Before we dive into the delicious world of Chicken Milanese Spaghetti, let’s talk about what goes well with this dish. When you think of a meal centered around spaghetti, your mind might immediately jump to a classic red wine. A smooth Chianti or a light Pinot Grigio can beautifully complement the dish’s flavors.
A simple green salad is another excellent choice. Toss some mixed greens with a vinaigrette to bring freshness to the table. You might also want to consider garlic bread; it’s hard to resist! For those who enjoy the crunch, a side of roasted vegetables will do wonders. Lastly, don’t forget about dessert! Something light like lemon sorbet or a fruit salad can add a delightful finish.
It’s a warm Sunday evening, and the aroma of sautéed garlic wafts through your kitchen. You pull out a cast-iron skillet and start preparing one of your favorite Italian-inspired dishes: Chicken Milanese Spaghetti. Not only does this dish combine the irresistible crunch of breaded chicken with the comforting embrace of spaghetti, but it also adds a freshness from the tomato sauce that makes your taste buds dance with joy.
This blog post will take you through a delightful culinary journey. From what this dish truly is, to why you’ll absolutely love it, I’ll break down each step, highlight the ingredients, and share my personal insights and tips. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
What is Chicken Milanese Spaghetti?
Chicken Milanese Spaghetti is a perfect blend of Italian cuisine where crispy breaded chicken meets a classic spaghetti dish topped with a hearty tomato sauce. The chicken is seasoned, floured, dipped in egg, coated with panko, and then fried to perfection. Served atop a bed of comforting spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce, the contrast of textures between the crispy chicken and the tender pasta is simply divine.
This dish draws inspiration from traditional Italian flavors while allowing for a twist with the incorporation of spaghetti. It’s filling, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. You could serve it at a dinner party, a family gathering, or even for a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Milanese Spaghetti?
One bite of Chicken Milanese Spaghetti and it’s easy to see why it captures hearts everywhere!
- Flavor Fusion: The crispy chicken mingling with the tangy tomato sauce creates a beautiful harmony. The crunch of the chicken adds excitement to each forkful of spaghetti.
- Texture Variation: The contrast in textures enhances the eating experience. While the chicken provides a satisfying crunch, the spaghetti and sauce offer a delightful softness that brings balance.
- Flexible Recipe: This dish is adaptable to suit various tastes. You can tweak the seasoning in the tomato sauce or swap out ingredients. Want to make it spicy? Add some red pepper flakes. Prefer it mild? Just leave them out.
- Easy to Prepare: It’s a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. With a clear step-by-step approach, you won’t feel overwhelmed or lost in the kitchen.
- Serve with Versatility: Whether you’re hosting a family feast or serving a cozy meal for two, Chicken Milanese Spaghetti fits seamlessly into any occasion.
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Chicken Milanese Spaghetti
To create this culinary delight, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Milanese:
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 125 grams panko breadcrumbs
- 25 grams finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 4-5 tablespoons vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying the chicken
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of granulated sugar
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for added flavor)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another herb to deepen flavor if desired.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil glimmers, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. The aroma should be heavenly by now! Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. If you fancy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer while you prepare the chicken. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While your sauce is simmering, let’s focus on the chicken. Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the flour. In the second, place the beaten eggs. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, a hint of salt, and pepper.
Take each chicken breast and coat it first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it in the egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat it with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
While the chicken is frying, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the spaghetti.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return to your sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated.
Notes
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for the perfect Chicken Milanese Spaghetti:
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures quick and consistent cooking.
- Keep Oil Hot: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much and become greasy.
- Vary the Sauce: Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresher taste.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container. This dish should be consumed within 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or oil if needed to retain moisture.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are some great ways to serve Chicken Milanese Spaghetti:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or basil adds brightness.
- Pair with Wine: A chilled Chardonnay complements the flavors well.
- Add Spinach: Toss in some fresh spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Top with Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of mozzarella before serving is delightful.
- Serve Family-Style: Present it in a large bowl for a communal experience.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Chicken Milanese Spaghetti?
Here are some alternatives you can consider:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts: They stay juicier and add more flavor.
- Gluten-free pasta: For a gluten-free option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
- Baked instead of fried chicken: For a lighter version, bake the coated chicken in the oven.
- Vegetable sauce: If you want to go meatless, a rich vegetable marinara or pesto can be used.
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles): For a lower-carb option, use spiralized zucchini instead of pasta.
Chicken Milanese Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 125 grams panko breadcrumbs
- 25 grams finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 4-5 tablespoons vegetable or sunflower oil for frying the chicken
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- A pinch of granulated sugar
- A pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano optional, for added flavor
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil glimmers, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. The aroma should be heavenly by now! Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. If you fancy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer while you prepare the chicken. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- While your sauce is simmering, let’s focus on the chicken. Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the flour. In the second, place the beaten eggs. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, a hint of salt, and pepper.
- Take each chicken breast and coat it first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it in the egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat it with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
- While the chicken is frying, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the spaghetti.
- Return to your sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated.
Notes
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures quick and consistent cooking.
- Keep Oil Hot: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much and become greasy.
- Vary the Sauce: Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresher taste.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Chicken Milanese Spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s a celebration on your plate. The stunning contrast between the crispy chicken and the warm spaghetti enveloped in tangy tomato sauce creates an all-around delicious experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together, creates lasting memories, and may even become your new go-to recipe.
By following the steps outlined here, along with the tips provided, you’ll whip up a masterpiece that you can be proud of. So next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, reach for the Chicken Milanese Spaghetti. Buon appetito!
