Valdostana Chicken

Valdostana Chicken - An Italian Delicacy in Your Home

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who wouldn't want to bring a piece of Italy to their plate? Valdostana chicken is a recipe that combines the savory taste of chicken breast with the elegance of ham and cheese, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This dish can be considered a true feast for the taste buds, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Valdostana chicken has its roots in the culinary traditions of mountainous regions, where simple ingredients were skillfully combined to create hearty and flavorful dishes. This recipe blends rustic influences of Italian cuisine with a subtle refinement, often served in upscale restaurants. Now, it's time to bring this experience home!

The Magic Ingredients

To prepare Valdostana chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

- 4 pieces of chicken breast (approx. 150-200 g each)
- 4 slices of Parma ham or pressed ham
- 4 slices of mozzarella
- 2 small cherry tomatoes (or 1 medium tomato)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Dried thyme (approx. 1 teaspoon)
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour
- 100 g butter
- 75 ml white wine (preferably dry)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Chicken Breast: Start by cleaning the chicken breast pieces, if necessary. Season them with salt, pepper, and thyme. This step is essential for adding flavor to the meat.

2. Dredging in Flour: Sprinkle flour in a bowl and dredge each piece of chicken in flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off the excess flour; this step will help achieve a crispy crust.

3. Browning the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to foam, add the chicken pieces. Fry each piece for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden and well-browned. It is important not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure even frying.

4. Assembling the Dish: Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a heatproof dish, place each piece of fried chicken breast. On top of each piece, add a slice of ham, a slice of mozzarella, and half a cherry tomato (or a slice of tomato if using a whole tomato). These layers will add moisture and flavor.

5. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden. This is when the flavors meld perfectly.

6. Preparing the Sauce: In the same skillet where you fried the chicken, add the white wine over the remaining butter. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, until it reduces slightly. This sauce will add a touch of acidity and perfectly complement the rich flavor of the chicken.

7. Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and pour the wine sauce over the chicken pieces. Serve the dish warm, alongside sautéed mushrooms and a fresh cucumber salad. These sides add crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the chicken.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Result

- Choosing the Chicken Breast: Opt for high-quality chicken breast, preferably from naturally raised birds. This will significantly influence the flavor of the dish.
- Ham: Parma ham or pressed ham adds a distinct flavor. If you prefer a less salty option, you can use turkey ham.
- Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella that melts beautifully. If you prefer a more intense flavor, opt for smoked mozzarella.
- White Wine: Dry white wine adds a wonderful taste to the sauce. Use a wine you would like to drink, as its aroma will intensify during cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use leftover roasted chicken? Yes, you can use leftover roasted chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to avoid drying it out.
- What else can I add? You can experiment with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, adding them in layers above the chicken.
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Yes, you can assemble the chicken a few hours ahead and put it in the oven when you are ready to serve.

Possible Variations

- Valdostana Chicken with Aromatic Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the wine sauce for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken breast with slices of eggplant or zucchini, followed by the same layers of ham and cheese. Bake them in the oven until tender.
- Valdostana Chicken with Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms between the layers of chicken and mozzarella for added moisture and flavor.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This Valdostana chicken recipe offers approximately 450 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Besides its delicious flavor, chicken is an excellent source of protein, and mozzarella cheese adds calcium and vitamins. Tomatoes and cucumber salad provide antioxidants and fiber, contributing to a healthy and balanced meal.

Valdostana chicken is much more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that brings joy in every bite. Whether you serve it at a special dinner or simply want to indulge in a delicious dish, this recipe will not disappoint. So put on your apron and let the culinary adventure begin!