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
Scale
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.
