If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor and has an irresistible combination of textures, then this Chicken Sorrentino Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, breaded chicken breasts nestled under savory layers of salty prosciutto, golden eggplant, and gooey melted mozzarella, all brought together with a rich marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil. This dish is comforting yet elegant, perfect for impressing family or treating yourself to a special meal. It’s a classic that feels cozy and fresh every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to making a spectacular Chicken Sorrentino Recipe. Each component contributes uniquely—from the crisp, golden crust of the breaded chicken to the creamy mozzarella and the fragrant basil that finishes it all.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty base of our dish, perfect for tender breaded cutlets.
- 1 medium eggplant: Sliced and fried for a subtle, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- 4 slices prosciutto: Adds a salty, savory layer that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for the dredging process, ensuring the coating sticks perfectly.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs to cling to the chicken.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style): Creates the crispy golden exterior everyone will love.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: Provides a tangy, tomato-rich topping that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced: Melts beautifully, giving that creamy, gooey indulgence.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the mozzarella.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying): Used to achieve the perfect golden crust on both chicken and eggplant.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
How to Make Chicken Sorrentino Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—we want it ready to go for baking later. While the oven warms up, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavors. This seasoning step is simple but crucial for a well-rounded taste.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Next, it’s time to create that irresistible crispy coating. Dredge each chicken breast in the all-purpose flour first. This step ensures the beaten eggs will stick better. Then dip the chicken into the beaten eggs before coating it thoroughly with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs cling well—this is what forms the crisp crust you’ll love.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and carefully fry the breaded chicken breasts. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn that beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—your kitchen is starting to smell amazing!
Step 4: Fry the Eggplant Slices
Using the same skillet, lightly fry your eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn golden and soft but not soggy. This adds a tender, slightly smoky layer that will complement the chicken perfectly. Once done, place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Sorrentino
Lay your fried chicken breasts out on a baking sheet. Top each breast with a slice of prosciutto to add that salty, savory note. Then, layer on a couple of golden eggplant slices followed by a generous slice of fresh mozzarella, setting the stage for that gooey cheese goodness.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese
Now spoon a tablespoon of your vibrant marinara sauce directly over the mozzarella. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This combination will melt together in the oven and create a beautifully bubbling, cheesy topping.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled chicken into your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. This step melts the cheese, melds the flavors, and warms the dish through for the perfect finish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the chicken. This final touch brings a lovely aroma and bright flavor that lifts the entire dish, making your Chicken Sorrentino Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Chicken Sorrentino Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the star garnish for this dish, lending a vibrant green pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. These simple additions make every plate look stunning and taste even better.
Side Dishes
Serve this Chicken Sorrentino with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or pair it with garlic buttered pasta for a true Italian feast. Roasted vegetables or even a crusty baguette to mop up the sauce round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, try stacking the chicken slices and eggplant in a mini tower on the plate, layered with mozzarella and sauce between each piece. Alternatively, you can serve smaller, individual portions as elegant appetizers at your next dinner party. Either way, the Chicken Sorrentino Recipe always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as they cool down. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Chicken Sorrentino for up to 2 months. Cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring your Chicken Sorrentino back to life, reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken’s crispy coating intact and the eggplant tender but not soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs have a bit more fat and moisture, which can make the dish even juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What can I substitute for prosciutto?
If you don’t have prosciutto, thinly sliced ham or pancetta works well. They provide a similar salty, savory flavor to complement the eggplant and cheese.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour and regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. There are many great gluten-free breadcrumb mixes that maintain the crispy coating you want.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the breaded chicken and fry the eggplant a day before, then assemble and bake just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What’s the best way to keep the eggplant from getting soggy?
Salting the eggplant slices before frying helps draw out excess moisture, preventing sogginess. Also, frying in hot oil until golden ensures a nice texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderfully comforting about the Chicken Sorrentino Recipe that makes it a forever favorite in my kitchen. The layers of crunchy, tender, salty, and melty components all come together in perfect harmony. If you’ve never made this dish before, I encourage you to give it a try—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds in no time!
Print
Chicken Sorrentino Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Sorrentino is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with savory prosciutto, golden fried eggplant slices, melted fresh mozzarella, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This recipe combines frying and baking techniques to create a flavorful, crispy, and cheesy main course perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Veggies and Toppings
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for the final baking step where cheese will melt and flavors meld.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating adheres well to the meat.
- Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Fry Eggplant: Using the same skillet and remaining oil, lightly fry the eggplant slices for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and tender. Drain the cooked eggplant slices on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Assemble Chicken: Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Top each chicken breast with a slice of prosciutto, then add two slices of the fried eggplant, followed by a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon a tablespoon of marinara sauce over the mozzarella layer, then sprinkle each portion with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the assembled chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy Chicken Sorrentino!
Notes
- For best results, use Italian-style breadcrumbs for added flavor in the coating.
- Make sure the olive oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy crust on the chicken and eggplant.
- Allow the fried chicken to rest briefly before baking to retain juices and avoid dryness.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but fresh offers a brighter flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
