Very Ritzy Italian Chicken
A rich, cheesy Italian chicken dish with creamy Parmesan sauce and melted mozzarella, perfect for elegant dinners or family gatherings over pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Dip the chicken breasts in beaten eggs.
- Place seasoned bread crumbs in a shallow bowl and coat the chicken with the crumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet until moderately hot.
- Place the coated chicken in the skillet and brown lightly on both sides.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place in a baking dish.
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
- In a saucepan, mix together heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the mixture is hot and has thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the dish over pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the bread crumbs. If you don't have mozzarella cheese, provolone or fontina can be great substitutes. For a lighter dish, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. This recipe can also be adapted to make a vegetarian version using eggplant or zucchini slices instead of chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent chicken dish over a bed of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, to soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully, enhancing the meal's balance. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a complete Italian experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For quicker reheating, microwave in short intervals until heated through, but be cautious to avoid melting the cheese too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Very Ritzy Italian Chicken contains roughly 1172 calories, with 74g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (196% of the Daily Value), and protein (148% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1856mg per serving (81% 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 make sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe. Thawing ensures even cooking and better adherence of the breading. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream, which will also add a unique flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast. Additionally, the chicken should be no longer pink in the center and juices should run clear.
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).