Eggplant Parmesan with Chicken Breast

Eggplant Parmigiana with Chicken Breast: A Delicious Blend of Flavors

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

Culinary dreams become reality when we combine simple ingredients to create a memorable dish. Eggplant Parmigiana with Chicken Breast is a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also adds a touch of elegance to your table. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or special occasions, and the combination of eggplant, chicken breast, and parmesan will surely surprise everyone.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Eggplant Parmigiana has its origins in a rich culinary tradition, where layers of fried eggplant, cheese, and tomato sauce come together to form a tasty dish. Adding chicken breast makes this recipe heartier and provides an excellent source of protein. This combination is a true delight for lovers of dishes that blend textures and flavors.

Necessary Ingredients

- 3 medium fresh eggplants
- 250 g grated parmesan
- 1 boneless chicken breast, about 400 g
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 50 g butter (for greasing the dish)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
- Dried oregano, for flavor

Preparing the Eggplant

1. Washing and Slicing the Eggplant: Start by washing the eggplants well under cold running water. Then, slice them into approximately 1 cm thick slices, lengthwise. This thickness will allow the eggplant to cook evenly and maintain its shape.

2. Removing Moisture: Sprinkle salt on each slice of eggplant and let them sit in a container for 10-15 minutes. This process will help draw out the water from the eggplant, making them less bitter and more pleasant to taste. After this time, wipe each slice with a paper towel to remove excess water and salt.

Preparing the Chicken Breast

1. Slicing and Tenderizing the Fillets: Cut the chicken breast into thin fillets. If you have a meat mallet, use it to gently pound the fillets, making them more tender. This step is essential for achieving a pleasant texture.

2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken fillets to give them a special flavor.

Assembling the Dish

1. Preparing the Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent the ingredients from sticking.

2. Layers of Eggplant and Chicken: Start with a layer of eggplant slices, followed by a layer of chicken fillets. Add half of the tomato sauce, then sprinkle 125 g of grated parmesan and oregano.

3. Continuing the Layers: Repeat the process with another layer of eggplant, chicken fillets, the remaining tomato sauce, and the rest of the parmesan. This layering will create an interesting texture and blend the flavors.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

1. Beating the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Add the sour cream and tomato paste, mixing well. The resulting sauce will add a special creaminess to the dish.

2. Pouring the Sauce: Pour this mixture evenly over the layers of eggplant and chicken.

Baking the Dish

1. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). A moderate temperature will allow the dish to bake evenly.

2. Baking: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.

Serving and Suggestions

Once the dish is ready, let it cool slightly before slicing. Eggplant Parmigiana with Chicken Breast can be served alongside a fresh green salad or mashed potatoes. A great drink choice would be a dry white wine that complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and offers a significant amount of fiber and antioxidants from the eggplant. A serving of Eggplant Parmigiana with Chicken Breast contains approximately 450-500 calories, making it a good choice for a hearty yet balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can replace parmesan with mozzarella for a creamier texture or feta for a stronger flavor.
- How can I make the dish spicier? You can add a little chili powder to the egg mixture or sprinkle chili flakes between the layers of eggplant.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Yes, you can use eggplant and tofu or tempeh instead of chicken breast, and for cheese, choose a vegan substitute.

Creative Variations

- Adding Vegetables: You can enrich the recipe by adding layers of zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Grilled Eggplant: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can grill the eggplant before assembling it in the dish.

Now that you know all the secrets of this delicious recipe, all that’s left is to get cooking! Eggplant Parmigiana with Chicken Breast is a perfect choice to impress anyone at the table. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, because cooking is an art that deserves to be savored. Enjoy your meal!