We’ve always been captivated by the vibrant flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine, and our Chicken Giardino recipe is a true standout. This delightful dish combines tender chicken with an array of fresh garden vegetables and herbs, creating a meal that’s both hearty and light.
What makes Chicken Giardino special is its simple yet elegant origins in Italian home cooking, where everyday ingredients transform into something magical. We’re excited to share this easy-to-follow recipe that brings authentic taste to your table, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
In our Chicken Giardino recipe, we gather fresh, vibrant ingredients that capture the essence of Italian-inspired flavors. We organize them here in the order they are typically used, with precise measurements and prep notes for effortless preparation.
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch strips for quick cooking and tender texture
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin to sauté and infuse a rich, fruity aroma
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced to add a pungent, savory base flavor early in the process
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion diced for a sweet, foundational layer of taste
- Bell peppers: 2 medium one red and one green, sliced into thin strips to provide colorful crunch and mild sweetness
- Zucchini: 2 medium halved and sliced for their fresh, garden-like moisture and subtle earthiness
- Tomatoes: 4 ripe plum tomatoes chopped to release juicy, tangy notes that brighten the dish
- Fresh herbs: ¼ cup basil leaves torn and 1 tablespoon oregano chopped for aromatic, herbaceous depth
- Chicken broth: 1 cup low-sodium to deglaze and create a light, flavorful sauce
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup grated freshly for a nutty, creamy finish that elevates the overall appeal
- Salt and pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to taste ensuring balanced seasoning throughout
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our vibrant ingredients, we guide you through the step-by-step process to create a flavorful Chicken Giardino that bursts with Italian-inspired freshness and herbs.
Prep
First, we prepare the chicken breasts by slicing 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken into even 1-inch strips for quick, even cooking. Next, we chop our vegetables: dice 1 medium yellow onion and 2 bell peppers into uniform 1/2-inch pieces, halve 2 medium zucchini lengthwise then slice into 1/4-inch crescents, and chop 4 plum tomatoes into chunky quarters to preserve their juicy texture. Mince 3 cloves of garlic finely to release its pungent aroma, and roughly tear 1/4 cup of fresh basil and 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano leaves for a burst of herbal brightness. Measure out 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and grate 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese to add a nutty finish, ensuring all components are ready for seamless cooking.
Cook
We begin cooking by heating 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and releases a fragrant warmth. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, creating a crispy exterior that locks in tender juices. Stir in the minced garlic and diced yellow onion, sautéing for 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic perfumes the air with its savory scent. Incorporate the sliced bell peppers and halved zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until they soften slightly but retain a satisfying crunch. Pour in the chopped plum tomatoes and 1 cup of chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors into a hearty, aromatic sauce seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Assemble
To assemble, we stir in the torn fresh basil and oregano along with the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the herbs to wilt gently for 1-2 minutes and the cheese to melt into a creamy coating that enhances the dish’s earthy notes. Transfer the cooked mixture to a serving platter, arranging the chicken breasts prominently atop the vegetables for a visually appealing presentation that highlights the vibrant colors and textures. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, herbaceous flavors at their peak, ready for your table.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Chicken Giardino recipe seamlessly, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that ensure efficiency and precision during preparation, cooking, and serving. These items help us handle the searing, sautéing, and simmering steps described earlier, making the process straightforward and enjoyable.
Essential Kitchen Tools
We recommend gathering the following tools, organized by their primary use in the recipe:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip board for safely chopping and dicing ingredients like chicken breasts, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini. We prefer a large wooden or plastic one to accommodate multiple veggies at once.
- Chef’s knife: This sharp, versatile blade is crucial for uniform cuts of chicken and vegetables, promoting even cooking and enhancing the dish’s texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring tools for portions of olive oil, chicken broth, and seasonings, ensuring our flavors remain balanced and authentic.
Cooking Equipment
For the actual cooking process, these pieces of equipment are key to achieving the vibrant, herbaceous results:
- Large skillet or frying pan: A non-stick or stainless-steel skillet (at least 12 inches) for searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables, allowing for even heat distribution and easy sauce development.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and flipping ingredients without scratching the pan, helping us build flavors as we simmer the mixture.
