Chicken Palermo
Juicy chicken breasts filled with melted mozzarella, coated in seasoned bread crumbs, baked to perfection, and topped with savory marinara sauce for a comforting Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt butter in a baking dish.
- Flatten chicken breasts slightly with the edge of a knife or a meat mallet.
- Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on each chicken breast and roll the cheese inside.
- Roll each chicken piece in melted butter, then coat with seasoned bread crumbs.
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Top with spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in Italian seasoning or lemon juice before cooking. If you don't have mozzarella, try using provolone or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. To save time, use pre-made breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. Make sure to flatten the chicken evenly so that it cooks uniformly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Palermo with a side of spaghetti or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it over steamed vegetables or alongside Italian recipes like a Caprese salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it for a quicker option, but this may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Palermo contains roughly 980 calories, with 31g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% 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 prepare Chicken Palermo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it with breadcrumbs a few hours before baking. Just cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an easy weeknight dinner.
What can I use instead of spaghetti sauce?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce, marinara or even a homemade tomato sauce will work well. For a twist, try using pesto for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the baking time if the sauce is particularly thick.
Can I freeze Chicken Palermo?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked, coated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to cook, bake directly from the freezer, but add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
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).