When I crave something comforting but still want to impress at the dinner table, I always turn to my Chicken Palermo recipe. It’s a beautiful mix of Sicilian charm and bold Mediterranean flavors.

Think juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, briny olives, and a garlicky white wine sauce that brings everything together.
This dish feels fancy, but it’s actually easy enough for a weeknight. If you’ve never tried Chicken Palermo before, get ready—it’s about to become one of your go-to favorites too.
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
Here’s a friendly, personal way to say why someone will love your Chicken Palermo recipe:
You’ll love this Chicken Palermo Recipe because it’s packed with bold, comforting flavors that come together effortlessly. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the mix of fresh veggies and herbs adds a vibrant touch.
Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when guests come over. I always find myself coming back to this recipe whenever I want something satisfying and delicious without too much fuss.
How To Chicken Palermo Recipe?
📝 Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Cuisine: Italian (Sicilian-inspired)
- Yield: 4 servings
🔪 Equipment Needed
Here’s a list of equipment you’ll need to make Chicken Palermo Recipe:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional, for seasoning chicken)
- Plate or tray (for resting the chicken)
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s a classic ingredient list for Chicken Palermo Recipe rich, savory, and full of Mediterranean flavor:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making my Chicken Palermo Recipe it’s simple, flavorful, and comes together beautifully:
- Season the chicken
I start by patting the chicken dry, then seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. - Sear the chicken
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then I add the chicken and sear it for about 4–5 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and nearly cooked through. I transfer it to a plate and set it aside. - Sauté the veggies
In the same skillet, I toss in the sliced bell peppers and red onion. I cook them for 5–6 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. - Add garlic and olives
I stir in the minced garlic and halved olives, letting everything cook for another minute so the garlic gets fragrant. - Deglaze with wine
I pour in the white wine (or broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. - Return chicken to the skillet
I nestle the chicken back into the pan, spooning some of the sauce and veggies over the top. I cover the skillet and let it simmer for another 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. - Finish and serve
I sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve it hot with lemon wedges on the side. Sometimes I pair it with rice, crusty bread, or even roasted potatoes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Over rice or orzo: I love spooning the juicy chicken and peppers over a bed of fluffy rice or buttery orzo to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- With crusty bread: A thick slice of rustic Italian bread is perfect for mopping up the garlicky white wine sauce. Trust me—you won’t want to waste a drop.
- Alongside roasted potatoes: I sometimes serve it with crispy herb-roasted potatoes for a heartier, comforting feel.
- Paired with a green salad: A simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances out the rich flavors.
- Topped with feta or shaved Parmesan: A sprinkle of cheese gives it an extra savory kick—especially if you’re serving it without starches
💡 Special Tips and Variations
Absolutely! Here are my go-to tips and fun variations to make Chicken Palermo Recipe even better or to switch things up depending on what I have on hand:
Tips
- Pound the chicken: If the breasts are thick, I gently pound them for even cooking and tenderness.
- Don’t skip the deglazing: Scraping up those browned bits adds serious flavor to the sauce.
- Let it rest: I always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving—it stays juicy that way.
- Use a good wine: If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it. A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works great.
Variations
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone to the pan sauce for a creamy twist.
- Swap the protein: Chicken thighs, shrimp, or even Italian sausage work beautifully with the same sauce.
- Add artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes: These give it even more of a Mediterranean vibe.
- Go low-carb: Skip the starches and serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Spicy version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of Calabrian chili oil for a nice kick.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Here’s a general estimate for the Nutrition Facts per serving of Chicken Palermo Recipe, based on a 4-serving recipe using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and standard ingredients:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Potassium: 600mg
🧊 How to Store Chicken Palermo Recipe
Here’s how I store Chicken Palermo Recipe to keep it fresh and flavorful for later:
Refrigerator
- I let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container.
- It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- I reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezer
- For longer storage, I freeze the chicken and sauce (without any fresh garnishes like parsley or lemon).
- I use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
- It keeps well for up to 2 months.
- I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
❓ FAQs – Chicken Palermo Recipe
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! I often make it a day in advance—the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of wine?
If I’m not using wine, I swap in low-sodium chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar for that same tangy depth.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Definitely. I’ve made it with bone-in thighs before—just increase the cook time and make sure the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
Is it spicy?
Not unless I add red pepper flakes. I usually keep it mild, but a pinch of chili adds a nice kick if you like heat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, and I often do! Just cool it completely first and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I serve it with?
I love it with rice, crusty bread, or roasted potatoes—but you can easily pair it with pasta, couscous, or a salad too.
Let me know if you’d like a printable recipe card or to turn this into a blog-ready FAQ section with headings and formatting
Note:
Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat — they stay extra juicy and flavorful. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
I sometimes toss in a splash of white wine or chicken broth while cooking to deepen the flavor and keep everything moist. Don’t skip the olives or sun-dried tomatoes — they really bring that classic Sicilian flair to the dish!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making this Chicken Palermo as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and rich flavors always makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients to your taste cooking is all about making a dish your own. Let me know how it turns out! If you want it shorter or more casual, just let me know!
Chicken Palermo Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I start by patting the chicken dry, then seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then I add the chicken and sear it for about 4–5 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and nearly cooked through. I transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, I toss in the sliced bell peppers and red onion. I cook them for 5–6 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize.
- I stir in the minced garlic and halved olives, letting everything cook for another minute so the garlic gets fragrant.
- I pour in the white wine (or broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- I nestle the chicken back into the pan, spooning some of the sauce and veggies over the top. I cover the skillet and let it simmer for another 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- I sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve it hot with lemon wedges on the side. Sometimes I pair it with rice, crusty bread, or even roasted potatoes.