- Medium saucepan: Useful if we need to heat the chicken broth separately, ensuring a smooth integration into the dish.
Additional Items for Prep and Serving
To complete the workflow:
- Garlic press or microplane: For quickly mincing garlic, which releases its aromatic essence without the need for fine chopping.
- Colander: Helps drain any excess liquid from chopped vegetables, keeping our dish from becoming watery.
- Serving platter: A simple, wide platter for presenting the finished Chicken Giardino, highlighting its vibrant colors and textures for an appealing tableside reveal.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the transition from prepping ingredients to enjoying the final dish, maintaining the fresh Italian-inspired flavors we’ve built upon in previous steps.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Chicken Giardino preparation and preserve its vibrant Italian flavors, we suggest prepping key components in advance. This approach allows you to focus on quick assembly and cooking, ensuring a fresh, herbaceous dish even on busy days.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
Follow these steps to get ahead without compromising quality:
- Slice and chop vegetables: Start by washing and cutting the bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and tomatoes as outlined in our ingredients section. Store them in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent browning.
- Marinate the chicken: Combine the 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with minced garlic, fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor infusion.
- Prepare the sauce base: Sauté the diced onion and garlic in a large skillet, then add the chopped plum tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth. Simmer briefly to create a base, cool it completely, and transfer to a sealed container.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping ingredients fresh and safe. We’ve summarized the guidelines below for easy reference:
| Item | Storage Method | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped vegetables | Airtight container in refrigerator | Up to 2 days |
| Marinated chicken | Shallow dish covered with plastic wrap in refrigerator | Up to 24 hours |
| Sauce base | Airtight container in refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
Always check for freshness before use—look for off odors or discoloration to ensure food safety.
Reheating and Assembly
When you’re ready to cook, reheat components gently to retain the dish’s tender texture and bold flavors:
- Reheat the sauce base: Warm it in a large skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until bubbling, then add the marinated chicken and fresh vegetables for searing.
- Incorporate final touches: Once assembled, simmer the mixture as per our step-by-step instructions, and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and seasoning at the end for that signature Italian-inspired zest.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we make it simple to enjoy our Chicken Giardino’s fresh garden essence anytime.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Chicken Giardino recipe as it’s a simple way to bring fresh Italian flavors to your table. It’s perfect for busy days or special occasions, letting you enjoy vibrant tastes with minimal effort.
By trying it, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a wholesome meal that delights everyone. Let’s make cooking fun and flavorful in our kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Giardino?
Chicken Giardino is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts paired with fresh garden vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and herbs. It’s rooted in simple Italian home cooking, transforming everyday ingredients into a flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Giardino?
You’ll need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, diced yellow onion, sliced bell peppers, halved zucchini, chopped plum tomatoes, fresh basil and oregano, low-sodium chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. These fresh components create a balanced, Italian-flavored dish.
How do I prepare Chicken Giardino?
Start by searing the chicken in a skillet with olive oil until golden. Sauté garlic, onion, and vegetables, then add broth and simmer to meld flavors. Incorporate herbs and Parmesan for a hearty finish. The process takes about 30-40 minutes and serves 4, highlighting vibrant colors and textures.
What tools and equipment are required?
Gather a cutting board, sharp chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, and a medium saucepan. A garlic press, colander, and serving platter help streamline prep and presentation for efficient cooking.
Can I make Chicken Giardino ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients in advance by slicing vegetables, marinating chicken, and making a sauce base. Store components in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, reheat gently and assemble to maintain fresh flavors and tender texture for easy meals.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to preserve moisture and flavors. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the vegetables’ texture.
Are there variations for Chicken Giardino?
You can substitute vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for variety, or use herbs such as thyme instead of basil. For a lighter version, opt for grilled chicken, and add red pepper flakes for spice. Always adjust seasonings to taste for personalized Italian flair.