Do you enjoy the perfect blend of flavors traditionally used to make authentic Italian cuisine? Try our Italian chicken casserole that is incredibly simple to make yet tastes as divine as a gourmet meal. Everyone will think you have spent at least a few hours in the kitchen making dinner when in reality, preparation time for chicken casserole recipes such as this one is actually at a minimum. This gives you much more time to enjoy being with the family instead of working in a hot kitchen before dinner.
Chicken is the ideal ingredient to use for making a healthy dish for lunch or dinner. Low in calories and fat, the poultry can be used for making a mind boggling number of dishes including international recipes like our Italian chicken casserole complemented by potato gnocchi. Although this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts you can also use chicken thighs in a pinch. Likewise, canned tomatoes will be needed but if you have a handful of fresh tomatoes by all means use those instead for even more flavor.
The basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil also bring out the delicious, natural flavor of the chicken and combine to create one aromatic and delectable tasting dish. Serve this chicken casserole recipe with fresh salad greens such as arugula for a truly traditional Italian meal.
Italian Chicken Recipes
Ingredients –
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ¾ cup canned whole tomatoes, drained, chopped
- ½ small clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 16 ounce package fresh gnocchi
- 2 teaspoons fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season the chicken with salt to taste along with black pepper and basil. Dredge the chicken lightly in flour.
- Place the chicken breasts in the casserole dish and cover with the chopped tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle the olive oil on top, cover the casserole dish, and then bake for 45 minutes. Check the casserole halfway through the cooking time and baste the chicken with the sauce to keep the poultry tender and juicy.
- Just before the casserole is done, boil the gnocchi for 3 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and add the drained gnocchi and stir to mix all ingredients well.
- Return the casserole to the oven for a few minutes to heat the ingredients and allow the flavors to blend. Check to see that the chicken is cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Garnish the chicken with parsley and serve on a bed of fresh arugula with cherry tomatoes.
