We’ve always been fans of Italian-inspired comfort food, and Chicken Caruso stands out as a timeless favorite that brings bold flavors to your table. This hearty dish likely draws from the rustic traditions of Italian-American kitchens, featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory sauce that evokes memories of family gatherings.
What we love most is how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Join us as we guide you through this easy recipe that’ll become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
As we dive into the heart of our Chicken Caruso recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients that bring this Italian-inspired dish to life. We’ll list them in the order they’re typically used, ensuring you have everything ready for a seamless cooking experience.
For the Chicken and Marinade
- Chicken breasts: 4 medium pieces (about 1.5 pounds total), boneless and skinless, patted dry for even searing
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin, for browning the chicken and adding a rich, fruity base
- Garlic cloves: 4 large cloves, minced, to infuse the dish with aromatic depth
For the Sauce
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, to build a savory foundation
- Bell pepper: 1 large red bell pepper, diced, for a sweet and colorful crunch
- Mushrooms: 8 ounces (about 2 cups sliced), fresh cremini or button mushrooms, sliced thinly for tender texture
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 28 ounces (1 can), for a robust, tangy sauce that evokes classic Italian flavors
- Dry red wine: ½ cup, such as Chianti, to enhance the sauce’s complexity and depth
- Fresh basil leaves: ¼ cup, chopped, for a burst of fresh, herbaceous notes
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon, to add earthy warmth
Seasonings and Finishing Touches
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, kosher, adjusted to taste for balancing flavors
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground, for a subtle kick
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated, to sprinkle on top for a nutty, melty finish that elevates the dish’s appeal
These carefully selected ingredients transform simple components into the bold, hearty essence of Chicken Caruso, making it a go-to for your Italian-American inspired meals.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our flavorful Chicken Caruso with ease and precision, we rely on a few essential tools that streamline the process from prep to plating. These items ensure efficient chopping, cooking, and serving while minimizing mess and maximizing results.
Essential Kitchen Tools
We recommend gathering the following tools before you begin, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip surface essential for safely chopping ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Opt for a large wooden or plastic board to handle multiple items at once.
- Chef’s knife: This sharp, versatile blade is key for precise dicing and slicing of vegetables and chicken, helping us achieve uniform pieces that cook evenly.
- Large skillet or frying pan: A 12-inch non-stick or stainless-steel pan with high sides is crucial for browning chicken and simmering the sauce, allowing for even heat distribution and easy stirring.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping the pan to build flavors without scratching the surface, especially when combining ingredients like garlic and tomatoes.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate sets for liquids and dry ingredients ensure we get the right amounts of olive oil, wine, and spices, promoting consistent results every time.
- Medium saucepan: If we’re making a separate sauce component, this is vital for heating and reducing liquids like crushed tomatoes and red wine to create a rich, cohesive mixture.
By having these tools ready, we transition seamlessly from our ingredient prep to cooking, making Chicken Caruso a straightforward delight to prepare.
Instructions
We make preparing Chicken Caruso straightforward and enjoyable, turning everyday ingredients into a bold, Italian-inspired masterpiece that delights the senses with its savory aromas and rich flavors.
Prep Work
Before we dive into cooking, let’s get our ingredients prepped for efficiency. Start by pat drying the 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with paper towels to ensure they sear perfectly and develop a golden crust. Next, dice 1 large onion and 1 red bell pepper into even 1/2-inch pieces for uniform cooking, then slice 8 ounces of mushrooms thinly to release their earthy flavors. Mince 4 cloves of garlic finely so it infuses the dish with a pungent, aromatic punch. Measure out 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of dry red wine, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a handful of fresh basil leaves for chopping later. With these steps complete, our kitchen is set for a seamless process using the cutting board and knife we mentioned earlier.
Cooking the Chicken
We cook the chicken to achieve that tender, juicy texture that forms the heart of Chicken Caruso. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and releases a fragrant olive scent. Add the prepared chicken breasts to the pan and sear them for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and boast a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances the dish’s hearty appeal. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside, allowing the pan’s flavorful drippings to build the base for our sauce and fill the air with irresistible aromas.
Making the Sauce
With the chicken resting, we build a robust sauce that elevates Chicken Caruso to comforting perfection. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic, sautéing them in the remaining oil for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release a sweet, savory aroma that perfumes your kitchen. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dry red wine, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a thick, vibrant sauce that coats the back of a spoon. Finally, return the seared chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over it, and let it cook together for another 5 minutes to absorb the rich, tangy notes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch that adds fresh, cheesy depth.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing Chicken Caruso ahead of time allows us to enjoy its bold flavors without the last-minute rush. By planning ahead, we can streamline the cooking process while preserving the dish’s hearty essence and Italian-inspired taste.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
To get a head start, we focus on the foundational elements of the recipe. Begin by washing and chopping the vegetables as outlined in our preparation section. For instance:
- Onions and red bell peppers: Dice them finely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This keeps their fresh crunch intact for sautéing.
- Mushrooms: Slice them evenly and place in a separate sealed bag or container to prevent sogginess, ready for quick addition to the pan.
- Garlic: Mince it ahead and keep it in a small, sealed jar in the fridge; this ensures its pungent aroma enhances the sauce without oxidation.
Cooking Components Ahead
We can prepare key parts of Chicken Caruso in advance to maximize flavor development. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, sauté the prepped vegetables in extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until softened. Add canned crushed tomatoes, dry red wine, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to use, simply reheat it gently on the stove.
- Cook the chicken partially: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then sear them in olive oil until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Allow them to cool, slice if desired, and store in a refrigerator-safe container for up to 2 days. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the sauce’s flavors seamlessly during final assembly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For the best results, we emphasize proper storage to maintain the dish’s vibrant taste and texture:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepped vegetables | Airtight container in fridge | Up to 24 hours | Use directly; no reheating needed |
| Sauce | Airtight container in fridge | Up to 3 days | Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through |
| Partially cooked chicken | Refrigerator-safe container in fridge | Up to 2 days | Finish cooking in the sauce over medium heat until it reaches 165°F internally |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure Chicken Caruso remains a convenient yet extraordinary meal, ready to impress on any occasion.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Chicken Caruso recipe with you
It’s a simple way to add bold Italian flavors to your meals
Whether it’s a quick dinner or a special gathering
we know it’ll quickly become one of your favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Caruso?
Chicken Caruso is an Italian-American comfort dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, flavorful sauce. It draws from Italian traditions, blending simple ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and herbs into a hearty meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions. This recipe transforms everyday items into a family favorite that evokes warm gatherings.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Caruso?
Key ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped onions, diced red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, canned crushed tomatoes, dry red wine, fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. These elements create a bold, savory sauce that elevates the chicken’s taste.
What tools and equipment are required for making Chicken Caruso?
You’ll need a sturdy cutting board, sharp chef’s knife, large skillet or frying pan, wooden spoon or silicone spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a medium saucepan. These tools ensure safe prep, even cooking, and easy mixing for a smooth experience.
How do you prepare Chicken Caruso?
Start by patting dry and searing chicken breasts in olive oil until golden. Sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then add crushed tomatoes, red wine, and seasonings to make the sauce. Return the chicken to simmer, absorbing flavors, and finish with fresh basil and Parmesan for a comforting dish.
Can Chicken Caruso be made ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like dicing onions, slicing mushrooms, and mincing garlic in advance for storage in airtight containers. You can also make the sauce or partially cook the chicken ahead, refrigerating for up to 2 days. This allows for quick assembly while keeping flavors fresh.
How should I store and reheat Chicken Caruso?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or wine to maintain moisture, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating.