Roman Style Chicken

Roman Style Chicken isn’t just a meal it’s a memory. The first time I made it, my kitchen smelled like something straight out of an old Italian trattoria. I was juggling dinner while my toddler chased our dog in circles, and still this dish came out beautifully. That’s the kind of meal we moms need, right?

In this article, I’ll walk you through my take on Roman style chicken inspired by Giada’s version but simplified for real life. It’s a rustic blend of tender chicken thighs, sweet peppers, and tangy tomatoes that simmer into pure magic. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need a new weeknight dinner idea, you’ll find everything here: a flavorful recipe, the perfect side pairings, wine tips, and even how long leftovers last.

Grab your skillet and let’s get cozy with a recipe that’s hearty, foolproof, and feels like a warm Italian hug.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

The Story Behind Roman Style Chicken

Why Is Roman Style Chicken So Loved?

Roman style chicken is beloved for its bold yet balanced flavors. The combination of garlic, herbs, and bell peppers with tender chicken creates a rustic, comforting dish with centuries-old roots. It’s essentially a twist on chicken cacciatore, but with a Roman flair less saucy, more peppery.

This dish gained extra attention thanks to Giada De Laurentiis’ Roman Style Chicken recipe, which made it more approachable for home cooks. I first tried her version years ago, but over time, I adapted it to suit busy weeknights and grocery store limitations.

What Makes It “Roman” Exactly?

The term “Roman” refers to central Italy’s home-style cooking. Think seasonal ingredients, bold aromatics, and unfussy preparation. This recipe leans on staples like:

• Sweet bell peppers
• Onion & garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Dry white wine or broth
• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley

Chicken thighs are traditional because they stay juicy, even after simmering. And if you’re thinking about substitutions, don’t worry we’ll get to those in Part 2.

Cooking This as a Busy Mom: My Real Experience

Let me tell you, I made this Roman style chicken while helping with homework, refereeing a sibling argument, and dealing with a toddler meltdown. Even with all that chaos, dinner still turned out delicious. Why? Because this recipe is forgiving. Once everything’s in the pan, the magic happens while it simmers.

It’s just the kind of low-stress, high-reward dinner I love sharing with you on ChefloraRecipes.com.

How to Make Roman Chicken at Home

What Ingredients Do You Need?

To make Roman chicken, you’ll need chicken thighs, bell peppers, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and broth or white wine. Herbs like parsley and thyme bring it to life. This dish simmers everything together for bold, rustic flavor.

When I first cooked this, I didn’t have fresh herbs on hand or the exact wine Giada used but it still turned out amazing. That’s the beauty of this recipe: it’s flexible. Here’s what you’ll need for my simplified version.

Essential Ingredients:

Tip: If you’re short on time, use pre-sliced peppers or a frozen pepper blend.

How to Cook It (Step-by-Step)

Brown the chicken first, then sauté the peppers and onion. Add garlic, deglaze with wine, stir in tomatoes, and simmer everything until tender about 30–35 minutes.

Here’s how I pull it off in under an hour even with distractions.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season & Sear the Chicken
   Pat dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
   In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring often.
3. Add Garlic & Deglaze
   Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds. Pour in wine (or broth) and scrape up all the flavorful bits at the bottom.
4. Simmer with Tomatoes
   Add crushed tomatoes and herbs. Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up. Cover and simmer 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
5. Taste and Adjust
   Add salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Helpful Substitutions

Real-life hack: Once, I forgot to buy tomatoes. I used leftover marinara from the fridge it still worked.

• If you like easy skillet meals, check out my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken bright, creamy, and ready in 30 minutes.
• For a heartier, oven-baked option, try the Ultimate Stuffed Chicken Breast, which also works great for guests.

What to Eat with Roman Style Chicken

What Side Dishes Go Best With This Dish?

The best sides for Roman style chicken include creamy polenta, roasted vegetables, crusty Italian bread, or a fresh arugula salad. These balance the savory sauce and complete the meal.

One thing I love about Roman style chicken is how it pairs so well with simple, rustic sides. This dish is rich and flavorful, so you want something that complements—rather than competes with it.

Here are my favorite pairings that make dinner feel like an Italian countryside feast.

1. Creamy Polenta (A Roman Classic)

If you’ve never made polenta, now’s the time. It’s soft, buttery, and perfect for catching every drop of that peppery tomato sauce from the Roman style chicken.

