Authentic Chicken Modiga Recipe – A St. Louis Italian Favorite

Recipes
June 18, 2025

When it comes to Italian-American comfort food with a bold regional twist, few dishes are as beloved as the chicken modiga recipe. Rich, savory, and full of character, this dish hails from the vibrant Italian-American culinary scene in St. Louis, Missouri — where Provel cheese and buttery wine sauces reign supreme.

The chicken modiga recipe features thin, breaded chicken breasts sautéed until golden, then topped with melted Provel cheese and a luxurious lemon-butter-white-wine sauce. Often finished with mushrooms and served over pasta or alongside a bed of risotto, it’s a dish that’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough to make at home.

Whether you’ve tried it at a local St. Louis restaurant or you’re making it for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to recreate an authentic chicken modiga recipe in your own kitchen. We’ll cover the history, ingredients, step-by-step preparation, tips for perfect execution, and delicious variations that suit any dietary need.

If you love Italian flavors but want something with a local American flair, the chicken modiga recipe is a must-try addition to your dinner rotation.

The chicken modiga recipe is a true St. Louis original — a dish that showcases the fusion of Italian tradition with local Midwestern flavor. Often served at Italian restaurants across the St. Louis area, Chicken Modiga is made with pan-fried, breaded chicken breasts topped with Provel cheese, then finished with a lemony white wine butter sauce and optional mushrooms.

🇺🇸 St. Louis Italian-American Roots

St. Louis has a rich Italian-American heritage, and Chicken Modiga is one of its signature contributions to regional cuisine. While you won’t find this dish on menus in Italy, it has become a comfort food staple for locals who grew up eating it in family restaurants or at home.

The chicken modiga recipe is especially loved for its use of Provel cheese, a St. Louis-exclusive blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar. It melts into a creamy, buttery topping that perfectly complements the savory chicken and wine sauce.

🧀 Core Components of Chicken Modiga

Here’s what makes Chicken Modiga truly unique:

Breaded Chicken: Thin chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, pan-fried until golden and crispy.
Provel Cheese: A signature St. Louis ingredient that delivers a smooth, gooey melt unlike any other.
Lemon Butter Wine Sauce: Adds a tangy, rich balance to the dish, often enhanced with garlic and mushrooms.
Optional Toppings: Sautéed mushrooms are frequently added for earthiness and texture.

🍝 A Dish of Elegance and Comfort

The chicken modiga recipe is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s just as welcome at a Sunday family dinner as it is at a wedding reception or fine dining table. Its combination of crisp texture, velvety cheese, and zesty wine sauce creates a balanced flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.

In short, Chicken Modiga is Italian-American cooking at its finest — humble in origin, rich in flavor, and beloved by those who’ve experienced it.

To make an authentic chicken modiga recipe, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few regional specialties — most notably Provel cheese, which gives this dish its signature St. Louis flair. Below is a detailed list of ingredients with suggested substitutes when needed.

🛒 Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
(Pounded thin for even cooking)
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
(For coating the chicken)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
(Mixed with breadcrumbs for extra flavor)
2 large eggs, beaten
(For dredging the chicken)
3 tablespoons olive oil
(For pan-frying)

🧈 For the Sauce

1 cup dry white wine
(Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well)
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
(For a silky, rich finish)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
(Or more, to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste

🧀 Cheese Topping

8 oz Provel cheese, shredded or sliced
(Substitute: a mix of provolone, Swiss, and white cheddar if Provel is unavailable)

🍄 Optional Additions

1 cup mushrooms, sliced
(Cremini or white button mushrooms, sautéed)
Fresh parsley, chopped
(For garnish and added freshness)

📝 Notes on Sourcing

Provel Cheese: This is a regional product mostly found in St. Louis. If you can’t find it locally, you can order it online or replicate the flavor by mixing equal parts provolone, white cheddar, and Swiss cheese.
Wine Quality: Use a wine you would actually drink — it enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add more flavor, but plain ones can work if you add dried herbs (oregano, parsley, garlic powder).

With these ingredients prepped, you’re ready to dive into the heart of this chicken modiga recipe: the cooking process.

Now that your ingredients are ready, it’s time to bring this flavorful chicken modiga recipe to life. This step-by-step guide will walk you through every part of the process — from prepping the chicken to making that unforgettable lemon butter wine sauce and melting the signature Provel cheese on top.

🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
Set Up Breading Station:
- One bowl: beaten eggs
- Second bowl: mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together
Bread the Chicken:
Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside on a clean plate.

