Have you ever heard of Chicken Pepperoni? You may not have, but it’s roots come from a 1980 Classic called Seems like Old Times with Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn.
Although you never see the dish in the movie, “Aurora’s Chicken Pepperoni” is mentioned as the Governor’s favorite dish. And Aurora will be making it for a dinner party the governor will be attending.
After watching the move the owner of the restaurant I worked at came up with his version of the dish. And it’s been a favorite at the places I’ve worked over the years.
Over my career as a Restaurant Chef, I’ve seen food fads come and go. But one type of dish that never goes out of style is a flavorful combination of ingredients served over pasta.
And my Chicken Pepperoni is definitely one of those dishes.
What do I need to make chicken pepperoni?
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Chicken Pepperoni. In Chef Speak this is called the Mise en Place which translates into Everything in its Place.
Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
Do I have to use chicken breasts to make this dish?
No you don’t. I sometimes use chicken thighs to make this at home. It’s up to you to use the parts you’d rather eat or have on hand.
Do I have to use Peppers to make this dish?
No you don’t. They do add some flavor but if peppers don’t agree with you feel free to leave them out.
The same can be said for the mushrooms. They do pick up the flavors nicely and add more substance to the dish. Artichokes are used to soften the flavor but aren’t essential.
The key to making really flavorful dishes is finding the balance of different flavors that work well together. All of these ingredients blend very well, but this is your dinner, so adapt it to your flavor preferences.
How do I make Chicken Pepperoni?
The first step is dredging the chicken breasts in flour seasoned with sea salt and black pepper.
You will then saute the chicken in a little olive oil over medium-high heat.
After cooking the chicken on one side turn it over and add the garlic, mushrooms and peppers to the pan. Add additional olive oil as needed.
Continue cooking the ingredients for 3 – 4 minutes.
Now add the chicken stock, marinara, artichoke hearts(along with some of the juice), pepperoni, Romano cheese and seasonings.
This a good time to start cooking your pasta.
About two minutes before your pasta is done, begin the reheat of the Chicken Pepperoni. Add butter that has been rolled in seasoned flour (beurre manie) to the pan to thicken the sauce.
Serve the finished dish over linguine or pasta of your choice. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Romano cheese and enjoy!
If you love pasta dishes you may also like these recipes:
- Chicken Primavera Aioli
- Grilled Chicken Alfredo
- Sicilian Style Seafood and Pasta
- Chicken and Shrimp Toscano
- Chicken and Shrimp Orzo Paella
Chicken Pepperoni
Ingredients
- ¾ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small red bell pepper seeded and sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 4 oz artichoke hearts sliced plus a little juice from the can
- 2 oz pepperoni sliced if you use sandwich pepperoni cut in half
- 1 clove garlic diced
- 8 oz chicken stock
- 2 oz marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
- splash of white wine optional
- ¼ cup grated Romano cheese
- 1 tsp chopped Italian parsley
- seasoned flour to dredge the chicken
- 1 tbsp butter
- olive oil as needed
- ½ lb linguine or spaghetti
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon granulated onion
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large Saute pan, then add Olive oil and garlic slices.
- Dredge chicken thighs in seasoned flour and add to hot oil. Let chicken cook for 2 minutes until done on one side and has a little color, then turn over and add sliced peppers, and mushrooms.
- Continue to saute for 3-4 minutes, mixing ingredients to insure that the peppers and mushrooms start to cook.
- Add the white wine to deglaze the pan and stop the cooking.
- Now add the chicken stock, marinara, artichoke hearts(along with some of the juice), pepperoni, Romano cheese and seasonings.
- allow ingredients to reduce slightly 3 – 4 minutes.
- Cook your pasta per instructions on the box. Remember to make it al dente’.
- About two minutes before your pasta is done, begin the reheat of the Chicken Pepperoni. Add butter that has been rolled in seasoned flour (beurre manie) to the pan to thicken the sauce
- Continue to heat on medium heat as you drain your pasta.
- Serve the finished dish over linguine or pasta of your choice. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Romano cheese and enjoy!
- ( If the sauce appears too thick or oily, add a little water to the pan, this will help assimilate the oil, as well as thinning it out.)
Nutrition
Erin Volcsko
I have watched the movie Seems Like Old Times many many times since it came out in 1980. You can never ever forget what was on the menu for that dinner, it was unforgettable and so original lol. Of course Chester getting hammered on wine was classic too.
Today in 2021, this classic came back on TV. The moment Ira goes in to the kitchen and Aurora is writing her letter, it was so easy to remember over 40 years later, what it was she was supposed to be making for dinner. It’s so unforgettable all these years later lol. Way back then, we didn’t have a recipe for it, let alone internet to look it up. Today, I LOOKED it up and I was thrilled to see the opening post mention the movie as the inspiration for this dish, Thank you for creating one. I look forward to having fun making this one.
