Delicious Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake Recipe

Welcome to a culinary delight that melds the best of two worlds – introducing the tantalizing Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake! This recipe is an ode to comfort food, blending juicy breaded chicken, succulent fried eggplant, melty cheese, and slow-simmered tomato sauce. It’s a dish that has won hearts and stomachs time and time again, making it the ultimate go-to for those special occasions where you want to dazzle your loved ones.

From the crispy chicken to the creamy eggplant, every bite of this Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake feels like a celebration. The layers of freshly grated Parmigiano and Pecorino add a rich, salty depth that store-bought blends simply can’t replicate. Whether it’s a birthday dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this dish promises to bring joy and satisfaction to the table, leaving everyone craving for seconds.

Elevate your dining experience with this show-stopping bake that perfectly marries Southern Italian heritage with Italian-American comfort. The blend of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to impress, making it a must-have in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering feast with every gooey forkful of the Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake.

Quick Benefits

• Provides the best of both worlds: juicy breaded chicken and succulent fried eggplant in one delicious dish
• Layers of freshly grated Parmigiano and Pecorino add a salty, rich depth that elevates the flavor profile
• Versatile dish that can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, or with boneless thigh pieces for juicier chicken
• Leftovers can be stored and reheated easily, making it a convenient and tasty option for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake Recipe Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This recipe combines juicy breaded chicken and succulent fried eggplant in a cheesy, tomato sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Crowd Pleaser: It’s a dish that will have everyone fighting for seconds and become a requested favorite for special occasions.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions, this recipe can be served with a variety of sides like pasta, salad, or garlic bread.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: The blend of freshly grated Parmigiano and Pecorino adds a rich, salty depth to each bite that store-bought cheese blends can’t match.
• Make Ahead: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated to maintain the crispy crust. Portions can also be frozen for longer storage.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable for dietary preferences by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour or swapping chicken breast with boneless thighs for juicier meat.
• Culinary Heritage: This dish blends Southern Italian heritage with Italian American comfort food, combining the best of both worlds in a single bake.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: The gooey, cheesy forkfuls and bubbly, golden-brown finish make this dish a showstopper that tastes like a celebration with every bite.

Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake Recipe

Marinara Sauce

• 1.6 kg crushed plum tomatoes (two 800 g cans)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
• 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 fresh basil leaves

Chicken

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 480 ml olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill pan at least 1.25 cm high)
• 60 g plain flour, for dredging
• 900 g chicken breast, butterflied and pounded thin
• 3 tablespoons Italian flat-leaf parsley, minced
• 4 large eggs
• 200 g Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 25 g Pecorino Romano, finely grated

Eggplant

• 3 tablespoons Italian flat-leaf parsley, minced
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large eggplant, sliced lengthwise into 6 mm thick strips, salted and drained for at least 1 hour
• 120 g plain flour, for dredging
• 25 g Pecorino Romano, finely grated

Assembly

• 10 fresh basil leaves, hand torn
• 50 g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
• 300 g mozzarella, shredded
• 950 ml prepared marinara sauce

Pro Tips for Delicious Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake Recipe

For the best results, ensure the eggplant is well-prepared by slicing, salting, draining, and patting it dry before dredging and frying. This process eliminates bitterness and excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and delicious result.

To achieve tender and evenly cooked chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are butterflied and pounded flat before frying. This preparation method helps the chicken cook evenly and maintain a juicy texture.

For a lighter alternative, consider baking the breaded chicken and eggplant on a wire rack at 425°F until golden and crisp. This method reduces the amount of oil used while still delivering a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

How to Make Delicious Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Eggplant

Season eggplant slices with salt and place in a colander over a plate. Top with another plate and a weight, like canned tomatoes, to drain excess moisture for at least 1 hour. Rinse off salt, pat dry.

Step 2: Cook Marinara Sauce

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Sauté sliced garlic until golden, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, simmer with salt, basil leaves, and cover for 20 minutes. Keep warm before using.

Step 3: Bread and Fry Chicken

Heat 480 ml oil in a heavy pan to 182–188°C. Mix breadcrumbs, Pecorino Romano, and parsley in a shallow dish. Season chicken with salt and pepper, coat in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture. Place breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined tray. Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 4: Bread and Fry Eggplant

If reusing oil from chicken, strain off debris. In a bowl, beat eggs with Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and parsley. Coat dried eggplant slices in flour, dip in egg mixture, and drain excess. Fry each slice in hot oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Drain fried eggplant on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat oven to 205°C and place the rack in the upper third. Spread marinara sauce in a large baking dish. Layer fried chicken cutlets, adding sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano, and basil. Add fried eggplant slices, more sauce, cheese, and basil. Repeat with another layer of eggplant, sauce, cheese, and basil. Top with mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake assembled dish for 7 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side.

Storage Tips

To store the Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, warm the slices in a low oven to help maintain the crispy crust. For longer storage, you can freeze baked portions by wrapping them well and reheating from frozen at 350°F until bubbly.

For the best results, ensure the eggplant slices are salted, drained, and patted dry before dredging and frying to remove bitterness and excess moisture. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been butterflied and pounded flat for even frying and a tender texture. Additionally, for a lighter version, consider baking the breaded chicken and eggplant on a wire rack at 425°F until they are golden and crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for dredging the chicken and eggplant. This will allow you to enjoy the dish without compromising on flavor or texture.

If you run out of Pecorino Romano, you can substitute it with more Parmigiano Reggiano and adjust the salt to taste. The combination of these cheeses adds a rich, salty depth to the dish that elevates the flavors.

If you prefer juicier chicken, you can use boneless thigh pieces instead of chicken breast. This will add a different texture and flavor profile to the dish while still maintaining the essence of the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try layering individual portions of the Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake into small ramekins before baking. This creates a beautiful and elegant presentation for a dinner party or special occasion.

Another fun idea is to serve the Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Simply hollow out the peppers, fill them with the baked mixture, top with extra cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This unique twist adds a colorful and flavorful touch to a classic dish.

FAQs for Delicious Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake Recipe

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for dredging the chicken and eggplant.

Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have Pecorino Romano?

If you run out of Pecorino Romano, you can substitute it with more Parmigiano and adjust the salt level accordingly.

How should I store leftovers of this dish?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm slices in a low oven to maintain the crispy crust. For longer storage, freeze baked portions wrapped well and reheat from frozen at 350°F until bubbly.

Can I make a lighter version of this dish?

For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded chicken and eggplant on a wire rack at 425°F until they are golden and crisp instead of frying them.

Conclusion

As you prepare to make this delectable Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake, remember that each step brings you closer to a mouthwatering symphony of flavors and textures. The crispy chicken, creamy eggplant, and gooey cheeses all come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that will be cherished by all who taste it.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the mix. Let your creativity shine through as you layer the ingredients and build a masterpiece that will leave your loved ones asking for seconds. With each bite, you’ll savor the comforting essence of a homemade meal made with love and care.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the world of culinary delight with this Chicken Eggplant Parmesan Bake. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to all who gather around your table. Enjoy the process, enjoy the flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the heartwarming experience of sharing good food with good company.