Italian chicken is a classic dish that brings the warm flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its savory herbs, garlic, and a touch of wine. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Italian chicken step-by-step, with tips to keep it juicy, flavorful, and authentically Italian.
What Makes Italian Chicken Special?
Italian chicken recipes often highlight simple, fresh ingredients like olive oil, garlic, herbs (such as rosemary, oregano, and sage), and sometimes olives or tomatoes. The cooking method usually involves browning the chicken and then simmering it in a flavorful sauce made from wine, herbs, and sometimes vegetables. This technique ensures the chicken stays tender and absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic Italian chicken, gather the following ingredients:
– 1½ pounds chicken pieces (breasts or thighs work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1½ cups water or chicken stock
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– Fresh herbs: 4-5 sage leaves and 1-2 sprigs of rosemary
– 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– ¼ cup dry white wine
– ¼ to ⅓ cup black olives (optional, but adds great flavor)
These ingredients create a beautiful balance of savory, herbal, and slightly tangy notes that define Italian chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into smaller pieces if needed. Lightly season them with salt.
2. Simmer with Herbs and Water
Place the chicken in a medium to large skillet. Add the water or chicken stock, a sprig of rosemary, and some sage leaves. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Cover the pan and let it cook until the water evaporates—this usually takes about 30-35 minutes. If there’s still liquid left after that time, remove the lid and increase the heat to let it evaporate completely.
3. Brown the Chicken with Garlic and Olive Oil
Once the water has evaporated, add the olive oil and minced garlic to the pan. Sprinkle the chicken with oregano. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add Wine and Olives
Pour in the white wine and raise the heat to medium-high. Let the wine cook down for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor and help brown the chicken further. Finally, add the black olives and cook for another minute or two.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Your Italian chicken is ready to serve! It pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Perfect Italian Chicken
– Pound the chicken: Flattening chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
– Use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary and sage add authentic Italian aromas.
– Don’t skip the wine: It adds acidity and complexity to the dish.
– Let the chicken rest: After cooking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute the juices.
– Try variations: You can add cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, or olives for extra flavor and color.
Variations to Explore
If you want to try a different twist on Italian chicken, here are some popular options:
– Italian Baked Chicken: Season chicken breasts with oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic, and lemon juice. Bake with sliced onions and tomatoes covered in foil, then uncover to brown the top.
– Chicken Italiano with Orzo: Sear chicken with sausage, onions, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Add orzo pasta, white wine, roasted peppers, olives, capers, and chicken stock. Simmer until chicken is cooked and pasta is tender, then stir in parmesan cheese.
– Italian Butter Chicken: A creamy, buttery version that’s rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian chicken recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare with everyday ingredients. The slow simmering process makes the chicken incredibly tender and infused with the wonderful flavors of herbs, garlic, and wine. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite Italian flavors.
Italian chicken is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Italy to your table without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and buon appetito!
Italian chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that combines fresh herbs, garlic, and wine to create a tender and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.