Classic Chicken Vesuvio is a popular American Italian dish that is known for its flavorful combination of tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and vibrant peas. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. The chicken is first browned in a skillet, then cooked with garlic, white wine, and herbs to create a rich and savory sauce. The potatoes are roasted in the same skillet until golden and crispy, while the peas add a burst of freshness. Serve this Classic Chicken Vesuvio with a side of crusty bread and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own home.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add chicken broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place the halved baby potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- After the chicken has baked for 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the oven and add the potatoes around the chicken. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are golden and crispy.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the Classic Chicken Vesuvio hot with a side of crusty bread.
Interesting Facts
Classic Chicken Vesuvio is believed to have originated in Chicago by Italian immigrants.
The dish is named after Mount Vesuvius, a volcano in Italy, due to the fiery red pepper flakes used in the recipe.
Traditionally, this dish is made with bone-in chicken pieces to enhance the flavor of the sauce.