Sweet, savory, and brimming with Mediterranean character, this Jamie Oliver Sicilian Chicken is a rustic one-pan dish that brings together tender chicken, ripe tomatoes, olives, capers, and aromatic herbs. It’s a beautiful balance of bold flavors—perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or an easy yet impressive meal for guests. Jamie’s version is simple, wholesome, and cooked with love, capturing the essence of Sicilian home cooking in under an hour.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Sicilian Chicken?

Jamie Oliver’s Sicilian Chicken is a braised chicken dish inspired by Sicilian flavors and ingredients. Chicken thighs are seared and gently cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, olives, capers, and sometimes raisins or wine for contrast. This sweet-and-sour combination, known as agrodolce, is classic in Sicilian cuisine. The dish is finished with fresh herbs and served with crusty bread, rice, or polenta to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Packed with Mediterranean flavor – Olives, capers, herbs, and tomatoes
One-pan recipe – Easy to cook and clean up
Balanced sweet and savory taste – Thanks to capers, olives, and raisins
Great for batch cooking or meal prep – Gets better with time
Naturally gluten-free – No thickening agents required
Perfect comfort food – With a rustic, homemade feel

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Sicilian Chicken

Chicken thighs – 6 (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
Red onion – 1, sliced
Garlic – 3 cloves, sliced
Cherry tomatoes – 300g (or 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes)
Black olives – 100g (pitted)
Capers – 2 tablespoons, rinsed
Balsamic vinegar – 1 tablespoon
Raisins or sultanas – 2 tablespoons (optional)
Fresh rosemary or thyme – 1 tablespoon (or 1 tsp dried)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley or basil – for garnish
Lemon wedges – for serving

Equipment Needed

Large sauté pan or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and chopping board
Tongs
Serving bowl or plate

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Sicilian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, until golden. Flip and cook 2 minutes more.
Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, lower the heat and add sliced red onion and garlic.
Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until soft and lightly caramelized.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add cherry tomatoes (or canned), olives, capers, balsamic vinegar, and raisins (if using).
Stir in rosemary or thyme.
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling into the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the pan and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 30–35 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has thickened.
Uncover in the last 5 minutes to reduce sauce if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a squeeze of lemon.
Serve hot with crusty bread, couscous, rice, or polenta.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Sicilian Chicken

Crusty Italian bread or ciabatta – For soaking up sauce
Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy and comforting
Steamed white or brown rice – A neutral base
Soft polenta – Adds creaminess and body
Roasted vegetables – Complement the tomato base
Couscous or quinoa – Light, fluffy, and quick
Simple green salad with vinaigrette – Cuts through the richness

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Sicilian Chicken

Use bone-in chicken thighs – They’re more flavorful and stay juicy
Don’t skip the olives and capers – They add authentic Sicilian depth
Balance the sweetness – Raisins add a subtle contrast, but use sparingly
Sear the chicken first – Locks in flavor and improves texture
Simmer gently – Let the sauce thicken naturally
Taste before serving – Capers and olives are salty, so season carefully
Garnish just before serving – Fresh herbs brighten the dish

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Sicilian Chicken

Make it vegetarian – Use chickpeas or grilled aubergine instead of chicken
Add artichoke hearts – For a tangy Mediterranean touch
Swap raisins for dried apricots or figs – For a different sweetness
Use white wine instead of balsamic – A lighter, sharper finish
Try with boneless chicken breasts – Cook for less time to prevent drying
Top with crumbled feta – Adds creaminess and saltiness

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Sicilian Chicken

Cool to room temperature before storing – Avoids condensation
Store in airtight containers in the fridge – Lasts up to 3 days
Freeze in portioned containers – Good for up to 2 months
Label with date and contents – Especially for freezer storage
Store with sauce – Keeps the chicken moist and flavorful

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Sicilian Chicken

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat – Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if thickened
Microwave in intervals, stirring between bursts
Avoid overcooking – Just heat until warmed through
Garnish again before serving – Restores freshness
Serve with fresh bread or rice – Reheats beautifully with carbs

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Sicilian Chicken Healthier?

Use skinless chicken thighs – Reduces saturated fat
Skip the raisins or use less – Lowers sugar content
Use low-sodium olives and rinse capers well – Cuts salt
Serve with quinoa or steamed greens – Lighter sides
Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon – Use a non-stick pan
Add extra vegetables – Like courgettes, peppers, or spinach

Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 420
Protein: 30g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 480mg

FAQs

What makes Sicilian chicken different from regular tomato chicken dishes?

Sicilian chicken stands out for its sweet-and-sour flavor combination, using ingredients like olives, capers, raisins, and balsamic vinegar to create a deeper, more complex sauce.

Can I make Sicilian chicken without raisins or sultanas?

Yes, the raisins add sweetness, but are optional. You can leave them out or substitute with a small amount of honey or chopped dried apricots for a similar effect.

What kind of olives are best for Sicilian chicken?

Pitted black or green olives work well, but Sicilian-style green olives or kalamata olives are especially flavorful. Choose what suits your taste and balance it with the capers’ saltiness.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken thighs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and the juices run clear. The meat should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.

Final Words

This Jamie Oliver Sicilian Chicken is the kind of dish that brings comfort and bold flavor to your table without requiring complex steps or ingredients. With juicy chicken, savory olives, sweet raisins, and a rich tomato sauce, every bite is a burst of the Mediterranean. It’s a true celebration of simple ingredients cooked with care.