italian chicken roast recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best italian chicken roast recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my Italian Chicken Roast recipe, a dish that’s been a staple in our household for years. It’s a classic recipe that originated in Italy, where it’s known as ‘Pollo alla Cacciatora.’

The name roughly translates to ‘hunter-style chicken,’ which makes sense given the hearty, rustic flavors of the dish. The recipe is simple yet rich, with a focus on tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices.

My family loves this recipe for its comforting warmth and the way it fills our home with an inviting aroma. We often serve it on special occasions, but it’s also a great option for everyday meals when we need something satisfying and nutritious.

As a bonus, this recipe is relatively healthy, with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and minimal added sugars. I’ve experimented with various cooking techniques over the years, but the key to achieving that perfect roast is to cook it low and slow in the oven.

This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and results in a tender, juicy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving this dish at a family gathering or just need a comforting meal for your loved ones, I’m confident you’ll enjoy this Italian Chicken Roast recipe as much as we do.

Italian Chicken Roast

4.7 from 571 votes

A flavorful Italian-inspired chicken roast with herbs and vegetables. Juicy chicken thighs layered with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, baked to perfection.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone in skin on chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Vegetables

1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 425°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a mixing bowl, combine salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder.
Mix well.
4Add chicken thighs and toss until evenly coated.
5Drizzle with olive oil and rub to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
6Place chicken thighs skin side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7Bake for 15 minutes.
8Remove the chicken from the oven and flip the thighs skin side up.
9Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
10The chicken should be golden brown and the juices should run clear.
11While the chicken is baking, slice the onion and tomatoes and mince the garlic.
12In a separate bowl, combine the sliced onion, minced garlic, sliced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil.
Mix well.
13After the chicken has baked for 15 minutes and been flipped, place the vegetable mixture around the chicken.
14Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
15The vegetables should be softened and the chicken should be cooked through.
16Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
17Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can add lemon slices to the baking sheet with the vegetables. You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

This Italian Chicken Roast recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether you’re hosting guests or just want a comforting meal for your family.

One of my favorite aspects of this dish is its versatility – it’s perfect for special occasions like holidays or parties, but also works well for everyday meals when we need something satisfying and nutritious.

When storing leftover Italian Chicken Roast, be sure to keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours of cooking or freezing at 0°F (-18°C) or below within one hour of cooking.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Chicken Roast

1. What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

The best type of chicken for this Italian Chicken Roast recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use a combination of both if you prefer.

2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this Italian Chicken Roast recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a pan before transferring everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

3. How do I store leftover Italian Chicken Roast?

You can store leftover Italian Chicken Roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this Italian Chicken Roast recipe gluten-free by substituting the traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

5. Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Italian Chicken Roast ingredients ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and marinating the chicken overnight in your favorite seasonings.

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