Freezer Meals: Roman Style Chicken

Chicken is a favorite protein to cook with since there are so many ways to prepare it. There never seems to be a shortage of chicken recipes and I'm always happy to try new ones to test out. This recipe for Roman Style Chicken was delicious! I especially liked that this dish one you can make ahead and cook in a crockpot to give your stovetop a rest!...

This chicken recipe comes from Giada De Laurentiis and it was a pretty popular one on the Food Network site. It rated pretty high and it's no wonder - it really is good! Bone-in chicken is browned and then braised with bell peppers, bacon, garlic, tomatoes and wine. To finish it off, salty capers and fresh Italian parsley are tossed in to add some bright notes to the rich, braised slow cooked flavors. I added artichoke hearts to the dish for another dimension of flavor and it worked nicely with the other ingredients. This dish was served with caramelized cremini orzo and a light green salad. I also adapted the recipe as a freezer and slow cooker/crockpot meal but you can certainly cook it on the stovetop just as easily.

Roman Style Chicken

recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis

4 skinless chicken breast halves, with ribs
2 skinless chicken thighs, with bones
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus 1 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus 1 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
3 slices bacon, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup artichoke hearts
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons capers
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. In a heavy, cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, cook the chicken until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Keeping the same pan over medium heat, add the peppers and bacon and cook until the peppers have browned and the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the artichokes, tomatoes, wine, and herbs. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan, add the stock, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 to 30 minutes. Just before serving, add the capers and parsley; stir to combine and serve.

* To make ahead/freezer meal - Prepare the chicken as directed above. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and cool completely, then place in a gallon sized freezer bag. Prepare the sauce for the dish as directed above, omitting the stock, capers and parsley (which will be added later). Cool completely before adding the sauce to the gallon sized freezer bag. Freeze the bag. When ready to prepare, defrost the freezer bag completely. Place the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker/crockpot. Add 1/2 cup chicken stock and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Just before serving, add the capers and parsley; stir to combine and serve.