Chicken Vesuvio

Chicken Vesuvio is a classic Italian-American dish known for its robust flavors and comforting appeal. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful potatoes, garlic, peas, and a delightful blend of herbs and spices. It’s a hearty meal perfect for any occasion, offering a balance of savory and aromatic elements.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 chicken thighs with skin and bone (about 1.5 lb.)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lb. potato cut in chunks (I used small red skin potatoes)
• 4–5 garlic cloves thinly sliced
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• ½ tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2/3 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas
  For serving:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Over medium-high heat, in a large ovenproof skillet, heat ¼ cup of olive oil.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Place potato chunks in the same skillet, season with oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, and cook until potatoes are golden brown on all sides (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
4. Add sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for one minute.
5. Add salted butter, white wine, and chicken stock to the skillet, and deglaze the pan. Stir in the peas. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and stir everything together. Place the skillet in a preheated oven.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
8. Serve the Chicken Vesuvio with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with lemon juice, if desired.

Tips:

• Ensure the skillet you use is ovenproof to seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more or less salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to suit your palate.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion:
Chicken Vesuvio is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful potatoes, and aromatic herbs and spices. With its simple preparation and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the comforting warmth and delicious taste of this classic Italian-American creation with family and friends.

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs in this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs in the Chicken Vesuvio recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breast tends to cook faster and can dry out more easily than chicken thighs. To prevent dryness, you may want to reduce the cooking time in the skillet and oven. Additionally, consider covering the chicken breast with foil during the baking process to retain moisture.
2. Can I use other types of potatoes besides red skin potatoes?
   Certainly! While red skin potatoes are traditionally used in Chicken Vesuvio, you can experiment with other varieties such as Yukon Gold or russet potatoes. Each type of potato has a slightly different texture and flavor profile, which can add variety to the dish. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time based on the type of potato you choose, as cooking times may vary.
3. Is it necessary to use an ovenproof skillet for this recipe?
   Using an ovenproof skillet is recommended for the Chicken Vesuvio recipe to ensure a smooth transition from stovetop cooking to oven baking. An ovenproof skillet allows you to sauté the ingredients on the stovetop and then transfer the entire skillet directly into the oven without needing to transfer the contents to a separate baking dish. This helps to retain the flavors and juices of the dish while also minimizing cleanup.
4. Can I make any substitutions for the white wine in the recipe?
   Yes, if you prefer not to use white wine or if it’s not available, you can substitute it with additional chicken stock or broth. The white wine adds depth of flavor and acidity to the dish, but you can achieve a similar effect with chicken stock alone. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to compensate for the absence of wine. Alternatively, you can try using a non-alcoholic white wine or a splash of white wine vinegar mixed with chicken stock as a substitute.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. Additionally, you can pierce the chicken with a fork or knife to check for clear juices running out, which indicates that the chicken is cooked through. If the juices run pink or red, continue baking until the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Can I prepare Chicken Vesuvio in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare some components of Chicken Vesuvio in advance to save time on busy days. You can pre-cut the potatoes and garlic, and even marinate the chicken thighs in advance with the seasoning. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the recipe instructions starting from sautéing the ingredients in the skillet. However, keep in mind that the potatoes may oxidize if cut too far in advance, so it’s best to prepare them shortly before cooking.
7. Can I freeze Chicken Vesuvio leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze leftover Chicken Vesuvio for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, Chicken Vesuvio can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
8. How can I adjust the spice level of Chicken Vesuvio to suit my preferences?
   If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes from the recipe. Conversely, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly to achieve the desired level of spiciness.