Zesty Italian Chicken with Peppers & Prosciutto Recipe

Cooking this savory italian chicken can transport you straight to a rustic kitchen in tuscany.

Sunlight streams through wooden shutters while aromatic herbs dance around your senses.

Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly in this elegant dish that celebrates simple ingredients.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among vibrant bell peppers and delicate prosciutto slices.

Rich layers of seasoning create a symphony of taste that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through traditional italian culinary artistry.

Let’s uncover the magic waiting in this irresistible recipe that will make every meal feel like a special occasion.

Why Italian Chicken With Peppers And Prosciutto Feels So Special

• Burst with Italian Flavor: Dive into a mouthwatering dish packed with classic Mediterranean tastes that transport you straight to the Italian countryside.
• Master Complex Cooking with Ease: Break down intimidating culinary techniques into simple steps, allowing home cooks to create restaurant-quality meals without stress.
• Perfect for Gathering Crowds: This versatile chicken recipe works brilliantly for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or casual entertaining with friends, impressing everyone at the table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing an entire meal in a single skillet, reducing dishwashing time and making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.

What You’ll Need For Italian Chicken With Peppers And Prosciutto

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs create a rich and flavorful base for this savory Italian dish.
• Prosciutto: Thin Italian dry-cured ham that adds a salty and delicate flavor to the chicken.
• Anchovy: Small fish that provides a deep umami and savory background note to the sauce.

• Onions: Sweet and soft base that builds foundational flavor for the dish.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances the overall depth of the recipe.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add freshness and slight sweetness to the dish.
• Tomato: Juicy ingredient that creates a rich and slightly acidic sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne: Seasoning blend that provides balanced heat and classic flavor.
• Dried Italian Herbs: Herb mixture that infuses a traditional Mediterranean taste.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sear chicken and create a smooth sauce.
• White Wine: Liquid that deglazes the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
• Water: Additional liquid to help create the sauce's consistency.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Cooking Savory Italian Chicken With Peppers Made Easy

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs

Make two strategic cuts through the chicken skin on each thigh, reaching down to the bone. Transfer the chicken to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season and Marinate

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne
• Dried Italian herbs

Toss the chicken to ensure every piece gets fully coated. Cover and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to a steady 350°F (180°C), creating the perfect cooking environment.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Place chicken skin-side down and create a gorgeous golden-brown crust (about 5-6 minutes). Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium and add sliced onions.

Cook until they become soft and translucent (about 2 minutes).

Step 6: Aromatic Additions

Push onions to the side of the skillet.

• Garlic
• Capers
• Anchovy

Stir and cook for 1 minute to release their intense flavors.

Step 7: Deglaze and Reduce

Pour in wine and crank up the heat to high.

Let the liquid reduce by half, stirring occasionally to capture all the delicious bits.

Step 8: Create the Sauce

Add chopped tomato and water, stirring to combine.

Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, slightly reducing and concentrating the flavors.

Step 9: Add Colorful Vegetables

Stir in sliced peppers and scatter 3/4 of the prosciutto over the top.

Step 10: Reassemble and Arrange

Return chicken to the skillet skin-side up, spacing the pieces evenly. Tuck the remaining prosciutto slices between the chicken pieces.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and beautifully browned.

Step 12: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve this mouthwatering dish alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips For Juicy Chicken With Crispy Prosciutto And Peppers

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Use high-quality prosciutto for authentic taste and better texture.
• Choose firm bell peppers to maintain their shape during cooking and add vibrant color.
• Pat chicken skin dry before searing to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Opt for fresh herbs like parsley or basil instead of dried for a brighter, more aromatic finish.

Ideas To Switch Up Your Chicken With Peppers Dish

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace Italian herbs with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Spanish Chicken: Substitute cayenne with smoked paprika and add chorizo instead of prosciutto for a bold Spanish-inspired version.
• Rustic Provençal Chicken: Include herbes de Provence, swap wine with white wine vinegar, and add kalamata olives for a French countryside feel.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken: Incorporate fresh lemon zest, increase garlic quantity, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty variation.

What Goes Well With Chicken, Peppers, And Prosciutto

• Pair with Crisp Tuscan White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Vermentino or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the chicken and complements the savory prosciutto and herb notes.
• Serve Alongside Rustic Focaccia Bread: Use a traditional Italian herb-infused focaccia to soak up the delicious pan sauce, adding extra texture and flavor to the meal.
• Create a Simple Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, shaved parmesan, and cracked black pepper to provide a peppery, light contrast to the hearty chicken dish.

How To Store Chicken With Peppers And Prosciutto Right

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken stays moist by sealing tightly.
• Freeze Portions: Wrap individual servings in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F.

Italian Chicken With Peppers FAQs You’ll Want

• Why marinate the chicken before cooking?

Marinating infuses the chicken with deep, rich flavors and helps tenderize the meat, ensuring each bite is seasoned perfectly throughout.

• Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken thighs?

Chicken breasts or drumsticks work, but thighs are recommended because they stay more moist and have richer flavor during cooking.

• What's the purpose of making cuts in the chicken skin?

The cuts help render fat more effectively, creating a crispier skin and allowing seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat.

• Why sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in juices, creates a beautiful golden-brown crust, and develops complex flavors through the Maillard reaction before finishing in the oven.

Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Prosciutto Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Prosciutto invites home cooks on a culinary journey through classic Italian flavors. Rich layers of tender chicken, crisp peppers, and salty prosciutto create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 slices prosciutto
• 1 anchovy fillet, finely chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create strategic incisions through chicken thigh skin, penetrating to the bone, then transfer to a mixing vessel.
2. Infuse with olive oil, sprinkle aromatic seasonings including salt, black pepper, cayenne, and dried Italian herbs. Thoroughly coat chicken, then refrigerate for 2-12 hours to develop deep flavor profiles.
3. Calibrate oven temperature to 350°F, preparing for roasting.
4. Activate a robust, oven-safe skillet over medium-high flame, allowing surface to heat thoroughly.
5. Sear chicken skin-side downward, developing a rich caramelized exterior for 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook additional 3 minutes, then temporarily remove from pan.
6. Reduce flame intensity, introduce sliced onions and allow gentle softening for approximately 2 minutes.
7. Create a central cooking zone, incorporating garlic, capers, and anchovy. Sauté briefly to release aromatic essences.
8. Deglaze pan with wine, increasing heat to accelerate liquid reduction by half.
9. Incorporate chopped tomatoes and water, stirring to create a harmonious sauce. Simmer 3-4 minutes to concentrate flavors.
10. Layer sliced peppers across the skillet’s surface, strategically distributing three-quarters of prosciutto.
11. Reintroduce chicken pieces, positioning skin-side upward with remaining prosciutto nestled between thighs.
12. Transfer skillet directly into preheated oven, roasting 40-45 minutes until chicken achieves complete doneness and golden-brown exterior.
13. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley, serving atop preferred accompaniments like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Notes

• Create small cuts in chicken skin to help render fat and develop crispy texture, ensuring even seasoning penetration.
• Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor depth and tenderize meat, allowing herbs and spices to fully infuse.
• Choose high-quality prosciutto for authentic taste and consider using gluten-free alternatives if needed for dietary restrictions.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices, preventing dry meat and maintaining optimal tenderness and moisture.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg