Chicken Pizzaiola

The classic flavors of Italy come together beautifully in this comforting Chicken Pizzaiola. With tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich tomato, wine, and herb sauce, and studded with peppers and mushrooms, this dish is a weeknight favorite that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

It’s the kind of one-pan meal that feels special but is simple enough to pull off on any given evening. Serve it over your favorite pasta or creamy polenta for a complete dinner that everyone at the table will love. Leftovers? Even better the next day.

Full Recipe:

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
12 oz white or crimini mushrooms, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¾ cup dry red wine

28 oz canned whole San Marzano tomatoes, hand-crushed
2 Tbsp fresh basil (or 2 tsp dried)
2 Tbsp fresh oregano (or 2 tsp dried)

3 small bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
¼ cup water

Directions:

Slice each chicken breast into thin cutlets, then halve each cutlet to make eight pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until softened. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
Deglaze the pan with wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, bell peppers, and ¼ cup of water. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Return chicken to the pan and nestle into the sauce. Cover the chicken with the sauce and simmer until internal temp reaches 165°F (about 5–10 minutes).
Serve hot over pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 404 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Recipe Overview

If you’re looking for a cozy, rustic Italian dinner that feels both hearty and elegant, Chicken Pizzaiola might just become your new go-to. It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports you to a sun-drenched kitchen in southern Italy, where the scent of simmering tomatoes and herbs fills the air. At its core, Chicken Pizzaiola is a comforting tomato-based chicken dish enhanced with garlic, peppers, mushrooms, herbs, and a splash of red wine. It’s simple yet flavorful, rich but not heavy, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

What makes this recipe a standout is its balance—tender, pan-seared chicken nestled into a rustic tomato sauce that has just the right touch of heat, acidity, and earthy undertones. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, creamy polenta, or with a hunk of crusty bread, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.

History and Origin

Pizzaiola—derived from the word pizza—literally means “in the style of the pizza maker.” While the dish might not be found on every Italian restaurant menu outside of Italy, it’s a beloved classic in many Italian households, especially in Naples and southern regions. Traditionally made with beef or veal, Pizzaiola has humble origins as a frugal way to tenderize tougher cuts of meat by simmering them in a robust tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and oregano, much like the toppings of a pizza.

As with many rustic Italian recipes, the idea was born out of necessity—how to make a flavorful meal with inexpensive, readily available ingredients. Over time, as culinary tastes evolved and families adapted the dish to what was on hand, chicken became a popular alternative. This version, known as Chicken Pizzaiola, takes the same rich, fragrant tomato base and pairs it with leaner cuts of meat, making it a lighter but equally satisfying meal.

The inclusion of mushrooms and bell peppers is more of a modern twist, adding depth and texture to the dish. And let’s not forget the splash of red wine—classic Italian fare wouldn’t be complete without it!

Variations and Adaptations

One of the things that makes Chicken Pizzaiola so special is its versatility. Depending on where you are in Italy—or who your nonna is—the dish can vary quite a bit.

Neapolitan Style: The most traditional form involves steak or veal, seared and simmered in tomato sauce with oregano and garlic. It’s sometimes finished with capers or olives for a briny kick.
Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: For those who prefer dark meat, thighs and drumsticks add a bit more richness and stay juicy throughout the cooking process.

Cheesy Pizzaiola: Some cooks like to top the dish with mozzarella and briefly broil it in the oven for a bubbly, cheesy finish—like a cross between chicken Parmesan and pizza.
Vegetable Variants: While not traditional, adding zucchini, eggplant, or spinach can bulk up the dish for a more veggie-forward meal.
Jarred Sauce Shortcuts: If you’re short on time, using a high-quality jarred marinara sauce in place of canned tomatoes and wine can shave down prep time without sacrificing too much flavor.

No Wine? No Problem: Substitute with chicken broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

Nutritional Information

Chicken Pizzaiola is a relatively balanced meal, especially when paired with healthy sides. Here’s a closer look at the nutritional makeup per serving (based on a portion serving 4 people):

Calories: Approximately 400–420 kcal
Protein: Around 55–57g — thanks to lean chicken breast, this dish is protein-rich and ideal for muscle repair and satiety.
Carbohydrates: Roughly 18–20g — mostly from the tomato sauce and bell peppers.

Fat: About 6–8g — primarily from olive oil, with minimal saturated fat.
Fiber: 6–8g — the mushrooms, tomatoes, and peppers offer a nice fiber boost.
Micronutrients: Rich in vitamin C (bell peppers), vitamin A, potassium, iron, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes.

This makes Chicken Pizzaiola an excellent choice for those who are watching their calories but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is incredibly adaptable when it comes to what you serve it with. The tomato-based sauce lends itself beautifully to a variety of pairings:

Pasta: Spaghetti, penne, or linguine are all great choices to soak up the sauce.
Polenta: Creamy polenta brings out the rustic charm of the dish and is especially comforting in cooler months.

Mashed Potatoes: A non-traditional but delicious base—perfect for catching every drop of that savory sauce.
Crusty Bread: Ideal for scooping and sopping, a good sourdough or ciabatta loaf is a must-have.
Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness.

Wine Pairing: A dry red wine such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or even a light Pinot Noir complements the sauce and enhances the earthy notes.

For dessert? Stick with Italian tradition—perhaps some panna cotta or fresh fruit drizzled with balsamic reduction.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Getting the most out of your Chicken Pizzaiola experience comes down to a few key tips:

Don’t skip the sear: Browning the chicken before simmering locks in flavor and keeps the texture from turning mushy.

Use San Marzano tomatoes: These Italian tomatoes have fewer seeds and a sweeter flavor, making the sauce more balanced.
Deglaze properly: When adding the wine, scrape up all those browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan—that’s liquid gold.
Avoid overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Too many chicken pieces at once = steamed meat, not seared.

Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Taste as you go: Always adjust salt and acidity—tomatoes and wine can vary in sharpness.

Potential Health Benefits

Despite being comfort food at heart, Chicken Pizzaiola has plenty going for it in the health department:

Lean Protein: Chicken breast provides a clean, low-fat source of protein that supports muscle health and keeps you full longer.
Tomatoes & Lycopene: Lycopene is a potent antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Garlic & Oregano: Both offer antimicrobial properties and may support immune function.
Mushrooms: Rich in B vitamins and selenium, mushrooms are known for supporting metabolism and immune health.
Red Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C, these vibrant vegetables help support collagen production and boost iron absorption.

By using olive oil instead of butter or cream, and skipping heavy cheese (unless you add it), this dish manages to be both heart-friendly and deeply satisfying.

Conclusion

Chicken Pizzaiola is a beautiful example of how simplicity and tradition can come together to create something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that feels nostalgic even if you didn’t grow up eating it. Warm, hearty, and full of bold Italian flavors, it delivers on comfort without compromising on nutrition.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just need something soulful after a long day, this dish hits the mark every time. The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable and easy to master. So grab your skillet, pour a glass of red, and bring the taste of Italy to your own kitchen tonight.