Chicken Murphy: Top Spots to Savor This Classic Dish

Chicken Murphy originates from Italian-American cuisine, reflecting the fusion of Italian culinary traditions and American influences. Restaurants in New Jersey popularized it, making it a regional favorite. The dish’s blend of spicy and tangy flavors showcases its unique combination of ingredients.

• Chicken: Typically, chicken breasts or thighs are used, providing tender, juicy meat.
• Sausage: Spicy Italian sausage adds a robust and savory flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers contribute sweetness and color.
• Potatoes: Usually, diced or sliced, potatoes absorb the sauce and add heartiness.
• Cherry Peppers: These bring the dish’s signature heat.
• White Wine: Adds acidity, balancing the richness of the sausage and chicken.
• Garlic and Onions: Provide depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Tomatoes: Can be fresh or canned, contributing to the saucy base.

Why Chicken Murphy Stands Out

Flavor Profile

Chicken Murphy offers a unique and bold flavor profile. The combination of tender chicken and spicy sausage provides a savory base. Bell peppers and cherry peppers add layers of sweetness and heat. The dish’s tangy, wine-infused sauce incorporates garlic, onions, and tomatoes for depth and richness. Each bite offers a dynamic mix of flavors that differentiates it from other Italian-American dishes.

Comparison to Similar Dishes

Chicken Murphy stands apart from similar dishes like Chicken Scarpariello and Chicken Cacciatore. Chicken Scarpariello utilizes similar ingredients but leans more on vinegar and lemon juice for acidity, giving it a sharper taste. Chicken Cacciatore, on the other hand, features mushrooms and olives in its tomato-based sauce, providing an earthier flavor.

In Chicken Murphy, the emphasis on spicy sausage and cherry peppers, combined with the tangy wine sauce, delivers a distinct heat and savory tang unlike any other dish.

Making Chicken Murphy at Home

Necessary Cooking Equipment

For making Chicken Murphy at home, you need essential cooking equipment for convenience and efficiency:

• Large Skillet: Ensures even cooking of chicken, sausage, and vegetables.
• Dutch Oven or Large Pot: Ideal for simmering the dish, combining all ingredients uniformly.
• Sharp Knife: Provides precise cuts for chicken, vegetables, and sausage.
• Cutting Board: Offers a sturdy surface for prepping ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate portioning of ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Facilitates easy stirring without damaging cookware.
• Tongs: Allows safe handling of chicken and sausage during browning.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for organizing chopped vegetables and other prepped items.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Follow these steps to make Chicken Murphy, ensuring a flavorful and well-prepared dish:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut 1 lb of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, 1 lb of spicy Italian sausage into slices, 2 bell peppers into strips, 2 large potatoes into small cubes, and 1 large onion into slices. Mince 3 cloves of garlic, and halve 1 cup of cherry peppers.
2. Brown the Chicken and Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook chicken pieces until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside. Brown sausage slices in the same skillet, then set aside with the chicken.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, bell peppers, potatoes, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions become translucent and vegetables start to soften.
4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour 1 cup of white wine into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until the wine reduces by half.
5. Combine Ingredients: Transfer chicken, sausage, and sautéed vegetables into a Dutch oven or large pot. Add cherry peppers, 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with juice, and 1 cup of chicken broth.
6. Simmer: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and flavors meld together.
7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve Chicken Murphy hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

This step-by-step method ensures a balanced, flavorful Chicken Murphy with a consistent texture throughout.

Where to Find the Best Chicken Murphy

Restaurants Known for Chicken Murphy

For the best Chicken Murphy, several notable restaurants stand out. Bruno’s Italian Bistro in New Jersey is famous for its authentic take on this dish, frequently mentioned for its balanced flavor and generous portions. Caffé Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill offers a sophisticated version, using high-quality ingredients and a unique blend of spices. Aldo’s Italian Restaurant in Wyckoff delivers a traditional experience, praised for its consistency and inviting ambiance. Arthur’s Tavern in Hoboken is another highlighted spot, known for infusing local flair into their Chicken Murphy.

Regions Famous for Their Chicken Murphy

New Jersey remains the epicenter of Chicken Murphy. Towns like Hoboken and Wyckoff, famous for strong Italian-American communities, offer numerous dining options specializing in this dish. The Philadelphia metropolitan area, due to its proximity to New Jersey, also hosts several places that serve renowned versions of Chicken Murphy. New York’s enclaves such as Little Italy and similar neighborhoods in Brooklyn also shine, each featuring restaurants dedicated to crafting excellent Chicken Murphy dishes.

Conclusion

Chicken Murphy offers a tantalizing blend of Italian and American flavors that you simply can’t resist. With its spicy sausage, tangy cherry peppers, and rich wine-infused sauce, this dish promises a memorable culinary experience. Whether you’re in New Jersey, Philadelphia, or New York, you’ll find exceptional renditions at places like Bruno’s Italian Bistro and Arthur’s Tavern. So, next time you’re craving something bold and flavorful, give Chicken Murphy a try. Your taste buds will thank you.