Calabrian chicken is a delicious dish that is wonderfully spicy. Calabrian chili paste brings a delicious flavor and heat to the chicken for a meal that can be ready in less than 20 minutes.
I've fallen in love with Calabrian chili paste. I just love the spice it gives to every food.
And I had a chicken breast that I needed to use, so I wound up making this spicy Calabrian chicken and it was so good!
Bright from the lemon juice, spicy from the chili paste, a little sweet from the honey, and the heavy cream just rounded out the sauce.
I served with some fresh parsley, but some basil would be delicious too!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Calabrian chili paste
- Garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Salt
What is Calabrian chili paste?
Calabrian chili paste is a spicy condiment from the Calabria region of southern Italy (in the "boot" area of Italy).
It's ground up chilis with olive oil, salt, and sometimes vinegar. And it packs a punch. With Calabrian chili paste, a little goes a long way.
You can get versions here on Amazon, and Trader Joe's also makes a version called Bomba Sauce which is so tasty and super affordable!
Can't find Calabrian chili paste? Here are the best substitutes for Calabrian chili paste.
Customization ideas
This dish is easy to make a little more (or less) spicy and a little more sweet!
To make less spicy, simply reduce the amount of Calabrian chili paste. To make sweeter, simply add a little more honey.
You could also sauté some shallots in with your chicken for a different flavor or top with fresh basil instead of parsley.
To make a creamier version, add an additional tablespoon or two of heavy cream. To make a cream-free version, just leave it out altogether!
And you can even do a bite-sized version and cut the chicken into chunks and cook that way before adding the spicy sauce.
What to serve with the chicken
The Calabrian chicken is delicious served alongside air fryer Mediterranean vegetables, some lemony asparagus, or paired with this tomato ricotta tart.
Recipe notes
- Cook times may depend on the thickness and size of your chicken. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your chicken.
- This chicken can be spicy! The Calabrian chili paste packs a punch. If you're sensitive to spice, possibly cut the amount of chili paste in half.
How to make Calabrian chicken
Add the lemon juice, calabrian chili paste, and honey to a small bowl.
Stir to combine to create your calabrian chili sauce.
Take your chicken breast and pat dry with paper towels. Slice in half lengthwise so you have two flat chicken cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a medium skillet, heat up oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes.
Flip, then cook an additional 3-4 minutes until your chicken breast is cooked through and the interior reaches 165 degrees F when measured with a meat thermometer.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add Calabrian sauce and heavy cream and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Plate the Calabrian chicken.
Top with fresh herbs and enjoy!
More recipes using Calabrian chili paste
Recipes to love
Calabrian Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon calabrian chili paste
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- salt
Instructions
- Slice the chicken in half lengthwise so that you are left with 2 thin cutlets. Season with salt on both sides.
- In a small bowl, combine juice of 1 lemon, calabrian chili paste, and honey. Stir to combine.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. (Cook time will depend on thickness of chicken).
- While chicken cooks, mince the two cloves of garlic. Once chicken is done cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the calabrian chili mixture and heavy cream to the skillet and cook another 1-2 minutes.
- Plate the chicken and serve the Calabrian sauce over the chicken.
Notes
- Cook times may depend on the thickness and size of your chicken. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your chicken.
- This chicken can be spicy! The Calabrian chili paste packs a punch. If you're sensitive to spice, possibly cut the amount of chili paste in half.
- This recipe serves 1-2 people, depending on how much chicken you would like to serve each person.
Nutrition
If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.
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