Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicago-Style Chicken Vesuvio?
It is a classic Chicago dish featuring bone-in chicken and russet potatoes seasoned with oregano and garlic, finished with white wine and green peas.
What is the historical significance of this dish?
This recipe is a beloved staple of Chicago cuisine, often associated with Harry Caray's Restaurant and the Chicago Cubs fandom.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The half chicken should be jointed into four pieces and seasoned generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic granules.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one large russet potato, peeled and cut into quarters.
How much olive oil is required?
A total of 6 tablespoons of olive oil is used for sautéing the potatoes and the chicken.
How are the potatoes initially cooked?
The potato quarters are sautéed in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until they are golden brown on all sides.
What role does garlic play in the initial skillet preparation?
Two whole garlic cloves are sautéed in olive oil for about 2 minutes to infuse the oil with their flavor before adding the chicken.
How long should the chicken be sautéed in the skillet?
The chicken pieces should be cooked for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What size skillet is recommended for this recipe?
A 10-inch skillet is recommended for cooking the chicken and potatoes.
What liquid is used to create the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of dry white wine to create the signature Vesuvio sauce.
What is the technique for incorporating the wine?
After adding the dry white wine, use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan to mix the flavors.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
The skillet is transferred to the oven to bake for 20-30 minutes.
When are the frozen peas added to the dish?
The 2 ounces of frozen peas are scattered on top of the chicken and potatoes after the dish is removed from the oven.
What is the final garnish for Chicken Vesuvio?
The dish is garnished with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
How many calories are in one serving of this recipe?
One serving contains approximately 445 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This Chicago-Style Chicken Vesuvio provides 28g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in a serving of Chicken Vesuvio?
There are 22.5g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates in the recipe?
The dish contains 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any fiber in this chicken dish?
Yes, each serving contains 2.5g of fiber.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as Italian-American comfort food and Chicago cuisine.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for game day gatherings.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The primary seasonings are salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic granules.
Do you use whole garlic or minced garlic?
The recipe uses both garlic granules for seasoning and 2 whole garlic cloves for infusing the cooking oil.
How should the dish be plated?
Place the chicken on a serving plate, arrange potatoes around it, and spoon the skillet sauce over the top.
What texture should the potatoes have?
The potatoes should be golden-brown on the outside and tender on the inside.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 bone-in chicken jointed into 4 pieces.
Is the chicken cooked entirely on the stove?
No, it is first sautéed in a skillet and then finished by baking in the oven.
What type of wine is best?
A dry white wine is recommended for this recipe.
How much oregano is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of oregano for seasoning.