Italian chicken with rosemary potatoes

Italianissimo Chicken with Rosemary Flavored Potatoes

Welcome to your kitchen, where today I invite you to prepare a delicious dish that combines Mediterranean flavors in a simple yet refined way. We will prepare Italianissimo Chicken stuffed with cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms, accompanied by rosemary potatoes, all baked for a perfect result.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For Italianissimo Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 200 g mushrooms (or more, to taste)
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 200 g cheese, sliced or grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Dried or fresh basil, to preference
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 150 ml chicken broth or water

For Rosemary Potatoes
- 800 g potatoes (preferably new or oven-type)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Breasts
1. Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, cut each chicken breast lengthwise, creating a pocket where you will add the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through, so the filling doesn't spill out.
2. Season the inside of the pocket and the outside of the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and basil. These spices will enhance the flavor of the dish.

Step 2: Filling and Cooking the Chicken
1. In each pocket, add slices of cheese, rounds of tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms. You can alternate the ingredients as you like, but make sure the filling is well distributed.
2. After filling all the breasts, brush them on the outside with olive oil. This will help create a delicious crust during baking.

Step 3: Preparing the Potatoes
1. While you are working on the chicken, peel the potatoes and cut them into larger, uniform pieces. This will ensure even cooking.
2. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Mix well to coat the potatoes with the spices.

Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. In a baking dish, place the stuffed chicken breasts and add chicken broth or water to maintain moisture during baking.
3. Next to it, place the prepared potatoes. They will bake and absorb the flavors from the oven.
4. Bake everything for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken breasts are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 75°C) and the potatoes are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Preparing the Sauce (optional)
1. In a small saucepan, melt 50 g of butter and add 150 ml of heavy cream, salt, pepper, and basil. Mix well and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes. This fine sauce will perfectly complement your dish.

Serving
Serve Italianissimo Chicken alongside the rosemary potatoes and, if you chose, drizzle the sauce over the chicken. A fresh seasonal salad or a side of steamed vegetables will add even more vitamins and color to your plate.

Variations and Practical Tips
- Vary the filling: You can add olives, red peppers, or spinach to the chicken filling for extra flavor.
- Type of meat: If you don't have chicken breasts, you can use boneless chicken thighs, which are juicier.
- Cheese substitutions: If you want a lighter option, you can replace the cheese with feta or mozzarella.

Nutritional Information
This recipe is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the chicken breast, and contains complex carbohydrates from the potatoes. Rosemary adds not only flavor but also antioxidants, while tomatoes and mushrooms are rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, this recipe can also be adapted for other types of meat, such as turkey or pork.
- How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat the dish in the oven or microwave.
- What drinks pair well?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade will perfectly complement this meal.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to trust your cooking skills and prepare this delicious Italianissimo Chicken! Whether you enjoy it alone or with loved ones, this dish promises to bring a touch of joy and flavor to every meal. Bon appétit!