Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata with Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs Recipe
This Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a fiery tomato and chili sauce, finished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of crunchy herb and garlic breadcrumbs for an added texture and burst of flavor. It’s a simple yet hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for any weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 x 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves or 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs
- 60g (1/2 cup) Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until nicely golden. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Make Arrabbiata Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes with their juices, add fresh basil leaves or dried basil, dried chili flakes, and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and return the chicken to the pan. Let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your preference. Taste the sauce and if it’s too acidic, stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Prepare Herb and Garlic Breadcrumbs: While the sauce simmers, melt the butter in a separate frying pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 30 seconds to infuse the butter without burning the garlic. Stir in the Panko breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, cooking and stirring continuously until the breadcrumbs turn lightly toasted and golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and spicy arrabbiata sauce onto plates and immediately sprinkle the warm herb and garlic breadcrumbs on top to maintain their crunch. Serve hot and enjoy a flavorful Italian-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of dried chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili.
- If using dried basil, crumble it well before adding to release full flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- The sugar in the sauce is optional but helps mellow out the acidity of canned tomatoes.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier outcome, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
