Delicious Spicy Romano Chicken Recipe for Food Lovers
Carino’s Spicy Romano Chicken Recipe is a dish that will leave you yearning for more. If you’re looking for a spicy and creamy chicken recipe to wow your guests or simply to quench your cravings, this recipe will certainly fit the bill. This recipe is my own version of Johnny Carino’s famous Spicy Romano Chicken, known for being a favorite in his Italian-inspired restaurant chain. With its succulent and juicy chicken breasts smothered in a blend of spicy Romano cheese sauce, this dish offers an indulgent and savory experience that will have your taste buds dancing.
As someone who loves entertaining guests at home, this recipe has quickly become my go-to for any dinner party I host. It not only wows my guests with its impeccable taste but also showcases my creativity in the kitchen through its unique blend of ingredients.
Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef looking for something new to spice up your cooking game, this recipe is sure to be right up your alley. With ingredients that are easy to find and within budget, this spicy Romano chicken dish is perfect for family dinners or weekend get-togethers.
So if you’re ready to indulge in a heavenly chicken dish that is sure to satisfy all your cravings, grab your apron and let’s start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of making the same old chicken dishes and looking for a new twist? Then look no further! My version of Carino’s Spicy Romano Chicken recipe will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey that you won’t forget.
Firstly, the combination of spicy romano cheese, fresh garlic cloves, and sun-dried tomatoes brings a burst of flavor to this dish. The spices are well balanced, leaving a delightful aftertaste on your tongue. Secondly, the recipe is simple to follow, taking just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Thirdly, this recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, allowing you more time to spend with your guests instead of slaving away in the kitchen. The versatility of the dish also means that it can be served with pasta, rice, or even as a light salad.
Lastly, this recipe allows for substitutions and variations, so you can tailor it to your liking. By adding shrimp or artichoke hearts to the dish, you’ll create an even more delicious meal that is sure to impress your guests.
In conclusion, this copycat Johnny Carino’s spicy romano chicken recipe is a must-try for any home chef. Prepare it for your next party or family dinner and watch as your guests marvel at how tasty it is. Trust me; once you try this recipe’s flavor explosion, you will never go back to boring chicken dishes again!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare to make the Spicy Romano Chicken Recipe:
For the Chicken:
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup blackening seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup grated romano cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
The combination of these ingredients will result in a dish that will satisfy your cravings for something substantial yet flavorful.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it is time to turn them into a savory masterpiece. This recipe is perfect for a dinner party or a family gathering as it is quick and easy to make, yet incredibly delicious. Follow these simple steps to create your own Spicy Romano Chicken, inspired by Johnny Carino’s recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
- Preheat your pan over medium heat.
- Season 4 skinless chicken breasts with 1 cup of blackening seasoning and cook it in a 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil until golden brown for around 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: The sauce
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter along with 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Then include 1/4 cup chopped scallion, 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes, and continue sautéing for another minute.
- Pour in 1/2 cup white wine, stir well and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
- Now add in 1/2 cup heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Finish the dish
- Next, add back in the cooked chicken breasts into the pan.
- Grate around 1/4 cup of pecorino Romano cheese directly on top of the chicken and pour half of the sauce in the pan.
- To finish off, sprinkle around 2 teaspoons of fresh ground black pepper, some sea salt to taste, and add chopped parsley for color.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy!
Your Spicy Romano Chicken dish should now be complete! Plate your chicken breasts with more sauce poured over them if preferred. You can also top the dish with some parmesan cheese or extra scallions, or accompany it with your favorite side dishes such as baked potatoes, vegetable medley, or herb-loaded pasta.
Enjoy this hearty meal that will leave you wanting more!
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe for spicy Romano chicken is already a winner, but there are options to change it up or substitute ingredients to better suit your taste. Here are some substitution and variation ideas that can take this dish to the next level:
– Instead of skinless chicken breasts, you could use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– If you’re looking for a healthier option, try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese to lower the calorie intake.
– To make it even spicier, add some cayenne pepper or sliced jalapenos. Keep in mind that this will elevate the heat level, so adjust according to your tolerance.
– Adding sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts can provide extra texture and flavor to the dish.
– If you prefer seafood, consider adding shrimp to the chicken. This combination will create an incredible surf-and-turf dish that will impress even the pickiest of eaters.
– For those who avoid alcohol, replace the white wine with low-sodium chicken broth.
Whichever variation you choose, be sure to keep an eye on the seasoning levels and adjust as necessary. A little fresh ground black pepper or sea salt can take your dish from good to great. The possibilities for customizing this spicy Romano chicken recipe are endless and give you a chance for experimentation in the kitchen.
