Very Ritzy Chicken
A rich and creamy chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with mozzarella, baked in a savory Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for an elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip each chicken breast in beaten eggs.
- Place seasoned bread crumbs in a shallow bowl and coat each chicken piece evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil until hot.
- Place chicken in skillet and brown lightly on both sides.
- Remove chicken from skillet and place in a baking dish.
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
- In a saucepan, mix together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the mixture is hot and has thickened.
- Pour the Parmesan cream sauce over the chicken and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, consider using panko bread crumbs instead of seasoned bread crumbs. You can also substitute the mozzarella cheese with provolone for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to skip the browning step. For added depth, try incorporating spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning into the bread crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic for a heartier option. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the richness of the Parmesan cream sauce perfectly.
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 until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave it, but be aware that this may make the breading less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Very Ritzy Chicken contains roughly 755 calories, with 53g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (192% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (123% of the Daily Value), and protein (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1295mg per serving (56% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won't be as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a non-dairy heavy cream substitute available at many grocery stores.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To add some heat, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes into the Parmesan cream sauce or using a spicy bread crumb blend. Alternatively, serve the dish with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer to control their spice level individually.
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).