Smothered Italian Chicken Food

SMOTHERED CHICKEN ITALIANO

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the oregano, garlic powder, 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper; rub over chicken.
• In a large nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, brown chicken in oil for 3-4 minutes on each side.
• Transfer to an 11x7 inch baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray.
• Combine ricotta cheese and remaining salt and pepper; spoon over chicken. Top with tomatoes.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350F for 15 minutes. Top with cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and chicken juices run clear.

ITALIAN SMOTHERED CHICKEN WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place 1/3 cup flour in shallow bowl; dredge chicken breasts in flour, shaking off any excess.
• In deep 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto; cook and stir about 2 minutes or until crispy. Using slotted spoon and leaving as much of the fat as possible in skillet, transfer prosciutto to plate, and set aside.
• Add chicken breasts to hot skillet; cook over medium heat about 5 minutes on each side or until browned. Transfer to plate.
• Add additional 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil to skillet; heat over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook about 4 minutes or until they begin to brown. Add onion; cook about 6 minutes or until softened. Add garlic; continue to cook another minute.
• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over vegetables; cook and stir 2 minutes.
• Add wine; cook and stir until almost evaporated. Stir in broth; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; return chicken breasts to skillet. Cook 10 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (at least 165°F) and sauce is thickened. Top each serving with crispy prosciutto. Serve over cooked pasta, if desired.

SMOTHERED CHICKEN WITH SPINACH AND MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350ºF and coat a 9 x 13" pan with olive oil.
• Saute onion until it starts to caramelize then add mushrooms and saute until they start to brown.
• In a small bowl, mix the neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese) and packet of Zesty Italian Dressing mix together until it is well blended.
• Place the chicken breasts in bottom of 9 x 13" pan.
• Divide cream cheese mixture into four even portions and spread on top of each chicken breast.
• Cover contents of the pan with the entire 8 oz bag of fresh spinach (uncooked).
• Evenly distribute the onion and mushroom mixture over the top of the spinach.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover with the shredded mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan blend cheese.
• Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes and check that internal temperature of largest breast is 170ºF.
• Serve with a nice risotto or rice pilaf.

CHICKEN BREASTS SMOTHERED IN TOMATOES AND MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Preheat broiler.
• Pound chicken with flat side of mallet to 1/4" thickness.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
• Add chicken and cook turning once until no longer pink in center.
• Transfer to plate, cover and keep warm.
• Heat remaining oil in same skillet over medium heat.
• Add onions and garlic, cook and stir 5 minute.
• Add tomatoes: bring to a simmer.
• Return chicken to skillet, spooning onion and tomato mixture over chicken.
• Sprinkle cheese over top.
• Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat until cheese is melted.