There are several authentic Italian recipes that feature chicken as the main ingredient. Here are a few popular ones:
Chicken Parmigiana (Pollo alla Parmigiana):
- Chicken breast fillets, pounded thin
- All-purpose flour for dredging
- Eggs, beaten
- Bread crumbs
- Tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Dredge the chicken fillets in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and coat with bread crumbs. Fry the breaded chicken in olive oil until golden brown. Place the cooked chicken in a baking dish, top with tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil. Bake until the cheese is melted and golden. Serve with pasta.
Chicken Piccata:
- Chicken breast cutlets
- All-purpose flour for dredging
- Butter and olive oil for cooking
- Lemon juice
- Chicken broth
- Capers
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Dredge the chicken cutlets in flour, shaking off the excess. In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers to the skillet, and simmer for a few minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook briefly in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pasta or vegetables.
Chicken Cacciatore (Pollo alla Cacciatora):
- Chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken cut into parts)
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Dry red or white wine
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the chicken pieces in olive oil over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the pot. In the same pot, sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve with crusty bread or polenta.
These are just a few examples of authentic Italian chicken recipes. Italian cuisine offers a wide range of delicious dishes featuring chicken as a versatile ingredient.