Description
Chicken Sorrentino is a comforting Italian-inspired baked chicken dish layered with savory prosciutto, melted mozzarella, tangy marinara, and Parmesan cheese, all coated with crispy breadcrumbs. This hearty meal balances juicy chicken breast with a cheesy, flavorful topping, making it a perfect dinner option that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (can use chicken thighs for a juicier result)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
Cheese & Meat
- 4 slices Prosciutto (thinly sliced ham or turkey breast can be substituted)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (Provolone or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella can be used)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (optional for a lighter version)
Sauce & Vegetables
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (homemade preferred, store-bought acceptable)
- 1 medium Eggplant (optional, can be substituted with zucchini or bell peppers)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your dish. This temperature is ideal for cooking chicken thoroughly while melting the cheese toppings perfectly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season each chicken breast generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, evenly coat each piece in the breadcrumbs. This step adds a crispy exterior to the chicken when baked.
- Assemble the Layers: Place each breaded chicken breast in a baking dish. Layer one slice of prosciutto over each piece, followed by a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Spoon marinara sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. If using eggplant or other vegetables, layer or arrange them appropriately around or on top of the chicken before adding the final cheese layer.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked through (with internal temperature reaching 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest the Dish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, maintaining chicken tenderness and making the dish easier to serve.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield a juicier result.
- Substitute prosciutto with thinly sliced ham or turkey breast for variation or dietary preferences.
- For a lighter dish, you may omit parmesan cheese.
- Feel free to swap eggplant with zucchini or bell peppers depending on availability or taste.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a crispier crust than regular breadcrumbs.
