Chicken Murphy Is a Hearty One-Pot Italian Stew You Need in Your Winter Dinner Rotation

If you ask me, winter meals should do two things: warm you up and fill your kitchen with incredible aromas. 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.

What is Chicken Murphy?

Chicken Murphy is an Italian-American dish hailing from New Jersey’s Jersey Shore. While its origins remain disputed, you might not be far off if you guessed it was created by someone named Murphy. Thought to be a fusion of Italian and Mediterranean flavors, this dish features a delicious mix of chicken, sausage, potatoes and tangy peppers. The stew is simmered in a savory tomato-and-white-wine sauce, which ties all the flavors together.

What sets Chicken Murphy apart is its spicy, tangy kick, courtesy of pickled cherry peppers. These peppers add a zesty brightness to the dish, balancing the meat and potatoes.

Why it works

Chicken Murphy might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Most importantly, you’ll only need a single pot to sauté, simmer and bring everything together, saving you time on cleanup. And while the recipe features fresh ingredients like chicken and vegetables, you can lean on shortcuts like pre-cooked sausage or jarred peppers to save time. I also love how easily customizable it is, after all, it is a stew. Whether you prefer mild sausage over spicy or want to swap in sweet bell peppers, this dish adapts to any preference.

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Tips for nailing Chicken Murphy

Want to make sure your Chicken Murphy turns out perfectly every time? Here are my tips to keep in mind when cooking:

Use waxy potatoes

Waxier, boiling varieties, like red potatoes, work best for stews. Because of their low starch content, they don’t absorb as much liquid, which means they’ll hold their shape better.

Pick your peppers wisely

Cherry peppers are the traditional choice, but banana peppers or even jalapeños can work if you prefer less heat.

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.

Serve it up

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.

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Classic one-pot Chicken Murphy recipe

This easy recipe from Tasting Table takes less than 50 minutes to dump together (literally). I also like how it uses Peppadew peppers and their brine for extra tanginess. Feel free to use chicken thighs for a juicier bite—though remember cooking times will change slightly.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. avocado oil
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ tsp. salt, divided
• 4 mild Italian sausages, cut into ½ inch pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 2 cups diced cremini mushrooms
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup Peppadews, cut in half
• ½ cup Peppadew brine
• 2 cups baby red potatoes, quartered
• ½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs. Italian seasoning
• Parsley, for garnish

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Directions:

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

1. Preheat oven to 350°F, then heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and ½ tsp. of the salt. Sear chicken until browned, working in batches if necessary, two minutes per side. Then, place chicken in a bowl.
3. Add sausage and sear until brown on both sides, one minute per side. Remove sausage and add to chicken.
4. Reduce heat to medium, then add onion, garlic, bell peppers and mushrooms. Sauté for two minutes before returning the chicken and sausage into the Dutch oven. Add chicken stock, Peppadews, brine and potatoes.
5. Add remaining 1 tsp. of salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir and cover. Cook in oven for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are done and serve. Garnish with parsley, if using.

Make-ahead and storage tips

If you’re prepping for a busy week, Chicken Murphy can easily be made ahead of time. Prepare the stew up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen as it sits.

Chicken Murphy freezes well in airtight containers for up to three months. Just reheat on the stove over medium heat. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.