If there’s one dish that has “comfort food” written all over it, it’s Chicken Exquisito. This isn’t just another chicken dinner—it’s a swoon-worthy, golden-crusted, cheese-melted, saucy delight that will make your kitchen smell like a five-star Italian bistro. Perfect for busy weeknights and dinner parties where you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Whether you’re wrangling kids, juggling Zoom meetings, or just need something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, Chicken Exquisito is here to make dinnertime the highlight of your day.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Exquisito
Let’s be real—chicken breasts can be a little… predictable. But Chicken Exquisito? She’s the glamorous cousin who shows up in gold heels and steals the show. Lightly breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection, these chicken cutlets are drenched in a buttery brandy-Marsala sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella. It’s rich, satisfying, and just fancy enough to feel like you’ve done something special (even if you’re still in your leggings from this morning).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 8 glorious servings—perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up on leftovers (trust me, you’ll want them).
- 1 lb pasta (vermicelli or your fave)
- 3 – 3 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ tsp kosher salt + ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 9 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 7 tbsp cold butter, divided
- 2 tbsp minced fresh garlic
- ½ cup brandy (yes, the good stuff)
- 1 cup sweet Marsala wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Exquisito
1. Cook Pasta First:
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package. Once it’s al dente, cool it down with cold water and set it aside.
2. Prep the Chicken:
Butterfly and halve the chicken breasts, then pound them thin—think about ¼ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Set up two shallow bowls—one with flour, the other with beaten eggs and milk. Dredge each piece in flour, then egg, then flour again (yes, double-dip for that crispy magic).
4. Fry It Up:
Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry 3 chicken pieces at a time, 2 minutes per side. Keep them warm in a 200°F oven as you go through the batches, adding oil as needed.
5. Make the Sauce:
Wipe out the skillet with paper towels. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Cook the garlic gently for 1 minute, then carefully add brandy and Marsala (off heat—safety first!). Bring the heat back up, reduce the liquid to about ½ cup.
6. Build the Flavor:
Stir in the chicken stock and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and melt in the remaining 6 tbsp of butter. Hello, velvety goodness.
7. Assemble & Broil:
Pour that luscious sauce over your chicken. Sprinkle mozzarella over each piece. Pop it under the broiler until the cheese is melty and golden—about 2 minutes.
8. Serve & Garnish:
Drain and reheat your pasta, plate it up with the cheesy chicken on top, and garnish with parsley and a fresh lemon wedge.
Aneta’s Tips for Extra Deliciousness
- Don’t rush the browning. That crispy chicken crust is where the flavor lives.
- Use quality wine and brandy. It doesn’t have to be pricey, just something you’d sip yourself.
- Broiler time matters. Keep an eye on it—those last two minutes are make-or-break for gooey perfection.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
I first made Chicken Exquisito for a girls’ night in—wine, laughter, and a lot of “oh my gosh, what is in this sauce?” Since then, it’s become one of my top-requested dishes. Even my picky eater niece now calls it “the fancy chicken with the yummy cheese.” That’s a win in my book.
FAQs About Chicken Exquisito
Can I substitute Marsala wine?
Yes! If you don’t have Marsala, try sherry or even white wine with a splash of maple syrup for sweetness.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep that tender texture.
Can I skip the brandy?
Sure—you can use more chicken stock instead, though the brandy does add a special depth.
Bring Home the Magic with Chicken Exquisito
Chicken Exquisito isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience worth savoring. From the first bite of that crispy, golden chicken to the final twirl of pasta soaked in buttery Marsala sauce, every element of this dish feels indulgent, comforting, and utterly satisfying. The gooey mozzarella? Just the cherry on top of this flavor-packed ensemble.
It’s the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary evening into something a little more special—whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or treating yourself to a quiet night in with a glass of wine. And the best part? It’s simple enough to make on a Tuesday but elegant enough to serve on a Saturday.
So go ahead, give Chicken Exquisito a try tonight. Let your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas, joyful bites, and maybe even a few “wow, this is amazing” compliments. Because at the end of the day, nothing beats a homemade meal that brings everyone to the table smiling.
Explore More Chicken Magic Favorites
If you fell in love with the bold flavors and comforting vibes of Chicken Exquisito, why stop there? There’s a whole world of delicious chicken recipes waiting for you in our kitchen. Whether you’re craving something creamy, crispy, or kissed with Mediterranean flair, here are a few must-tries that will keep your meal plan exciting and flavorful:
- For another indulgent, saucy dish that’s just as comforting, try our Chicken Kiev Pasta—it’s rich, buttery, and perfect for pasta lovers.
- If you loved the mozzarella topping on Exquisito, you’ll swoon over the melty goodness in this Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken—a weeknight dinner dream.
- For a Mediterranean-inspired spin, the Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
- And when you’re in the mood for a creamy, comforting casserole, don’t miss our Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole—it’s like a warm hug in a baking dish.
These recipes pair perfectly with Chicken Exquisito in spirit—and they’ll definitely keep the dinnertime magic alive all week long!
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Chicken Exquisito
- Total Time: 1 Hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Exquisito is the ultimate comfort food—crispy golden chicken, smothered in a buttery brandy-Marsala sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella. Served over pasta with a squeeze of lemon, it’s a show-stopping meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home!
Ingredients
1 pound pasta (vermicelli or your choice)
3 – 3½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour
6 large eggs
¼ cup whole milk
9 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
7 tablespoons cold butter, divided
2 tablespoons fresh garlic, finely minced
½ cup good quality brandy
1 cup sweet Marsala wine
1 cup low sodium chicken stock
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
Instructions
Cook the pasta per package directions, cool in cold water, and set aside.
Preheat oven to 200°F to keep chicken warm between batches.
Butterfly chicken breasts, cut in half, and pound to ¼ inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, and eggs mixed with milk in another.
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then flour again.
Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 3 pieces at a time, 2 minutes per side. Keep warm in the oven and repeat with remaining chicken, adding more oil as needed.
Wipe the pan clean. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter, then cook garlic for 1 minute.
Off heat, add brandy and Marsala. Return to heat, reduce to ½ cup, about 5 minutes.
Add chicken stock, simmer 5 minutes, then whisk in remaining cold butter.
Pour sauce over chicken, top with mozzarella, and broil 2 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Reheat pasta, serve topped with chicken, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges.
Notes
Always turn off the burner before adding alcohol to avoid flare-ups.
Use a good-quality Marsala and brandy—they really make a difference!
Don’t skip the broiler step—it brings everything together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Broil
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 230 mg