🍳 Step 2: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat Olive Oil: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook Chicken:
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

🍷 Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Wine Sauce

Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add a little more oil or butter. Sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add Broth & Lemon Juice: Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors combine and reduce slightly.
Whisk in Butter: Gradually add the butter and whisk until the sauce is glossy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

🧀 Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat Broiler or Oven to 400°F (200°C)
Layer the Chicken:
- Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish
- Top each piece with sautéed mushrooms (if using)
- Pour the lemon butter wine sauce over each chicken breast
- Cover generously with shredded or sliced Provel cheese
Bake Until Melted:
Bake uncovered for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. You can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a slightly golden finish.

🌿 Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from Oven: Let the dish rest for a minute or two.
Garnish with Fresh Parsley
Serve Hot: Pair with pasta, risotto, roasted vegetables, or crusty Italian bread.

There you have it — an authentic, delicious chicken modiga recipe that brings St. Louis flavor right to your dinner table. Rich, creamy, and citrusy, it’s a meal that’s always restaurant-worthy but easy enough for home cooks.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Modiga Every Time

Even with a solid chicken modiga recipe, mastering the fine details can take your dish from good to restaurant-quality. Below are tried-and-true tips that ensure your Chicken Modiga turns out perfectly every time — crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.

🐔 1. Use Thin, Even Chicken Breasts

Why it matters: Thinner chicken cooks evenly and quickly, avoiding undercooked centers or overdone edges.
Pro tip: Pound your chicken to uniform thickness — aim for 1/2 inch.

🧂 2. Season Every Layer

Bread crumbs: Mix with Parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs for flavor-packed crust.
Sauce: Taste and adjust the lemon juice, butter, and wine balance.
Final touch: Don’t forget a sprinkle of salt after baking — cheese can dull flavors slightly.

🔥 3. Pan-Fry for Crisp Texture

Don’t rush this step! Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s deep golden brown.
Let the chicken rest on paper towels to keep the crust crisp — especially before adding sauce and cheese.

🧀 4. Use Authentic Provel Cheese (or a Proper Blend)

Provel cheese gives the classic St. Louis chicken modiga recipe its gooey melt and slight tang.
Can’t find Provel? Use equal parts provolone, white cheddar, and Swiss.

🍋 5. Don’t Skimp on the Sauce

Simmer the wine sauce long enough to reduce it slightly for rich flavor.
Whisk in butter off-heat for the silkiest texture.
Spoon the sauce evenly over each piece of chicken — don’t drown it.

🍄 6. Sauté the Mushrooms Separately

Mushrooms add depth, but only when cooked properly.
Sauté in butter or olive oil until browned and tender before layering on the chicken.

🔥 7. Finish Under the Broiler (Optional)

Want that bubbly, slightly golden cheese top?
Place the assembled chicken under the broiler for 1–2 minutes — watch closely!

🍷 8. Serve Immediately for Best Texture

Like most cheesy, sauced dishes, chicken modiga is best fresh from the oven.
If holding, keep warm in a 200°F oven uncovered — but no longer than 20–30 minutes.

With these tips, your chicken modiga recipe will taste just like it came from a St. Louis favorite Italian kitchen — or better.

Variations of the Chicken Modiga Recipe

The classic chicken modiga recipe is rich, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing — but that doesn’t mean it’s one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re looking to lighten it up, make it gluten-free, or change up the presentation, this dish adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and preferences.

🔥 1. Grilled Chicken Modiga

Skip the breadcrumbs and pan-frying altogether for a lighter version:

Season chicken with garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Grill until cooked through.
Add mushrooms, Provel (or substitute), and the lemon butter wine sauce on top before finishing in the oven.

🟢 Bonus: Lower in fat and carbs, great for summer meals or BBQ-style presentations.

🥦 2. Low-Carb / Keto Chicken Modiga

Keep the flavors, ditch the carbs:

Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Use unsweetened white cooking wine and check for hidden sugars in broth.
Skip flour-thickened sauces or cornstarch.

💡 The result? A keto-friendly chicken modiga recipe that still delivers richness and flavor.

🌾 3. Gluten-Free Chicken Modiga

Making this dish gluten-free is easy:

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
Confirm that your chicken broth and Provel cheese (or substitute) are certified gluten-free.

✅ Taste remains identical to the traditional version when done right.

🧀 4. Extra Cheesy Baked Modiga

Love cheese? Lean into it:

Double the amount of Provel or layer with mozzarella and provolone for even more melt and flavor.
Bake the entire dish uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

🧡 Ideal for cheese lovers or hearty winter dinners.

🥘 5. One-Pan Chicken Modiga Skillet

Make cleanup a breeze:

After browning the chicken, build the sauce directly in the same skillet.
Add cheese on top, cover with a lid, and melt everything together on the stovetop — no oven needed.

🚿 Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or minimal-dish cooking.

🍗 6. Chicken Modiga Cutlets or Sliders

Want something fun and casual?

