Imagine this: tender, breaded chicken topped with a savory medley of eggplant, prosciutto, and mozzarella, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce. That’s Chicken Sorrentino an Italian classic that’s guaranteed to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Each bite is a satisfying combination of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and that perfect balance of salty, savory, and tangy flavors. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Sorrentino

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating an unforgettable meal that will make you feel like a gourmet chef. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it with pasta, a side salad, or roasted vegetables this dish pairs wonderfully with anything.

Budget-Friendly: You get restaurant-quality flavor at home without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: While it looks fancy, it comes together in just under an hour. Perfect for impressing without the stress.

Customizable: Feel free to swap the prosciutto for bacon, or use a different cheese if you like.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s comfort food with an elegant twist that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients in Chicken Sorrentino

Here’s the lineup of ingredients that turn this dish into a comforting masterpiece:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts, pounded thin to ensure crispy, tender perfection.

Eggplant: Thinly sliced, lightly sautéed eggplant adds a lovely texture and a rich flavor layer.

Prosciutto: The salty, savory kick that pairs perfectly with the chicken and cheese.

Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds that dreamy meltiness and mild flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: For a little extra sharpness and richness in the sauce.

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

Flour, Eggs, and Breadcrumbs: For breading the chicken, ensuring it has that crispy, golden exterior.

Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken and sautéing the eggplant.

Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and layers perfectly.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken gets crispy and the cheese melts beautifully.

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat in breadcrumbs. Set aside.

Cook the Eggplant

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the eggplant slices for about 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned and tender. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, heat more olive oil and cook the breaded chicken breasts for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Assemble the Dish

In a baking dish, place the cooked chicken breasts. Layer each piece with a slice of prosciutto, followed by a slice of sautéed eggplant, and top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Pour marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Chicken Sorrentino hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side if desired, and enjoy the layers of flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 550 calories

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Chicken Sorrentino

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Serve it with pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a classic Italian dinner.

Pair it with a fresh green salad, topped with a balsamic vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish.

Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers, complement the flavors perfectly.

For a lighter option, serve with a side of sautéed spinach or garlic-buttered broccoli.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

To make the breading extra crispy, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

If you want a golden crust, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken.

You can prepare the chicken and eggplant ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.

For a twist, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top before serving.

Feel free to use a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese for extra flavor.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs would work well, though they may take a little longer to cook. Just make sure they’re fully cooked through.

2. Can I prepare Chicken Sorrentino ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and sauté the eggplant ahead of time, then just assemble and bake when ready to serve.

3. Can I make this dish without prosciutto?
Yes, you can substitute prosciutto with regular ham or bacon for a slightly different flavor.

4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Of course! If you’re in a hurry, store-bought marinara works just as well as homemade.

5. How do I make the breading extra crispy?
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs or double-bread the chicken (dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice).

6. Can I freeze Chicken Sorrentino?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

7. Can I add vegetables to the marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Adding onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the marinara sauce will enhance the flavor.

8. What type of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can use provolone, fontina, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

9. Can I make Chicken Sorrentino without frying the chicken?
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a touch of heat.

Conclusion

Chicken Sorrentino is the kind of dish that brings people together with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Crispy chicken, savory prosciutto, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce what’s not to love? Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, add a little Italian flair to your weeknight meals with this delicious Chicken Sorrentino you’ll be glad you did!

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