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italian chicken recipes

italian chicken recipes

This article explores the rich world of Italian chicken cuisine, showcasing authentic flavors, regional variations, and modern classics like Chicken Florentine, Cacciatore, and Piccata. It offers practical cooking tips, professional techniques, and pairing suggestions to help home cooks make restaurant-quality Italian chicken dishes with ease.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs basil, oregano, rosemary
For Chicken Cacciatore
  • 1 lb chicken pieces
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
For Chicken Florentine
  • 1 lb chicken breasts pounded thin
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
For Chicken Piccata
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • 1/2 cup flour for dredging
  • For Italian-Stuffed Chicken
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried herbs
  • Kitchen twine or toothpicks to seal
For “Marry Me” Chicken
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Instant Pot or slow cooker optional
  • Sheet pan
  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Wooden cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Kitchen twine or toothpicks

Method
 

  1. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Choose Recipe Type: Select from Cacciatore, Florentine, Piccata, Stuffed, or “Marry Me” chicken.
  3. Cook Base: Sear chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. Build Sauce: Add garlic, herbs, and liquids (like broth or cream) depending on the recipe. Deglaze pan to capture flavor.
  5. Combine: Return chicken to the pan, coat with sauce, and simmer until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Bake Option: For stuffed or baked recipes, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake 20–25 minutes.
  7. Rest & Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with classic Italian sides like risotto, roasted vegetables, or polenta.

Notes

  • Marinades: Let chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for maximum flavor.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
  • Cheese Tip: Mix mozzarella and ricotta for creamy stuffed chicken.
  • Storage: Keep sauces refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze for longer use.
  • Pairings: Best served with risotto, white bean salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic polenta.