Italian Chicken Boscaiola

This easy Chicken Boscaiola is creamy and delicious. A creamy mushroom Italian chicken recipe that is perfectly spiced and can be served as a family or special occasion get together.

A reader recently asked if I had a recipe for Pollo alla Boscaiola, I had eaten it once or twice but I didn’t have anything written down, so naturally I asked around. I was presented with this recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

What does Boscaiola mean

The expression “alla boscaiola” is used to specify different types of dishes served with a mushroom-based sauce (in this case white sauce) or ragù, which is very common in Italian cuisine. Different parts of Italy make different types, all include mushrooms but some use pork (pancetta, cooked ham or even sausage), they may also include, peas, black olives or even grape tomatoes. The types of mushrooms used can also change, although usually porcini and chanterelles are preferred.

Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken – I used small boneless skinless chicken breasts although you can cut them into cubes rather than leaving whole.
• Mushrooms – fresh or frozen it’s good to use a variety
• Butter – I use salted
• Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Fresh Parsley – fresh is better than dried
• White Sauce/Bechamel Sauce – a good store bought or homemade
• Flour – for dredging the chicken
• White Wine – be sure to use a white wine that you would also drink or if you prefer a good quality pure grape juice
• Water
• Salt & Pepper

Different Types of Mushrooms

There are many different types of mushrooms including white button, Cremino, Portabello, Shiitake, Oyster, Porcini and Chanterelles to name some of the most common. Mushrooms are also good for you, they are low calorie and a good source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They may also help lower the risk of developing serious health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

How to make White Sauce

If you prefer to make your own white sauce rather than purchase it, it’s very easy. In a medium pot melt 1 tablespoon of butter then stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and a pinch or two of salt. Slowly add a cup of milk stirring constantly on low/medium heat until thickened.

Any leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to five days or frozen in a freezer safe container. It will keep for up to 6 months.

How to make Chicken Boscaiola

In a medium pan add the olive oil and garlic, cook on low heat for about a minute, then add the mushrooms, pinch of salt and chopped parsley, combine and cover.

Let cook for a few minutes, then uncover and continue cooking until the mushroom are tender and slightly browned. Set aside.

Dredge the chicken pieces well in flour.

In a large pan add the butter, when melted add the dredged chicken, sprinkle with a pinch or two of salt and cook on medium heat turning to brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pan.

To the pan add the mushrooms, white sauce, wine, water and black pepper, gently stir to combine. Then heat on high and bring to a boil, lower the heat to low/medium add the chicken, cover the pan and cook for approximately 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir often so the mixture doesn’t burn, and turn the chicken over at the halfway point.

Remove the cover and let thicken if desired. Serve immediately.

What to serve with it

I like to serve it over rice or even egg noodles. Most Italians just eat it plain with of course a side of crusty Italian bread and a mixed salad.

So if you are looking for an easy and delicious Chicken dish I hope you give this Chicken alla Boscaiola a try and let me know what you think. Buon Appetito.

More Chicken Dishes to try

• Italian Pan Fried Chicken
• Easy Skillet Chicken Cacciatore
• Baked Double Cheese Chicken Roll-ups