Baked Chicken in Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce (Italian-Inspired One-Pan Dinner)
Juicy seared chicken thighs baked in a bold, garlicky Arrabbiata sauce with melted cheese and fresh herbs.
Prep. : 20 minutes
Cook. : 35 minutes
Total Time :
55 minutes
Cuisine : Indian
Servings : 4 people
🥕 Ingredients
🫑 Sautéed Vegetables
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1 tbsp Olive oil
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1 tbsp Butter
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2 tbsp Garlic, finely chopped
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1 cup Red and yellow bell peppers, cut into large chunks
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200 g Mushrooms, halved
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1 tsp Dried oregano
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1 tsp Chili flakes
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Salt, to taste
🍗 Chicken
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2 tbsp Olive oil
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1 tbsp Butter
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500 g Boneless chicken thighs
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1 tsp Chili flakes
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
🍅 Arrabbiata Sauce
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2 tbsp Olive oil
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1 tbsp Butter
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7–8 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1 medium Onion, finely chopped
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2 tbsp Celery, finely chopped
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1 tsp Chili flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 sprig Fresh rosemary, chopped
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1 sprig Fresh thyme, chopped
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1 tsp Dried oregano
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2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 tsp Tomato ketchup
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7–8 Blanched tomatoes, chopped
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¼ cup Tomato purée
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½ cup Chicken stock (optional)
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1 tsp Jaggery (or sugar)
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Salt, to taste
🧀 Topping & Garnish
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Grated cheddar cheese
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Grated mozzarella cheese
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Fresh basil leaves
🍳 Method
1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetable Base
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add bell peppers, oregano, and chili flakes. Toss frequently.
Add mushrooms and cook until tender and lightly golden. Season with salt.
Transfer to an oven-proof baking dish and spread evenly.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken
In the same pan, heat olive oil and butter.
Sear chicken thighs on high heat until a deep brown crust forms on both sides.
Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Arrange the seared chicken over the sautéed vegetables.
3️⃣ Prepare the Arrabbiata Sauce
In the same pan, add olive oil and butter. Sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
Add celery, rosemary, thyme, oregano, chili flakes, and salt.
Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and chicken stock.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thick and rich.
Finish by adding jaggery to balance acidity.
4️⃣ Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C.
Pour the Arrabbiata sauce generously over the chicken and vegetables.
Top with grated cheddar and mozzarella. Add fresh basil leaves.
Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and chicken is fully cooked.
🍽 Serving Suggestion
Serve hot with toasted garlic bread, al dente pasta, or steamed basmati rice.
💡 Tips
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Sear chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding
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Jaggery balances tomato acidity without making sauce sweet
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Blanch tomatoes properly for smoother sauce
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Grate cheese fresh for best melt and texture
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Rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier chicken
A Little More About This Dish
There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that bubbles away in the oven, filling your kitchen with the aroma of roasted garlic and herbs. This Baked Chicken in Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce combines bold Mediterranean flavors with tender chicken and a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it’s hearty, satisfying, and layered with flavor.
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