Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Exquisito
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water for your pasta. Once boiling, add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water if desired, and keep it warm on the stove or in a covered dish while you prepare the Chicken Exquisito.
- Now, take the boneless skinless chicken breasts and butterfly them for even cooking. Using a meat mallet, pound each piece to about 1/4 inch thickness, which will ensure tenderness. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper generously on both sides, enhancing the flavors of your Chicken Exquisito beautifully.
- Prepare a shallow dish with all-purpose flour and another with a mixture of beaten eggs and whole milk. Dredge each seasoned chicken piece in flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, return it to the flour, pressing gently to create a lovely, thick coating that gives the Chicken Exquisito its signature crunch.
- Heat 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they achieve a golden, crispy crust. Keep the fried chicken warm in a preheated oven at 200°F while you finish the rest.
- After frying, wipe out the skillet, keeping those flavorful bits. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of cold butter to the same pan over medium heat. Once the butter melts, sauté 2 tablespoons of minced garlic until fragrant, roughly 1 minute. Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of brandy and 1 cup of sweet Marsala wine, letting it reduce by half, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of low sodium chicken stock into the sauce, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Allow this to simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Just before serving, whisk in the cold butter until fully emulsified, achieving that rich, silky texture that makes the Chicken Exquisito truly exceptional.
- Preheat your broiler to high. Plate the fried chicken in an oven-safe dish and pour the luxurious sauce over each piece. Top generously with 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the dish under the broiler for about 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starts to golden—this adds an irresistible layer to your Chicken Exquisito.
- To serve, place a generous portion of the warmed pasta on each plate and carefully arrange the Chicken Exquisito on top. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the dish over the chicken, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for color. Include lemon wedges on the side for a bright burst of acidity that complements the dish perfectly.
Nutrition
Notes
Store leftovers of Chicken Exquisito in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze Chicken Exquisito for up to 2 months wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
