I think winter meals should do two things: make you feel warm and fill your kitchen with wonderful smells. Chicken Murphy delivers on both counts. I first tried this Italian-American classic last year while living in New Jersey and was instantly hooked. Between the spicy sausage, tender chicken, creamy potatoes and tangy pickled peppers, every bite was packed with bold, comforting flavors. And unlike most stews, this one-pot dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Chicken Murphy is a delicious Italian-American chicken dish that has become incredibly popular, especially in New Jersey and surrounding areas. But what exactly is chicken murphy and how did it become such a beloved regional specialty? This article will explain everything you need to know about this tasty one-pot meal.
The Origins and History of Chicken Murphy
The origins of chicken murphy are somewhat mysterious which is often the case with unique regional dishes. However, most accounts suggest that chicken murphy originated sometime in the mid-20th century at an Italian restaurant or restaurants in New Jersey.
No one knows for sure who made it, but the name “Murphy” makes me think it might have been named after a chef, customer, or other person with that last name. It could also have been influenced by the large Irish and Italian populations in New Jersey, which often produced creative fusion foods.
The exact details aren’t clear, but it’s clear that chicken Murphy started out as a New Jersey specialty and slowly became popular across the state, becoming a mainstay at Italian restaurants and a beloved family meal. Its irresistible mix of flavors and textures has made it a classic regional dish.
The Quintessential Ingredients in Chicken Murphy
Many different kinds of chicken Murphy have been made over the years, but a few key ingredients have stayed the same:
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Chicken – Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are most common, providing moist, flavorful meat. Breasts can also be used.
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Potatoes – Usually Yukon Gold or red potatoes, adding a creamy texture.
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Onion & Peppers – A mix of sauteed bell peppers and onions provides sweetness.
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Mushrooms – Meaty, earthy flavor and texture.
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Garlic – Essential for rich, aromatic flavor.
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Hot Cherry Peppers – The signature spicy kick comes from these fiery peppers.
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Tomatoes or Wine – For brightness and acidity to balance the other ingredients.
When you mix vegetables, spices, and tender chicken together, you get a chicken murphy with a lot of different tastes and textures.
How Chicken Murphy is Cooked
The preparation technique is also important for creating authentic chicken murphy:
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Sear the chicken – Browning the chicken first seals in moisture and flavor.
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Saute the vegetables – Onions, peppers, mushrooms are softened and caramelized.
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Simmer together – Everything is combined in one pot and cooked until chicken is done and potatoes are fork-tender.
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Punch it up – Splash of wine or lemon juice and fresh herbs before serving brighten the flavors.
The step-by-step cooking process allows the ingredients to develop dimensions of flavor while melding together into a cohesive, delicious final dish.
What Makes Chicken Murphy So Delicious and Satisfying
There are several reasons chicken murphy has reached such popularity and staying power over the decades:
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Balanced flavors – Sweet, spicy, savory, and herbaceous notes mingle perfectly.
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Heartiness – Chicken, potatoes, and sausage ensure it’s a satisfying, filling meal.
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One-pot ease – With everything cooked together in one pan, it’s a simple weeknight dinner.
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Comfort food appeal – The tender chicken and vegetables simmered in a sauce is pure comfort.
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Spicy personality – The heat from the cherry peppers makes it fun and addictive.
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Rustic vibe – The no-fuss preparation and hearty ingredients give it a rustic, homey quality.
The diverse flavors, hands-off cooking method, and savory satisfaction make chicken murphy a crave-worthy dinner option. It’s easy to see why it has become so beloved.
Regional Variations You Might Encounter
While the core ingredients remain the same, chicken murphy recipes do vary somewhat from cook to cook. Here are some of the common variations:
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Sausage addition – Many versions include sliced Italian sausage for extra richness.
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White wine or cream – Some recipes use white wine or cream to make an even heartier sauce.
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Different peppers – Peppers other than cherry peppers can be used to adjust the spiciness.
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More vegetables – Zucchini, carrots, broccoli and others are sometimes added.
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Pasta addition – Serving chicken murphy over pasta is a popular alternative.
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No tomatoes – Some opt to leave out tomatoes for a more savory, less acidic flavor.
No matter what the specific ingredients are, the end result is a satisfying one-pot meal packed with chicken flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Murphy at Home
Want to recreate tasty chicken murphy at home? Keep these tips in mind:
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Use bone-in chicken – Bone-in thighs or drumsticks have the most flavor and stay juiciest.
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Choose flavorful potatoes – Red or Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamy, buttery quality.
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Cook veggies separately – Sauteing them before combining boosts flavor.
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Simmer, don’t boil – Gentle simmering allows the flavors to meld.
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Season generously – Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
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Splash of wine – A bit of white wine adds brightness at the end.
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Serve with bread – Have crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and an addictive spicy kick, chicken murphy is an Italian-American specialty that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire!
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Tips for nailing Chicken Murphy
Bowonpat Sakaew
If you want your Chicken Murphy to always be perfect, here are some things I suggest you do:
Waxier, boiling varieties, like red potatoes, work best for stews. They don’t soak up as much liquid because they don’t have much starch. This means they’ll keep their shape better.
Don’t overcrowd the pot
To get a good sear on your chicken, brown it in batches before adding the other ingredients. This adds more flavor, as chicken can sometimes taste bland in stews.
You can pair it Chicken Murphy with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Wide noodles or fluffy rice soak up the flavorful sauce well. Or, you can stick with a good, crusty loaf to mop up every drop of sauce. Want a lighter side? Roasted broccoli or green beans adds a fresh touch.
Chicken Murphy – Perfect Comfort Food
FAQ
What is a chicken murphy?
This hearty stew is called Chicken Murphy. It has Italian sausage, chicken thighs, potatoes, mushrooms, and sweet and spicy Peppadew peppers in a tasty garlic and white wine sauce. It’s comfort food with a kick!.
Where did Chicken Murphy originate?
It usually has chicken breast, either breaded (like Chicken Francaise) or not, cooked with potatoes, Italian sausage, and hot pickled peppers. Even though we couldn’t find a Chicken Murphy wiki, it’s one of those dishes whose origin can be traced to Italian-American restaurants, mainly in New Jersey.
What is chicken sorrentino?
People from the town of Sorrento gave the dish its name, Chicken Sorrentino, which is also called Pollo alla Sorrentina. It usually has chicken breasts layered with prosciutto, roasted eggplant, and a mix of melted Italian cheeses. Marinara or a tomato-based sauce is often drizzled on top.
What is a good substitute for Peppadew peppers?
Peppadew peppers, known for their sweet and slightly spicy flavor, can be substituted with a few options depending on the desired flavor profile and application. Cherry peppers, either pickled or fresh, offer a similar size and heat level. Piquillo peppers, while milder, provide a balance of sweetness and spice. For a milder, sweeter option, roasted red bell peppers can be used.