Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Eggplant and Chicken Parmigiana recipe! This dish combines the rich savoriness of chicken parmesan with the delightful texture of fried eggplant, creating a hearty and satisfying experience that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a healthier twist on a classic, making it a great addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
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For the Eggplant:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
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For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
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For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For Assembly:
- 15 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preparing the Eggplant:
- Salt the eggplant slices generously and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial for preventing soggy eggplant.
- Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels.
- Dredge each slice in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown and tender, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Preparing the Chicken:
- Repeat the breading process with the chicken breasts, following the same steps as with the eggplant.
- Fry the chicken in the same skillet until cooked through and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Assembling and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce.
- Layer half of the fried eggplant and chicken slices over the sauce.
- Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers with the remaining eggplant, chicken, and cheese.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra crispy eggplant, try using panko breadcrumbs.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying the eggplant and chicken. This will ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and simply double the eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of your favorite cheeses, such as provolone or ricotta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Eggplant and Chicken Parmigiana is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to prepare. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal! It’s a perfect recipe for those seeking easy recipes that deliver on both taste and ease of preparation. This recipe is a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinners and add another impressive dish to your repertoire of best recipes.