Chicken Romano

Authentic Italian Chicken Romano Recipe with Red Wine and Mushrooms

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Romano is a delicious and flavorful dish that features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms and red wine. This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Chicken Romano is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and earthy mushrooms creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

12 chicken pieces (about 2.5 lb or 1.13 kg)
salt and ground black pepper
0.25 cup butter or margarine
2 cans of tomato sauce (8 oz or 227 g each)
1 tsp onion salt
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 bay leaf
1 can of sliced mushrooms (4 oz or 113 g) including liquid
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
0.25 cup red wine
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Melt the butter in a large skillet.
Add the chicken and cook until it is browned on all sides. Spoon out all but 2 tbsp of drippings.
Add the tomato sauce, onion salt, brown sugar, bay leaf, mushrooms, parsley, and wine to the skillet. Bring it to a boil, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Remove the bay leaf.
Serve it over fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the chicken pieces.
Add olives or capers to the sauce for a briny twist.
Use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and create a delicious caramelized crust.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Romano over fluffy rice or pasta, with a side of crusty bread and a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to develop a rich flavor.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version of the dish.

- Substitute fresh mushrooms for canned mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Romano can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Chicken Romano with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chicken Romano with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken Romano in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Romano contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

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

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Chicken Romano contains dairy (butter) and gluten (from the flour used to coat the chicken).

Summary

Chicken Romano is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Romano is a classic Italian dish that features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with mushrooms and red wine. This flavorful and satisfying meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. The tantalizing blend of flavors and aromas promised a delightful dining experience. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to attend a cooking demonstration at a local farmer's market. As I wandered through the stalls, I stumbled upon a lively group gathered around a charming woman with a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous smile. She introduced herself as Nonna Rosa, a renowned Italian cook who had traveled far and wide to share her culinary secrets.

Nonna Rosa was a petite woman with silver hair and a generous spirit. She spoke with passion and enthusiasm as she shared the story behind each recipe she demonstrated. Her hands moved with grace and precision as she effortlessly prepared each dish, her eyes sparkling with joy and pride. I was captivated by her charisma and charm, and I eagerly absorbed every detail she shared.

As Nonna Rosa began to demonstrate the recipe for Chicken Romano, I was immediately intrigued. The dish seemed simple yet elegant, a perfect blend of tender chicken, savory cheese, and aromatic herbs. Nonna Rosa explained that the secret to the dish was in the marinade, a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. She emphasized the importance of letting the chicken marinate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.

I watched in awe as Nonna Rosa expertly seasoned the chicken and placed it in the refrigerator to marinate. She then demonstrated how to prepare the breading mixture, a combination of grated Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. As she coated the chicken in the breading, her hands moved with ease and confidence, creating a golden crust that promised a crispy and flavorful finish.

Nonna Rosa then heated a skillet on the stove and added a generous amount of olive oil. She carefully placed the breaded chicken in the pan, the sizzle and aroma filling the air with anticipation. As the chicken cooked, Nonna Rosa shared stories of her childhood in Italy, where she learned the art of cooking from her grandmother and mother. She spoke of the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooking with love and passion.

After a few minutes, Nonna Rosa flipped the chicken, revealing a perfectly golden crust. She added a splash of white wine and fresh lemon juice to deglaze the pan, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. As the chicken finished cooking, Nonna Rosa sprinkled it with fresh parsley and grated Romano cheese, the final touch to elevate the dish to perfection.

I eagerly sampled a piece of the Chicken Romano, the tender meat and crispy crust melting in my mouth with each bite. The flavors were rich and complex, a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and herbal notes. I was transported to a rustic Italian farmhouse, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bustling kitchen filled with laughter and love.

As I bid farewell to Nonna Rosa and thanked her for sharing her recipe, I knew that Chicken Romano would become a cherished dish in my own kitchen. I vowed to honor the tradition and passion that Nonna Rosa had instilled in me, creating memories and meals that would bring joy and comfort to all who gathered around my table.

And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a stomach full of delicious Chicken Romano, I embarked on a culinary journey inspired by the wisdom and warmth of a remarkable woman who had shared her love of food and family with me. Nonna Rosa's recipe would forever hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the power of tradition, storytelling, and the simple pleasure of a well-cooked meal. Grazie mille, Nonna Rosa, for opening my eyes and my palate to the magic of Chicken Romano.