Chicken Sorrento Recipe with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Flavor

Name: chicken sorrento
Prep time: PT-486837H4M43S
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 1 medium eggplant adds tender, slightly sweet vegetable layers; – 8 chicken cutlets provides lean, tender protein; – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour used for dredging chicken for a light crust; – 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil for sautéing and roasting, adding healthy fats and flavor; – 6 tablespoons unsalted butter enriches the sauce and cooking process; – 1/2 small onion lends depth and sweetness to the sauce; – 2 cloves garlic adds aromatic flavor; – 1/4 cup dry Marsala wine enhances sauce complexity; – 1 cup chicken stock forms the base for the tomato sauce; – 1 can plum tomatoes provides rich tomato flavor; – 8 slices prosciutto adds savory, salty contrast; – 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese melts smoothly, offering creamy texture; – 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese adds sharp, nutty finish; – Salt and pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love This chicken sorrento

Ease of preparation: This chicken sorrento recipe is crafted for simplicity and speed. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps like pan-searing chicken cutlets and assembling layers, even home cooks new to Italian dishes can prepare a delightful meal in under an hour.
Health benefits: Rich in lean protein from chicken and combined with nutrient-dense eggplant and a flavorful tomato and Marsala wine sauce, chicken sorrento supports balanced nutrition. Moderate fat content and fresh ingredients promote wellness without sacrificing taste.
Versatility: This chicken sorrento can be customized to fit gluten-free, low-calorie, or even vegetarian diets by swapping ingredients such as replacing prosciutto with mushrooms or using alternative cheeses, offering flexibility for various dietary needs.
Distinctive flavor: The melding of tender chicken cutlets layered with savory prosciutto, roasted eggplant, creamy fontina and mozzarella cheeses, all bathed in a rich tomato and Marsala wine sauce, creates a unique and memorable flavor profile that elevates your typical chicken dinner.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This chicken sorrento
2. Essential Ingredients for chicken sorrento
3. How to Prepare the Perfect chicken sorrento: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your chicken sorrento
5. Mastering chicken sorrento: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store chicken sorrento: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About chicken sorrento
8. chicken sorrento

Essential Ingredients for chicken sorrento

1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces – adds tender, slightly sweet vegetable layers
8 chicken cutlets (approximately 1 1/2 pounds) – provides lean, tender protein
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper – used for dredging chicken for a light crust
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided – for sautéing and roasting, adding healthy fats and flavor
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – enriches the sauce and cooking process
1/2 small onion, finely diced – lends depth and sweetness to the sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced – adds aromatic flavor
1/4 cup dry Marsala wine (optional substitute: white wine) – enhances sauce complexity
1 cup chicken stock – forms the base for the tomato sauce
1 (14-ounce) can plum tomatoes, blended or pulsed – provides rich tomato flavor
8 slices prosciutto – adds savory, salty contrast
1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese – melts smoothly, offering creamy texture
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese – adds sharp, nutty finish
Salt and pepper to taste – seasoning balance

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Substitute chicken cutlets with marinated tofu or tempeh; replace prosciutto with sautéed mushrooms; use plant-based cheeses.
Gluten-free: Ensure all flours and sauces are certified gluten-free; use gluten-free dredging flours and omit breadcrumbs if breading eggplant.
Low-calorie: Use reduced-fat cheese options and bake or air fry eggplant instead of frying for a lighter dish.

How to Prepare the Perfect chicken sorrento: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare the eggplant

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-30 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Alternatively, bread and pan-fry the eggplant slices until golden for a crispier texture.

Second Step: Prepare and sear chicken

Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, dredge in the seasoned flour and shake off excess. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden, working in batches to avoid crowding. Set seared chicken aside, tenting with foil.

Third Step: Make the tomato and Marsala sauce

In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and sauté diced onion until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with Marsala or white wine, bring to boil and reduce by half. Stir in chicken stock and blended plum tomatoes. Simmer for 3 minutes, then stir in remaining butter and season with salt and pepper. Remove half of the sauce and set aside for serving.

Fourth Step: Assemble the chicken sorrento

Return chicken cutlets to the pan and layer each with a slice of prosciutto, 1-2 slices of roasted or fried eggplant, followed by sprinkled fontina and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses. Spoon sauce over each stack evenly.

Final Step: Bake and serve

Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest briefly. Plate each cutlet stack with extra sauce alongside. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, serving with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a hearty dinner.

Tip: Using an oven-safe skillet allows seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking, reducing clean-up and preserving flavor.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your chicken sorrento

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Replace chicken cutlets with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan for vegan or vegetarian adaptations.
Use thinly sliced turkey or veal cutlets as alternative proteins with similar cooking methods.
Add sautéed mushrooms with the protein layer to boost umami and moisture.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Swap eggplant for zucchini or roasted bell peppers to vary texture and flavor.
Use a creamy white wine or vegan béchamel sauce in place of the tomato and Marsala sauce for a richer dish.
Customize seasoning with herbs like thyme, oregano, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat or fragrance.

Mastering chicken sorrento: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Brine chicken cutlets briefly before cooking for extra juiciness. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor perfect doneness.
Flavor variations: Experiment with different cheese varieties such as provolone or mozzarella for a milder or sharper taste. Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Presentation tips: Serve chicken sorrento on fresh arugula or basil beds. Garnish with lemon zest and finely chopped parsley for color contrast.
Make-ahead options: Assemble chicken sorrento layers in advance, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh to save time without losing quality.

How to Store chicken sorrento: Best Practices

Storage Method	Guidelines	Duration
Refrigeration	Store fully cooked chicken sorrento in airtight containers to keep freshness and flavor intact.	3-4 days
Freezing	Freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers if saving for later. Thaw overnight before reheating.	Up to 2 months
Reheating	Reheat gently in oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave covered to preserve texture and moisture.	As needed
Meal prep considerations	Prepare individual servings or batch cook for convenient upcoming meals. Label portions with date for rotation.	Varies

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About chicken sorrento

What is Chicken Sorrento and what are its main ingredients?

Chicken Sorrento is an Italian-inspired dish featuring breaded chicken breasts layered with sautéed eggplant, mushrooms, and melted cheese, typically mozzarella or provolone. The dish is often finished with a tomato-based sauce or a light broth, creating a flavorful, comforting meal that combines tender chicken with rich vegetable toppings. It’s a popular choice for a hearty dinner and pairs well with pasta or rice.

Can I make Chicken Sorrento without eggplant or mushrooms?

Yes, you can omit eggplant or mushrooms in Chicken Sorrento if you prefer. These ingredients add texture and flavor but are not essential. You can substitute zucchini for eggplant or leave both out for a simpler version. The dish will still be tasty, especially with the cheese and tomato sauce layers.

How do I prepare Chicken Sorrento ahead of time for serving later?

You can assemble Chicken Sorrento stacks in advance and refrigerate them before baking. It’s best to keep the mushroom or tomato topping separate and add it just before baking to prevent sogginess. When ready to serve, bake in a preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What side dishes go well with Chicken Sorrento?

Traditional sides for Chicken Sorrento include pasta with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or simple steamed vegetables. Rice, risotto, or grains like quinoa also complement the dish well. Choose sides that soak up the sauce or balance the rich flavors of the chicken and toppings.

Can I use veal or another protein instead of chicken for Chicken Sorrento?

Yes, veal can be used as a substitute for chicken in this recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor. You can also try turkey cutlets or pork schnitzel for variation. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked and tender.

Chicken Sorrento with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Flavors for a Hearty Dinner