Chicken Fra Diavolo

Ingredients:

3 pounds chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat

2 teaspoons dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup olive oil divided

1 28 ounce can plum tomatoes hand crushed or blender pulsed

3 ounces tomato paste

3 large long hot peppers seeded and chopped

12 cloves garlic chopped

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes see notes below

3 tablespoons parsley minced

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 375f and set the rack to the middle level.

Step 2:

Heat a large oven-safe pan to medium heat.

Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels and season with oregano, salt, and pepper on all sides.

Place 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the pan and sear the chicken skin side down for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes.

Place cooked chicken on a plate and set aside. Work in batches and do not crowd the pan while searing.

Step 3:

When finished cooking the chicken, turn the heat to medium-low and add the remaining olive oil and peppers.

Cook for 5 minutes or until soft, then add in the garlic and cook for a few more minutes or until golden.

Step 4:

Taste test the peppers.

If they aren’t too spicy add red pepper flakes to taste.

Otherwise, omit the red pepper flakes and move on to the next step.

Step 5:

Next, add the tomato paste and cook for about 5 more minutes stirring frequently.

Then, add the wine and turn the heat to medium-high.

Using a wooden spoon scrape the bottom to dislodge all of the brown bits.

After 2 minutes add the plum tomatoes and the lemon juice and stir together.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to reduce some of the liquid from the tomatoes.

Step 6:

Place the chicken thighs into the pan skin side up and bake in the oven until cooked through.

It should take about 30 minutes for the chicken thighs to reach 175f.

Use a meat thermometer to make sure they are at least 175f.

Step 7:

Remove the chicken once fully cooked and taste the sauce.

Adjust salt and pepper to taste and mix in the parsley.

Serve with grated cheese and crusty bread to mop up all of the sauce.

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Enjoy!

Notes:

Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken thighs before baking helps to seal in moisture and adds flavor. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.

Peppers and Garlic: Cooking the peppers and garlic in olive oil infuses the dish with their flavors. Adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes allows for customization of the dish’s spice level.

Tomato Base: The combination of tomato paste and hand-crushed plum tomatoes forms the base of the sauce. Cooking them with white wine adds depth of flavor and acidity to balance the richness of the dish.

Baking the Chicken: Baking the chicken thighs in the sauce allows them to absorb the flavors while cooking to perfection. Using a meat thermometer ensures they are cooked through without drying out.

Sauce Reduction: Simmering the sauce helps to thicken it and concentrate the flavors. This step is crucial for achieving a rich and flavorful sauce.

Finishing Touches: Adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice enhances the overall taste of the dish. Adding fresh parsley at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions: Serving the Chicken Fra Diavolo with grated cheese and crusty bread complements the dish and allows for sopping up the delicious sauce.

Recipe Customization: This recipe can be customized by using different types of peppers or adjusting the spice level to suit personal preference. Additionally, it can be served with pasta or rice instead of bread for a heartier meal.

Make-Ahead Option: The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake with the chicken thighs. This makes it a convenient option for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Enjoyment: The final step emphasizes the importance of savoring the dish while it’s hot but being cautious not to burn oneself in the process. It’s a reminder to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor and appreciate the flavors of the meal.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce (approximately 6 ounces)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use chicken breasts if preferred.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.

What if I don’t have long hot peppers?

If long hot peppers are unavailable, you can substitute with other types of hot peppers, such as jalapeños or serranos, according to your spice preference.

Can I omit the wine?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can omit it from the recipe.

You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to compensate for the flavor lost from the wine.

How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper flakes?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time, then assemble and bake it just before serving.

This makes it a convenient option for entertaining.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of at least 175°F (79°C) before removing them from the oven.

This guarantees that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe pan?

If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftover Chicken Fra Diavolo can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with Chicken Fra Diavolo?

This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread, as mentioned in the recipe.

You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Is there a substitute for fresh parsley?

If fresh parsley is unavailable, you can use dried parsley flakes as a substitute.

However, fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor and color to the dish, so it’s recommended if possible.