Introducing Chickopini, a delightful Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. 🇮🇹 This recipe, discovered in an old church cookbook, is a true gem, passed down by an Italian homemaker, steeped in tradition and authenticity. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with the essence of Italy!
Chickopini Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 6-8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 can Italian-style tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.
- In another bowl, beat the egg.
- Dip each chicken breast first in the beaten egg, then coat evenly with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
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Pan-Fry the Chicken:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken breasts until they are golden brown and tender on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant, but not browned.
- Add the Italian-style tomatoes, breaking them into small pieces.
- Season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, dried thyme, and dried basil.
- Let the sauce simmer for another 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Arrange the pan-fried chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
- Pour half of the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Lay the slices of mozzarella cheese over the chicken, covering the entire surface.
- Top with the remaining sauce, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle any leftover Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture over the sauce.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the Chickopini from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot, alongside your favorite side dishes such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 659.8 per serving
- Fat: 25.4g
- Saturated Fat: 10.2g
- Cholesterol: 235mg
- Sodium: 2053.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.3g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 13.9g
- Protein: 75.2g
Tips and Variations:
- For a lighter version, you can use part-skim mozzarella cheese or reduce the amount of cheese used.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
- Make extra sauce and freeze it for later use, making meal prep a breeze on busy days.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Chickopini is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine straight to your table. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Buon appetito! 🍽️🇮🇹