Chef Dennis Littley
that was such a great movie and Chicken Pepperoni has long been a favorite for dinner at our house. I just the flavors the pepperoni gives the dish.
Loreto Nardelli
I have to be honest I have never heard of Chicken Peperoni. I have not seen the movie either. Now I have two things to do watch the movie and try this dish. I love the flavors and textures. Well done!
Leslie
I can definitely understand why this is a favorite dish at your restaurants! If I saw this on the menu, I would be asking for it as well!
Heather
Yes!! Loving everything about this dish. Definitely going to give this a try. I have never heard of this dish but it sounds like a keeper!
Amanda
This was my first time trying chicken pepperoni, but it won’t be my last! The pepperoni added such nice flavor, and it was super simple to make. Thanks for sharing a new favorite!
Kita Bryant
This would be an awesome dish for dinner. I would absolutely love to try this.
Denise
I have never had Chicken Pepperoni with Linguine before, and now I can’t wait to try it. It looks absolutely delicious and the flavors sound incredible!
Angela
This recipe looks and sounds yummy!!! It is definitely going to be added to my recipe box!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Angela ☺️
Ruth
Oooh this looks so nice and the recipe seems so simple the way you put it. Thanks so much for sharing this 🙂
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Mmm… I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol. Thank you for making me hungry!
Desicart
What a fabulous recipe! So easy and tasty! I’ll definitely be making this one again!
Thank you so much for the recipe!
Swathi
This Chicken pepperoni looks delicious. great comfort meal any week day.
Connie
This dish looks incredible. Definitely not a fad kind of dish because I can see myself having this in my dinner rotation for a while!
Catalina
This is a complete dish with all the nutrients that I need. And so easy to make!
Farrah Less
This is so mouthwatering and definitely bookmarking this post. I cant thank you enough for sharing your recipes it makes my dinner menu so much easier coz my family enjoys your recipe.
Kathy
This recipe looks amazing. Everything that is in this recipe sounds delicious. I will have to make this sometime soon. I have been looking for more recipes with chicken too.
Ruth I
I love everything that has added to this dish. The flavor and chicken suits pasta. I’d like to add some cheese to this too. This will be my new favorite. My family will love to this wonderful recipe.
Sharon
I love all the delicious flavors coming together in this dish! Great to make when you want something other than traditional pasta recipes.
Aleta
What a delicious combination of flavours! I never would have thought chicken would go so well with pepperoni, never mind in a pasta dish, but I was wrong, it’s delicious!
Lynndee
I don’t think I’ve ever had chicken pepperoni before. I must make this because we love chicken over here and pepperoni, too.
Marina
This dish looks incredible
Nikki Wayne
That looks so festive! I’m craving so much for a delicious pasta dish like that,thanks!
Gervin Khan
I am glad to find another pasta recipe from your article Chef and I am pretty excited to try this for my husband. Thank you!
FOODHEAL
Ahem! this recipe is promising to be filling and tasty. It’s the kind of meal I want to eat slowly enjoying every bite of it.
Rosemary
Such a fun and simple recipe. And no, while I’ve never head of chicken pepperoni, I have added chicken with mushrooms and peppers to my pasta dishes and it’s always a favorite at the table.
Beth
This is a new dish for me, but it looks delicious! I think my family will love it.
Marta
I’ve never tossed pepperoni in my pasta and I can’t believe I haven’t. This linguine was perfectly spiced and zingy with the marinara and wine sauce, Dennis!
kerri
such a seriously flavorful dish! i appreciate how kid friendly this dish is too!
Swathi
Chicken pepperoni with linguine is perfect comfort meal any day.
Brandy Ellen Writes
I never thought about mixing pepperoni with chicken, but this dish looks amazing! I am always up for a new way to enjoy pasta!
Tasheena
I love trying new chicken recipes for my family. I can’t wait to give this a try.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
This sounds like a tasty dish. I do something similar with chorizo. The combination of the pasta and other ingredients go well.
Amber Myers
I hadn’t heard of this dish before, but it looks incredible. I am sure my family will love it!
Sunrita
Drooling just reading this recipe. I have a feeling this is going to be a hit in our family!
Melissa
I have never heard of Chicken Pepperoni. This looks like a delicious recipe and I must try it!
Christina
This was so good!
Pam Wattenbarger
Can you believe I have never heard of Chicken Pepperoni before? But not that I have, it’s definitely going on the menu.
Rena
I had never heard of it before but it looks delicious. Can’t wait to try it for myself.
Bre
I’ve been looking for some different, new recipes. This sounds like something my daughter would enjoy.
Sue
I remember that movie and have been looking for “chicken pepperoni” ever since. I’m so glad I found your recipe – Thank you!