Quick and Easy Chicken Piquant

A bold and tangy chicken dish, Chicken Piquant is all about zesty flavors with a spicy kick. This quick recipe balances tomato, vinegar, and spice, creating a mouthwatering, slightly tangy sauce that coats tender chicken pieces.

Origin of Chicken Piquant

The word “piquant” means sharp or spicy in taste, and this dish gets its name from the zesty combination of vinegar, tomatoes, and spices. While it has French and Cajun influences, variations of this recipe can be found in Caribbean and Southern cuisine, where bold flavors reign.

What I Love About This Recipe

This dish is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and needs only a handful of ingredients. The tangy, slightly spicy sauce pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup easy!

Quick and Easy Chicken Piquant

Recipe by RecipeWikki

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

242

kcal

Ingredients

• 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, for heat)

• 2 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)

• ½ cup chicken broth or water

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp thyme

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the green chili (if using) and cook for another minute.
• Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned.
• Stir in the tomato puree, tomato paste, and sugar.
• Pour in the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth.
• Add oregano and thyme, then mix well.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Allow the sauce to thicken, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
• For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and green chili.