Among the numerous types of cuisine available worldwide, Italian food stands out as one of the most distinctive and flavorful. Its rich history and culture make even small changes to traditional recipes a sensitive topic among food enthusiasts, who may become upset at any deviation from the norm. When combined with the world’s beloved meat, Chicken, Italian culinary expertise yields an incredible array of dishes that are nothing short of divine.
For those well-versed in Italian cuisine, there are likely numerous Chicken dishes already familiar to them. On the other hand, newcomers to this culinary art form will undoubtedly discover new favorites among the diverse range of options. As such, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best Italian chicken dishes that are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Classic Italian dishes have been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, and one popular example is the humble meatball. Traditionally, beef is mixed with Parmesan cheese and herbs to create a flavorful patty, but here, we’ve taken a creative twist by substituting chicken for the traditional beef. The chicken meatballs are then breaded and fried to a golden brown perfection, before being smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
After baking until the cheese is bubbly and the sauce has thickened, the dish is served hot, often accompanied by a side of pasta or roasted potatoes. This comforting Italian classic can be easily transformed into either a satisfying appetizer or a filling main course, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Chicken Piccata
Delightfully light and flavorful, Italian chicken dishes have become increasingly popular due to their unique blend of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. This particular recipe boasts a zesty lemon flavor and a sharpness from the wine, which complements the rich taste of the dish perfectly. The addition of capers adds a delightful crunch and just the right amount of saltiness, elevating the overall experience to new heights.
To prepare this scrumptious chicken piccata, simply fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown, then simmer them in a mixture of lemon juice, chicken stock, butter, and herbs. The final result is a dish that’s not only easy to make but also impressive to serve with a side of pasta or rice.
Skillet Chicken Pasta
Surprisingly, some Italian pasta dishes deviate from traditional recipes by incorporating unexpected ingredients. In this particular case, a classic Italian dish has been tweaked to swap out the standard marinara sauce. Instead, a pre-made Italian dressing serves as the base, which may raise eyebrows among purists.
However, the bold flavors and textures of the zesty dressing perfectly complement fresh tomatoes, fragrant herbs such as basil or parsley, and rich cheese, making this dish an excellent choice for a speedy yet satisfying meal.
Chicken Parm Hero
Understandably, one of the most iconic Italian-American sandwiches originated in New York’s Italian community, has gained immense popularity across the United States, and can be savored at any time of day. This delectable sandwich is crafted by layering a few slices of bread with some melted provolone cheese, alongside thinly sliced, breaded, and pan-fried chicken breasts, before being baked in the oven until the cheese has fully melted and the bread is golden brown and crunchy.
Beyond its mouthwatering taste, this sandwich boasts an added advantage – it’s incredibly simple to prepare and will undoubtedly become a favorite among those who give it a try.
Skillet Sicilian Chicken
Looking at the culinary landscape of Sicily, one notices that the flavors present are often bold and daring compared to the Italian mainland. The islanders are known for combining seemingly disparate elements like salty and sweet flavors with reckless abandon in each dish they prepare.
This distinctive fusion of flavor is exemplified in the popular Sicilian Chicken dish, where chicken is fried with an assortment of aromatics including basil, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, thyme, and garlic, before being braised to perfection in a rich stock and cream sauce. It is indeed a decadent and delicious culinary experience that showcases the island’s unique approach to cooking.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Navigating through your kitchen’s contents, you’ll find all the necessary components for this rustic dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. The core of this recipe involves pan-frying chicken breasts until they’re golden brown and then creating a rich sauce from cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. Once the sauce thickens, simply add back the chicken and finish it off with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
This Italian-inspired dish is perfect for those who appreciate simplicity in cooking, as it can be easily customized to suit individual tastes by substituting or adding ingredients. Moreover, its quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy days, requiring no more than an hour to complete.
Italian Chicken Strips
You might have noticed that Italian Chicken Strips isn’t a traditional Italian dish, but it’s still popular among Italian-American communities. This simple and quick recipe makes it perfect for kids or a busy family dinner (check out our article ’33 Easy Family Dinner Ideas’ for more inspiration). To make these chicken strips, start by breading and frying chicken breasts with some herbs until they’re golden brown.
Once cooked, add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top – the result is a delicious dish that’s perfect for beginners in the kitchen.
Primavera Chicken
Naturally, Primavera chicken is a very light and springy dish that is made by adding a blend of vegetables to slits made in a chicken breast before putting them in a pan. The unique cooking method involves sautéing the chicken and vegetables in oil and herbs, allowing for a harmonious balance of flavors. Once the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through, you can season it with some salt and pepper to taste, and then garnish it with some mozzarella cheese for added creaminess.
