Name: Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 Italian sausage links, sliced; 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced; 1 medium onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup dry white wine; ½ cup chicken broth; ⅓ cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Optional: ½ cup pickled cherry peppers or banana peppers; Fresh parsley for garnish

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Get ready to wow your taste buds and warm your soul with Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat. This rustic, one-pan meal is a go-to favorite whenever you crave flavors that are bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Featuring juicy chicken, sweet peppers, tangy tomatoes, and hearty Italian sausage all braised together in a flavorful sauce, this dish turns a handful of simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner or just want an easy weeknight meal that packs a punch, Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat will have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds!

Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat is how each ingredient actually shines. There’s nothing fussy here; every single component brings its own magic, whether it’s color, flavor, or texture. Together, these basics create layers of richness and rustic charm that make this recipe irresistible.

Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts: Choose bone-in for extra flavor and juiciness—they hold up beautifully during braising.
Italian sausage links: The sausage melds with the chicken, adding savory depth and a little spicy kick if you use hot links.
Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green): Go wild with color! Each pepper variety adds its own subtle sweetness.
Onion: Sliced onions melt into the sauce, giving it a gentle sweetness and backbone.
Garlic: Never skip the garlic; it’s a must for authentic Italian aroma and punch.
Dry white wine: Use any wine you’d enjoy sipping—this deglazes the pan and adds delicate acidity.
Chicken broth: Broth not only gives the sauce body but also carries all those rich flavors through the dish.
Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata: A spoonful of tomatoes brings everything together and gives that beautiful reddish hue.
Olive oil: Go for a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to get the most out of your sautéing and searing.
Italian seasoning: Dried herbs pack classic Mediterranean fragrance into every bite.
Salt and black pepper: You know the drill! Season generously for balanced flavor.
Pickled cherry peppers or banana peppers (optional): If you love a tangy, spicy twist like in scarpariello, toss these in at the end.
Fresh parsley: A scattering of chopped parsley injects color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating up the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces all over with salt and black pepper. The key here is achieving that gorgeous golden-brown sear—it locks in juices and creates flavorful bits on the bottom of the pan (trust me, those are going to make your sauce sing). Sear the chicken on all sides for about 10 to 12 minutes, then set the pieces aside. Don’t rush this part; the browning means big flavor later!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Once the chicken is out, add your sliced Italian sausage right to the same pan. Let the sausage get beautifully brown on all sides; this only takes a few minutes. Browning intensifies the meat’s flavor and helps release all those delicious fats into your soon-to-be sauce. Once the sausage is looking irresistible, take it out and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

To capture those incredible flavors from the meat, toss your sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic directly into the pan. Sauté everything for five to six minutes, just until the veggies soften and soak up all those tasty caramelized bits. The vibrant peppers and mellow onions will add body, sweetness, and gorgeous color to your dish.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Here’s where it all comes together! Pour in the dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine reduce for a minute or two, then add the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata), and Italian seasoning. Give it all a quick stir—your sauce will now start to take on that signature rich and savory Italian flavor.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Carefully nestle your browned chicken and sausage back into the skillet, letting them bathe in the sauce and veggies. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. This gentle braising transforms the chicken into melt-off-the-bone tenderness and lets every ingredient mingle and mellow. If you’re a fan of spice, stir in those pickled cherry peppers or banana peppers during the last few minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

To give your Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat that classic final flourish, sprinkle plenty of fresh parsley over the top just before serving. This little burst of green is the perfect contrast to the rich sauce and hearty meats. You’re officially ready to dig in!

How to Serve Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat

Garnishes

A sprinkle of bright green parsley does wonders here, adding color and a fresh herbal aroma. If you’re feeling extra, a dusting of grated Parmesan or a few whole pickled peppers make it look as irresistible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

One of the best parts about Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat is mopping up all that saucy goodness. Serve it over hot buttered pasta, creamy polenta, or even with a hefty slice of toasted country bread. For a lighter touch, pile it next to simply dressed greens or roasted potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go beyond a traditional platter, try spooning the mixture directly onto a bed of mashed potatoes or polenta in wide bowls. For a rustic dinner party, serve from the pan in the middle of the table so everyone can dig in family style. Or, tuck spoonfuls into hoagie rolls for Italian chicken-sausage sandwiches—sauce and all!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for three to four days. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to deepen over time, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner just as delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. Once cooled completely, pack individual portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Label and freeze for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge the night before you plan to reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a covered skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, then gently simmer until heated through. You can also use the microwave for smaller portions—cover loosely, heat in intervals, and stir occasionally for even reheating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs or breasts can be swapped in, though bone-in pieces provide richer flavor and stay juicier during braising. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—boneless cuts may cook faster.

What type Main Course

Both sweet and hot Italian sausages work well, so choose based on your personal preference. If you want a bit more heat, go for the spicy version or add a few crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Can I skip the wine?

If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute the same amount of additional chicken broth or use unsweetened apple juice for a touch of acidity. The sauce will still be wonderful, just with a slightly different flavor note.

What can I do if my sauce is too thin?

If the sauce feels a little too runny at the end of cooking, simply remove the chicken and sausages and let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. Return the meat before serving for the perfect consistency.

Is this recipe spicy?

Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat can be as mild or as spicy as you like! Using sweet sausage and skipping the pickled peppers keeps it on the mild side, while hot sausage and extra peppers can really turn up the heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that brings family and friends together and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, it’s time to make Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat. This is the kind of dish that’s meant for sharing, savoring, and enjoying with plenty of good company. Give it a try—you’ll see just how special simple, bold flavors can be!

Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory Italian sausage, and colorful bell peppers in a rich tomato-based sauce. This hearty one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sausage:

4 Italian sausage links, sliced

For the Peppers:

2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced

Additional Ingredients:

1 medium onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine
½ cup chicken broth
⅓ cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: ½ cup pickled cherry peppers or banana peppers
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear on all sides until browned, about 10–12 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Sausage: In the same pan, add sliced sausage and cook until browned; remove and set aside.
Sauté Peppers and Onions: Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pan and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Deglaze and Simmer: Deglaze the pan with white wine, then stir in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Return chicken and sausage to the pan, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
Finish and Serve: Stir in pickled peppers if using. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with bread or pasta.