Chicken Breasts Romano
Juicy chicken breasts coated with Romano cheese, simmered in a savory tomato sauce with mushrooms and herbs, perfect for a comforting family dinner served over spaghetti.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 whole chicken breasts, split and skinned ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onions ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Romano or Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dredge chicken breasts in the flour mixture and brown in oil; drain on paper towels.
- Pour off all but one tablespoon of pan drippings.
- Saute minced onions in the reserved drippings until tender.
- Add tomato juice, Romano cheese, sugar, salt, basil, vinegar, drained mushrooms, and parsley; stir well.
- Return the chicken breasts to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle the chicken with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti and garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispy texture, ensure the chicken is well-dredged in the flour mixture before browning. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan works as an excellent substitute. To add more flavor, consider incorporating garlic or red pepper flakes into the tomato mixture. For a heartier dish, you can serve this alongside Bow Tie Pasta, which complements the sauce beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Breasts Romano pairs wonderfully with a side of cooked spaghetti or a fresh garden salad. For added texture, you might serve it with garlic bread or a light Italian bread. Garnishing with extra parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh touch. It's a delightful addition to any Italian recipes collection.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts Romano contains roughly 432 calories, with 26g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (159% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1800mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. Cooking time may be reduced slightly, so check for doneness after about 30 minutes of simmering. Boneless breasts will absorb the flavors well and still yield a delicious dish.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, you can blend canned tomatoes or use crushed tomatoes diluted with water to achieve a similar consistency. Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity, just like the original recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. To serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the oven. Make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors may intensify when stored.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).