Chicken Ala Prego
Chicken Ala Prego features tender breaded chicken breasts baked in savory Prego sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting, cheesy dish. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines crispy, cheesy, and hearty flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg in a shallow bowl.
- Mix bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together in another bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and spread some of the Prego sauce on the bottom.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on top of the sauce in the pan.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier coating, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. If you want to add some flavor, consider seasoning the bread crumb mixture with Italian herbs or garlic powder. For a healthier twist, substitute half the mozzarella with a lower-fat cheese or use Greek yogurt to replace the egg in the breading process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Ala Prego over a bed of pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish. For an additional veggie boost, consider roasting some broccoli or zucchini to serve alongside your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Ala Prego can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Ala Prego contains roughly 654 calories, with 46g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (95% of the Daily Value), protein (93% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1533mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before breading and baking. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven cooking and could affect the texture of the chicken.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to Chicken Ala Prego, incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce or add sliced jalapeños on top of the chicken before baking. A dash of hot sauce mixed into the Prego sauce can also elevate the flavor profile.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and layer it with the sauce in the baking pan, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).