We’ve always been fans of Chicken Principessa, a vibrant Italian-American favorite that brings bold flavors to your table with tender chicken, rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple meal into a celebration, drawing from rustic roots that make it irresistibly comforting.
What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions. We’ll walk you through the steps so you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To craft our flavorful Chicken Principessa—a harmonious blend of tender chicken, robust tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—we start by assembling the essential ingredients. We’ll list them in the order they are used, from preparing the chicken to building the sauce and finishing touches, ensuring precision in measurements and any necessary prep notes.
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch thick cutlets for even cooking and quick searing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, used for browning the chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- 1 teaspoon salt, added to season the chicken before cooking for enhanced flavor depth.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground and sprinkled on the chicken to balance its savoriness.
Sauce Components
- 1 medium onion, finely diced and sautéed first to form the base of our rich tomato sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced and added after the onion for a fragrant, aromatic punch.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, stirred in next to create a hearty, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn and incorporated towards the end for a burst of fresh, herbaceous notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, blended into the sauce for an authentic Italian-American essence.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional for a subtle, invigorating heat that elevates the dish’s bold profile.
Toppings and Finishing
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded and melted over the chicken for that irresistible, stringy texture.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated and sprinkled on top for a nutty, savory finish that complements the melted mozzarella.
- Fresh parsley, chopped as a garnish, added at the end to brighten the dish with color and a hint of earthiness.
This selection ensures our Chicken Principessa delivers on its comforting, indulgent promise, with each ingredient contributing to the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures.
Required Equipment
We know that having the right tools makes preparing our Chicken Principessa seamless and enjoyable, allowing us to focus on the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures. Let’s equip our kitchen with these essentials to handle everything from sautéing the sauce to baking the final masterpiece.
Essential Tools
To craft our Chicken Principessa with precision and ease, we rely on a curated set of tools that streamline the process. Here’s a detailed list of the essential equipment, organized by their primary function in the recipe:
- Prep Tools:
- A sharp chef’s knife for slicing chicken breasts and dicing onions and garlic efficiently.
- A sturdy cutting board to provide a safe, stable surface for all prep work.
- Cooking Tools:
- A large non-stick skillet or frying pan (at least 12 inches) for sautéing onions, garlic, and searing the chicken to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- A baking dish or casserole pan (9×13 inches) for assembling and baking the dish with melted cheese, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Measuring and Mixing Tools:
- Standard measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients like olive oil, salt, and spices, which are crucial for balancing flavors.
- A mixing bowl (medium-sized) to combine seasonings and prepare the sauce base.
- Utensils and Accessories:
- Heat-resistant tongs for flipping chicken pieces without piercing them, preserving their juicy tenderness.
- A spatula for stirring the sauce and transferring items smoothly.
- An oven mitt or heatproof gloves to safely handle hot pans during the baking process.
By using these tools, we ensure our Chicken Principessa turns out flawlessly every time, enhancing the dish’s comforting appeal with minimal effort.
Instructions
Let’s guide you through creating our flavorful Chicken Principessa, where tender chicken meets a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese for an irresistible, comforting meal. With these steps, we’ll ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Prep the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients to streamline the process and build those bold flavors. Begin by gathering the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and patting them dry with paper towels for even seasoning. Slice the chicken into even 1-inch thick cutlets to promote quick, uniform cooking.
Next, we’ll handle the sauce components: Dice 1 large onion and mince 4 garlic cloves for a fragrant base. Measure out 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and optional ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Chop a handful of fresh basil leaves and set aside for later, along with 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan for the indulgent topping.
Finally, ensure all tools from our equipment list—like the sharp chef’s knife and cutting board—are ready. This preparation sets the stage for a seamless cook, allowing the aromas of garlic and herbs to promise a vibrant, savory experience.
Cook the Chicken
Now we’ll cook the chicken to achieve a golden, juicy texture that forms the heart of our Chicken Principessa. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then season the chicken cutlets with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper for optimal flavor.
Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, creating a crispy exterior that locks in moisture and develops a delicious caramelized edge. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and aromatic, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors into a rich, tangy base that fills the kitchen with irresistible herbal scents.
Assemble the Dish
With the chicken cooked and sauce ready, we’ll assemble our Chicken Principessa for a gooey, baked finish that elevates it to a celebratory dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Layer the seared chicken cutlets in the bottom of the dish, then pour the tomato sauce evenly over them, ensuring each piece is generously coated for a moist, flavorful bite. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top, creating a melty cheese blanket that bubbles and browns beautifully. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and the dish is hot throughout, releasing an enticing aroma of melted cheese and herbs. Finish by scattering the chopped fresh basil over the top for a fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Chicken Principessa recipe with you, as it’s one of our go-to dishes for creating memorable meals. It’s a simple way to bring warmth and flavor to your table, perfect for any occasion.
Try it out and see how it becomes a favorite in your kitchen—it’s sure to impress family and friends with its comforting appeal. We’re confident you’ll enjoy every bite and make it your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Principessa?
Chicken Principessa is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. It’s known for its bold, comforting flavors that blend rustic simplicity with indulgent appeal, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a celebratory meal.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Principessa?
To make Chicken Principessa, you’ll need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, pepper, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, dried oregano, optional red pepper flakes, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and parsley for garnish. These ingredients create a vibrant, flavorful sauce and cheesy topping for a delicious result.
What equipment is required to prepare Chicken Principessa?
Essential equipment includes a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board for prep, a large non-stick skillet and baking dish for cooking, measuring cups and a mixing bowl for ingredients, plus tongs and a spatula for handling. These tools help streamline the process and ensure your dish turns out perfectly with minimal effort.
How do you make Chicken Principessa?
Start by slicing chicken and prepping veggies. Sear the chicken in a skillet for a golden crust, then sauté onions, garlic, and add sauce ingredients to simmer. Layer chicken in a baking dish with sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly. Garnish with fresh herbs. This simple process yields an impressive, flavorful meal in under an hour.
Is Chicken Principessa suitable for beginners?
Yes, Chicken Principessa is beginner-friendly with straightforward steps and common ingredients. It involves basic techniques like searing and baking, taking about 45 minutes total. Follow the guide for perfect results, making it ideal for novice cooks wanting to impress without complexity.
Can Chicken Principessa be customized?
Absolutely, customize Chicken Principessa by adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce, adjusting spice with more red pepper flakes, or swapping cheeses. Keep the core recipe intact for best flavor, allowing you to tailor it to dietary preferences while maintaining its comforting essence.