Chicken Savoy – A Flavor-Packed Italian-American Classic

If you’re looking for a crispy, garlicky, and irresistibly flavorful chicken dish, Chicken Savoy is the perfect recipe! This New Jersey classic hails from the famous Belmont Tavern and is known for its deep, rich flavors, crispy golden skin, and tangy balsamic finish.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen. The best part? It’s super easy to make—roast the chicken in the oven until crispy, then drizzle it with a bold, cheesy, garlicky sauce that keeps you coming back for more.

Ready to bring this Italian-American favorite to your dinner table? Let’s get started!

The History of Chicken Savoy – A New Jersey Classic

Chicken Savoy is a regional dish that originated at the Belmont Tavern in Belleville, New Jersey. Created by the late Frankie DeAngelo, this dish became legendary in New Jersey’s Italian-American food scene.

At its core, Chicken Savoy is a simple, rustic Italian-American dish, featuring crispy roasted chicken, garlic, cheese, and balsamic vinegar. Over the years, it has been replicated in countless Italian restaurants, but Belmont Tavern’s version remains the most famous.

Today, Chicken Savoy is a must-try dish for any food lover, especially those who appreciate bold, garlicky flavors with a crispy bite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Savoy Recipe

✔ Incredibly flavorful – A blend of garlic, Parmesan, balsamic, and crispy chicken skin.
✔ Simple ingredients, bold taste – No fancy ingredients required!
✔ One-pan wonder – Easy prep, easy cleanup!
✔ Perfect for any occasion – Great for a cozy dinner or impressing guests.
✔ Customizable – Works with different cuts of chicken and seasoning tweaks.

What Does Chicken Savoy Taste Like?

Chicken Savoy is a flavor bomb! The crispy, well-seasoned skin gives way to juicy, tender meat. The garlic, Parmesan, and balsamic glaze meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s savory, tangy, and packed with umami.

Imagine a crispy roast chicken meets garlicky Italian dressing, finished with the sharp bite of Parmesan and the deep tang of balsamic vinegar. It’s a rich, comforting, and mouthwatering combination!

Ingredients for Chicken Savoy

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Garlic Parmesan Coating:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Balsamic Finish:

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Tools You’ll Need

✔ Large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) or baking dish
✔ Mixing bowl
✔ Garlic press or knife
✔ Tongs
✔ Oven

How to Make Chicken Savoy

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub it with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Roast Until Crispy

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown.
3. Flip the chicken and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 3: Add the Garlic Parmesan Coating

1. While the chicken is roasting, mix together garlic, Parmesan, olive oil (or butter), and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
2. Remove the chicken from the oven and spread the garlic-Parmesan mixture over the top of each piece.

Step 4: Finish with Balsamic Glaze

1. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the chicken.
2. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
• Pair with roasted veggies, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

What to Serve with Chicken Savoy

🍝 Garlic Butter Pasta – Twirl up some spaghetti for a full Italian feast.
🥗 Simple Green Salad – A fresh, tangy salad balances the richness of the chicken.
🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up that garlicky balsamic sauce.
🥔 Roasted Potatoes – Crispy potatoes + juicy chicken = a match made in heaven.

This dish is versatile, so pair it with whatever you love!

Tips for the Best Chicken Savoy

✔ Use bone-in, skin-on chicken – This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
✔ Let the chicken rest before serving – This helps lock in the juices.
✔ Don’t skimp on garlic and Parmesan – These are the signature flavors of Chicken Savoy!
✔ For extra crispy skin – Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
✔ Balance the balsamic – If you prefer a milder tang, mix the vinegar with a teaspoon of honey before drizzling.

How to Store & Reheat Chicken Savoy

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

To keep the skin crispy, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave!

How to Make Chicken Savoy in an Air Fryer

Want to enjoy crispy, flavorful Chicken Savoy with even less effort? Try making it in an air fryer! The air fryer gives you golden, crispy skin while keeping the inside juicy, all in a fraction of the time.

Steps for Air Fryer Chicken Savoy:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
2. Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Place the chicken skin-side up in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 5–10 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
5. Mix the garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
6. Spread the mixture over the chicken and air fry for another 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts.
7. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve!

This method keeps the chicken extra crispy while making cleanup a breeze!

Chicken Savoy vs. Chicken Parmesan – What’s the Difference?

Both Chicken Savoy and Chicken Parmesan are Italian-inspired classics, but they have some key differences:

Feature	Chicken Savoy	Chicken Parmesan
Cooking Method	Roasted or air-fried	Breaded & fried, then baked
Texture	Crispy skin with a cheesy garlic coating	Crunchy breaded crust with melted mozzarella
Sauce	Light balsamic glaze	Marinara sauce
Main Cheese	Parmesan	Mozzarella & Parmesan
Flavors	Garlicky, tangy, herby	Cheesy, tomatoey, slightly sweet

👉 Chicken Savoy is lighter, crispier, and bolder in flavor, while Chicken Parmesan is breaded and saucy. If you love big, bold flavors with crispy skin, Chicken Savoy is the way to go!

How to Make a Spicy Version of Chicken Savoy

Want to add some heat to this dish? Here’s how to spice up your Chicken Savoy without losing its classic flavors:

🔥 Add extra red pepper flakes – Increase the heat by doubling the red pepper flakes in the garlic-Parmesan mixture.
🔥 Use hot paprika or cayenne – Add ½ tsp cayenne or hot smoked paprika to the spice mix for a subtle kick.
🔥 Brush with spicy honey – Mix balsamic vinegar with a teaspoon of hot honey or sriracha for a spicy-sweet glaze.
🔥 Top with pickled jalapeños – For a tangy heat boost, serve with sliced jalapeños or crushed Calabrian chilis.

These small tweaks take Chicken Savoy to the next level for those who love a little spice!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where did Chicken Savoy come from?

This dish originated from Belmont Tavern in Belleville, New Jersey and has been a local favorite for decades!

Can I make this with boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in, skin-on chicken gives the best flavor. If using boneless, reduce cooking time to 20–25 minutes.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

You can substitute with red wine vinegar or a mix of lemon juice and honey for a similar tangy finish.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Add the garlic-Parmesan topping in the last 5 minutes.

Is Chicken Savoy spicy?

Not traditionally, but if you want heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne!

Conclusion

This Chicken Savoy recipe brings bold Italian-American flavors right to your kitchen. With crispy, garlicky skin and a tangy balsamic finish, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

✨ Try it today and let me know how you liked it! Share your photos on Pinterest, leave a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious, easy recipes!

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🧄 Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Now grab your chicken, garlic, and Parmesan—and let’s cook up some Chicken Savoy! 🎉🔥

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