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Chicken Exquisito

Irresistible Chicken Exquisito in Rich Marsala Brandy Sauce

Chicken Exquisito is a sumptuous blend of tender, breaded chicken in a rich Marsala brandy sauce, perfect for impressing family and friends.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces vermicelli pasta substitute with gluten-free or whole grain pasta if desired.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or use thighs for added moisture.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free flour works well.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk almond milk as a dairy-free option.
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter opt for unsalted butter.
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic or garlic powder as substitute.
  • 1/2 cup good quality brandy avoid cooking wine.
  • 1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine avoid cooking wine.
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken stock or vegetable stock for vegetarian.
For the Topping & Garnish
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or provolone for a sharper taste.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil if preferred.
  • 1 lemon lemon wedges for serving.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • pot
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a vigorous boil and cook vermicelli until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F. This will keep the fried chicken warm and crispy.
  3. Prepare Chicken: Butterfly chicken breasts and pound to ¼ inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Dredge Chicken: Dip seasoned chicken in flour, then egg mixture, and back into flour for coating.
  5. Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken pieces until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
  6. Make the Sauce: Wipe the skillet clean, add olive oil and cold butter, then sauté minced garlic. Deglaze with brandy and Marsala wine.
  7. Finish Sauce: Simmer sauce until thickened, then add chicken stock and swirl in cold butter off heat.
  8. Broil Chicken: Pour sauce over fried chicken, sprinkle mozzarella, and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve: Plate Chicken Exquisito alongside pasta, garnishing with parsley and serving with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 45gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure your oil is hot enough for frying chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan for a perfect crispy texture.

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