Roman Chicken
Roman Chicken is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich wine and tomato sauce, accented with bacon and artichokes. Its robust flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings that appreciate Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the skinned chicken pieces in olive oil in a frying pan.
- Place the browned chicken in a 6-quart covered stove-top casserole.
- Saute chopped garlic in the same frying pan until softened, then deglaze with red wine and add to the casserole.
- Add dissolved beef bouillon cubes, chopped bacon, diced roma tomatoes, and whole marjoram to the casserole.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
- Add quartered artichoke hearts and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Skim off any fat from the surface of the dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine flour and butter to form a roux and cook for 2 minutes, stirring until smooth.
- Add the roux to the chicken mixture and heat for a few minutes. Season with ground pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in the olive oil and garlic for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have red wine, chicken broth can be a good substitute, although the flavor will differ slightly. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the sauce. This recipe is similar to Mediterranean recipes, emphasizing robust flavors and hearty ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Roman Chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make great accompaniments. For a more filling meal, consider pairing it with rice dishes like Eggplant With Cumin Rice. This dish is also wonderful with a glass of the same red wine used in cooking.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roman Chicken contains roughly 1426 calories, with 47g protein, 249g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (206% of the Daily Value), and calcium (136% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1341mg per serving (58% 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 chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a bit longer to reach the desired tenderness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant and use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon cubes. This will create a flavorful, plant-based version of the dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover Roman Chicken. Just ensure it cools completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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).