken sit in the marinade overnight for the best results.
Another important tip is to cook the chicken skin-side down first. This step helps to create a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the chicken, which adds texture and flavor to the dish. Once you’ve flipped the chicken, be sure to reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning the skin while the chicken finishes cooking.
Finally, make sure to cook the sauce long enough for the flavors to develop fully. The combination of white wine, tomatoes, and the other ingredients needs time to come together, so don’t rush this step. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly before adding the chicken back into the skillet, and make sure the chicken is fully coated in the sauce before it goes into the oven.
Serving Suggestions for Roman-Style Chicken
This Roman-Style Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Traditional Italian sides like olive oil mashed potatoes or pasta make great pairings. The mashed potatoes absorb the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying dish. For a lighter option, consider serving the chicken with steamed rice or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
If you want to make the dish even heartier, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or eggplant. The richness of the chicken pairs beautifully with the earthiness of roasted vegetables, making for a well-rounded meal.
For a wine pairing, opt for a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, both of which will complement the tomato and herb-based sauce. If you prefer white wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would work nicely, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Variations to Try
While the original recipe is absolutely delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to make the dish your own.
For a spicier kick, consider adding extra cayenne pepper or even some red pepper flakes to the sauce. The heat will balance out the sweetness of the bell peppers and the richness of the prosciutto.
If you’re not a fan of prosciutto, you can substitute it with another type of cured meat like pancetta or even bacon for a smoky, savory flavor. You could also add a bit of crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier, meaty version of the dish.
If you’re looking to make the recipe even lighter, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and may not be as tender as thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For a more Mediterranean twist, try adding olives or artichokes to the dish. These ingredients will add another layer of flavor and make the dish even more complex and satisfying.
Conclusion: Why Roman-Style Chicken Is a Must-Try Dish
Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves rich, flavorful meals. The dish combines classic Italian ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and prosciutto with the savory depth of anchovy and capers. The chicken itself is tender and juicy, and the sauce is a beautiful balance of acidity and richness.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this dish is relatively simple to prepare and yields impressive results. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a special occasion, or any time you want to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal. With the right preparation and a few helpful tips, you can create a delicious meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
So, why not give it a try? Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken is a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and most importantly, share it with those you love!