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Pollo Tonnata

Pollo Tonnata (Chicken in Tuna Sauce recipe image
This classic Italian dish, Pollo Tonnata, offers a unique twist on the traditional tonnato sauce by pairing it with tender chicken instead of beef. The sauce is a luxurious blend of canned tuna, anchovies, capers, and mayonnaise, creating a creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile that coats the meat beautifully. The chicken is simply poached or pan-seared to keep it moist and delicate, allowing the bold sauce to shine. Served cold or at room temperature, often with a side of warm bread and crisp vegetables like bell peppers and cannellini beans, this meal is perfect for a light summer dinner, a potluck contribution, or a quick weeknight meal that feels sophisticated yet requires minimal effort.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2
Calories: 33.1
Description
This classic Italian dish, Pollo Tonnata, offers a unique twist on the traditional tonnato sauce by pairing it with tender chicken instead of beef. The sauce is a luxurious blend of canned tuna, anchovies, capers, and mayonnaise, creating a creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile that coats the meat beautifully. The chicken is simply poached or pan-seared to keep it moist and delicate, allowing the bold sauce to shine. Served cold or at room temperature, often with a side of warm bread and crisp vegetables like bell peppers and cannellini beans, this meal is perfect for a light summer dinner, a potluck contribution, or a quick weeknight meal that feels sophisticated yet requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil, divided use
  • 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6oz each)
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 Cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 loaf Italian bread
  • 2 Anchovy fillets
  • 1/4 cup Packed white tuna, drained
  • 1/4 cup Low-fat mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Nonfat plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 1 tablespoon Capers, drained and rinsed
  • 4 Pitted black olives, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
  1. 1
  2. 2
    Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
  3. 3
    Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until browned.
  4. 4
    Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the empty side.
  5. 5
  6. 6
    While the chicken cooks, place the Italian bread in the preheated oven to warm for about 5-7 minutes.
  7. 7
    In a food processor or blender, combine the rinsed anchovy fillets, drained tuna, mayonnaise, yogurt, and 1/4 cup water.
  8. 8
    Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with a little more water if needed.
  9. 9
    Remove chicken from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or keep whole.
  10. 10
    To serve, spoon the bean and pepper mixture onto individual plates.
  11. 11
    Place the cooked chicken on top of the vegetables.
  12. 12
    Generously pour the tuna sauce over the chicken.
  13. 13
    Sprinkle with capers and sliced black olives. Serve with the warmed Italian bread.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 33.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.8g6%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 0.0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 0.0g0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serving Suggestion: Pollo Tonnata is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, making it an excellent make-ahead dish. Chill the chicken and sauce separately, then assemble just before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of anchovy fillets or use anchovy paste instead. For a richer sauce, substitute full-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for the low-fat versions.

Variations: This recipe uses chicken, but traditional Tonnato sauce is often served with roast beef. You can also serve this sauce over pasta or as a dip with crusty bread.

Keywords: italian, chicken, tuna, tonnata, pollo, anchovy, capers, creamy, cold dish, salad, main course, easy dinner, mediterranean, protein, bell pepper, cannellini beans, mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, bread
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pollo-tonnata-chicken-in-tuna-sauce/