Chicken Italiano

Chicken Italiano Recipe - Italian Chicken with Creamy Mushroom and Tomato Sauce

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Italiano is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with savory flavors of onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and tomatoes. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Chicken Italiano is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a simple and flavorful recipe that has stood the test of time, thanks to its delicious combination of ingredients and ease of preparation.

Ingredients

12 pieces of chicken (2.5 to 3 lb or 1.36 kg)
1 envelope of onion soup mix (1.38 oz or 39 g)
1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz or 305 g)
0.5 cup of dry sherry or chicken broth
1 cup of drained canned tomatoes
3 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Place chicken pieces in a buttered 9x13 baking dish.
Sprinkle with soup mix and blend soup and sherry. Pour over chicken.
Add tomatoes. Cover and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 1 hour or until chicken is tender.
Serve over fluffy rice.

Variations

You can add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the dish for extra flavor.
For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
You can use different types of cream soup like cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken with salt and pepper before baking to enhance the flavors.

- You can add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of freshness.

- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese.

- To make this dish healthier, you can use low-sodium soup mix and soup, and brown rice instead of white rice.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Italiano can be served with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or garlic bread. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of chicken pieces.

- If you don't have onion soup mix, you can use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.

- Instead of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover the baking dish with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Italiano pairs well with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad. It also goes well with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken Italiano can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Italiano contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Italiano contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Italiano contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Italiano contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Italiano is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream of mushroom soup) and gluten (onion soup mix). It may also contain soy and wheat.

Summary

Chicken Italiano is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family dinner.

Summary

Chicken Italiano is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its savory flavors and tender chicken, it is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in the small village of Tuscany. As soon as I stepped into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs filled the air. I knew I was in for a treat.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, handing me a glass of homemade wine. She was a wonderful cook, known throughout the village for her delicious Italian dishes. As we chatted and caught up, she began to prepare a dish that would soon become one of my favorites - Chicken Italiano.

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly seasoned the chicken breasts with a blend of Italian herbs and spices. She then sautéed them in a pan until they were golden brown and cooked through. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

As the chicken finished cooking, Maria added a generous amount of tomatoes, garlic, and olives to the pan. The colors and flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful.

Once the chicken was ready, Maria plated it up and garnished it with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The first bite was pure heaven - tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and briny olives all coming together in perfect harmony.

I couldn't believe how simple yet delicious this dish was. I asked Maria for the recipe, and she happily obliged. She explained that it was a traditional family recipe that had been passed down for generations. Each cook put their own spin on it, making it a unique and cherished dish in their family.

I knew I had to learn how to make Chicken Italiano for myself. Maria graciously invited me back the next day to help her prepare another batch. I eagerly accepted, eager to soak up as much knowledge as I could.

As we cooked together, Maria shared stories of her grandmother and the lessons she had taught her in the kitchen. She explained the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooking with love and passion. I listened intently, absorbing every word like a sponge.

After a few hours of chopping, sautéing, and simmering, our Chicken Italiano was finally ready. We sat down at the table and savored every bite, enjoying the flavors and memories that came with each mouthful.

From that day on, Chicken Italiano became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Maria and the lessons she had taught me in her kitchen.

Years passed, and my love for cooking only grew stronger. I continued to experiment with new recipes and techniques, always keeping Maria's words of wisdom close to my heart. Chicken Italiano remained a beloved dish in my family, a reminder of the power of good food and good company.

As I sit here now, reflecting on those cherished memories, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Chicken Italiano may have been passed down to me by Maria, but it is now a part of my own culinary legacy. I hope to share it with future generations, passing on the tradition and love that comes with each delicious bite.

In the end, it's not just about the food we cook, but the stories and memories we create along the way. And for that, I am forever grateful to Maria and all the wonderful cooks who have inspired me throughout the years. Cooking is more than just a skill - it's a way of life, a way to connect with others and create lasting bonds that will never be forgotten.