How to Cook Classic Poultry Dishes with Italian Products
Cooking classic poultry dishes can be a delightful experience, especially when you incorporate authentic Italian products. These ingredients not only enhance flavor but also bring a rich culinary tradition to your kitchen. Here’s how to create a selection of classic poultry dishes using Italian products.
1. Lemon Herb Chicken
This dish is simple, yet bursting with flavor. To make Lemon Herb Chicken, you’ll need:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh rosemary and thyme
Begin by marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and chopped herbs for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat and cook each breast for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach 165°F. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon zest for an added touch.
2. Italian Roast Chicken
This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings. For this recipe, gather:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 1 cup of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- 4 sprigs of fresh sage
- 2 cups of diced vegetables (carrots, potatoes, and onions)
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the sage inside the cavity. In a roasting pan, arrange the diced vegetables and pour the white wine over them. Put the chicken on top and roast for 1.5 hours, basting occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The wine and vegetables will create a lovely sauce—perfect for drizzling over the chicken before serving.
3. Chicken Piccata
For a quick and easy dinner option, try Chicken Piccata. This Italian classic requires:
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1/2 cup of flour for dredging
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of capers
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Dredge the chicken in flour and brown it in the skillet for about 4 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken and add the chicken broth, capers, and lemon juice to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5-7 minutes. Serve with pasta or a side salad to complete the meal.
4. Chicken Milanese
This crispy chicken dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. You’ll need:
- 4 chicken cutlets
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably Italian)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh arugula for serving
Start by breading the chicken cutlets; dip in the beaten eggs first, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and fry each cutlet for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Serve on a bed of fresh arugula with a drizzle of lemon juice to balance the richness.
5. Herbs de Provence Chicken Stew
For a comforting and aromatic dish, try this flavorful chicken stew. Ingredients needed:
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
- 1 cup of chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon of Herbs de Provence
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the chicken thighs on both sides. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the mixed vegetables and add the Herbs de Provence. Pour in the chicken stock and diced tomatoes, then return the chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for about 40 minutes until the chicken is tender. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread.
By incorporating these classic recipes and authentic Italian products, you can create delicious poultry dishes