Chicken Sorrentino

Let me introduce you to Chicken Sorrentino—a dish that’s not just a meal, but a total flavor-packed experience! Imagine tender chicken breasts, beautifully breaded and golden-brown, topped with savory prosciutto, gooey melted mozzarella, and a rich, vibrant eggplant and marinara sauce. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Sorrentino

Flavor Explosion: This dish combines the crispy chicken, salty prosciutto, and melty mozzarella in every bite. Then, the eggplant adds a savory, earthy twist that pairs perfectly with the tangy marinara sauce.

Impressive yet Easy: Chicken Sorrentino looks fancy enough to serve at a dinner party but is simple enough for a weeknight meal. It’s the best of both worlds!

Cheese Lovers Rejoice: If you’re a fan of gooey, melty cheese, this dish will make your heart sing with the rich mozzarella topping.

Perfectly Balanced: With the crispy chicken, the richness of prosciutto, and the slight bitterness of eggplant, this dish hits all the right notes for a balanced, delicious meal.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering dish to life:

Chicken Breasts: The main protein that gets crispy and golden when breaded.

Prosciutto: Thin slices of this salty, savory meat take the dish to a whole new level of flavor.

Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella works wonders here, creating a melty, gooey topping.

Eggplant: Sliced thin and lightly fried, the eggplant adds a beautiful layer of flavor and texture.

Marinara Sauce: A rich, tangy sauce that brings everything together.

Olive Oil: For frying and adding a rich flavor.

Breadcrumbs: To coat the chicken and give it that golden, crispy exterior.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy bite to the breading.

Eggs: To help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.

Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of color.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

• Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) so they cook evenly. This also makes the chicken tender.
• Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, beat eggs. In another, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Fry the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden and crispy. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Prepare the Eggplant:

• In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and sauté the eggplant slices for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and tender. Remove them and set aside.

Assemble the Dish:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a baking dish, lay the crispy chicken breasts. Top each one with a slice of prosciutto, a few slices of sautéed eggplant, and a generous amount of fresh mozzarella.
• Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, making sure it’s evenly covered.

Bake:

• Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and everything is heated through.

Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with a side of pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
Calories: 400
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Sorrentino

• With Pasta: Serve alongside spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice for a classic Italian meal.
• With Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini, green beans, or a fresh salad, complement this dish beautifully.
• As a Sandwich: Leftovers? Layer the chicken on a toasted bun for an epic chicken sandwich.

Additional Tips

• Make It Lighter: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just spray the breaded chicken with a little olive oil spray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
• Eggplant Tip: Make sure to salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes before cooking to remove excess moisture and bitterness.
• Cheese Tip: For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll stay juicy and tender and add extra flavor!

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prep everything up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
A3: Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating, and you’re good to go.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q5: Can I freeze Chicken Sorrentino?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked dish. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: Definitely! While mozzarella is traditional, provolone or fontina would be delicious substitutes.

Q7: Can I make this without prosciutto?
A7: Yes! You can skip the prosciutto or substitute it with another deli meat, such as ham or even bacon.

Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some spicy seasoning on the chicken before breading.

Q9: Can I use a store-bought marinara sauce?
A9: Yes! Just choose a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor, or make your own if you have the time.

Q10: How can I make this dish more saucy?
A10: Simply add extra marinara sauce over the chicken before baking and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping!

Conclusion

Chicken Sorrentino is an indulgent, comforting meal that brings all the right flavors together—crispy chicken, salty prosciutto, melty cheese, and rich eggplant, all topped with marinara sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish will wow your taste buds and impress your guests.

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