Some dishes just know how to win hearts, and Chicken Modiga is one of them. Originating in the Italian-American kitchens of St. Louis, this ultra-comforting recipe is all about crispy chicken, buttery white wine sauce, earthy mushrooms, and melty Provel cheese.
It’s indulgent, rich in flavor, and surprisingly simple to make at home—especially when you want to bring something restaurant-worthy to your weeknight table.
The golden breadcrumb-crusted chicken bakes up crispy, then swims in a white wine and lemon-kissed pan sauce that’s buttery, savory, and just the right amount of tangy. Topped with prosciutto and gooey cheese, every bite hits that magic balance between bold and comforting.
It’s high in protein, crowd-pleasing, and feels fancy without being fussy. According to the USDA, chicken breast packs over 25g of protein per 100g, making this dish perfect if you’re looking to increase protein without sacrificing flavor.
Pair it with a crisp Caesar Salad and a fizzy Italian Soda for a complete meal that’s balanced, satisfying, and full of character.
Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
What Makes Chicken Modiga a Must-Make in My Kitchen!
- The Sauce? Way Easier Than It Looks: I used to think a buttery white wine sauce would be complicated, but this one is silky, balanced, and surprisingly simple—with just a few pantry staples.
- Crispy Chicken That Never Disappoints: That golden breadcrumb coating is everything. It adds just the right crunch, and honestly, it’s what keeps my family coming back for seconds.
- It’s Allergy-Friendly with a Quick Swap: When I’ve made this with gluten-free breadcrumbs for guests, it still turned out just as delicious. No one even noticed the difference!
- Comfort Food Without the Guilt Trip: Even with all that cheesy goodness, the lean chicken breast and simple ingredients keep it feeling light but satisfying.
- It’s Impressively Simple: Whenever I want to make something that feels special (but don’t want to stress), this is my go-to. It never fails to impress, and it comes together fast.
Chicken Modiga Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board & knife
- Meat mallet (for flattening chicken)
- Shallow dish (for breading)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Oven-safe baking dish
Ingredients
- ½ cup 1 stick butter at room temperature
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 6 ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Juice from ½ a lemon
- ¾ cup sliced button mushrooms
- 2 Tbsp prosciutto diced
- 8 ounces shredded provel cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Flatten chicken breasts slightly and coat with melted butter, then dredge in Italian breadcrumbs.
- In a skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Slowly stir in chicken stock, white wine, and lemon juice. Simmer until thickened.
- In a baking dish, place breaded chicken, pour sauce over it.
- Top with sliced mushrooms, prosciutto, and shredded Provel cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Secrets Tips From My Kitchen To Yours!
- Use clarified butter instead of regular melted butter for breading the chicken—it helps the crust crisp up better and prevents burning during baking.
- Lightly toast the breadcrumbs in a dry pan before breading. This gives the chicken an extra layer of deep, nutty flavor and helps it stay crisp even after baking in sauce.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine after sautéing mushrooms and prosciutto, then add that to the sauce—it builds a layered, restaurant-style richness without any extra effort.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice in the sauce—it cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese, adding brightness that keeps the dish from tasting too heavy.
- Mix Provel with a little mozzarella if you want a gooier melt and slightly less salty finish—this tweak can balance the cheese beautifully depending on your preference.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. The sauce thickens slightly, and the flavors settle in perfectly—it makes a noticeable difference.
