Chicken And Eggplant Parmigiana

Ingredients

4 halved lengthways chicken breast fillets

1/4 cup olive oil

6 1.5mm-thick round slices eggplant

1 cup thick and rich tomato pasta sauce

1/2 cup cheddar, grated

1/2 cup parmesan, grated

oregano leaves, to serve

steamed green beans, to serve

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 200°C.

Lightly grease a large shallow baking dish.

Step 2:

Heat chargrill pan on high.

Brush chicken with a little oil and season to taste.

Char-grill 3-4 minutes each side, until sealed and lightly browned.

Place in single layer in baking dish.

Step 3:

Brush eggplant slices with remaining oil.

Chargrill 1-2 minutes each side, until tender, and light grill marks appear.

Step 4:

Drizzle half pasta sauce over chicken.

Top with eggplant slices and remaining sauce.

Sprinkle combined cheeses over.

Season to taste.

Step 5:

Bake 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden.

Top with fresh oregano leaves.

Accompany with steamed green beans.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast fillets?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast fillets if you prefer.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

Is there a substitute for olive oil in this recipe?

You can use any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil as a substitute for olive oil in this recipe.

Can I use different types of cheese for the topping?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are traditional choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a different flavor profile.

Do I need to peel the eggplant before slicing it?

It’s not necessary to peel the eggplant before slicing for this recipe.

The skin of the eggplant adds texture and nutrients to the dish.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Adjust the baking time accordingly if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this dish?

Yes, you can customize the cheese topping according to your preference.

While cheddar and Parmesan are commonly used, you can experiment with mozzarella, provolone, or other cheeses for a different flavor.

Is it necessary to grill the chicken before baking?

Grilling the chicken adds a nice flavor and helps seal in juices, but if you prefer, you can skip this step and bake the chicken directly in the oven.

Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the chicken and using additional eggplant slices or other vegetables as a substitute.

Ensure the pasta sauce is vegetarian-friendly.

How can I ensure the eggplant is cooked properly?

Grilling the eggplant slices ensures they are tender and have a nice smoky flavor.

Make sure to cook them until they are soft and have grill marks on both sides.

What can I serve as a side dish with Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana?

Steamed green beans make a delicious and nutritious side dish to accompany this meal.

You can also serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables, depending on your preference.