Chicken Italian-Style
Juicy chicken breasts are breaded, baked with melted mozzarella, and topped with a rich, flavorful Italian tomato sauce. This comforting dish combines crispy, cheesy goodness with tangy, herb-infused tomatoes, making it perfect for family dinners or a hearty gathering of friends who love classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 large clove garlic ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 can (28 oz.) Italian-style peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 3 whole chicken breasts, boned and skinned ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 c. dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute garlic in olive oil until golden. Remove garlic.
- Chop tomatoes and add to the oil with salt, pepper, oregano, and parsley. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, pound chicken breasts between pieces of waxed paper until thin.
- Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then in a mixture of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Saute in butter until browned on both sides.
- Place chicken in a shallow baking dish, top with sauce, and slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer longer while stirring occasionally. If you prefer a crunchier topping, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking. You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for added juiciness. For a lighter option, consider using whole wheat bread crumbs and reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully as well. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Vegetable Pasta Salad for a variety of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the chicken while warming the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Italian-Style contains roughly 442 calories, with 14g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Approximately 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, will work well. Just ensure to cook them longer to reduce excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. Just store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days before combining and baking.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will add a nice flavor to the bread crumb mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).