23 Italian Chicken Recipes To Die For

Italian food is one of the best types of food in the world. It is distinct, flavorful, and so steeped in tradition, history, and culture that even the slightest change in a recipe will not only affect the flavor but anger a great many food lovers as well.

When you combine Italian culinary style with the world’s beloved meat, Chicken, you are bound to scrumptious and heavenly dishes that simply can’t be compared to.

For those who have experienced Italian food a great many times or are involved heavily in the culture, then there are probably a lot of different Chicken dishes that you already know.

However, if you are new to this type of culinary art form, then there are bound to be some things you would like to learn.

As such, we have created a list of the best Italian chicken dishes (see also ‘29 Best Chicken Dinner Ideas‘) that you will simply love.

1. Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Meatballs (see also our favorite homemade sauces for meatballs) are a classic Italian dish that has been around for ages.

Normally, beef is mixed with Parmesan and herbs, but in this case the meat has been changed to chicken which is then breaded and then fried to a golden brown before being covered in a delicious tomato sauce and then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

It is then baked until the cheese is melted, and the sauce has thickened, and the crust is crispy and crunchy.

This is then served with a side of pasta or some potatoes and is an iconic dish that can be turned into a delicious and hearty appetizer or a main course.

2. Chicken Piccata

This Italian chicken dish is a fantastic light dish to have when you want something tasty, but not heavy. It is a creamy, tangy dish with a slight lemon flavor and a sharpness from the wine.

This is made even more delicious by the subtle crunch of capers that are added to give it the perfect amount of salt.

This recipe involves frying the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and then simmering them in a mixture of lemon juice, chicken stock, butter, and herbs. All that is then left to do is serve it with a side of pasta or rice and enjoy.

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy capers based recipes in your meals, this chicken piccata recipe is a delightful option.

3. Skillet Chicken Pasta

A classic Italian pasta dish with a twist. Surprisingly, it does not use a traditional marinara sauce to create the foundation.

It uses a pre-made Italian dressing, and while some of you may cringe at this suggestion, the zesty flavors combined with fresh ingredients makes this dish stand out.

With fresh tomatoes, herby basil or parsley, the tangy dressing, and the creamy cheese, this pasta dish is a perfect quick way to make a delicious meal for very little.

4. Chicken Parm Hero

A classic Italian-American sandwich forged by the Italian community in New York, beloved in the States, and that can be enjoyed for any meal.

This sandwich is made by layering a few pieces of bread with some provolone cheese, thinly sliced breaded and pan-fried chicken breasts, and then being baked in the oven until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted and crunchy.

Apart from being delicious, this sandwich is also extremely easy to make and will quickly become a favorite for any who try it.

5. Skillet Sicilian Chicken

The flavors of Sicily can be quite distinct compared to the Italian mainland. They are often known for combining salty and sweet flavors with abandon and every dish is bold, or it is not worth eating.

This fusion of flavor reaches its pinnacle in Sicilian Chicken. The chicken is fried with basil, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, capers, thyme, and garlic, before being braised in a stock and cream sauce.

It is decadent, delicious, and we love it.

6. Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A rustic dish that is very easy to make and requires only what you have in your cupboard.

It calls for frying some chicken breasts until they are golden brown, before creating a pan sauce from cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and the herbs then adding back the chicken once it is thickened and finishing with some salt and pepper.

This dish is a great recipe for those who love Italian food and want a simple recipe that can be altered to suit their taste. You can easily change the ingredients used or add more to make the recipe your own.

It is also a quick and easy recipe that can be made in under an hour.

7. Italian Chicken Strips

Another dish that isn’t exactly authentically Italian, but comes from the Italian communities within America.

Italian chicken strips is a very easy and quick recipe that is great for kids or for a quick and easy dinner for the family (see also ‘33 Easy Family Dinner Ideas‘). Simply bread and fry some chicken breasts with some herbs until they are golden brown.

Once they are finished, add some marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top. These chicken strips are a great recipe for someone who is new to cooking.

8. Primavera Chicken

Primavera chicken is a very light and springy dish that is made by adding a blend of vegetables to slits made in a chicken breast before putting them in a pan, sautéing them in oil and herbs.

Once the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked, you can season it with some salt and pepper to taste, and then garnish it with some mozzarella.

This recipe can easily be altered to suit your taste and ingredients that you have on hand, and is a novel way to cook chicken.

9. Lemon Chicken Pasta

Lemon chicken combines the citrus flavors of lemon with the sweet of garlic and the freshness of peas to create a wonderful taste of spring.

While it doesn’t have the same heaviness to it as other dishes, it is wonderfully creamy and the chicken stock added boosts the meaty flavor immensely.

Although it contains a lot of dairy, the overall dish is not too bad for you and can be made in a snap.

