Name: Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 4 Italian sausages (mild or spicy); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth; 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If there’s one dish that captures the heart of Italian-American comfort food, it’s Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat. This one-pot wonder brings together juicy chicken thighs, flavorful sausages, and a rainbow of sautéed peppers, all simmered in a rich, herby tomato sauce. Every bite feels like a warm embrace—perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave a meal that’s as full of color as it is of bold, delicious flavor.

Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This classic recipe is proof that a few quality ingredients can deliver maximum impact. Each item plays its part—chicken brings richness, sausage provides depth, and vibrant peppers add both sweetness and color to make this dish truly special.

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs keep the meat juicy and add scrumptious flavor to the sauce.
Italian Sausages: Choose your preferred heat level; the sausage infuses the whole dish with classic Italian flavor.
Olive Oil: A must for authentic taste and for getting that perfect golden sear on your meat.
Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers: Their trio of colors brightens the dish and offers a sweet counterpoint to the savory proteins.
Onion: Sliced onion brings sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the peppers.
Garlic: Just a hint provides aromatic allure and classic Italian undertones.
Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs impart that signature herby flavor we all crave in Italian cooking.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch for some gentle heat, or leave out if you prefer things milder.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that help everything shine.
Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: A splash deglazes the pan, lifting all those tasty brown bits.
Diced Tomatoes (drained): These lend brightness and body to the sauce without making it too thin.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and scattered over the top for a burst of color and freshness at the very end.

How to Make Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a sturdy skillet or Dutch oven. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then nestle them skin-side down into the hot oil. Searing locks in their juices and creates a golden crust. After 5 to 6 minutes, flip the thighs and let them cook a bit longer. Don’t rush! This is where flavor builds.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Once your chicken has a beautiful sear, remove it and set it aside. In the same pan, add your sausages. Let them brown on all sides; the drippings will give your sauce extraordinary depth. Once browned, set the sausages aside and, when cool enough, slice them into hearty rounds.

Step 3: Sauté Your Peppers and Onions

Into that same pan go the sliced peppers and onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, making sure to scrape up those glorious caramelized bits from the pan. This step creates a base that’s vibrant in flavor and color—the defining note of Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and, if you’re in the mood, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good toss and cook for another minute. You’ll know it’s right when the kitchen smells irresistible.

Step 5: Deglaze and Build Your Sauce

Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth, scraping up all those browned bits. Then stir in the drained diced tomatoes. This combination adds body and tang to your sauce while keeping it light and fresh.

Step 6: Return the Meat and Simmer

Now, nestle the seared chicken and sliced sausage back into the pan with the peppers and sauce. Lower the heat, cover, and let everything simmer gently. In about 25 to 30 minutes, the chicken will be fall-off-the-bone tender, the sausages juicy, and the sauce full of beautiful Italian flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter the chopped parsley over everything just before serving. That final sprinkle lifts the entire dish and makes it as inviting as it is aromatic. Your Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat is ready to share, savor, and celebrate!

How to Serve Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat

Garnishes

A generous handful of fresh parsley brings brightness to the final plate. If you’re feeling a touch fancy, try grating a little Parmesan over the top just before serving! The cheeses’ nuttiness complements the rich flavors of your Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside a few Italian classics: thick slabs of toasted crusty bread to soak up the sauce, creamy polenta for a comforting base, or a mound of simple pasta to make it a heartier meal. Even a green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a welcome fresh note.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat over toasted garlic bread for open-faced sandwiches. Or serve family-style, nestled in a gorgeous platter, so everyone can dig in and help themselves. It’s just as fabulous at a cozy weeknight dinner as it is on a special-occasion spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, good news: they just get tastier! Store the cooled Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner extra special.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, portion out the chicken, sausage, peppers, and sauce into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months, ready to thaw and reheat when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a covered pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce seems thick. Warm gently until everything is bubbling and heated through. A microwave works too—just be sure to cover and reheat in short bursts so the meat stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly—boneless pieces tend to cook a bit faster, so check for doneness earlier.

Is it possible to make Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat in advance?

Yes! In fact, the flavors improve as they mingle. Prepare up to two days ahead and simply reheat when ready to serve. It’s perfect for entertaining or for those busy nights when dinner needs to be ready fast.

What is the best sausage to use?

Italian sausage is classic—choose between mild or spicy according to your taste. You can also try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even a plant-based sausage to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.

Can I substitute fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You sure can! Use about two cups of chopped fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. If your tomatoes are juicy, you might want to let the sauce simmer a bit longer to thicken.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp, dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic match for Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat. If you prefer red, choose something medium-bodied like Chianti or Barbera for a harmonious pairing.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings people together quite like a simmering pot of Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat. Vibrant, comforting, and endlessly satisfying, this dish is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me—one taste, and it’ll win over your family, friends, and maybe even a few neighbors!

Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs, savory Italian sausages, and a medley of bell peppers cooked in a seasoned tomato sauce. This one-pot meal is easy to make and perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sausages:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 Italian sausages (mild or spicy)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Chicken and Sausages: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside. Brown Italian sausages, then slice into rounds.
Cook Vegetables and Make Sauce: Sauté onions and peppers. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Pour in wine or broth, add diced tomatoes, then return chicken and sausage to the pan.
Simmer: Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.