Have you ever been to an Italian restaurant and spotted “Chicken Sorrento” on the menu, wondering what this delicious-sounding dish might be? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today I’m diving deep into this incredible Italian classic that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.
As someone who’s been cooking Italian dishes for years, I’ve gotta tell you – Chicken Sorrento (also known as Chicken Sorrentino or Pollo alla Sorrentina) is one of those meals that looks fancy but is actually pretty simple to make at home. And the flavor? Oh my goodness, it’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
The Origins of Chicken Sorrento
Chicken Sorrento gets its name from the beautiful coastal city of Sorrento in Italy’s Campania region. It’s actually a spin-off of another famous dish from the area – Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. The “Sorrentina” style of cooking typically includes tomatoes mozzarella, and basil – ingredients that are abundant in the region.
The history of this dish is pretty interesting. Some say it was created by Italian immigrants who came to America and adapted their traditional recipes using locally available ingredients. Others believe it originated in Sorrento itself as a variation of eggplant-based dishes that are popular throughout southern Italy.
What Exactly is Chicken Sorrento?
At its core, Chicken Sorrento is a layered dish that combines several delicious components:
- Tender chicken breasts – usually pan-seared until golden brown
- Crispy eggplant cutlets – typically breaded and fried to perfection
- Rich tomato sauce – sometimes creamy, sometimes more marinara-style
- Prosciutto – adding a salty, savory element
- Cheese – often provolone, mozzarella, or fontina
- Fresh herbs – especially basil, which brightens the whole dish
The magic happens when these ingredients are stacked together and baked until the cheese gets all melty and bubbly. The result is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible!
Why Chicken Sorrento is So Special
What makes this dish stand out from other Italian chicken recipes? Here’s what I think:
- The layers of flavor create a complex taste experience in every bite
- The combination of textures from crispy eggplant to tender chicken to melty cheese
- The visual appeal when you cut into those beautiful layers
- The versatility – it works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
- The impressive presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (even if you didn’t!)
I’ve served this at dinner parties and family gatherings, and it always gets rave reviews. People literally moan with pleasure when they take that first bite!
Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Sorrento
If you want to make Chicken Sorrento at home, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Eggplant:
- Medium eggplant, peeled and sliced
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs (for egg wash)
- Breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce and Toppings:
- Tomato sauce or puree
- Mushrooms (optional but delicious!)
- Prosciutto slices
- Cheese (provolone, mozzarella, or fontina)
- Fresh basil
- Garlic and onion (fresh or powdered)
- Chicken stock
- White wine (optional)
The beauty of this dish is that you can adjust it to your preferences. Some versions include mushrooms, others don’t. Some use a creamy tomato sauce, while others keep it simple with a classic marinara. It’s all good!
How to Make Chicken Sorrento – Step by Step
Now, let’s break down how to make this amazing dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
- Peel and slice the eggplant into thin rounds or lengthwise slices
- Set up a breading station: seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs
- Fry until golden brown on both sides
- Drain on paper towels
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper
- Dredge in seasoned flour
- Pan-sear in olive oil until golden on both sides
- If using mushrooms, add them to the pan with the chicken
- Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan (optional)
- Add chicken stock and seasonings, simmer for a few minutes
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Place fried eggplant cutlets on a baking sheet
- Top with a spoonful of tomato sauce
- Sprinkle with grated cheese (Romano or Parmesan)
- Place sautéed chicken on top
- Add a slice of prosciutto
- Top with slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh basil and serve with your favorite side dish like pasta, risotto, or a simple salad.
Variations of Chicken Sorrento
Like many classic Italian dishes, Chicken Sorrento has several variations:
- Simple Version: Skip the eggplant and just layer chicken, sauce, prosciutto, and cheese
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms
- Lighter Version: Use air-fried eggplant instead of deep-fried
- Extra Decadent: Add a layer of creamy béchamel sauce
Some restaurants might add their own twist, like using roasted red peppers or spinach as additional layers. That’s the beauty of Italian cooking – there’s room for creativity while still honoring the traditional flavors!
What to Serve with Chicken Sorrento
Wondering what goes well with this dish? Here are some perfect pairings:
- Pasta: A simple spaghetti with olive oil and garlic
- Risotto: Especially mushroom risotto
- Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli
- Crusty Italian Bread: Perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce
- Green Salad: With a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
And of course, a glass of Italian red wine never hurts! I personally love a Chianti or Montepulciano with this dish.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Sorrento
After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- Don’t skip the flour coating on the chicken – it helps create a nice crust and thickens the sauce
- If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them thinner for more even cooking
- Drain the fried eggplant well to prevent a soggy final dish
- Use fresh mozzarella if possible – it has more moisture and creates a creamier sauce
- Don’t overcook in the oven – you just want to melt the cheese, not dry out the chicken
Oh, and here’s a pro tip from Italian kitchens: use a piece of bread to soak up any sauce left on your plate. Italians call this “fare la scarpetta” (making the little shoe), and it’s the perfect way to enjoy every last bit of flavor!
