Chicken Murphy
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, look no further than Chicken Murphy. This deliciously tangy and savory meal is a celebration of chicken cooked to tender perfection and surrounded by a medley of olives, peppers, and a rich sauce that brings everything together. It’s like comfort food with a punch comforting but full of zest and excitement. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, Chicken Murphy is sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, this one is a total crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Murphy
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like chicken thighs, olives, and peppers, this dish doesn’t break the bank but still tastes like something special.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in about 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even casual weekend dinners.
Customizable: Love a bit of heat? Add extra chili flakes or throw in some spicy sausage. This dish is easy to make your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Chicken Murphy
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life:
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the savory goodness of the sauce.
Olives: Green olives add a briny kick that cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Bell Peppers: A colorful mix of red, yellow, or green peppers adds crunch and a sweet flavor to balance the tanginess.
Garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better, especially in savory dishes like this one.
Onions: Sweet onions cook down to add depth and a slight sweetness to the dish.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For just the right amount of heat to complement the other bold flavors.
Chicken Broth: Adds richness and moisture, creating the perfect base for the sauce.
White Wine: A splash of dry white wine adds brightness and depth to the sauce.
Capers: Little bursts of briny goodness that elevate the overall flavor profile.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the chicken for that perfect sear.
Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan with a bit of olive oil. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Liquids and Olives: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, stirring to combine. Toss in the olives and capers, then scrape up any brown bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, then garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Murphy hot, over your favorite side like rice, pasta, or crusty bread to mop up that delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Murphy
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve over a bed of white rice or couscous to soak up the savory sauce.
- Pair with pasta for a heartier meal that brings a classic Italian twist.
- Add some crispy, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A light green salad with a lemony vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
- Pair with a glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to bring out the flavors of the sauce.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor, but make sure to adjust cooking time.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweetness if you prefer a more balanced sauce.
- Try green olives for their tanginess, or swap for Kalamata olives for a deeper flavor.
- You can use any color of bell pepper red, yellow, or orange for a more vibrant dish.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add fresh chili peppers or extra red pepper flakes.
- Double the sauce if you want more liquid to soak into your rice or pasta.
- Don’t skip the fresh parsley it adds a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet for best texture, or microwave for convenience.
- Add sautéed spinach or kale for an extra veggie boost.
FAQ’s
1 Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs
Yes, but chicken breasts may be drier. Consider cooking them a little shorter to avoid overcooking.
2 What kind of olives should I use
Green olives work best, but Kalamata olives will give the dish a different, yet equally delicious, flavor.
3 Can I add more vegetables
Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts would work great in this dish.
4 Is this recipe gluten-free
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your broth and wine are gluten-free.
5 Can I make Chicken Murphy ahead of time
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It even tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together.
6 Can I use red wine instead of white
Red wine will change the flavor slightly, but it can work well if that’s what you have on hand.
7 How do I know when the chicken is done
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to be sure.
8 Can I freeze leftovers
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
9 What can I serve with Chicken Murphy
Rice, pasta, couscous, or even mashed potatoes are all great options to pair with this dish.
10 How can I make this recipe spicier
Add more red pepper flakes, fresh chili peppers, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Conclusion
Chicken Murphy is one of those dishes that’s full of big, bold flavors and yet simple enough to make on a weeknight. It’s an easy way to elevate your dinner table with minimal effort, but maximum flavor. With juicy chicken, tangy olives, and a savory sauce, this recipe has everything you need for a satisfying meal that will become a new favorite. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will never disappoint. Go ahead give it a try and get ready for some serious flavor!
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Chicken Murphy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Murphy is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring chicken cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, it’s a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onions and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, chicken broth, white wine, olives, and capers. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice or crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra spice, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the sauce.
- This dish can be served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
- If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with vegetables
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken murphy, Italian chicken, chicken with peppers, one-pan chicken dish, savory chicken recipe, chicken with olives and capers