5 Best Chicken Italian Recipes

delicious italian chicken dishes

If you're a fan of chicken and Italian cuisine, you're in for a treat! Imagine crispy Chicken Parmesan, zesty Lemon Chicken Piccata, or creamy Chicken Alfredo dancing on your taste buds. Each dish tells a delicious story, blending flavors that make you want to savor every bite. And trust me, there's a lot more to discover in the world of chicken Italian recipes. So, are you ready to whip up some culinary magic?

Classic Chicken Parmesan

Classic Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that features juicy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be served with pasta, a salad, or crusty bread. The combination of flavors and textures—from the crispy chicken to the gooey cheese—make it a favorite among both adults and kids alike.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
  • Olive oil, for frying

Instructions:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third dish. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it into the eggs, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and fry the breaded chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Once cooked, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover each piece with marinara sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Extra Tips:

For an extra crispy chicken Parmesan, you can double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Additionally, letting the breaded chicken rest for about 10 minutes before frying can help the coating stick better.

If you prefer a healthier version, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. Just place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) before adding the sauce and cheese.

Enjoy your homemade Classic Chicken Parmesan!

Zesty Lemon Chicken Piccata

lemon infused chicken dish

Zesty Lemon Chicken Piccata is a delightful Italian dish that combines the bright flavors of lemon, the richness of butter, and the savory taste of capers to create a mouthwatering experience. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection, resulting in a juicy and tender texture, while the zesty sauce adds a burst of freshness. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with a simple yet elegant meal.

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Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken breasts, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir in the capers. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes before adding the butter to create a velvety sauce.

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat. Cook for an additional minute to heat through, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an even more tender chicken, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This guarantees they cook uniformly and remain juicy.

Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and capers to suit your taste preferences.

Serve the dish with a side of pasta or a green salad for a complete meal.

If you're looking to add an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating a splash of heavy cream into the sauce for a richer texture.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy sauce, served over fettuccine pasta. This dish isn't only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Cooking Instructions:

Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

Finally, toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.

Extra Tips:

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken Alfredo.

You can also substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as the saltiness of the Parmesan can vary.

Serving the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of freshness that complements the creamy flavors beautifully.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Alfredo with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Chicken Marsala With Mushrooms

marsala chicken with mushrooms

Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a sweet Marsala wine sauce. This dish isn't only delicious but also relatively simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The combination of pan-seared chicken and sautéed mushrooms creates a savory depth that pairs beautifully with pasta or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
  • 3/4 cup Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and the sliced mushrooms, sautéing until they're browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

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Add the chicken broth and return the chicken to the skillet, simmering for an additional 5 minutes.

Finish by stirring in the butter until melted and combined.

Extra Tips:

For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in some Marsala wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking.

Be sure to use a good quality Marsala wine, as the flavor of the wine will greatly impact the dish.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the sauce reduce longer or add a cornstarch slurry.

Serve your Chicken Marsala over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Don't forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness!

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore, or "hunter's chicken," is a rustic Italian dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a medley of tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. This one-pot meal isn't only comforting but also packs a punch of flavor.

Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, Chicken Cacciatore is best served with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken pieces skin-side down and brown them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot, cover it, and let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Extra Tips:

For an even deeper flavor, allow the dish to simmer longer, and feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or olives for additional texture and taste.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once it's cooked and let the sauce reduce for a few minutes before serving.

This dish can also be made ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten up the dish just before serving.


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