Chicken Savoy: A Culinary Masterpiece with Step-by-Step Instructions

Chicken Savoy is a legendary dish, originating from the famous Mario’s Restaurant in the Bronx, New York. Its rich, tangy, and utterly delicious sauce makes it a family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The secret lies in the unique combination of red wine vinegar, herbs, and a generous amount of Romano cheese, creating a sauce that perfectly complements the crispy, juicy chicken. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to recreating this iconic dish in your own kitchen.

What Makes Chicken Savoy So Special?

Chicken Savoy isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s an experience. The contrasting textures and flavors are what truly set it apart:

* **Crispy Skin:** The chicken is pan-fried to golden-brown perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite.
* **Juicy Meat:** The initial sear locks in the chicken’s natural juices, ensuring a tender and flavorful interior.
* **Tangy Sauce:** The signature Savoy sauce, made with red wine vinegar, herbs, and Romano cheese, provides a tangy and savory counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
* **Simplicity:** Despite its complex flavor profile, Chicken Savoy is surprisingly simple to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

* **Chicken:** 2-3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, and/or breasts)
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup, for dredging the chicken
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for browning the chicken
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, for richness and flavor
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon
* **Red Wine Vinegar:** 1/2 cup
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup
* **Grated Romano Cheese:** 1/2 cup, plus more for garnish
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven is essential for even browning and simmering.
* **Shallow Dishes:** For dredging the chicken in flour.
* **Tongs:** For safely handling and turning the chicken.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For preparing the garlic and parsley.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Authentic Chicken Savoy

Follow these detailed instructions to recreate the magic of Chicken Savoy in your own kitchen. Each step is carefully explained to ensure success, even for novice cooks.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. **Pat the chicken dry:** Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken pieces. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t skip this step.
2. **Season the chicken:** In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution. Season the flour generously; this is your primary seasoning for the chicken.
3. **Dredge the chicken:** Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, ensuring that all sides are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. This creates a light crust that will crisp up beautifully in the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. **Heat the oil:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking. A hot pan is essential for achieving a good sear.
2. **Brown the chicken:** Carefully place the dredged chicken pieces in the hot skillet, skin-side down. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the chicken from browning properly.
3. **Sear until golden brown:** Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The skin should be deeply golden and slightly blistered. Resist the urge to move the chicken around too much; allow it to sit undisturbed in the hot oil to develop a good crust.
4. **Remove the chicken:** Once the chicken is browned on all sides, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Create the Savoy Sauce

1. **Melt the butter:** In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. The butter will add richness and flavor to the sauce.
2. **Sauté the garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
3. **Add the herbs:** Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to bloom and release their flavors. The heat will help to intensify the aroma of the herbs.
4. **Deglaze with red wine vinegar:** Pour in the red wine vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. Allow the vinegar to reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes, to mellow its acidity.
5. **Add the chicken broth:** Pour in the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. The broth will provide the base for the sauce and help to create a rich and savory flavor.
6. **Stir in the Romano cheese:** Stir in the grated Romano cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Romano cheese adds a salty, tangy, and umami-rich flavor to the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Savoy Sauce

1. **Return the chicken to the skillet:** Carefully place the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet, nestling them into the Savoy sauce.
2. **Simmer until cooked through:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. The chicken should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3. **Baste the chicken:** During the simmering process, occasionally baste the chicken with the Savoy sauce to keep it moist and flavorful. This will also help to develop a beautiful glaze on the skin.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Garnish (optional):** Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. **Serve immediately:** Serve the Chicken Savoy immediately, while it is hot and the sauce is still creamy. The flavors are best when enjoyed fresh.
3. **Suggested pairings:** Chicken Savoy is delicious served with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Crusty bread is also a great accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Savoy

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the final dish. Use fresh herbs, good-quality Romano cheese, and a flavorful red wine vinegar.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** When browning the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the chicken from browning properly.
* **Don’t skip the resting step:** After browning the chicken, allow it to rest on a plate while you prepare the sauce. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Adjust the sauce to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of red wine vinegar or Romano cheese to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a bit more vinegar. If you prefer a cheesier sauce, add more Romano cheese.
* **Use a meat thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Make it ahead of time:** Chicken Savoy can be made ahead of time and reheated. Simply prepare the dish as directed, then allow it to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Variations on Chicken Savoy

While the classic Chicken Savoy recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize it to your liking.

* **Spicy Chicken Savoy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Mushroom Chicken Savoy:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
* **Lemon Chicken Savoy:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
* **Creamy Chicken Savoy:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Savoy is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.

* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. Toss the pasta with the Savoy sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Rice:** Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots. The vegetables will provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 40-50g per serving
* Fat: 25-35g per serving
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g per serving

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Chicken Savoy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat Chicken Savoy in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth to the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freeze:** Chicken Savoy can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed to be foolproof and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. The detailed instructions, clear explanations, and helpful tips ensure that you’ll be able to recreate the authentic flavor of Chicken Savoy in your own kitchen.

The key to success lies in several factors:

* **Proper browning:** The initial sear creates a flavorful crust and locks in the chicken’s natural juices.
* **Flavorful sauce:** The combination of red wine vinegar, herbs, and Romano cheese creates a tangy and savory sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
* **Slow simmering:** Simmering the chicken in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
* **High-quality ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful and delicious dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Savoy is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience. With its crispy skin, juicy meat, and tangy sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this detailed guide to recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen and enjoy the magic of Chicken Savoy.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!