Cheesecake Factory Crispy Chicken Costoletta
Nothing beats the classic comfort of a crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlet. Cheesecake Factory’s Crispy Chicken Costoletta is an Italian-inspired dish that takes a simple chicken cutlet to a whole new level of deliciousness. The juicy chicken is lightly coated in a savory breadcrumb mixture, then topped with fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese. A zesty marinara sauce rounds out the flavor and adds an extra layer of depth. Served over a bed of angel hair pasta, this dish is sure to please the whole family.
Overview
Cheesecake Factory Crispy Chicken Costoletta is a classic Italian-style dish that combines juicy chicken cutlets with a savory blend of seasonings. The chicken is lightly coated with a blend of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs, then topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The dish is served over a bed of angel hair pasta, and topped with a zesty marinara sauce. This easy-to-make, flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
This dish can easily be adapted to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs or omit the breadcrumbs altogether. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken for a protein of their choice, such as tofu, tempeh, or beans. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using a leaner cut of chicken or omitting the cheese.
Cheesecake Factory Crispy Chicken Costoletta is a relatively easy dish to prepare. The total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, and the recipe yields 4 servings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, add the flour.
- In a third shallow bowl, add the beaten eggs.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and top with the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken over the cooked angel hair pasta.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 544
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 573mg
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 39g
Cooking Time
Total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Shallow bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or tongs
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a tossed salad.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Top with shredded parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Variation Ideas
- Substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or crushed almonds.
- Top with additional cheese, such as gouda, cheddar, or feta.
- Add herbs, such as thyme or oregano.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Substitutions
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the breadcrumbs altogether.
- Substitute the chicken for a vegetarian protein, such as tofu, tempeh, or beans.
- Use a leaner cut of chicken for a lighter version.
- Substitute the Italian seasoning for other herbs or spices.
- Substitute the parmesan cheese for vegan parmesan cheese.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Defrost frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips
- Be sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading to ensure they cook evenly.
- To make the breading process easier, use one hand to coat the chicken with the flour and the other hand to coat with the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
- If you’re short on time, use a store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own.
- For extra crispiness, place the chicken in the oven on the broil setting for the last few minutes of cooking.
Notes
- This dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- For a heartier meal, serve the chicken over a bed of roasted vegetables.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- This dish pairs nicely with a glass of Pinot Noir or Chianti.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheeses for other types, such as gouda, cheddar, or feta. - Can I use different herbs?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian seasoning for other herbs or spices, such as thyme, oregano, or basil. - Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians can substitute the chicken for a protein of their choice, such as tofu, tempeh, or beans. - Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, this dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Category
Categories: Main Dish, Italian Cuisine, Chicken, Pasta, Gluten-Free Option, Vegetarian Option, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Personal Thought
Cheesecake Factory Crispy Chicken Costoletta is a delicious Italian-style dish that is surprisingly easy to make. The juicy chicken is lightly coated in a savory breadcrumb mixture, then topped with fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese. A zesty marinara sauce rounds out the flavor and adds an extra layer of depth. Served over a bed of angel hair pasta, this dish is sure to please the whole family.
This dish can easily be adapted to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. For a light version, use a leaner cut of chicken or omit the cheese. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs or omit the breadcrumbs altogether. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken for a protein of their choice, such as tofu, tempeh, or beans.
I highly recommend giving this dish a try. It’s a great way to impress your family and friends. And the best part is, it’s so easy to make! If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out. Enjoy!