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Exquisite Chicken

A delicious chicken dish featuring tender, perfectly cooked chicken in a rich, savory sauce with brandy and Marsala wine, topped with melting mozzarella. Perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken Ingredients
  • 1 pound pasta (vermicelli or your choice) Any long pasta will work beautifully.
  • 3 – 3½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves Opt for organic or free-range chicken for the best flavor.
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free blend.
  • 6 large eggs Ensure they are at room temperature.
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 9 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 7 tablespoons cold butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, finely minced
Sauce Ingredients
  • ½ cup good quality brandy Investment in good quality spirits enhances the dish’s complexity.
  • 1 cup sweet Marsala wine
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken stock
Finishing Touches
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
  • 1 lemon cut into 8 wedges For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain it, cool it under cold water, and set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 200°F to keep your cooked chicken warm.
  3. Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them in half horizontally, then pound each piece to about ¼ inch thickness. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Set up your breading station with flour in one bowl, and in another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
Cooking
  1. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour first, then dip it in the egg mixture before rolling it in flour again.
  2. Heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, about 3 pieces at a time, for 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Keep warm in the oven while repeating with the remainder, adding more oil as needed.
  3. Once all chicken is done, wipe the pan clean. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of cold butter, then swiftly cook the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Off the heat, add the brandy and Marsala, then return to heat. Let it reduce for about 5 minutes until the volume shrinks to about ½ cup.
  5. Stir in the chicken stock and simmer for 5 more minutes. Whisk in the remaining cold butter until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Pour the sauce over the chicken in a broiler-safe dish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, and broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Reheat the pasta gently, then serve it topped with the Exquisite Chicken and the glorious sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Storage Recommendations: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. You can prepare the chicken breading in advance. Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge until ready to fry. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.