Classic Chicken Vesuvio

You know that feeling when you stumble across a dish that instantly makes you feel at home? Classic Chicken Vesuvio is one of those recipes for me! I remember the first time I had it; I was at a cozy little Italian restaurant with friends, laughter all around, and my fork twisted into perfectly cooked chicken alongside vibrant green peas and golden potatoes. It was a celebration of comfort in a bowl! There’s something undeniably satisfying about the smoky garlic, the tender chicken, and the juicy bursts of peas elevating each bite. The best part? It’s easy to whip up at home, and trust me, your loved ones will be singing your praises!

Why you’ll love this recipe

This dish doesn’t just pack a punch with flavor; it’s a warm embrace after a long day. Imagine how magical your evenings will be when you serve this to your family or friends! Chicken Vesuvio is a wonderful blend of juicy, herb-seasoned chicken thighs harmonizing beautifully with crispy potatoes and sweet peas, all bathed in a luscious white wine sauce. The marriage of these ingredients delivers an experience that’s both hearty and light. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—less cleanup for you and more time to enjoy those precious moments around the table.

If you’re looking for flexibility in your recipes, Vesuvio has a way of adapting beautifully—swap out a few ingredients based on what you have, and it’ll still turn out delicious. This dish will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen, making any dinner feel special, even if it’s just a quiet night in.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this delightful dish. Each ingredient plays its role like the members of a well-coordinated orchestra, contributing to a symphony of flavors.

• Chicken Thighs: The stars of the show. These succulent pieces stay juicy, even under the intense baking, making them the perfect choice. If you’re not a fan of thighs, feel free to swap in chicken breasts, but be cautious—they can dry out if overcooked.

• Potatoes: I love using Yukon Golds for their creaminess and flavor, but any waxy potato will work. They crisp up beautifully, and who can resist that? Just be sure to cut them into even pieces for consistent cooking.

• Sweet Peas: These little gems bring color and sweetness to the dish. When they burst in your mouth, it reminds you why you love home-cooked meals. Fresh peas are fantastic, but frozen will also do the trick in a pinch.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that fragrant warmth that fills the kitchen. If you want to make it even more robust, sauté it until golden.

• White Wine: Choose a crisp, dry wine—think Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It not only adds depth to the sauce but also enhances the dish by balancing flavors. Go for something you’d enjoy sipping on as you cook.

• Olive Oil: A splash of high-quality olive oil adds richness and helps in browning the chicken and potatoes perfectly. It’s an essential step in building up flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: You can never have too much seasoning! Make sure to season well at each stage to bring out the best in your ingredients.

• Italian Herbs: A blend of dried herbs—think oregano, basil, and thyme—will transport you straight to Italy. You can also use fresh if you have them; the flavors will be even brighter!

Preparing Classic Chicken Vesuvio

Let’s dive into the process; it’s easier than you might think! Just follow these steps for mouthwatering results.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything will cook evenly.

2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Give it a moment to warm, allowing it to shimmer slightly.

3. Season the chicken thighs with a good sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your Italian herbs. Now, add them to the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 5 minutes until beautifully browned. This step is crucial—it locks in the juices. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.

4. In that same skillet, toss in the diced potatoes. Cook these beauties until they’re lightly golden and crispy—about 8-10 minutes. They need that nice color for flavor!

5. Add the ** minced garlic**. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the aroma becomes irresistible, and it starts to take on a light golden hue.

6. Pour in a generous splash of white wine, bringing it to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce slightly, about 4-5 minutes. This will develop a deeper flavor that’s just magic!

7. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the potatoes, and sprinkle in the sweet peas. They’ll cook perfectly in the oven.

8. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the potatoes are tender.

9. Serve it hot and bask in the delight of the cozy flavors!

Best way to enjoy it

When it comes to enjoying Chicken Vesuvio, think comfort and creativity. Serve it directly from the skillet, family-style, and watch the smiles grow. It pairs perfectly with crusty Italian bread that’s ideal for scooping up those savory juices lurking at the bottom of the pan.

For a complete meal, consider a fresh green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette; the acidity balances the rich flavors beautifully. You could also throw together some garlicky sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for an added punch. The dish has a lovely rustic vibe, so don’t shy away from casual serving!

How to store and freeze

While leftovers are rare (trust me!), you might find yourself with some tasty bits. If you do, store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain that wonderful texture.

