Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m more than thrilled to whisk you away on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily. If you’re a fan of vibrant, fresh flavors that dance on the palate, this dish is sure to be a hit in your household. Allow me to introduce you to “Feast of Sicily: Orange Zest Chicken with Olives and Capers.”
As a family man from the UK with four lively children, finding a recipe that satisfies my entire household can sometimes be a challenge. However, this Mediterranean-inspired dish checks all the right boxes. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and adds a touch of elegance to any meal—perfect for impressing even the pickiest of little eaters!
This recipe was inspired by a sunny holiday my wife and I took before the kids came along. We wandered through vibrant Sicilian markets alive with the scent of fresh citrus and spices. It’s these very memories I wanted to bring to our dinner table, infusing our home with a taste of la dolce vita.
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the orange zest, which, when combined with fresh orange juice, bathes the chicken in a delightful citrusy tang that is both sweet and savory. Balanced by the salty notes of brined green olives and capers, each bite is a tantalizing tango of flavors. It’s these small, treasured ingredients that truly transport me and my family back to those buzzing Sicilian streets.
But let’s not forget that cooking for a family doesn’t need to be a grand, time-consuming affair. This one-pan wonder is surprisingly simple to prepare. With a quick sear on the stove, followed by a gentle bake in the oven, the chicken remains juicy and tender, soaking up every bit of the rich, aromatic sauce.
As the oven works its magic, you’ll have just enough time to set the table with a fresh, crusty loaf of bread—perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce—and perhaps a crisp side salad for a complete meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
And there you have it—a little slice of Sicily in the comfort of your own home. From our family to yours, we hope this recipe brings you as much joy and flavor as it has brought ours. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is a delightful reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary experiences.
Buon Appetito!
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon orange zest (from one large orange)
– 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from one large orange)
– 1/3 cup brined green olives, pitted and halved
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the orange zest, orange juice, olives, capers, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and butter to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
8. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken.
9. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavours to meld together.
10. Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of the orange-olive-caper sauce. Enjoy your Feast of Sicily!
