Take advantage of this delicious italian chicken recipes to indulge in Italian cuisine. This recipe is a true representation of the flavours of the Mediterranean, bursting with fragrant herbs, tart tomatoes, and flavorful chicken. This recipe will wow whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just want a filling meal. Fresh ingredients and classic Italian seasonings come together to produce a symphony of flavours that will take you to the picturesque alleys of Rome or the undulating hills of Tuscany. So let’s go on a culinary expedition to learn the secrets of this delectable Italian chicken recipe. Grab your apron!
Ingredients Italian Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Directions Italian Chicken Recipe
1/ Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they begin to soften.
2/ Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
3/ Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4/ Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving platter.
5/ Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
6/ Pour the sauce over the chicken and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
How to Prepare Italian Chicken
1/ To prepare this delicious Italian chicken dish, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until they are browned on both sides, then set them aside.
2/ In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until they start to soften. Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix well to combine all the flavors.
3/ Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4/ Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a serving platter. Increase the heat to medium-high.
5/ Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This will intensify the flavors and create a rich, velvety texture.
6/ Finally, pour the luscious sauce over the chicken, allowing it to coat every succulent piece. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves to add an extra burst of Italian goodness.
Preparation Time
Preparing this tantalizing Italian chicken recipe will take approximately 10 minutes for ingredient preparation, and the total cooking time is around 45 minutes. In just under an hour, you’ll have a hearty and flavorful dish ready to impress your guests or satisfy your family’s cravings.
Servings Italian Chicken
This recipe serves 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. However, you can easily adjust the quantities to accommodate more or fewer servings based on your needs.
Looking for an easy and flavorful Italian chicken recipe? You’ve got to try this Italian Herb Baked Chicken! It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any day of the week.
Tips And Tricks For Making A Delicious Italian Chicken Dish
Choose Quality Chicken: Start with good-quality chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for most Italian chicken recipes.
Pound Chicken Evenly: If your recipe requires thin chicken cutlets, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken in Italian dressing or a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice can infuse it with extra flavor. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for more intense flavor.
Season Well: Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any desired Italian herbs or spices like oregano, basil, or thyme.
Sear for a Crust: When cooking, sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil. This gives the chicken a nice golden crust and seals in the juices.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs and ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and basil for an authentic Italian taste.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while thighs can be cooked slightly less. Overcooking can result in dry chicken.
Add Wine or Broth: Many Italian chicken recipes include white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful sauce.
Simmer for Flavor: If your recipe calls for simmering the chicken in a sauce, let it simmer gently. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Melt Cheese Carefully: If you’re melting cheese on top of the chicken (as in chicken Parmesan), do it under a broiler or in the oven for a few minutes to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish your Italian chicken dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It adds a burst of color and freshness.
Pair with Pasta or Risotto: Italian chicken dishes often go well with pasta, risotto, or a simple side salad. Choose sides that complement the flavors of your dish.
Taste and Adjust: Taste your sauce or marinade as you go along and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your palate.
Let It Rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
Presentation: Pay attention to the presentation. Arrange your chicken on the plate with care, and consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and satisfying Italian chicken dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests. Enjoy your meal!
NUTRITION FACTS
The nutrition facts for Italian chicken can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Below are approximate nutrition facts for a standard serving of Italian chicken breast, prepared with common ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and spices:
Nutrition Facts for One Serving of Italian Chicken Breast (4-ounce, skinless, boneless):
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Total Fat: 4-6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 65-75 milligrams
- Sodium: 300-400 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 30-35 grams
Here are some factors to consider in Italian chicken
Cooking Method: Baking, grilling, or sautéing chicken with a small amount of olive oil and Italian herbs is a common preparation. The nutrition values can change if more oil or butter is used.
Herbs and Spices: Italian chicken typically includes herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary, which can add flavor without significantly impacting the nutritional content.
Serving Size: The portion size can vary, so be mindful of how much chicken you consume.
Skin: If the chicken is prepared with the skin on, it will be higher in both calories and fat. Removing the skin can make the dish leaner.
Side Dishes: The overall nutrition of a meal that includes Italian-style chicken will depend on side dishes, such as vegetables or pasta, that you serve with it.
Italian chicken is a relatively healthy and protein-rich option, but the nutritional values can be influenced by preparation choices and portion sizes. To keep it lighter, consider using skinless chicken breasts, using minimal added fat, and serving it with vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.