If you want to freeze, cool the dish completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months this way. To reheat, pop it straight from the freezer to the oven, covering it to prevent dryness, until heated through. Safe food handling is essential, so ensure it’s in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

Pro chef tips

Here are a few seasoned tips to ensure your Chicken Vesuvio is a hit every time:

• Brown Better: When searing the chicken, resist the urge to overcrowd the pan; let it breathe for that golden crust.

• Herb Lifesaver: If you’re using dried herbs, toast them in the olive oil for a minute before adding the chicken. It wakes up their flavors spectacularly!

• Wine Wisdom: If you don’t have white wine, you could substitute with chicken broth, but you’ll be missing out on that vibrant acidity. Alternatively, a splash of lemon juice can brighten it up!

• Perfect Peas: If you can’t find fresh or frozen peas, try using green beans or even asparagus for a different taste.

• Thickness Matters: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer on the stovetop before adding the chicken back in. Thick gravy is perfection.

Creative Twists

Why not put your spin on this classic? Here are a couple of variations you can try:

• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing for a spicy kick that beautifully complements the sweetness of the peas.

• One-Pan Wonder: For a heartier dish, toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers along with the potatoes. Their sweetness will meld deliciously!

• Herb Swap: Swap the Italian herbs for fresh rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile that’s equally delightful.

• Citrus Tang: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten up all those flavors—it’s a refreshing touch!

Ingredients list

• Chicken thighs
• Potatoes
• Sweet peas
• Garlic
• White wine
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian herbs

Directions to follow

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs; brown for about 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Add diced potatoes to the skillet; cook until lightly golden.
6. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
7. Pour in white wine and bring to a simmer.
8. Return chicken to the skillet; add sweet peas.
9. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
10. Serve hot.

Your questions answered

1. What’s the prep time for Chicken Vesuvio?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, while the total cooking time is around 35-40 minutes.

2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just be careful not to overcook them; they require less time to reach 165°F.

3. What should I serve with Chicken Vesuvio?
Crusty bread, fresh salad, or sautéed greens are perfect companions!

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything up until baking so it’s ready to pop in the oven later.

5. Is it possible to make it gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your white wine is gluten-free and stick to ingredients that adhere to your dietary needs.

But really, make this dish at least once, and I promise, your kitchen will be filled with love and warmth, making memories in every bite. Now get in there, experiment a little, and share your adventures in the kitchen! You’ve got this!

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

♻️ Uses leftover potatoes40%

Creamy Fish Pie

♻️ Uses leftover potatoes40%

Print Recipe

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Classic Chicken Vesuvio

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 45 hrs

Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 400

Best Season: year-round

Description

Classic Chicken Vesuvio is a comforting blend of herb-seasoned chicken thighs, crispy potatoes, and sweet peas, all bathed in a luscious white wine sauce. Perfect for family dinners!

Ingredients for Chicken Vesuvio

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken thighs (You can substitute with chicken breasts if desired.)
• 4 medium Potatoes (Yukon Golds are recommended for creaminess and flavor.)
• 1 cup Sweet peas (Fresh or frozen peas can be used.)
• 4 cloves Garlic (Minced for best flavor.)
• 1 cup White wine (Choose a crisp, dry wine such as Pinot Grigio.)
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil (For browning chicken and potatoes.)
• to taste Salt (Season well for best flavor.)
• to taste Pepper (Freshly ground is best.)
• 1 tablespoon Italian herbs (Dried basil, oregano, and thyme work well.)

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Skillet

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
   Mark as complete

2. Sear the Chicken

   Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sear each side for about 5 minutes until browned then remove and set aside.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook the Potatoes

   Add diced potatoes to the skillet and cook until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Garlic and Wine

   Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then pour in white wine and bring to a simmer.
   Let the liquid reduce for about 4-5 minutes.
   Mark as complete

5. Combine Ingredients

   Return the chicken to the skillet, nestle it among the potatoes, and sprinkle in sweet peas.
   Mark as complete

6. Bake

   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Serve hot, ideally from the skillet for a family-style meal.
   Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 17g27%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 400mg17%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 3g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 20 mg

Calcium 30 mg

Iron 2 mg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish is versatile; feel free to swap ingredients based on preference.

Keywords: Chicken Vesuvio, Italian recipe, comfort food, one-pan dinner