Italian Skillet Chicken and Peppers

This Italian skillet chicken and peppers is flavor packed thanks to tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, roasted bell peppers and plenty of spices! This family favorite is simple to prepare in one skillet for an easy weeknight dinner!

If you love skillet chicken recipes, you may also like Italian pan fried chicken, skillet chicken cacciatore and chicken boscaiola. 

Crispy yet tender skillet chicken with peppers and onions plus tomatoes is a flavorful dinner that is not only tasty but healthy, too! It’s everything you want in a savory chicken recipe. 

Made in one skillet with a quick prep time, it’s then hands off while the ingredients roast to perfection. The vibrant flavors marry together and create not only a visually appealing dish but one that is satisfying for a weeknight dinner!

Simple healthy dinners made in a skillet make life easier! A few other favorites include skillet lasagna, skillet turkey pasta and this flavorful Italian chicken. 

Why You Will Love Chicken And Bell Peppers

• Healthy and delicious: Lean protein with vibrant peppers is not only visually appealing but nutritious, too! It’s low carb and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. 
• Flavorful: With plenty of Italian seasonings like basil and oregano, it’s flavor packed!
• Easy to prepare: With only 20 minutes prep time and made in one skillet, this chicken and bell peppers skillet is a quick dinner great for busy weeknights with minimal clean up! 
• Versatile: This is a flexible recipe where you can use whatever chicken you have on hand and swap the spices to suit the taste of your whole family. 

Ingredients Needed

• Olive oil: I love to use extra virgin olive oil
• Aromatic: Freshly minced garlic and onion add flavor and aroma.
• Chicken: Five pieces of chicken legs, breast or a combination.
• White wine: A dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay. 
• Tomatoes: A can of chopped tomatoes or whole San Marzano tomatoes. 
• Bell peppers: I used yellow bell pepper and red peppers although any color sweet pepper is great roasted.
• Italian seasonings: Dried oregano and dried basil. 
• Salt and pepper: Red pepper flakes can be used instead of black pepper. 

How To Make Skillet Chicken And Peppers

To begin, in a large skillet or cast iron skillet add the olive oil, chopped onions and garlic then sauté until transparent. 

Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides before adding the white wine and cooking on high.

Next, add the tomatoes, sliced peppers then seasonings and simmer covered on low-medium heat stirring occasionally. Serve this easy meal immediately with fresh Italian bread.

Variations

• Spicy: Add the optional dash of red pepper flakes or red chili flakes to this chicken and peppers recipe.
• Creamy: Stir in some cream cheese or mascarpone near the end of cooking.
• Veggies: Add some sliced mushrooms for some earthy, umami flavors or add in some sweet cherry tomatoes or artichoke hearts. 
• Fish: Substitute the chicken for a mild fish such as cod or tilapia. 
• Instead of white wine: Use balsamic vinegar for a slightly different yet just as delicious taste.

Expert Tips

• Avoid dry chicken: If using chicken breast, 165° is the optimal temp, but for dark meat like chicken thighs, 175° helps break down the connective tissue for a tender bite.
• If the sauce thickens: During the cooking process add up to ½ cup water or chicken broth as needed.
• Slice peppers in similar size: This ensures that they cook evenly. 
• Any color bell pepper works: Red bell pepper, yellow peppers or orange peppers can all be used! Green peppers work but will add a slightly different flavor profile. 
• Garnish: Fresh basil or fresh parsley always add a pop of fresh flavor or taste. 
• Creative use of leftovers: Make a sandwich for lunch the next day! Shred chicken and combine with pepper mixture. Add toasted bread with some provolone or mozzarella cheese.

Serving Suggestions 

Although this is delicious on its own, to round out the meal, I love dipping a crusty piece of Italian bread into the skillet chicken and peppers! 

This dish would also be great served over pasta, white rice or these mashed potatoes. A side of cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables would be a low carb healthy choice.

Recipe FAQs

Can I Freeze Leftovers? 

Yes, cool completely then freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. The vegetables and chicken may not be as crisp but it will still be delicious. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

More Favorite Chicken Recipes

• Baked Chicken Parmesan
• Herb Roasted Chicken Pieces
• Marinated Grilled Chicken
• Roasted Turkey/Chicken Stuffing
• Double Cheese Chicken Roll-Ups

I hope you enjoy this delicious Italian Skillet Chicken and Pepper dish has much as we do. Buon Appetito!

Updated from September 22, 2015.