Authentic Sicilian Braised Chicken Recipe

Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of cultures, rooted in Mediterranean flavors, rustic ingredients, and time-honored techniques. One standout dish that embodies this beautifully is Sicilian Braised Chicken—a savory, slow-cooked meal infused with briny olives, capers, tomatoes, and a harmony of herbs and spices. This is the kind of recipe that warms the soul, fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and transports your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily.

What Is Sicilian Braised Chicken?

Sicilian Braised Chicken (Pollo alla Siciliana) is a traditional chicken dish slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with a medley of classic Mediterranean ingredients—capers, olives, garlic, onions, and sometimes raisins or white wine. The result is tender chicken bathed in a sweet-savory, tangy sauce that’s both rustic and refined.

Key Ingredients for Sicilian Braised Chicken

This dish relies on quality, bold-flavored ingredients and a low-and-slow braise that melds everything together. Here’s what you need:

Protein:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can use drumsticks or whole legs too)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables & Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced (optional but adds depth)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Tomato Base:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

Flavor Enhancers:

• ⅓ cup green olives, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
• ¼ cup golden raisins (optional for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Oil:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and fennel (if using). Cook for 6–8 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for another minute.

4. Deglaze with Wine

Stir in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to burn off the alcohol.

5. Build the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olives, capers, raisins, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

6. Braise the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up. Nestle the pieces into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

7. Uncover and Reduce (Optional)

For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 10–15 minutes and allow it to reduce slightly. Skim excess fat if needed.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Sicilian Braised Chicken is incredibly versatile. It pairs well with:

• Creamy polenta
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttery couscous
• Crusty Italian bread
• Steamed white rice or farro

And don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or light red, like Nero d’Avola or Chianti.

Why This Dish Works

• Balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors
• Tender, juicy chicken that falls off the bone
• Deep, slow-cooked taste without a complicated process
• Mediterranean ingredients that promote heart health

Tips for the Perfect Sicilian Braised Chicken

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken

It adds flavor and richness to the sauce, especially during the searing stage.

Sear first, then braise

Searing locks in flavor and gives the dish a more developed depth.

Don’t skip the olives and capers

They are essential to the dish’s identity, giving it that classic Sicilian briny punch.

Add raisins or fennel for complexity

These optional ingredients add subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor that elevate the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Version

Add more red pepper flakes or stir in Calabrian chili paste.

Vegetable-Rich Version

Add chunks of eggplant, zucchini, or artichoke hearts during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

No-Wine Option

Substitute chicken broth for wine if you prefer an alcohol-free dish.

Low-Carb Version

Serve over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm slowly in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Conclusion

Sicilian Braised Chicken is a soul-satisfying meal that combines the essence of Mediterranean cooking—vibrant, nourishing, and unforgettable. With every bite, you’ll taste the tradition, richness, and heart of Sicily. It’s an ideal dish for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave a warm, flavorful meal from the old world.

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