How to Make Polenta (Quick Method):

• Boil 3 cups water with salt
• Whisk in 1 cup cornmeal slowly
• Stir constantly for 10–15 mins
• Finish with butter or parmesan

Optional: Use broth instead of water for more depth.

Polenta is my go-to when I want a cozy, spoonable base. Plus, my kids love it it’s like Italian mashed potatoes.

2. Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast

You must have bread on the table when serving Roman chicken. Whether it’s a warm baguette or thick garlic toast, it helps soak up the rustic sauce and keeps everyone quiet at the dinner table (a miracle in my house).

3. Roasted Veggies or Steamed Greens

If you’re keeping things light, go for:

• Roasted zucchini or eggplant
• Steamed green beans with lemon
• Sautéed spinach with garlic

These add freshness without overpowering the Roman style chicken recipe. Try pairing it with a veggie soup like this Zucchini Mushroom Soup with Chicken for a cozy Italian dinner night.

What Are Traditional Roman Side Dishes?

Traditional Roman sides include polenta, sautéed chicory (puntarelle), roasted artichokes, or crusty pane casareccio (homestyle bread). These reflect the simple, seasonal spirit of Roman cooking.

If you’re going for authenticity, look toward:

• Puntarelle salad with anchovy dressing
• Carciofi alla Romana (braised artichokes)
• Pane casareccio rustic country bread

These traditional sides were built to go with dishes like Roman style chicken. They’re earthy, minimal, and highlight the flavors already in the main dish.

• Want another rich, saucy chicken dinner? You’ll love my Belizean Chicken Stew it’s bold, slow-simmered, and totally soul-warming.
• If you’re into layered flavor, my Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken is another must-try.

Wine Pairings + Leftovers + Real-Life Testimonial

What Wine Pairs Well With Roman Style Chicken?

Dry red wines like Chianti, Sangiovese, or Pinot Noir pair beautifully with Roman style chicken. These wines complement the tomato-based sauce and balance the richness of the dish.

Now, I’m no sommelier, but I’ve tested plenty of pairings (for science, of course). Because Roman style chicken has that tomato-garlic-onion thing going on, you need a wine that’s bright and structured not too heavy, not too sweet.

Top Wine Pairings:

If you’re not into reds, a dry white like Verdicchio or Soave also works especially if you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs.

Budget tip: Trader Joe’s has an excellent Chianti under $10 that works great with Roman style chicken.

How Long Does Roman Style Chicken Last?

Roman style chicken lasts 3–4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

This dish actually gets better after a day like stew or chili. The flavors deepen and the sauce thickens. I often make extra just to have leftovers.

Storage Tips:

• Fridge: Store in a sealed glass container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F

Avoid microwaving if you can it dries out the chicken and dulls the sauce flavor.

Real-Life Review: “Better Than a Restaurant!”

“I made your Roman style chicken recipe for our anniversary dinner, and wow it was better than any Italian restaurant we’ve been to. My husband couldn’t stop raving. I paired it with creamy polenta and Chianti, just like you suggested. Easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough for a celebration.”
Jillian M., Austin, TX

That kind of feedback makes my day. This dish isn’t just easy and flavorful it feels like something made with love, even if you’re cooking it in yoga pants with a baby on your hip.

• If you love meals that taste even better the next day, check out my Chicken Stew Recipe super cozy and great for batch cooking.
• Looking for a bold flavor profile? My Alice Springs Chicken is a reader favorite with melty cheese and honey mustard magic.

Roman Style Chicken Variations (Giada’s Recipe and Beyond)

What’s Different in Giada’s Roman Style Chicken Recipe?

Giada’s Roman chicken uses prosciutto, sweet bell peppers, white wine, and fresh herbs for a layered, elegant flavor. It’s sautéed then simmered, creating a classic Roman-style dish.

If you’ve seen Giada De Laurentiis’ Roman chicken recipe, you probably remember the prosciutto. It’s one of those fancy touches that adds a salty, savory depth. Her method also includes capers and fresh parsley, making it slightly more refined than a rustic home-style version.

Giada Roman Chicken Recipe Breakdown:

• Chicken thighs (skinless)
• Sweet peppers & onions
• Garlic, white wine, crushed tomatoes
• Prosciutto (lightly crisped)
• Capers (optional)
• Fresh herbs: parsley + thyme

It’s delicious but like most of us, I rarely have prosciutto or capers lying around. So I created a mom-approved variation that uses pantry basics but keeps the heart of the dish alive.

