Ready meals offer a convenient taste of home cooking on busy evenings, and Sicilian Chicken stands out for its quality ingredients and flavor. Inspired by this favorite, I crafted my own version using fresh produce, and the result surpassed expectations with even richer taste—though it required a bit more prep and cleanup.
Why This Homemade Version Excels
The dish cooks to tender perfection in the oven, blending vibrant vegetables and herbs into a robust sauce. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for batch cooking. Using seasonal red peppers and tomatoes elevates the natural flavors, creating a meal that’s simple yet superior.
Ingredients for Sicilian Chicken
- Chopped red peppers
- Chopped onions
- Chopped garlic
- Chili pepper
- 10 fresh tomatoes
- Fresh or dried herbs
- Stock cube
- Can of chopped tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped raw chicken
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Chop the peppers, onions, garlic, and chili pepper.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium stainless steel saucepan over the hob.
- Fry the vegetables until softened.
- Add fresh tomatoes, herbs, and crumbled stock cube. Stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes and extra olive oil for depth. Season with salt and pepper, then heat until bubbling.
- Mix in the raw chicken, pressing pieces into the sauce for even cooking.
- Cover with a lid and bake for 20 minutes. Stir, then bake another 20 minutes. Total time is about one hour—ensure chicken reaches piping hot.
Double ingredients for batches, and customize with preferred herbs. Serve with crusty bread for the first meal, or reheat the next day alongside potato rosti for effortless dinners.
