When you think of Italian food, your mind might automatically envision heaps of delicious pasta, rich tomato sauces, and zesty sausage. However, chicken is just as central to Italian food as any of these other beloved staples. Below, learn more about some classic chicken dishes you'll want to try the next time you visit your favorite Italian restaurant.

A Guide to Italian Chicken Dishes

1. Chicken Parmigiana

Perhaps the most famous Italian chicken recipe, chicken parmigiana puts an American twist on the flavors of old-world Italy. It consists of breaded chicken and velvety tomato sauce topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Try it with a side of pasta for a truly authentic Italian experience, or balance the richness of the dish with a light salad.

2. Chicken Marsala

Chicken marsala is a variation on the scaloppini dishes that are staples of traditional Italian food. Scaloppini refers to thinly sliced servings of meat. Chicken marsala contains a winning combination of sautéed chicken cutlets, a smooth marsala wine sauce, and plump mushrooms. The sauce makes the chicken virtually melt in your mouth, and the mushrooms provide a tasty pop of robust earthiness.

3. Chicken Scarpariello

Chicken scarpariello is a buffet of flavors and textures: sweet and sour, tangy and spicy, tender and firm. They all come together to create a unique Italian dish made of juicy chicken, sweet peppers, onions, and potatoes in a vinegar-infused sauce. Enjoy the meal over a thin pasta, and be sure to soak up the sauce with good Italian bread.

Sample all of these chicken dishes and more at Emilio's of Morris Park. Located in the Bronx, NY, they’ve been cooking up unparalleled Italian food since 1989. From chicken, meat, and seafood entrees to classic pizza, their menu has something for every taste and budget. Call (718) 822-6758 to place an order, or visit their website to view their menu. You can also download their app for easy and stress-free ordering by texting "Emilios" to 33733.