If you are craving a dish that is both comforting and impressively elegant, the Chicken Bellagio Recipe is the answer. This family favorite combines crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts with savory prosciutto and a luscious creamy marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. Every bite dances between textures and flavors that feel just right for a special weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Chicken Bellagio Recipe gracefully elevates your everyday meal into something memorable and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to the perfect Chicken Bellagio Recipe. Each element plays a key role, from the crispy coating to the creamy sauce and the fresh herbal garnish, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and delightful texture.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender and easy to cook evenly when pounded thin.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light base for the crispy coating that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that enhances the crust’s richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle spice to brighten the taste profile.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Helps the coating stick to the chicken for that perfect crunchy exterior.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Provides the satisfying crisp texture we all crave.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For frying, lending a mild fruity undertone while ensuring golden crusts.
- 4 slices prosciutto: Adds a salty, delicate crispness that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: A rich tomato base that brings acidity and sweetness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious texture in the sauce for a truly comforting finish.
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh, aromatic flavor.
How to Make Chicken Bellagio Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Then mix the flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This blend not only seasons the chicken but helps build the flavorful crust central to this dish.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, which acts as the glue, then press them into the breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. This classic breading technique ensures the chicken will have a golden, irresistible shell once cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Cook the breaded chicken breasts 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they are deeply golden and cooked through. This careful cooking develops the perfect balance of crisp exterior and juicy interior.
Step 4: Crisp the Prosciutto
After removing the chicken, add the prosciutto slices to the same skillet. Cook them briefly until crisp, infusing the pan with rich flavor and creating a wonderful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Next, stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that beautifully ties the dish together.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Place the cooked chicken on plates, top each with crispy prosciutto, then spoon over the luscious creamy marinara sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color that makes every serving look as delightful as it tastes.
How to Serve Chicken Bellagio Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh basil leaves do more than look pretty; they bring a herbal brightness that lifts the rich creaminess of the sauce. Sprinkle extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil to add personalized flair to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This beloved Chicken Bellagio Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic butter pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad, allowing the main dish to shine while complementing its hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing look, cut the chicken into medallions and serve them fanned out on a platter, topped with sauce and basil. Or present it family-style by layering the chicken and sauce in a baking dish and finishing under the broiler for bubbly melted mozzarella.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Bellagio in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This way, you can easily enjoy the deliciousness again without losing any flavors or textures.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Chicken Bellagio Recipe longer, freeze the portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy sauce and crispy prosciutto.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crust’s crunch and warm the sauce evenly. For quicker options, you can use a microwave but cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier and more flavorful alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs are thicker and take slightly longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for prosciutto?
If prosciutto is not available, you can use thin slices of bacon or pancetta. Both deliver that smoky, salty crispiness that complements the creamy sauce well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Chicken Bellagio Recipe gluten-free, swap regular flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Ensure all other ingredients, especially marinara sauce, are certified gluten-free.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the creamy marinara sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before pouring it over the chicken to keep its silky texture.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The golden color and firm texture are also good indicators, but a meat thermometer is always best for precision.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bellagio Recipe truly feels like a gift to any dinner table. It’s an easy-to-make dish that oozes comfort and indulgence without requiring complicated steps or ingredients. I encourage you to try it soon and watch as it quickly becomes your go-to for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal full of heart and happiness.
Print
Chicken Bellagio Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Bellagio is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that features tender, breaded chicken breasts topped with crispy prosciutto and a creamy marinara sauce, finished with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. This family favorite offers a delightful combination of textures and indulgent flavors, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking and Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly in this flour mixture, coating all sides.
- Coat with egg and breadcrumbs: In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs. Dip each floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Cook the prosciutto: Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, add the prosciutto slices and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they become crisp.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour the marinara sauce and heavy cream into the skillet with the prosciutto. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly and blends well.
- Assemble and garnish: Place the cooked chicken breasts on serving plates. Top each with crispy prosciutto slices and spoon over the creamy marinara sauce. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the flour mixture.
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, pound it to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with a side of pasta, steamed vegetables, or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