Serving and Pairing
The spicy romano chicken recipe is a versatile dish that can be served in different ways depending on your preference. Here are some serving and pairing ideas to help you elevate your dining experience:
Firstly, the spicy romano chicken can be served over pasta or rice. The creamy and tangy romano sauce pairs perfectly with al dente pasta or fluffy rice grains. You can use any type of pasta, from spaghetti to penne, and add some sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a complete meal.
Secondly, you can also serve the chicken over a bed of fresh greens for a healthier option. The acidity of a light vinaigrette dressing compliments well the flavors in the spicy romano sauce.
Thirdly, spicy romano chicken is perfect as a base for nachos. Just top it with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, and a dollop of sour cream.
Finally, if you’re having guests over for dinner and want to impress them with your culinary skills, you can serve this chicken recipe alongside shrimp and scallops cooked in the same way as the chicken. This makes for an exquisite surf-and-turf dinner that will leave your guests wanting more.
When it comes to pairing wine with this flavorful dish, go for a crisp Chardonnay or light-bodied Pinot Noir to avoid overpowering the taste of the chicken. A well-chilled bottle of beer is also an excellent choice when serving this dish at casual gatherings.
Overall, the spicy romano chicken is an incredible dish that you can tailor to suit any occasion or mood. With these versatile pairings in mind, you’re sure to enjoy every bite of this delicious and flavorful meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making this Spicy Romano Chicken recipe ahead of time can save you a lot of precious minutes if you’re planning on serving it for dinner parties. You can prepare the chicken breasts up to a day before guests arrive, then refrigerate them in an airtight container until it’s time to cook. When reheating, it’s best to do so in a pan over medium heat with some extra virgin olive oil or butter. This will help ensure that the chicken reheats evenly and doesn’t dry out.
If you find yourself with leftovers after your meal, don’t worry – this dish is just as delicious the next day. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with aluminum foil over the top and bake at 350°F until heated through – this should only take about 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can microwave leftover chicken as well, but be sure to cover it so that it doesn’t dry out.
If you want to make this dish even easier to reheat later on, consider preparing individual portions and freezing them for later use. Simply divide the cooked chicken into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat following the instructions mentioned above.
Overall, this Spicy Romano Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make-ahead and store for later consumption, making it an excellent option for busy home chefs.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve that perfect result in cooking the spicy romano chicken recipe, here are some tips to keep in mind:
First, make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to achieve consistent cooking. This will also help to tenderize the meat and allow the spices to seep through the chicken.
Secondly, use quality ingredients for this recipe as they significantly impact the overall taste of your dish. I recommend using freshly grated romano cheese and parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and sea salt for maximum flavor.
Thirdly, allow enough time for marination. I suggest a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour or overnight for better results. This will ensure that the flavors fully penetrate the meat.
Fourthly, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken. It’s best to cook them in batches to prevent steaming or overcooking.
Fifthly, don’t overlook the importance of seasoning. Make sure to use fresh ground black pepper and sea salt to enhance the taste of your dish.
Lastly, let your cooked chicken rest before cutting into it. Cover it with foil paper and let it sit for at least five minutes before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute into the meat, resulting in moist and flavorful chicken.
Follow these tips, and you are guaranteed a delicious serving of spicy romano chicken that will leave your guests craving more!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, my version of Carino’s Spicy Romano Chicken Recipe is an excellent entree that you can serve for dinner parties or a family gathering. With its warm and spicy flavor, it’s sure to wow your guests and leave them wanting more. By following the recipe instructions provided above and using fresh ingredients, you’ll achieve the perfect taste and texture of the dish.
As someone who loves to entertain guests, I highly recommend this recipe as a go-to dish for any party host. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try? With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to make it with ease, and soon enough, your friends and family will be asking you for the recipe.
So gather some fresh sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, skinless chicken breasts, and other ingredients laid out in this recipe article, then whip up a batch of Carino’s Spicy Romano Chicken Recipe today. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
My Version: Carino’s Spicy Romano Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup blackening seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic cloves
- 1 cup roughly chopped marinated sun-dried tomato (or fresh)
- 1/4 cup white wine or 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 quart heavy cream (or half n half)
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 12 ounces marinated artichoke hearts
- 1 lb cooked bow tie pasta
- 1/2 cup scallion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in blackening spice and place in a cast iron skillet over very high heat. Blacken both sides of the chicken and place in the oven for 10 minutes, or until juices run clear. Slice in strips and set aside.
- In a saute pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Add mushrooms,garlic and cook until mushrooms have released most of their liquid. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes and the chicken slices. Pour the white wine or chicken stock in the pan and scrape pan. Add the heavy cream, increase the heat to a simmer, and reduce the cream sauce by half.
- When the cream sauce is to desired consistency, stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup romano cheese, salt and pepper. Before serving open your artichoke hearts and slice in half. Drain well and put in pan, let cook til warm. I used the ready to serve artichoke hearts.
- Nest the pasta on large rimmed plates, pour sauce over pasta, and garnish with scallions and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!