If you’re looking for a meal that blends rustic comfort with a punch of zesty flavor, Chicken Vesuvio deserves a spot at your table. This beloved Italian-American classic hails from Chicago and features braised chicken, crispy potatoes, and tender peas all bathed in a garlicky white wine sauce that’s nothing short of crave-worthy. Chicken Vesuvio is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, delivering bold taste in every bite yet coming together with surprisingly simple steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Chicken Vesuvio shine is its collection of humble, approachable ingredients that transform into something magical together. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creating crisp textures, and painting a beautiful, golden dish that’s a feast for the eyes and tastebuds.

Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These provide richness, stay beautifully juicy, and crisp up for maximum flavor.
Yukon gold potatoes: Perfect for roasting, these hold their shape and soak up the delicious pan sauce.
Peas: Sweet bursts of color add a delightful freshness to balance the savory chicken.
Garlic cloves: Essential for infusing that bold, aromatic Vesuvio character into the sauce.
Dry white wine: Lifts the sauce with brightness and deepens flavor complexity. Choose a wine you’d happily drink!
Chicken broth: Brings plenty of moisture and rounds out the savory sauce.
Olive oil: For crisping the chicken and potatoes to golden perfection.
Dried oregano: Adds that unmistakable Italian “zing” and herby aroma.
Salt and black pepper: The foundation for any well-seasoned dish.
Fresh parsley: A final sprinkle that laces the meal with color and freshness.

How to Make Chicken Vesuvio

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry and seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and some dried oregano. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add the chicken skin-side down, and let it sizzle undisturbed until deeply golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes. This step locks in juicy flavor while building the lush base for your Chicken Vesuvio sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Potatoes

Once the chicken is golden, transfer it to a plate and add the potato wedges to the same hot skillet. Let them brown, turning occasionally, so you get those crave-worthy crispy edges. The potatoes soak up all the delicious remnants left from the chicken, adding even more depth to your final dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Deglaze

Push the potatoes to the sides of the skillet and toss in your whole garlic cloves. Let them turn fragrant and just golden before you add the white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits clinging to the pan—this is where Chicken Vesuvio gets much of its irresistible flavor. Simmer for a few minutes to let the alcohol cook off while keeping all the good stuff.

Step 4: Braise with Broth and Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the potatoes, then pour in your chicken broth. Sprinkle the rest of the oregano over the top. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then slide the pan into a preheated oven to finish cooking. The chicken will become insanely tender, the potatoes get creamy on the inside, and the sauce will thicken beautifully around it all.

Step 5: Add Peas and Broil

With just five minutes left, scatter the peas over everything. A quick blast under the broiler helps the chicken skin crisp up again and brings the peas to that perfect pop and bright color. Pull it from the oven and inhale that herby, garlicky aroma—this is Chicken Vesuvio in all its glory!

How to Serve Chicken Vesuvio

Garnishes

Finish your Chicken Vesuvio with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for brightness. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving will add a lively zing and balance the richness. If you’re feeling extra, a little grated Parmesan is welcome, too.

Side Dishes

Serve Chicken Vesuvio alongside crusty Italian bread perfect for sopping up every drop of that stunning sauce. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette lightens the meal, or you can add sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus for a burst of color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming family-style dinner, bring the entire skillet of Chicken Vesuvio straight to the table. If you want something more formal, arrange each plate with a piece of chicken, a fan of golden potatoes, a spoonful of peas, and a nap of shimmering sauce. Leftovers make an incredible open-faced sandwich on toasted Italian bread, finished with a few extra peas and sauce spooned over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Chicken Vesuvio to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days—making for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner repeat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Chicken Vesuvio, separate the chicken, potatoes, and peas into freezer-friendly bags or containers. It will last for up to three months. Be aware that peas may lose a bit of their great texture, but the overall dish reheats beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, place everything in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth over low heat. Warm until everything is hot and the sauce is bubbling gently. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results.

FAQs

What makes Chicken Vesuvio different from other braised chicken dishes?

The combination of crispy, golden potatoes, a punchy garlic and white wine sauce, and the addition of sweet peas is what gives Chicken Vesuvio its distinct identity. It’s finished with a broil for that signature crisp!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the juiciest results, chicken breasts will still taste great. Just watch the cooking time, as breasts are leaner and can dry out faster.

Is it necessary to use wine, or is there a substitute?

You can swap the wine for extra chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice for brightness. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious and true to the spirit of Chicken Vesuvio.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! While peas are classic, you can toss in artichoke hearts, mushrooms, or even bell peppers for more veggie goodness. Just add them near the end of cooking so they retain their texture.

What’s the best way to get the skin extra crispy?

Make sure your chicken skin is very dry before searing, don’t crowd the skillet, and finish under the broiler for a few minutes at the end. This guarantees that irresistible Vesuvio crisp!

Final Thoughts

If you love a one-pan meal loaded with flavor, Chicken Vesuvio will quickly become your go-to comfort dish. It’s easier to make than you think, incredibly satisfying, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to be invited to your table. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your heart (and tastebuds) will thank you!

Chicken Vesuvio Recipe