Chicken Vesuvio: A Classic Italian-American Recipe

Chicken Vesuvio is a beloved Italian-American dish originating from Chicago. This flavorful and comforting recipe features bone-in chicken pieces sautéed with garlic, herbs, white wine, peas, and potatoes, all simmered in a savory sauce. It’s a relatively simple dish to make, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own home. This article will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating authentic and delicious Chicken Vesuvio.

## What is Chicken Vesuvio?

Chicken Vesuvio is characterized by its distinctive blend of flavors and textures. The chicken, typically cut into bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks, is browned to perfection, providing a rich, savory foundation. Garlic is a key component, infusing the dish with its pungent aroma and taste. White wine adds acidity and depth, while the combination of herbs, often including oregano and parsley, provides a fragrant and herbaceous counterpoint. The addition of peas and potatoes adds a touch of sweetness and heartiness, completing the dish.

While variations exist, the core elements of Chicken Vesuvio remain consistent: bone-in chicken, garlic, white wine, herbs, peas, potatoes, and a rich, savory sauce. The dish is typically served with plenty of sauce, perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your Chicken Vesuvio.

* **Chicken:** Approximately 2-3 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, and bone-in breasts work well).
* **Potatoes:** 1.5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks. Yukon Golds hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy texture.
* **Peas:** 1 cup of frozen peas. (Fresh peas, if available, are a delightful alternative, but frozen peas are a convenient and readily available option).
* **Garlic:** 6-8 cloves of garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for the authentic flavor.
* **White Wine:** 1 cup of dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay). Avoid sweet wines.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup of chicken broth (low sodium is recommended to control the salt level).
* **Olive Oil:** 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. This adds a classic Italian flavor to the dish.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the herbaceous notes.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness. Reserve some for garnish.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors.
* **Optional:**
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch or two for a touch of heat.
* **Butter:** 1-2 tablespoons. Adding butter at the end can enrich the sauce.
* **Lemon Wedges:** For serving, to add a touch of acidity.

## Equipment

You’ll also need the following equipment:

* Large skillet or Dutch oven: A large skillet with high sides or a Dutch oven is ideal for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.
* Cutting board and knife: For preparing the vegetables and chicken.
* Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
* Tongs: For turning the chicken and potatoes.
* Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Chicken Vesuvio:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly. Season generously with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Brown the Chicken**

* Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
* Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, skin-side down. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary. Brown the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
* Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Potatoes**

* Add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the potato chunks and season with salt and pepper.
* Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and slightly softened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.

**Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Herbs**

* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Cook for another 30 seconds to release their aromas.

**Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine**

* Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits (fond). These browned bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.
* Bring the wine to a simmer and let it reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes. This concentrates the flavor of the wine.

**Step 6: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer**

* Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
* Return the chicken and potatoes to the skillet. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

**Step 7: Add Peas and Finish the Sauce**

* Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through.
* Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter for extra richness.

**Step 8: Serve**

* Serve the Chicken Vesuvio hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
* Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Tips for the Best Chicken Vesuvio

* **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken:** This is crucial for maximum flavor and juicy chicken. The bones add richness to the sauce, and the skin crisps up beautifully during browning.
* **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 Burn the Garlic:** Garlic can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it while sautéing. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or add a splash of white wine or chicken broth.
* **Deglaze the Pan Thoroughly:** Deglazing the pan with white wine is essential for capturing all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up the fond.
* **Simmer Gently:** Simmer the chicken and potatoes over low heat to ensure they cook evenly and the sauce doesn’t reduce too quickly.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the sauce will become more concentrated as it simmers.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. If possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried.
* **Add a Touch of Heat (Optional):** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Add Butter for Richness (Optional):** Stirring in a tablespoon or two of butter at the end can enrich the sauce and give it a silky texture.

## Variations and Substitutions

While the classic Chicken Vesuvio recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations and substitutions you can make to customize it to your liking:

* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions, to the skillet along with the potatoes. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor, while bell peppers and onions add sweetness and color.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, in addition to or instead of oregano and basil. Each herb will impart a unique flavor profile to the dish.
* **Wine:** If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth. However, the white wine adds a distinctive flavor that is characteristic of Chicken Vesuvio.
* **Chicken:** While bone-in, skin-on chicken is recommended for the best flavor, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer. However, the dish will not be as flavorful.
* **Potatoes:** Red potatoes or baby potatoes can be used instead of Yukon Gold potatoes. Red potatoes have a slightly waxy texture, while baby potatoes are small and cook quickly.

## Serving Suggestions

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

* **With Crusty Bread:** Crusty bread is a must-have for soaking up the delicious sauce. Serve the Chicken Vesuvio with a loaf of crusty Italian bread or French bread.
* **Over Pasta:** Chicken Vesuvio can also be served over pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. Toss the pasta with the sauce and top with the chicken and potatoes.
* **With a Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory Chicken Vesuvio.
* **As a Main Course:** Chicken Vesuvio is a hearty and satisfying main course that can be served on its own or with a side dish.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover Chicken Vesuvio can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Chicken Vesuvio in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Please note that nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

Chicken Vesuvio is a classic Italian-American dish that is sure to impress. With its flavorful chicken, tender potatoes, sweet peas, and savory sauce, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Follow this detailed recipe and enjoy a taste of Chicago in your own home!

Enjoy cooking and buon appetito!