Learn how to make the best Chicken Modiga recipe — tender chicken in a creamy mushroom-wine sauce topped with melted cheese. Simple, flavorful, and irresistible!
Introduction: Chicken Modiga Recipe
If you’re craving a creamy, restaurant-style chicken dish, the Chicken Modiga recipe is your answer. This St. Louis classic brings together tender chicken breasts, golden breadcrumbs, and a luxurious mushroom-wine sauce crowned with gooey melted cheese.
What makes this recipe special is how simple ingredients — chicken, mushrooms, white wine, and cheese — come together to create layers of flavor.
In this guide, you’ll discover what Chicken Modiga is, the ingredients you’ll need, how to cook it perfectly, and even how to serve and adapt it for your dietary preferences.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a family feast, this Chicken Modiga recipe guarantees to impress every time.
What Is Chicken Modiga?
Chicken Modiga is a beloved Italian-American dish originating from St. Louis, Missouri, known for its rich, buttery mushroom sauce and cheesy topping.
Traditionally, chicken breasts are pounded thin, lightly breaded, and pan-seared until golden brown, then simmered in a savory sauce made with mushrooms, butter, garlic, white wine, and chicken stock. Finally, the dish is topped with Provel or Provolone cheese and baked or broiled until the cheese melts perfectly.
The result? A melt-in-your-mouth, creamy chicken entrée that combines Italian comfort with Midwestern flair. This Chicken Modiga recipe has become a staple in local restaurants and home kitchens alike for its easy preparation and elegant presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Chicken Modiga recipe, gather the following fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 4 pieces | Pounded thin for even cooking |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup | For dredging |
| Italian breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Adds flavor and crunch |
| Olive oil & butter | 3 tbsp each | For searing and sauce richness |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Adds aromatic depth |
| Mushrooms | 8 oz, sliced | Button or cremini work great |
| White wine | ½ cup | Use a dry wine for best flavor |
| Chicken stock | 1 cup | Forms the base of the sauce |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Brightens the flavors |
| Provel, Provolone, or Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup, shredded | For that signature melty top |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | For seasoning |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish | Adds color and freshness |
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and low-fat cheese. For gluten-free diets, swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko.
Step-by-Step Preparation & Cooking Instructions
Follow these easy directions to bring your Chicken Modiga recipe to life:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pound the chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess. Next, coat in Italian breadcrumbs for that signature crunch.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté garlic and mushrooms until fragrant and softened, about 3–4 minutes. Pour in white wine and chicken stock, scraping the browned bits from the bottom — that’s where all the flavor hides! Add a splash of lemon juice and let it simmer for 5–6 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Combine and Bake:
Return the chicken to the pan, coating each piece with the creamy mushroom sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top. Cover the skillet or transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles around the edges.
5. Serve Hot and Garnish:
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. The Chicken Modiga recipe is now ready to serve — creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.
What to Serve With Chicken Modiga
This Chicken Modiga dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its rich sauce. Try serving it with:
- Buttered pasta or angel-hair spaghetti to soak up the sauce.
- Garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty pairing.
- Steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach for a lighter contrast.
- Toasted Italian bread to mop up every drop of that creamy mushroom goodness.
For wine lovers, a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly balances the creaminess of the dish.
Variations & Adaptations
There are many ways to adapt this Chicken Modiga recipe to suit your preferences:
- Lighter version: Skip the breadcrumbs and bake the chicken with olive oil and herbs.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.
- Low-carb version: Substitute cream cheese for breadcrumbs to add texture without carbs.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms and make a Mushroom Modiga.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
Each variation keeps the creamy, cheesy essence that makes Chicken Modiga so unforgettable.
FAQs About Chicken Modiga
Q1: How long does this Chicken Modiga recipe take to cook?
The total time is about 40–45 minutes, including prep, searing, and baking.
Q2: Can you make Chicken Modiga ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and bake before serving. It reheats beautifully.
Q3: Can this Chicken Modiga dish be made gluten-free?
Absolutely — just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.
Q4: What cheese works best for Chicken Modiga?
Provel is traditional in St. Louis, but Provolone, Mozzarella, or Fontina are delicious alternatives.
Q5: Is Chicken Modiga a healthy recipe?
While it’s indulgent, you can make it lighter by using low-fat cheese and olive oil instead of butter.
Conclusion
The Chicken Modiga recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that feels like fine dining at home.
Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this chicken modiga dish delivers the perfect balance of rich sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese.
Try it once, and it’ll quickly earn a regular spot on your dinner table — a true family favorite with irresistible flavor in every bite.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