10. Chicken Cacciatore

If you are looking for a hearty and delicious Italian chicken dish, then this is the perfect fit. In the Italian language, “cacciatore,” translates to “hunter,” which is a fitting title for this particular dish.

Traditionally, this recipe includes onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, but feel free to add other ingredients as you see fit.

11. Italian Chicken with Potatoes and Peppers

If you are looking for a simple, yet fulfilling Italian chicken recipe (see also ‘33 Great Recipes For Chicken – Slow Cooker Style!‘), this will do nicely.

While this dish is easy enough to prepare during a busy weeknight, it is also delicious enough to serve at dinner parties, gatherings, or even as a meal for two.

Nothing is quite as fulfilling as roasted potatoes, peppers, and chicken and this dish proves it.

12. Chicken Osso Buco

Typically, osso buco is a dish composed of shanks of beef or veal, but these are not normally readily available nor easy to cook with.

The alternative is that you use chicken, but create the taste of the dish itself. While not as rich as the original, the flavors pack a punch and are delicious at any time of year.

13. Chicken Pasta Bake

Most people are always in the mood for a delicious pasta bake, and this Italian chicken pasta bake is exactly what you need in your life.

Pasta bakes in general are heavier than other Italian dishes, with boat loads of cheese put on top before it is placed in the oven, which makes them the perfect dish to curl up on the sofa with.

14. Chicken Carbonara

Carbonara is a decadent dish in and of itself, but adding chicken to it takes it to the next level. This dish combines the flavors of

Italian bacon and Parmesan cheese with pasta—making it one of the tastiest and most scrumptious Italian dishes you will ever try.

This recipe is easy to make, and it requires a bit less time than the other Italian chicken dishes on this list, making it perfect for after work or as a quick eat before you go out.

15. Chicken Pesto Pasta

Pesto is quick, fresh, and easy to make with it only really requiring the pasta, the cheese and the sauce, however if you wanted to improve upon it, adding chicken is the way to go.

It will give you a healthy protein that doesn’t take away from the pesto, but rather enhances it majorly.

16. Chicken Florentine

If you like spinach, creamy pan-sauces, and seared chicken, then this Italian chicken Florentine is the one for you. This is a simple and easy recipe that is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, that feels far more unhealthy than it really is.

It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it makes us want far more of it.

17. Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Bruschetta is normally an antipasto dish where toasted bread is served with tomatoes, garlic, and vinegar. However, in this case, you take out the bread and instead toss all the other ingredients together with pasta and chicken.

It creates a very light, fresh meal that you could even have toasted bread off to the side.

18. Provolone Baked Chicken

This Italian chicken recipe is great for a weekend treat. It’s simple to make and has a delicious flavor that will make your taste buds go wild.

All you need to do is smother the chicken in the rest of the ingredients and put the mixture in the oven until the chicken is cooked. This Italian chicken recipe (see also ‘The 28 Best Italian Recipes‘) is best served with a side salad.

19. Chicken and Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet

Gnocchi is an interesting and great alternative to normal pasta. It is chewy, dense, and absorbs the flavor of whatever it is in.

Chicken and Mushroom Gnocchi is especially good and is a pasta dish that is mixed with creamy sauce and a variety of mushrooms. This dish is the perfect combination of pasta, chicken, and mushrooms to create a truly delicious meal.

20. Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. It is a pasta dish that is made with a creamy and cheesy sauce that contains only butter and Parmesan emulsified together.

Alfredo is a rich and decadent dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner (see also ‘28 Romantic Dinner Ideas You Need to Try‘).

21. Caprese Chicken

Caprese Chicken is a variation of the classic salad dish. The salad consists of slices of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.

The chicken variation uses chicken breast slices cooked in a balsamic reduction before adding the other ingredients. This Italian chicken dish is easy to make and is best served with a side of pasta or whole-wheat orzo.

22. Tuscan Chicken

This dish is not originally from Italy, but incorporates a lot of the flavors from the Tuscan countryside. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes all bring forth a light bright flavor to the pasta, while the chicken rounds out everything. 

23. Chicken and Broad Bean Tagliatelle

This is a dish that incorporates subtle flavors and bold textures. The softness of the chicken counterbalances the starchiness of the beans and it is all brought together with a rich, sharp cheese sauce.

It is the perfect food for a crisp spring afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Italian Quick Chicken Dish?

You can choose one of the dishes above for this, but it might be quicker to throw together a marinara sauce with chicken being the core protein. Some people even just throw some chicken into passata with basil and call it a day. It is up to you.

Conclusion

Italian chicken dishes are an unsung hero of Italian cuisine and really show how versatile the meat is.

The sauces and herbs of Italian cooking enhance the chicken no end, and you can make a million different Italian style dishes with chicken with no problems.