This rustic Italian dish is a one‑pan braise that marries tender chicken with sweet bell peppers, salty prosciutto, tangy capers, and aromatic herbs. As the chicken cooks, its juices deglaze the pan and merge with tomatoes, white wine, and stock to create a rich tomato‑herb sauce perfect for spooning over polenta, mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Ideal for batch cooking, this Roman‑style chicken improves after resting overnight, making it a fantastic make‑ahead option. The aromatics and capers deepen over time, intensifying the savory flavor without needing last‑minute effort.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 skinless chicken breast halves (with ribs)
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2 skinless chicken thighs (with bones)
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½ tsp salt, plus 1 tsp, divided
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½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus 1 tsp, divided
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¼ cup olive oil
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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3 oz prosciutto, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, chopped
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1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
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½ cup white wine
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1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
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1 tsp fresh oregano leaves
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½ cup chicken stock
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2 Tbsp capers
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¼ cup chopped fresh flat‑leaf parsley leaves
Directions:
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Season & Brown the Chicken
Season chicken with ½ tsp salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium in a heavy skillet. Brown chicken on both sides, then remove and set aside. -
Cook Peppers & Prosciutto
In same pan, sauté sliced peppers and prosciutto until peppers lightly brown and prosciutto crisps (~5 min). Add garlic and cook 1 min. Build the Sauce
Add diced tomatoes, white wine, thyme, and oregano. Scrape browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. -
Braise the Chicken
Return chicken to pan, pour in stock, and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked (20–30 min).Finish & Serve
Just before serving, stir in capers and parsley. Serve immediately. For make‑ahead, refrigerate, then reheat to a simmer and stir in capers and parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 min | Cooking Time: 40 min | Total Time: 1 hr
Kcal per Serving: 266 kcal | Servings: 6
Roman-Style Chicken: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis
Roman-Style Chicken is a traditional Italian dish that reflects the heart of rustic Roman cuisine simple ingredients, bold flavors, and slow-cooked richness. Brought into the modern culinary spotlight by renowned chef Giada De Laurentiis, this recipe balances rustic charm with refined Italian flavor. Ideal for family dinners or make-ahead entertaining, Roman-Style Chicken is a flavorful, one-pan wonder that blends sweet bell peppers, salty prosciutto, tangy capers, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken in a tomato-rich sauce.
A Deep Dive into Roman Cuisine and the Origins of the Dish
While the name may suggest a dish with ancient roots, “Roman-Style Chicken” is more of a contemporary interpretation rooted in the flavors of central Italy. Roman cuisine has always emphasized the use of accessible, everyday ingredients especially those that deliver robust taste. The key influences include olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, cured meats like pancetta or prosciutto, and vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes.
This recipe is not tied to a singular traditional Roman dish but is rather an amalgamation of culinary practices common in the Lazio region (where Rome is located). Braised meat dishes are common in Roman households, especially during cooler months. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to infuse into the meat, yielding a rich, cohesive dish that tells a story with every bite. By using fresh herbs like thyme and oregano, and finishing with capers and parsley, the dish is brought to life with a medley of bright, herbal, and briny notes that are emblematic of Italian cuisine.
Giada’s modern interpretation elevates the dish by using prosciutto, which adds a layer of savory depth, and by incorporating white wine into the sauce, giving it an acidity that lifts the richness of the braised chicken. The use of colorful bell peppers not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings a natural sweetness that contrasts the tangy tomato base.
Why This Dish Works: Culinary Technique Meets Flavor Profile
The brilliance of this Roman-Style Chicken lies in its technique and layering of ingredients. The dish starts with a classic method searing chicken to develop a golden crust and lock in flavor. This initial browning stage is crucial in building the flavor foundation of the sauce.
The vegetables and prosciutto are then sautéed in the same pan, taking advantage of the residual chicken drippings. This is where a lot of the flavor magic happens. The caramelization of the bell peppers, combined with the rendered fat from the prosciutto, creates a rich base that carries the flavor throughout the dish.
When wine and tomatoes are introduced, the acidity helps to deglaze the pan, lifting all the browned bits stuck to the bottom a chef’s trick for deepening the sauce’s umami character. The herbs and capers enhance the complexity of the tomato sauce, while the chicken is slowly simmered to tenderness, allowing all the flavors to meld harmoniously.
The result is a balanced dish that hits every note: savory from the meat, sweet from the peppers, acidic from the tomatoes and wine, herby from the fresh thyme and oregano, and briny from the capers. Even the texture is thoughtfully constructed the chicken is soft and juicy, the peppers are tender yet toothsome, and the sauce is rich but not heavy.
Versatility and Pairings
One of the reasons Roman-Style Chicken is beloved by home cooks is its versatility. It can be served with a variety of accompaniments depending on your preferences or dietary needs.
For a classic presentation, serve it with creamy polenta or a bed of buttery mashed potatoes both of which soak up the savory sauce perfectly. If you prefer something lighter or gluten-free, it works beautifully over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables. A hearty Italian bread or focaccia is also an excellent choice for mopping up the delicious sauce.
As for drinks, a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo complements the tomato and herb base. Alternatively, a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino enhances the brightness of the dish without overpowering it.
This dish also stores and reheats exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep or for preparing ahead of time for a dinner party. In fact, many say it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to marry in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Notes and Health Benefits
Despite its rich taste, Roman-Style Chicken can be a relatively healthy option, especially when using skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The inclusion of vegetables like bell peppers adds vitamins A and C, and tomatoes are rich in lycopene a powerful antioxidant.
The olive oil used in the recipe is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties. Capers, though small, are packed with antioxidants and bring a punch of flavor without adding many calories.
This dish can easily be modified to suit dietary preferences. For a lower-sodium version, you can reduce the amount of prosciutto or rinse the capers. If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, serving it with steamed greens or cauliflower mash keeps it within nutritional guidelines.
Cultural Appeal and Giada’s Influence
Giada De Laurentiis has a unique ability to translate traditional Italian recipes into something that resonates with the modern home cook. Her Roman-Style Chicken recipe is no exception it embodies the love and simplicity of Italian home cooking while also teaching foundational culinary techniques like deglazing, braising, and layering flavor.
This recipe exemplifies Giada’s philosophy: high-quality ingredients, prepared simply, with a focus on achieving balance. The use of fresh herbs, lean protein, and bold aromatics is something that appeals not just to fans of Italian food but to anyone who appreciates wholesome, home-cooked meals.
It’s a dish that can easily become part of a home cook’s weekly rotation, special enough for guests but easy enough to pull off on a weeknight. With Giada’s guidance, even those new to cooking can feel confident tackling this classic.
Conclusion:
Roman-Style Chicken is more than just a meal it’s a comforting expression of Italian culture, history, and technique, brought to life with a modern twist . Wholesome ingredients with simple, effective cooking methods to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
From its colorful presentation to its rich, layered taste, this recipe has all the hallmarks of a beloved classic. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests, meal prep for the week, or simply enjoy a cozy homemade dinner, Roman-Style Chicken delivers every time.
Its ability to get better over time, adapt to different dietary needs, and satisfy both casual eaters and food lovers alike makes it a standout recipe for any home cook’s repertoire. With its blend of tradition and versatility, Roman-Style Chicken isn’t just a dish it’s an experience, and one worth savoring time and again.