Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready for baking later in the recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Peppers
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and hot red pepper, and sauté until the onions are softened.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Deglaze with Wine and Add Tomato Paste
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 6: Simmer with Crushed Tomatoes
Add the crushed fire roasted tomatoes and minced basil to the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Bake in the Oven
Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs into the sauce in the skillet, skin-side up. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the Chicken Fra Diavolo with minced fresh parsley, basil leaves, and shredded Parmesan cheese according to your taste.
