Chicken Vesuvio
A beloved Chicago classic! This one-pan wonder features crispy, bone-in chicken and tender potato wedges roasted in a savory garlic and white wine sauce, finished with bright green peas.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 60 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare Chicken and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- a.Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of salt, the black pepper, and dried oregano. Season the chicken pieces generously on all sides with this mixture. This step takes about 5 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet (a 12-inch cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add the potato wedges in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.
- 3
Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, place the chicken pieces skin-side down
- a.Sear for 5-6 minutes per side until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Transfer the seared chicken to the plate with the potatoes.
- 4
Create the Pan Sauce: Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet
- a.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Roast Everything Together: Return the seared chicken (skin-side up) and browned potatoes to the skillet, arranging them in the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer on the stovetop. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the potatoes are tender.
- 6
Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven
- a.Stir the frozen peas directly into the pan sauce; the residual heat will cook them in 1-2 minutes. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, spooning the delicious pan sauce over the chicken and potatoes.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest skin, ensure the chicken is patted completely dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- 2Don't crowd the pan when browning the chicken or potatoes; work in batches if necessary for the best color and texture.
- 3Using a good quality, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) makes this a true one-pan meal and simplifies cleanup.
- 4Smashing the garlic cloves releases their flavor gently without them burning as quickly as minced garlic.
- 5Let the wine reduce properly to cook off the harsh alcohol flavor, leaving behind its complex, tangy notes.
- 6For extra flavor, you can add a sprig of fresh rosemary along with the garlic when making the pan sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Tuck a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme among the chicken and potatoes before roasting for a deeper herbal aroma.
With ArtichokesWith Artichokes
Add a can of drained and quartered artichoke hearts to the pan along with the potatoes for a classic variation.
Quicker VersionQuicker Version
Use boneless, skin-on chicken thighs instead of a whole cut-up chicken. They will sear and roast in less time, about 15-20 minutes in the oven.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Provides Sustained Energy
Potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy. They are also a good source of potassium, an important electrolyte for nerve function and blood pressure regulation.
Rich in Allium Compounds
Garlic contains beneficial compounds like allicin, known for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Chicken Vesuvio contains approximately 700-750 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of the chicken pieces and the amount of oil used.