Giardiniera Chicken Skillet

Are you looking for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than the Giardiniera Chicken Skillet. This dish combines tender chicken with the tangy, spicy flavors of giardiniera, creating a meal that is both delicious and quick to prepare. Giardiniera, a traditional Italian relish made from pickled vegetables, adds a burst of flavor and a delightful crunch to this skillet dish. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe will soon become a family favorite.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Ingredients:

1. Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Giardiniera:
   • Drain the giardiniera and chop it into smaller pieces if the vegetables are large.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat the Olive Oil:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce:

1. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the Giardiniera:
   • Stir in the chopped giardiniera and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Combining Everything:

1. Return the Chicken:
   • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
2. Season:
   • Sprinkle the dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the top.
3. Simmer:
   • Let the dish simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the giardiniera and sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips:

• Plating:
  • Serve the chicken breasts on a platter, spooning the giardiniera sauce over the top.
• Garnish:
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a burst of color and added flavor.

Pairing Ideas:

• Side Dishes:
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
• Starches:
  • Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Information

Health Benefits:

• Low in Fat:
  • This dish is relatively low in fat, making it a healthier option for a weeknight meal.
• Rich in Vegetables:
  • Giardiniera is packed with a variety of vegetables, adding vitamins and fiber to the dish.
• Protein:
  • The chicken provides a good source of lean protein.

Calorie Count:

• Each serving of this giardiniera chicken skillet contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the exact amount of olive oil used.

Tips for Customization

Spice Level:

• Milder Version:
  • For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes and use a mild giardiniera.
• Spicier Version:
  • For more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy giardiniera.

Vegetable Variations:

• Additional Veggies:
  • Feel free to add extra vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, to increase the nutritional value and flavor.
• Different Giardiniera:
  • Try different varieties of giardiniera, such as hot or mild, depending on your taste preference.

Conclusion

The Giardiniera Chicken Skillet is a perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, making it an excellent choice for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. The tangy, spicy giardiniera paired with tender chicken creates a dish that is both satisfying and full of vibrant flavors. With its easy preparation and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and watch as it becomes a new favorite!

FAQs

1. What is giardiniera?
Giardiniera is an Italian relish made from a variety of pickled vegetables, such as bell peppers, celery, carrots, cauliflower, and olives. It can be found in mild or spicy versions.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave before serving.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven until warmed through.

5. What can I serve with this dish?
This giardiniera chicken skillet pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or pasta.

Yield: 6

Giardiniera Chicken Skillet

Print

Are you looking for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than the Giardiniera Chicken Skillet. This dish combines tender chicken with the tangy, spicy flavors of giardiniera, creating a meal that is both delicious and quick to prepare. Giardiniera, a traditional Italian relish made from pickled vegetables, adds a burst of flavor and a delightful crunch to this skillet dish. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe will soon become a family favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless skinless
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 12 ounces cherry tomatoes
• 12 ounces hot Chicago style giardiniera
• 1 ounce fresh basil
• 1 ounce parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
• basil and parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

• Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add half of the olive oil, and season the chicken thighs very well with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, and dried basil, reserving some for the vegetables.

• Once skillet is hot, cook the chicken until brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed to avoid over crowding the pan. Once all of the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove from the skillet and set aside.

• Add remaining oil to the skillet, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

• Heat the broiler of your oven on high. Add chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle the chicken with parmesan cheese, and top with mozzarella slices. Broil for about 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil, more parmesan, and the remaining giardiniera. Enjoy! 

Notes

• Heat levels vary for different giardinieras so keep this in mind.
• Fresh tomatoes can be substituted for canned.
• Onion and garlic can be substituted for onion and garlic powder. 
• Fresh mozzarella can be substituted for shredded or slices, and you can use any parmesan variety. 
• Season to taste, and add any spices you see fit. We opted to leave out red pepper flakes and cayenne because we used hot giardiniera, but add them if you like. 

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 544