Lemon Chicken Pasta
Adding a touch of spring to your culinary repertoire, lemon chicken brings together the zesty flavors of citrus, the sweetness of garlic, and the freshness of peas. Although it may lack the richness of other dishes, lemon chicken’s creamy texture is perfectly balanced by the addition of chicken stock, which amplifies its meaty flavor. While it does contain a considerable amount of dairy, this dish can be made quickly and still remains relatively healthy.
Chicken Cacciatore
Italian Chicken with Potatoes and Peppers
Venturing into the world of Italian cuisine can be both exciting and intimidating, but fear not, as we have a simple yet satisfying recipe that will meet your expectations. This delightful dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick yet impressive meal, and it’s also suitable for dinner parties, gatherings, or even a romantic evening for two.
What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of roasted potatoes, peppers, and chicken, which comes together to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling fulfilled.
Chicken Osso Buco
Keeping in mind the availability and cooking ease of traditional osso buco ingredients, an alternative option is to use chicken instead. Although it may not be as rich as the authentic version, utilizing chicken allows you to replicate the flavors and essence of the original dish, making for a delicious and satisfying meal at any time of the year.
Chicken Pasta Bake
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t crave a rich and satisfying pasta bake at some point. And for good reason – Italian chicken pasta bakes are the epitome of comfort food, packed with enough cheese to make your taste buds do the happy dance. The beauty of pasta bakes lies in their indulgent nature, often loaded with an abundance of melted mozzarella, parmesan, and sometimes even cheddar on top, making them the perfect dish for a cozy night in.
Chicken Carbonara
Few dishes can compare to the rich flavors of a traditional Carbonara, but when you add chicken to the mix, it takes the experience to new heights. The combination of Italian bacon and Parmesan cheese with al dente pasta creates a culinary masterpiece that is both satisfying and indulgent. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal before heading out.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Benefiting from the simplicity of traditional pesto, we can easily upgrade its flavor and nutritional value by adding chicken to the dish. By incorporating this lean protein source, you’ll create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that complements the classic combination of pasta, cheese, and sauce without overpowering it. The addition of chicken brings a boost of protein that enhances the overall dining experience, making pesto a more substantial and enjoyable option.
Chicken Florentine
Zeroing in on the perfect Italian chicken dish, this recipe for Florentine chicken delivers. With its savory combination of spinach, creamy pan-sauces, and tender seared chicken, it’s a simple yet indulgent option that feels surprisingly light. Despite being rich and satisfying, this quick and easy dinner is an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Notably, bruschetta’s core components of tomatoes, garlic, and vinegar are adapted in this recipe by combining them with pasta and chicken instead of traditional toasted bread. This innovative twist creates a light and refreshing meal that can still be elevated by serving toasted bread on the side if desired.
Provolone Baked Chicken
Giving you an authentic taste of Italy, this delicious chicken recipe is perfect for a weekend treat. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but the mouth-watering flavor will leave your taste buds singing. To prepare this Italian chicken dish, simply coat the chicken with the rest of the ingredients and bake in the oven until cooked through.
This mouth-watering Italian chicken recipe (be sure to check out our ‘The 28 Best Italian Recipes’ collection) pairs beautifully with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Kicking off with a quintessential Italian classic, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is sure to hit the spot and leave you craving for more. This beloved pasta dish boasts a rich and indulgent sauce made from a harmonious blend of butter and Parmesan cheese, expertly emulsified to create a creamy and velvety texture.
Whether it’s a special occasion or a romantic evening, Alfredo is the perfect choice for a memorable dining experience (check out our list of ’28 Romantic Dinner Ideas You Need to Try’ for more inspiration).
Caprese Chicken
Yielding a delicious twist on the traditional Caprese salad, this variation incorporates succulent chicken breast slices. The core components remain the same: juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. However, in this version, the chicken is first cooked in a rich balsamic reduction to add depth of flavor before being combined with the other ingredients.
This Italian-inspired dish is remarkably easy to prepare and is ideally served alongside a side of pasta or whole-wheat orzo for a well-rounded meal.
Tuscan Chicken
Lighting up the taste buds with its Mediterranean flair, this dish is an unexpected yet delicious representation of Italian cuisine, drawing heavily from the rich flavors of the Tuscan countryside. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes all come together to create a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile that perfectly complements the tender chicken, rounding out the dish with a satisfying depth.
Conclusion
Delving into the world of Italian cuisine, it’s easy to overlook the star that is Italian chicken dishes. These often-underappreciated meals showcase the incredible versatility of the meat, which can be elevated by the rich and aromatic sauces and herbs used in traditional Italian cooking. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating Italian-style dishes with chicken, making it a staple for any home cook looking to experiment with new flavors and recipes.
Directions
Knowing where to start with cooking can sometimes seem daunting. However, with these simple steps, you’ll be able to quickly pick out a recipe that suits your tastes, navigate to its corresponding webpage, gather all necessary ingredients, and finally savor the fruits of your labor – don’t forget to leave feedback for others to enjoy as well.
