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Chicken Vesuvio

Chicken Vesuvio

Chicken Vesuvio is a beloved Italian-American classic featuring crispy golden chicken thighs and drumsticks roasted with tender yellow potatoes, aromatic garlic, fresh oregano, and a bright splash of lemon juice. This comforting yet elegant dish balances textures and flavors perfectly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The recipe is simple, uses common pantry staples, and delivers a mouthwatering herbaceous zest with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Potatoes & Aromatics

  • 1.5 pounds yellow potatoes, halved or quartered
  • 68 garlic cloves, whole

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the fresh oregano to build foundational flavors.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside, keeping the flavorful oil in the skillet.
  3. Roast the Potatoes with Garlic: Add the halved potatoes and whole garlic cloves to the same skillet. Stir well to coat them with the oil and leftover chicken bits. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for 10-15 minutes to start cooking the potatoes.
  4. Combine Chicken and Potatoes: Remove the skillet from the oven and nestle the seared chicken pieces among the potatoes. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish. Sprinkle the remaining oregano and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Finish Roasting: Return the skillet to the oven and roast everything together for 25-30 minutes more. During this time, the wine and broth will reduce, creating a luscious pan sauce while the chicken completes cooking and remains juicy.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, allow the Chicken Vesuvio to rest for 5 minutes. Serve portions topped with some of the flavorful pan juices for a final delicious touch.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry is crucial to achieve crispy skin.
  • Using bone-in, skin-on chicken enhances flavor and juiciness.
  • Allow sufficient time when searing to develop a deep golden crust.
  • Fresh oregano and fresh lemon juice significantly brighten the dish compared to dried or bottled alternatives.
  • Adjust the amount of white wine so it enhances but does not overpower the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Vesuvio, Italian-American, roasted chicken, crispy chicken, garlic potatoes, easy chicken dinner