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Chicken Fra Diavolo

Chicken Fra Diavolo is a classic Italian-American dish celebrated for its bold flavors and satisfying simplicity. The name translates to “Brother Devil”, hinting at the signature spicy kick delivered by a vibrant tomato-based sauce infused with hot peppers, garlic, and herbs. Bone-in chicken thighs are often the star, offering maximum flavor and juicy tenderness when simmered to perfection in the sauce.

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Protein:
    • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (bone-in provides the richest flavor)
  • Fra Diavolo Sauce Base:
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 medium onion, chopped
    • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1–2 hot red peppers (like Fresno or Calabrian chilies), seeded and chopped (adjust for desired heat level)
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Flavor Enhancers:
    • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Garnish (Freshness Boost):
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Preparatory Steps for Ingredients

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Chop and Measure: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and seed/chop the hot peppers. Measure out the dried herbs, wine, and tomato paste.
  3. Maximize Flavor (Optional): For the crispiest skin and deepest flavor, consider browning the chicken thighs in a separate pan before starting the sauce. This step adds a bit of time but delivers a delicious result.

Instructions

  1. Marinating the Chicken (Optional): While not essential, a quick marinade infuses the chicken with extra flavor. Combine a splash of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, your favorite herbs, and some salt and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours.

  2. Preparing the Fra Diavolo Sauce:

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
    • Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and chopped hot peppers. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
    • Add dried oregano and red pepper flakes, cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
    • Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for maximum flavor.
    • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
    • Add crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, while you cook the chicken.

  3. Cooking the Chicken:

    • Heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil (if you didn’t brown the chicken earlier).
    • Place chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, or until skin is golden brown and crispy.
    • Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
    • Carefully transfer the chicken thighs to the simmering Fra Diavolo sauce. Nest them skin-side up into the sauce.
    • Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).

  4. Finalizing the Dish:

    • Uncover the pan and gently press the chicken into the sauce to coat. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
    • Stir in the fresh parsley and basil.

Notes

  • Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount and type of hot peppers to achieve your desired heat level.
  • Protein Flexibility: While bone-in thighs yield the richest flavor, boneless chicken breasts work as a substitute (adjust cooking time).
  • Vegetarian Options: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or hearty vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
  • Make-Ahead: The Fra Diavolo sauce can be made a day in advance for even deeper, more developed flavors.
  • Author: Juana M. Benedict
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Searing, simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg