Name: Italian Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar; 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely diced; 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided; 1 cup chicken broth; 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 box (16 oz) linguine noodles

This Italian Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy crust, baked to perfection, and then served with a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a satisfying and versatile recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Crispy: The chicken is coated in a crispy crust that’s seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, while the creamy sauce adds a rich and savory flavor.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Versatile: Serve it with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, or pair it with other sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Italian Chicken:

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, for a lean protein source.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and powdered sugar: For creating a flavorful crust.
Flour: All-purpose, used to coat the chicken.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps tenderize the chicken.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps to keep the chicken moist.
Olive oil: For frying the chicken.

For the Sauce:

Olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Drained and finely diced, adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
Chicken broth: Low sodium, adds flavor to the sauce.
Spinach: Fresh, roughly chopped, adds nutrients and color.
Heavy cream and milk: Create a rich and creamy sauce.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Parmesan cheese: Grated, adds a salty and nutty flavor.
Linguine noodles: Or your favorite type of pasta, cooked al dente.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Italian Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the milk and lemon juice over them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow the chicken to marinate and tenderize.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Dredge

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and powdered sugar for the chicken crust. Drain the marinated chicken and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Step 3: Pan-sear and Bake

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dredged chicken breasts and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until lightly golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is baking, cook the linguine (or your favorite pasta) according to package directions until al dente.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet used to sear the chicken, add the remaining olive oil. You can also use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Over medium heat, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the chicken broth and whisk until smooth and thickened. Cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining cornstarch and milk until smooth. Add this slurry to the sauce in the skillet, whisking constantly. Pour in the heavy cream and spinach, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Serve

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat and heat through. Serve immediately in a large bowl and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Tenderize the chicken: If you have time, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This will help them cook more evenly.
Use quality ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Adjust the sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

How to Serve Italian Chicken

Pasta: Serve the Italian Chicken over a bed of cooked linguine or your favorite pasta.
Other Sides: You can also serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Garnish: Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. However, the chicken may not be as crispy as the pan-fried version.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce while cooking.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Italian Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!