Sicilian Skillet Chicken With Lemon, Olives, and Capers

Let’s get something straight before we dive into this recipe. As far as I know, there is not a single dish on the sunny island of Sicily that is called Sicilian fried chicken. What I can tell you is that the place is full of agricultural riches that you can use to cook a spectacular chicken dish.

Traveling the countryside of Sicily you will hardly notice olive groves dotting the landscape, vineyards dotting the hills, capers growing wild, a variety of citrus trees and olive oil producers from coast to coast. These are just a few of the treasures that have put Sicily on the culinary map, and all play a part in making this recipe a winner.

Easy cooking, big flavors

This is simple, rustic cuisine built on layers of flavor. You start by turning chicken thighs golden brown. From there, sauté a red onion, then add garlic, capers, olives, a whole sliced ​​lemon, and oregano. Next comes a generous splash of white wine to serve as the chicken’s braising liquid. Cover the pan tightly and simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

One thing is certain about this dish – it’s not lacking in flavor. Scoop up the pan juices and you’ll get a salty, briny kick from the olives and capers, a hint of spiciness from the whole lemon, and the aromatic triple flavor of onion, garlic, and oregano.

Tips for preparing Sicilian chicken

Although this recipe involves a few steps, it’s relatively easy to complete. Here are a few pointers on how to beat it out of the park.

• If time permits, salt the chicken in advance. Salt up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This makes the finished bird particularly aromatic.
• Don’t rush the tanning. Make sure the chicken skin turns out nice and golden. It will also make the dish tastier and prettier.
• Pit the olives. Nobody wants to experience the unpleasant surprise of biting into an olive pit. Either buy pitted olives or pit them yourself. Use the side of a chef’s knife or hammer to gently tap the olives and remove the pits. Simply!

Variations you should try

If you want to play around with this recipe, there are many options. Here are a few ideas.

• Use a different type of olive. I prefer the buttery Castelvetrano olives that are native to Sicily, but other varieties like Cerignola, Manzanilla, and Picholine will work deliciously too.
• Substitute a Meyer lemon. If you can get your hands on this juicy variety, use it in place of the lemon.
• Add a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes. A touch of warmth might be a nice addition.
• Choose a different leafy green. Instead of kale, use chard, spinach, collards, or dandelion. You can even use radicchio if you like bitter flavors.
• Instead of chicken thighs, use a whole, shredded chicken that weighs about four pounds. Ask your butcher to cut each breast in half down the middle. Also, keep an eye on the breasts as they cook, as they may be done before the other cuts are tender. Simply pull them out while the thighs and legs finish cooking and return them to the pan before serving.

What to serve with Sicilian chicken

There are many ways to serve Sicilian fried chicken. It could certainly be served on its own, with crusty bread as a side to soak up the salty juices. A tough cooked grain like farro or sorghum would work well. You can also spoon the chicken over mashed potatoes or serve it with a side of fried potatoes. And speaking of Italian cuisine, a simple pasta with olive oil on the side would also work.

Yes, you can plan ahead

Like so many dishes, this one tastes best hot off the stove. That said, I’ve enjoyed it on two occasions, made quite ahead of time. Simply cover the pan with a lid or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to a day.

To reheat, leave the lid on and set over medium-low heat. Since some of the liquid has likely been absorbed by the other ingredients, you may want to add a few splashes of chicken stock or even water to the pan while it heats.

Italian-inspired chicken recipes

• Chicken cacciatore (chicken hunter’s style)
• Skillet Chicken Parmesan
• Chicken Milanese
• Italian fried chicken with spinach, tomatoes and onions