Go Back
Golden johnny carino's spicy romano chicken topped with melted provolone over angel hair pasta
Print Recipe

Foolproof Johnny Carino's Spicy Romano Chicken

Crispy Romano-crusted chicken breast topped with a spicy roasted red pepper cream sauce and melted provolone, served over pasta.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 685kcal

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded to ½-inch thickness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoon milk
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, for frying

For the spicy Romano cream sauce:

  • 3 tablespoon butter
  • 4 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and diced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (up to 2 teaspoons for restaurant-level heat)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For topping and serving:

  • 4 slice provolone cheese
  • 8 oz angel hair pasta
  • Extra Romano cheese and basil, for garnish

Instructions

  • Pound each chicken breast between plastic wrap to an even ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Set up three shallow dishes: flour in one, whisked eggs and milk in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup Romano cheese in the third. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg wash, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides. Let rest 5 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the cutlets 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal). Transfer to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic, cooking for 30 seconds. Stir in the roasted red peppers and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the white wine and simmer 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer 5 to 6 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the remaining Romano cheese and basil; season to taste.
  • Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, spooning sauce over each piece. Top each cutlet with a slice of provolone. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned in spots.
  • Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and toss with a spoonful of sauce from the skillet. Plate the pasta, top with a chicken cutlet, spoon extra sauce around the plate, and garnish with Romano cheese and basil.

Notes

  • Full-fat heavy cream is essential — lower-fat substitutes will break when combined with the acidic tomatoes and peppers.
  • Bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate uncooked on a wire rack for easy weeknight assembly.
  • Freeze the fried chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months; combining them before freezing softens the crust on thaw.
  • Reheat gently over low heat rather than high heat to avoid separating the cream sauce.