Chicken Livorno is a chicken dish traditionally cooked in the southern Italian city of Livorno. The word combines bread, garlic, olive oil, chicken stock, and pancetta.
It might sound like an unusual combination on the surface, but the ingredients marry together quite well to give a rich and savory base for your sauce.
The key ingredient is not just any pancetta but powdered pancetta which gives your Chicken Livorno that traditional flavor with just a sprinkle of salt.
How To Make Chicken Livorno?
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 6 tablespoons water (for a thicker sauce) or chicken stock (for a thinner sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh pancetta
Instructions
Step 1: Pass the chicken through a food processor so that you get a coarse texture. Season with salt and black pepper and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, occasionally stirring, until the onions are translucent (about 4 minutes). Add the chicken and cook for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to avoid sticking or burning.
Step 3: Add water or stock until it covers half of the chicken, about 6 tablespoons or 1/4 cup. The liquid should be about halfway between the chicken and the top of the chicken pieces. Gently stir to submerge the chicken.
Add thyme if you want and salt. Turn the heat down to low and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (the juices should run clear when cut into a piece).
Step 4: Remove saucepan from heat, uncover, and stir in butter until melted. If you want a thicker sauce, add more butter.
Step 5: Turn off the flame and stir in the pancetta. Serve Chicken Livorno over pasta or rice.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 389 |
| Calories from fat | 192 |
| Protein | 51g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 141mg |
| Sodium | 1380mg |
| Fiber | 2.7g |
6 Attractive Serving Ideas of Chicken Livorno
1. Chicken Livorno With Pasta
Get your spinach pasta fixed with this dish. Add some panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese to the tops of the pasta right before serving. This gives the chicken a little more crunch while adding a little more flavor.
2. Chicken Livorno With Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are perfect in salads and great with this dish because they add crunch while keeping the dish light on calories and carbs.
3. Chicken Livorno With Butternut Squash
You don’t want to over-boil the squash when boiling squash and carrots together. Otherwise, it becomes tough and mushy. Boil the squash until it is sufficiently cooked but not overcooked, about 15 minutes
4. Chicken Livorno With Asparagus
Asparagus, chicken, and pancetta are a delicious and classic combination. The pancetta adds a little saltiness to the dish while adding color and smokiness to the word without overpowering it.
5. Chicken Livorno With Brown Rice
You can treat brown rice like any other grain by sauteeing it in olive oil and butter. This gives the rice a little more flavor and keeps it warm throughout dinner.
6. Chicken Livorno With Spinach
Liven up your spinach by sautéing it in a pan with masking to cook the spinach thoroughly but still keep it vibrant. Add some garlic to create an even bolder flavor profile without being overpowering.
7. Chicken Livorno With Mixed Vegetables
While this dish may look like a safe choice, you can spice up vegetables by stewing them in a tomato-based sauce. Add some basil and thyme for the classic Italian flavor.
Some Health Benefits of Chicken Livorno
1. Reduces Cancer Risk
Pancetta and chicken are both rich in Vitamin B6, which helps in reducing the risk of developing certain types of cancers such as colorectal, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
2. Keeps Skin Healthy
Chicken is loaded with protein which is essential in keeping your skin healthy. This is because collagen, the amino acids found in chicken, and Vitamin A play an important role in your skin’s overall health and appearance.
3. Prevents Aging
Chicken is a great source of Choline that helps you keep your skin youthful and healthy while reducing the risk of age-related diseases and heart disease.
4. Helps Reduce Cravings
As we age, our bodies get less and less efficient at processing glucose, which can be both good and bad for our health. Luckily for us, chicken also has this effect.
Have Any Side Effects Of Chicken Livorno?
Although Chicken Livorno is packed with nutrition and health benefits, there are some side effects that you need to be aware of:
1. Cancer
Pancetta is high in sodium which may lead to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers such as stomach and colon cancer.
2. Heart Disease
The same thing that increases your risk for cancer can also increase your risk for heart disease because it raises the amount of cholesterol circulating in your body.
3. Nausea
Sodium is also the main cause of nausea, vomiting, and bloating. This can lead to water retention, making it harder for your body to digest food properly.
Can Kids Eat Chicken Livorno?
You should never feed chicken to a child under the age of three. This is because their digestive systems are still immature, and they may not process it properly.
Bottom Line
Chicken Livorno is a perfect dish for those looking to satisfy their hunger without eating many calories and fat. This dish is rich in protein and low in carbs and sodium, ideal for those watching what they eat.
Chicken Livorno combines a few classic Italian ingredients like chicken, pancetta, and spinach, giving it a great flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
