Chicken Parmigiana

The dish consists of a chicken breast dredged in flour, dipped in beaten eggs and turned in breadcrumbs. Pan fried, layered with tomato sauce and cheese then baked in an oven. The majority of recipes suggest the use of hard grated cheeses such as Parmesan, softer melting cheeses like Mozzarella or a combination of these.

Ingredients serve 4

4 chicken breasts (1200g)

2 cups plain flour

4 large eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons water and seasoned with salt and pepper

2 cups bread crumbs

1 cup vegetable oil or pure olive oil

Tomato Sauce

320 g grated fresh mozzarella

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (30g)

Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish

Method

Preheat oven to 200ºC. Place three bowls on the kitchen table, one bowl containing flour mixed with salt and pepper. The second bowl with eggs whisked with some milk or water and the third bowl with breadcrumbs.

Slice chicken breast horizontal and tenderize between two pieces of plastic. Dip pounded chicken breast first in flour mixture, then in egg mixture and lastly cover with bread crumbs. Heat some butter on medium heat, place chicken schnitzel in the frying pan and cook for approx. 3 minutes on each side. Lay cooked chicken on a baking tray, place some tomato sauce on top, followed by mozzarella cheese and parmesan. Bake in the oven for approx. 6 minutes. Serve with toasted Italian sourdough bread and salad.

Tomato Sauce

1 tbls olive oil (20g)

1 finely chopped onion (250g)

2 tsp minced garlic

800 g tomatoes pureed or crushed

6 tbls tomato paste (180g)

250 g chicken stock

1 bunch finely chopped parsley (15g)

1 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp dried basil

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp sea salt

1 tbls caster sugar

Method

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cook until soft while stirring approx. 5 minutes. Blend pureed tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, chicken stock, bay leaf, parsley, oregano, basil, pepper, salt and sugar. Bring to the boil and reduce heat and simmer until thickened approx. 30 minutes.

Note: It is so worthwhile to make your own tomato sauce and if you prefer it hot add some chili.