How to Make It in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Life is full sometimes we need a set-it-and-forget-it version of Roman chicken.

Here’s how I make it work in the slow cooker:

Slow Cooker Instructions:

1. Sear the chicken first for better flavor (optional).
2. Add all ingredients to your crockpot.
3. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Instant Pot Instructions:

1. Use sauté mode to brown chicken and cook veggies.
2. Add liquid and deglaze.
3. Lock lid and cook on Manual (High) for 10 minutes.
4. Natural release for 10 more, then quick release.

Pro tip: Thicken the sauce with a slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) if needed after cooking.

Roman Style Chicken

Lora

A rustic Italian dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This foolproof one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and tastes even better the next day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 lbs | chicken thighs | bone-in or boneless
• 2 | bell peppers | red and yellow sliced
• 1 | large onion | sliced thin
• 4-6 | cloves | garlic | minced
• 1 | 28 oz can | crushed tomatoes
• ½ | cup | white wine or chicken broth
• 2 | tablespoons | olive oil
• | | salt and pepper | to taste
• 1 | teaspoon | fresh thyme | or dried Italian seasoning
• 2 | tablespoons | fresh parsley | chopped optional
• | | red pepper flakes | optional to taste

Instructions

 

• Prepare and Sear the Chicken
• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside on a plate.
• Sauté the Vegetables
• In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized.
• Add Garlic and Deglaze
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Simmer with Tomatoes
• Add crushed tomatoes and herbs to the pan. Stir to combine. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce skin side up. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
• Finish and Serve
• Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

• Wine: Use chicken broth plus a splash of vinegar for acidity
• Fresh herbs: Substitute with 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Crushed tomatoes: Use tomato sauce plus 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Chicken thighs: Boneless breasts work but cook 10 minutes less
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat gently on stovetop or in oven at 325°F
• Slow Cooker Method: Sear chicken first (optional), add all ingredients to crockpot, cook on LOW 6-7 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours.
  Instant Pot Method: Sauté chicken and veggies, add liquids, cook on Manual (High) 10 minutes, natural release 10 minutes.
  Serving Suggestions: Best served with creamy polenta, crusty Italian bread, roasted vegetables, or arugula salad. Pairs beautifully with Chianti, Sangiovese, or Pinot Noir.

Keyword chicken thighs recipe, chicken with peppers, Giada chicken recipe, Italian chicken recipe, one pan chicken dinner,, Roman style chicken, weeknight dinner

Weeknight Shortcut: One-Skillet Giadzy Roman Chicken

The Giadzy Roman chicken recipe simplifies the classic even further perfect for weeknights.

Quick Modifications:

• Use boneless, skinless thighs
• Pre-chopped frozen pepper blend
• Canned fire-roasted tomatoes
• Dry Italian seasoning

Everything goes in one large skillet. Sear, sauté, simmer, and serve. Done in under 40 minutes with all the warm, peppery flavor you expect from Roman style chicken.

• Want more global comfort food with bold seasoning? You’ve got to try my Harissa Honey Chicken spicy, sweet, and super family-friendly.
• If skillet recipes are your go-to, don’t miss this Easy Cream of Mushroom Chicken for a creamy, savory twist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roman Style Chicken

• If you’re planning a cozy dinner with sides, the Alice Spring Chicken is another reader-favorite skillet meal.
• For a twist on stew-style comfort, this Belizean Chicken Stew is rich, earthy, and freezer-friendly.

Conclusion: A Roman Dinner Worth Repeating

If there’s one recipe that feels like a warm hug at the end of a chaotic day, it’s Roman style chicken. It’s flavorful without being fussy, and hearty without weighing you down. I’ve made this dish on weeknights, for company, even once while holding a crying baby and it still turned out amazing. That’s the kind of recipe we moms keep in our back pocket.

Whether you follow Giada’s Roman chicken recipe to the letter or use my shortcut version, what matters most is that you make it yours. Serve it with creamy polenta, crusty bread, or just a glass of red wine and call it a win.

And hey, if your kids dunk their garlic bread in the sauce? That’s Roman enough for me.

From my kitchen to yours buon appetito