Why You Should Try Making Chicken Sorrento at Home
I know what you’re thinking – this sounds complicated. But trust me, it’s really not! The steps are simple, and the payoff is huge. Here’s why you should give it a try:
- It’s impressive – your family or guests will think you’ve been taking secret cooking classes
- It’s versatile – works for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- It’s adaptable – you can adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand
- It’s delicious – seriously, this is restaurant-quality food at home!
Plus, making it yourself means you control the ingredients and portions. And it’s actually cheaper than ordering it at a restaurant!
The Bottom Line: Chicken Sorrento is a Must-Try
So, what is Chicken Sorrento? It’s a delicious Italian-American dish featuring layers of chicken, eggplant, prosciutto, and cheese in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a dish that brings together the best of Italian cooking traditions with accessible ingredients and techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventures, Chicken Sorrento is a recipe worth adding to your repertoire. It’s one of those dishes that feels special every time you make it, and I guarantee it’ll become a requested favorite in your household.
Have you tried making Chicken Sorrento before? Do you have your own special twist on this classic? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Now if you’ll excuse me, all this writing about Chicken Sorrento has made me hungry. I think I know what I’m making for dinner tonight!
FAQs About Chicken Sorrento
Is Chicken Sorrento difficult to make?
Not at all! It has several components, but each step is straightforward. Even novice cooks can master this dish with a little patience.
Can I prepare Chicken Sorrento in advance?
Yes! You can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking. It’s perfect for entertaining.
What’s the difference between Chicken Sorrento and Chicken Parmesan?
While both dishes include chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese, Chicken Sorrento typically includes eggplant and prosciutto, giving it a more complex flavor profile.
Can I make Chicken Sorrento without eggplant?
Absolutely! If you’re not an eggplant fan, you can simply omit it or substitute with zucchini.
How long does Chicken Sorrento keep in the refrigerator?
Leftovers will keep well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
How to make chicken Sorrentino
See the recipe card at the end of this post for full instructions, but heres an overview.
- Toss the bread crumbs, Romano cheese and seasonings with a fork to combine.
- Dust each eggplant slice in flour to coat both sides.
- Dip the floured eggplant in beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Bread the eggplant, using a fork to pat down the crumbs on both sides.
- Place the eggplant rounds on a greased sheet pan. Spray the surface of each circle with cooking spray and bake on the first side for 15 minutes. Flip over, spray and bake for an additional five minutes.
- If starting with thick chicken breasts, split each into two pieces by slicing through them (like splitting a deck of cards). If youre starting with thin cutlets, you can skip to step 2.
- Pound the chicken cutlets with a meat mallet (affiliate link) or the bottom of a heavy pan. All the cutlets should have an even thickness.
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet and cook the chicken on the first side for three minutes.
- Flip over the chicken and brown the second side for two minutes.
Now for the fun part!
- Ladle some marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Add the browned chicken in a single layer.
- Top each piece of chicken with a slice of prosciutto.
- Add a layer of breaded eggplant dotted with sauce.
- Place the provolone slices on top.
- Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees F, for 10 minutes, then broil the Chicken Sorrentino briefly to brown the cheese.
- Pounding the chicken cutlets tenderizes them and evens out their thickness, so they cook evenly. I really wanted to skip this step, but every time I tested this without pounding the chicken, I had issues with the texture and uneven cooking.
- Dont skip the broiling step at the end, because it browns the cheese, crisps up the edges and brings the X factor to this dish!
How to serve it
Spoon some marinara sauce onto each plate and place a piece of Chicken Sorrentino on top. Garnish with ribbons of basil. Serve with extra breaded eggplant slices on the side.
And feel free to serve these Chicken Sorrentino stacks over pasta, if you wish. I prefer skipping it, since there are already carbs in the eggplant breading. (Dont worry, I eat pasta at least twice a week!)
You can make the breaded eggplant slices and tomato sauce and refrigerate them up to two days ahead of time. You could even freeze those items for longer. Then, the day you want to serve Chicken Sorrentino, youll just have to prep the chicken, assemble it and bake it!
I havent tried it yet, but it should work. Freeze the sauce separately.