This retro Italian chicken is just as delicious today.

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

My grandmother Linda is anything but a stereotypical old lady.

Our quality time typically includes gossiping for hours and ordering take-out.

Italian butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) in a skillet at a table with a plate of lemon slices, a glass of water, and a table napkin

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

As it turns out, Linda is more of a cook than I thought!

It is a little 50-page book that’s unlike any cookbook you see today.

There are no pictures, no cook times, and vague instructions.

Italian butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) in a skillet

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

My grandmother told me she used this book to learn to cook as a newlywed in her early 20s.

The first recipe I tried fromSimple Italian Cookerywas for petti di pollo.

Petti di pollo translates to chicken breast.

Italian butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) with pasta on two plates at a tablee setting with a plate of lemon slices, a glass of water, and a table napkin

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

What really makes this recipe special (and gives it a retro feel) is the marinade.

The sherry imparts a nutty, earthy flavor that is simply delightful.

If you dont watch it closely, it will burn.

chicken marinating in sherry and lemon juice for Italian butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) recipe

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

confirm to put the chicken breasts in the skillet when the butter is just starting to foam.

Just be careful not to make a splash!

I recommend using a long noodle like spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle.

chicken breast flattened under a piece of plastic wrap for Italian butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) recipe

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

The parsley is optional, but I love the touch of freshness it adds to this dish.

you’re free to also cut the chicken into strips and serve it over a salad.

I recommend sticking to the Italian theme with thischopped salador a classicCaesar salad.

dredging set-up: flattened chicken on a tray, bowl of wet ingredients, bowl of breadcrumbs, and a plate of breaded chicken for Italian butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) recipe

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

Submerge the chicken breasts in the mixture.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to marinate for 1 to 2 hours.

Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Italian butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) in a skillet

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

Pour the breadcrumbs into a separate shallow bowl.

Place on a clean plate or baking tray and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Italian butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) in a skillet topped with lemon slices and minced parsley

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

Once it begins to bubble and foam, add the chicken breasts.

Add the rest of the butter to the skillet and flip the chicken breasts.

Simple Tip!

Italian butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) in a skillet

Simply Recipes / Hannah Zimmerman

If all of the chicken wont fit in your pan, cook them in two batches.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley.

Leftover petti di pollo can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Leave us stars and a comment below!