Chicken Fra Diavolo is a fiery Italian-American dish that brings together the succulent flavors of bone-in, skin-on chicken with a spicy tomato sauce. “Fra Diavolo,” meaning “Brother Devil,” perfectly captures the bold heat of the crushed red pepper flakes in this robust sauce. The crispy skin and tender meat of the chicken meld beautifully with the rich, spicy tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a splash of white wine. Perfect for spice lovers and anyone looking to elevate their dinner table, Chicken Fra Diavolo is a hearty, satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine has reduced by half.
- Make the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and sugar to the pan. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up, nestling them into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and basil leaves. Serve the Chicken Fra Diavolo over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!
This spicy and aromatic dish is sure to spice up your meal rotation, offering a delightful kick that’s balanced by the rich tomato and herb sauce, complemented by the crispy, flavorful chicken skin.
