Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes your taste buds with its succulent flavors. Imagine juicy chicken bathed in a rich, savory sauce, infused with the essence of herbs and spices that tickle your senses.

As you prepare to dive into this dish, think about the last time you gathered around the dinner table with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter. This recipe is perfect for creating those memorable moments, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive feast for special occasions.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken is simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
- The blend of Italian herbs creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
- Its stunning presentation makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
- Plus, you can easily adapt it based on your available ingredients or dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Bone-in Chicken Thighs: These are juicy and flavorful, perfect for holding up against the bold sauce.
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Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor.
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Fresh Rosemary: A fragrant herb that elevates the dish with its aromatic essence.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds a zesty kick; opt for larger cloves for more punch.
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Canned Tomatoes: Choose whole peeled tomatoes for a robust sauce base.
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White Wine: A splash of dry white wine enhances the sauce’s depth—go for something you’d drink!
For the seasoning:
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors; season generously.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy when cooked. Season both sides with salt and pepper—it’s essential!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Sauté until fragrant—about one minute—making sure not to burn the garlic unless you want an unintentional burst of bitterness!
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Let them brown undisturbed for about seven minutes until they’re golden brown. Flip them over and brown the other side too; it should take about five more minutes.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Wine
Pour in those glorious canned tomatoes along with their juice and add white wine. Stir gently to combine all flavors while scraping any delicious bits off the bottom of your skillet—those are flavor nuggets!
Step 5: Bake It Up
Transfer everything from your skillet into a baking dish if needed (make sure it can handle being in an oven!). Cover it with foil and pop it into your preheated oven for about thirty-five minutes.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
After thirty-five minutes, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another fifteen minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top. Transfer to plates and drizzle some sauce over each piece—this is where magic happens!
Now you have an incredible plate of Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken ready to be devoured! Enjoy this dish surrounded by friends or family; you’ll create memories worth savoring just as much as this delightful meal!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture and flavor, then cook your pasta while preparing the sauce. This sequence will save time and ensure all components are perfectly ready at the same moment.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs, use boneless thighs instead of breasts, or add vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra flavor and color. Experiment with spices to create your personal twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let your chicken marinate for at least an hour to enhance flavor; overnight is even better.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness—165°F is key!
- Don’t rush the searing process; golden brown is where the magic happens.
The first time I made Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They even said I’d earned my unofficial chef badge that night!
FAQs
What is Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken?
Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish inspired by traditional Italian flavors. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with savory ingredients like olives, capers, and herbs, creating a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or pasta. The dish embodies the rustic charm of Roman cuisine while being approachable for home cooks. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.
How long does it take to prepare Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken?
Preparing Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken typically takes about 15 minutes for prep and an additional 40 to 50 minutes for cooking. This makes the entire process around one hour, allowing you enough time to set the table or prepare side dishes while it simmers on the stove. The hands-on time is minimal, making this dish suitable for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
While Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken traditionally uses chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, you can substitute chicken breasts if desired. However, keep in mind that breasts may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. To maintain moisture, consider adjusting the cooking time accordingly or marinating the chicken beforehand to enhance tenderness and flavor.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken?
To complement Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken, consider serving it with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy polenta, or a fresh arugula salad. Crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic option to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a heartier meal, pair it with garlic mashed potatoes or pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs for a complete dining experience.
Conclusion for Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken
Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken is an enticing dish that blends simplicity with robust flavors. With its combination of tender chicken thighs and savory accompaniments like olives and capers, this recipe delivers a taste of Italy right in your kitchen. The minimal preparation time makes it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish will surely impress your guests and satisfy your palate.
Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken
Chef John’s Roman-Style Chicken is a delightful Italian dish that combines juicy bone-in chicken thighs with a rich sauce crafted from ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and garlic. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, allowing you to create unforgettable moments with family and friends while enjoying the comforting flavors of Italy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté garlic and rosemary until fragrant.
- Brown chicken thighs skin-side down for about 7 minutes; flip and brown the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes with juice and white wine; stir to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if necessary, cover with foil, and bake for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce (about 250g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: - For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary for at least an hour before cooking. - Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the sauce for added nutrition. - Serve with crusty bread or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.