Use chicken tenders or small cutlets and assemble mini portions.
Serve in slider buns with extra sauce for a gourmet sandwich take.

🎉 Great for parties, game day, or appetizers.

These variations make the chicken modiga recipe more flexible and exciting, letting you enjoy its signature flavor no matter your diet, occasion, or cooking style.

Suggested Sides and Pairings for Chicken Modiga

A beautifully prepared chicken modiga recipe deserves equally delicious sides to complement its creamy, savory profile. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances the overall experience and balances the richness of the dish.

🍝 1. Pasta

Best match: Lightly sauced or plain pasta that absorbs the wine and butter sauce without overpowering it.

Angel hair or spaghetti with a drizzle of olive oil and parsley
Linguine tossed with garlic and lemon zest
Penne with steamed broccoli for texture

👉 Pasta acts like a sponge, soaking up the extra sauce from your chicken modiga recipe.

🍚 2. Creamy Risotto or Rice Pilaf

Parmesan risotto creates a creamy-on-creamy texture that’s decadent yet elegant.
Lemon-herb rice pilaf offers a citrusy brightness that echoes the sauce.
Wild rice blend adds nutty flavor and visual contrast.

🌾 Great if you want something hearty but a bit more refined than pasta.

🥦 3. Roasted or Steamed Vegetables

Balance the richness of the chicken and cheese with something green and vibrant:

Roasted asparagus with lemon and sea salt
Garlic sautéed spinach or kale
Steamed green beans with slivered almonds

🥗 These sides offer color, crunch, and contrast on the plate.

🥖 4. Crusty Italian Bread

Don’t let any of that luscious sauce go to waste!

Toasted garlic bread
Warm ciabatta or sourdough
Mini baguette slices for sopping

🧄 Bread adds that rustic, comforting finish to your chicken modiga recipe meal.

🥗 5. Light, Acidic Salads

The bright acidity of a fresh salad balances the buttery wine sauce:

Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan
Tomato and cucumber salad with red wine vinegar
Simple romaine with balsamic drizzle

🌿 A refreshing element that cleanses the palate between bites.

🍷 6. Wine Pairings

Since the chicken modiga recipe features a lemon-white wine sauce, serve it with complementary wines:

Sauvignon Blanc – crisp and citrusy
Pinot Grigio – light and floral
Unoaked Chardonnay – buttery but not overpowering

🍾 If you’re indulging, these wines will elevate your meal beautifully.

With these side dish ideas, your chicken modiga recipe transforms into a complete and elegant Italian-American dinner experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Modiga

One of the best things about the chicken modiga recipe is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep, leftovers, or next-day entertaining. But to keep that crispy chicken and gooey cheese tasting just right, follow these expert storage and reheating techniques.

🧱 How to Store Chicken Modiga

🧊 In the Refrigerator:

Cool completely before storing.
Place in an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly with foil.
Store for up to 3–4 days for best flavor and texture.

❄️ In the Freezer:

Let cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers.
For best results, freeze chicken and sauce separately if possible.
Label and date the containers. Use within 2–3 months.

✅ Tip: Flash freeze individual portions on a baking tray first, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag to avoid clumping.

🔁 How to Reheat Chicken Modiga

🔥 In the Oven (Best Method):

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place chicken in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to rehydrate the sauce.
Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying.
Heat for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through.
Optional: Remove foil and broil for 1–2 minutes to re-crisp the cheese top.

⚡ In the Microwave (Quickest Method):

Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel.
Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking often.
Note: This may soften the breading and cheese texture.

🍳 On the Stove:

Reheat the sauce separately over low heat in a skillet.
Add the chicken and gently warm, spooning sauce over to keep moist.

🧀 Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prep the chicken modiga recipe in advance?

Bread and fry the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate.
Make the sauce separately and store in a sealed container.
Assemble and bake when ready to serve for the freshest texture and flavor.

📦 This method works great for entertaining or weekday dinners.

With these pro storage and reheating tips, your chicken modiga recipe can be just as delicious the next day — or even better.

Final Thoughts on Chicken Modiga

The chicken modiga recipe is a hidden gem of Italian-American cuisine, known for its rich, buttery wine sauce, melty Provel cheese, and tender breaded chicken. Born from St. Louis culinary tradition, it has found its way into the hearts (and kitchens) of home cooks across the country.

Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or discovering this dish for the first time, Chicken Modiga offers:

Restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients
Flexible adaptations for various diets and preferences
Elegant presentation perfect for both weeknights and special occasions

Its balance of crispy textures, lemony tang, and creamy depth creates a comforting yet refined experience. And thanks to its ease of storage and make-ahead potential, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

If you’re looking to impress family, wow guests, or just indulge in something special, this chicken modiga recipe will never disappoint.

chicken modiga recipe