Neapolitan chicken

Neapolitan chicken – a delicious recipe, full of flavors, that will transport you to the heart of a culinary feast. This simple yet savory dish perfectly combines fresh vegetables with juicy chicken meat, offering a hearty and comforting meal, ideal for any occasion. Get ready to delight your taste buds and gather your family around the table with this easy-to-make recipe.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-55 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 chicken (approximately 1.5 kg), cut into 8 pieces
- 7-8 small onions (approximately 300 g), peeled and sliced into 0.7 cm thick rings
- 3-4 carrots (approximately 300 g), peeled and sliced
- 7-8 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
- 200 g celery stalk, sliced (you can also use frozen celery)
- 4-5 tomatoes (approximately 500-600 g), peeled and chopped
- Olive oil, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Hot water (approximately 500-600 ml)

Recipe history

The Neapolitan chicken recipe has its origins in traditional kitchens, being an example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into delicious dishes. This is a meal that has been cooked for generations, bringing families together at tables full of laughter and stories. Chicken, as a staple ingredient, has always been a symbol of hospitality, and the combination with fresh vegetables makes this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by peeling and slicing the onions, carrots, garlic, and celery. Choose fresh vegetables for a more intense flavor. If using frozen celery, make sure it is of good quality.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them gently until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

3. Add the carrots and celery: Continue with the carrots and celery, sautéing everything together for another 5-7 minutes. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the dish.

4. Include the chicken: Cut the chicken into 8 pieces, ensuring each piece is well-portioned. Add the chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine the ingredients. Cook until the chicken turns white, about 5-10 minutes.

5. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the vegetables will also add flavor. Add hot water, enough to cover the chicken, but don't overdo it, as you want to achieve a thick and tasty sauce.

6. Boiling: Cover the skillet and let the dish simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes. Here, the flavors will combine and the chicken will become tender. This is the perfect time to relax and prepare the side dish.

7. Add the tomatoes: After 30 minutes, add the peeled and chopped tomatoes. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes turn into a delicious puree.

8. Serving: When the dish is ready, serve it hot, alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. The combination will be superb!

Practical tips

- Choose a quality chicken: A free-range farm chicken will add a much more intense flavor to the dish.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with various vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to add even more flavors.
- Sauce: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a little chopped hot pepper or chili flakes.
- Variations: Instead of mashed potatoes, you can serve the chicken with rice or pasta, offering a different flavor to the dish.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and the added vegetables (onion, carrots, celery) are rich in vitamins and minerals. This recipe can be a healthy dinner option, with a moderate caloric intake, depending on the servings and the chosen side dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking for even baking.

2. Can I make the recipe in advance?
Of course! The cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a fresh fruit cocktail could perfectly complement the flavors of Neapolitan chicken.

In conclusion, the Neapolitan chicken recipe is an ideal choice for a family meal or a lunch with friends. With simple preparation and accessible ingredients, you will create a delicious dish that will surely impress everyone. Don't forget to bring a little of your soul into every cooking stage, and the result will be all the more flavorful! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: -1 chicken-7-8 small onions (300 g)-3-4 carrots (300 g)-7-8 cloves of garlic-approx. 200 g, celery stalk-4-5 tomatoes (500-600 g)-salt, pepper, to taste