What is Chicken Savoy? A Guide to This Beloved Italian-American Classic

Chicken Savoy is a beloved Italian-American dish that originated in New Jersey and remains a staple in the region’s cuisine. With its crispy baked chicken coated in flavorful breadcrumbs and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, Chicken Savoy delivers big, bold flavors in every bite.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about Chicken Savoy from its origins and key ingredients to tips for making it perfectly at home. Whether you grew up eating this Jersey favorite or you’re eager to try it for the first time, you’ll become a Chicken Savoy expert by the end of this article.

The Origins and History of Chicken Savoy

Chicken Savoy traces its roots back to the Belvedere Inn in North Caldwell, New Jersey. This iconic restaurant is widely credited with inventing the dish in the mid-1900s. The exact origins are shrouded in some mystery, but it’s believed that Chicken Savoy was the creation of the Belvedere Inn’s chef Frankie DeLorenzo.

The dish became synonymous with the Belvedere Inn drawing diners from across New Jersey and beyond. Food critics and chefs praised Chicken Savoy for its crisp texture and unique blend of savory tangy and slightly sweet flavors. Even after the Belvedere Inn closed in the 1990s, Chicken Savoy lived on in home kitchens and restaurants across the state.

Today, Chicken Savoy is considered a New Jersey culinary landmark. It reflects the rich Italian-American food heritage of the region. While many variations now exist, the classic Belvedere Inn-style Chicken Savoy remains the gold standard.

The Essence of Chicken Savoy: Crispy Chicken Meets Savory Breadcrumbs

At its core, Chicken Savoy showcases simple but powerful flavors. It starts with crispy baked chicken, typically bone-in thighs or drumsticks. The chicken is coated in flavorful breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, Parmesan, and sometimes red pepper flakes.

This herb-infused breadcrumb mixture provides the signature savory depth and crunch. As the chicken bakes, the crumbs form a golden crust sealing in the juicy meat inside.

The crowning finish is a syrupy balsamic glaze. Balsamic vinegar slowly reduces into a rich, tangy-sweet glaze that perfectly balances the richness of the fried chicken. When drizzled over the chicken, it all comes together in an irresistible interplay of textures and flavors.

How to Make Authentic Chicken Savoy at Home

Recreating the Belvedere Inn’s legendary Chicken Savoy is easier than you think. With quality ingredients and careful technique, you can make restaurant-worthy Chicken Savoy in your own kitchen.

Here’s an overview of the simple process:

• Prep the chicken – Pat bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks dry and season all over with herbs, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.

• Make the breadcrumbs – Mix Italian breadcrumbs with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, parsley, oregano, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.

• Brown the chicken – Fry the chicken pieces skin-side down in olive oil over medium-high heat until crispy and golden brown.

• Bake until cooked through – Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

• Coat with breadcrumbs – Remove chicken from the oven, coat all over with the breadcrumb mixture. Return to oven for 5 more minutes.

• Finish with balsamic glaze – Drizzle reduced balsamic vinegar and olive oil over chicken. Bake 2-3 more minutes.

• Rest and serve – Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving with extra herbs. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Savoy Every Time

Follow these tips and tricks to master the art of Chicken Savoy:

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the ideal texture – the skin gets crispy while the meat stays juicy. Breasts work too but may dry out.

• Don’t skimp on the breadcrumb coating – it provides that signature crunch and flavor. Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible.

• Go heavy on the garlic, herbs, and Parmesan in the coating. This amplifies the savory flavors.

• Use a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar for the best flavor in the glaze.

• Make the glaze in advance and reheat just before using. This helps thicken it.

• Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end for an extra crispy coating. But don’t burn it!

• Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute and flavors meld.

• Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete Italian-American meal.

Common Questions About Chicken Savoy

If you’re new to Chicken Savoy, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is Chicken Savoy really Italian?

While it’s inspired by Italian flavors, Chicken Savoy is distinctly Italian-American in origin. It’s not found in traditional Italian cuisine.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?

You can, but bone-in thighs or drumsticks work best. The bones and skin keep the meat moist and add flavor.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

In a pinch, you can use red wine vinegar or a blend of olive oil and lemon juice. The tangy flavor is important.

What breadcrumbs work best?

High-quality Italian-style breadcrumbs are ideal. Homemade coarse crumbs or panko work too. Avoid fine, dried breadcrumbs.

Can I bake Chicken Savoy instead of frying?

Yes, baking works fine. Fry just until browned then finish baking at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

How long does Chicken Savoy keep?

Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven to maintain the crispy coating.

Trying New Twists on Classic Chicken Savoy

Once you master the traditional Chicken Savoy recipe, try some fun new flavors:

• Use zesty lime juice and cilantro instead of balsamic for a Mexican-inspired twist.

• Swap Italian herbs for rosemary, thyme, and garlic for a more savory herb flavor.

• For heat, add cayenne and paprika to the breadcrumbs or use Sriracha in the glaze.

• Coat chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs and crushed potato chips for extra crunch.

• Make it Greek-style with lemon, oregano, and feta cheese in the coating.

• For a lighter option, use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs.

The possibilities are endless! The basic method stays the same but the flavors can vary.

Where to Find the Best Chicken Savoy Outside of New Jersey

While New Jersey is still the ultimate destination for authentic Chicken Savoy, you can find great versions beyond the state borders. Look for Italian-American restaurants in New York, Philadelphia, and other northeast cities. Check reviews and see if Chicken Savoy is a signature dish.

If you can’t find it locally, recreate the Belvedere Inn’s legendary recipe at home. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy perfect Chicken Savoy anywhere. Transport your taste buds to New Jersey with each flavorful bite!

The Timeless Appeal of Chicken Savoy

Chicken Savoy has remained a favorite for generations, and its popularity shows no signs of fading. The recipe strikes a universal chord with its crispy, comforting textures and bold, Italian-American flavors. It’s easy to see why this regional specialty has gained global fans.

From its humble origins at a small New Jersey restaurant, Chicken Savoy has secured its place as a cherished culinary tradition. It’s a taste of old-world flavors and heritage cooking techniques still relevant today. This versatile recipe can be dressed up for company or enjoyed casually with loved ones.

For a trip back in time with every juicy, garlicky bite, be sure to add Chicken Savoy to your repertoire. This Italian-American classic is one recipe that will never go out of style.