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Chicken Exquisito

Irresistible Chicken Exquisito: Comforting Italian Delight

Chicken Exquisito is a quick and flavorful dish that blends tender chicken with a rich Marsala sauce for an unforgettable Italian experience.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 3-3 1/2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts The star of the dish, juicy and tender for the perfect texture.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher Salt Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural flavors; adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adds a warm touch; feel free to use more for a spicier kick.
  • 2 cups All-purpose Flour Dredges the chicken to create a deliciously crispy crust; gluten-free flour is a great substitute.
  • 6 large Eggs Binds the coating well, and can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 1/4 cup Whole Milk Richness for the egg wash; swap with plant-based milk for dairy-free delight.
  • 9 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Ideal for frying and adds great flavor; can also use butter for a richer taste.
For the Sauce
  • 7 tablespoons Cold Butter Enriches the sauce for a silky finish; vegan butter works nicely, too.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Garlic A flavor powerhouse in the sauce; adjust the amount for your preference.
  • 1/2 cup Good Quality Brandy Adds depth to the sauce; substituting with whiskey can give a unique twist.
  • 1 cup Sweet Marsala Wine Brings sweetness and a complex taste; any sweet fortified wine can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Low Sodium Chicken Stock Adds a nice broth flavor; vegetable stock is a perfect substitute for a plant-based dish.
For Topping and Serving
  • 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Melts beautifully on the top of the chicken; provolone or dairy-free cheese are great alternatives.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Brightens the dish and adds a pop of color; optional but highly recommended.
  • Lemon Wedges Serve on the side for a refreshing acidity to contrast the richer elements of the dish.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Shallow dish
  • Meat Mallet
  • Oven-safe Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Exquisito
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 45gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

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.

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