Australias Chicken Parmigiana Dish

Super spicy super yummy this dish is the most delicious for picnics. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Schnitzels:

• 4 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable or canola oil, for shallow frying

Topping:

• 1 cup Napoletana/marinara sauce (rich tomato pasta sauce)
• 4-8 slices smoked deli ham (or prosciutto)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Pound the Chicken

1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally through the center (butterfly method) or pound them between two sheets of plastic wrap using a meat mallet until evenly ½-inch thick.
2. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Dredging Station

• Bowl 1: Flour mixed with a pinch of salt.
• Bowl 2: Whisked eggs combined with milk.
• Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with the grated parmesan cheese.

3. Bread the Schnitzels

1. Coat each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so the coating sticks well.
4. Place the breaded schnitzels on a plate and chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes (this helps the crust set).

4. Shallow Fry

1. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, fry the schnitzels in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy (cooked through to 165∘F / 74∘C).
3. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Assemble & Broil

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler (grill) to high and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Transfer the golden schnitzels to the baking sheet.
3. Layer each schnitzel with:
   • 1–2 slices of ham
   • ¼ cup of tomato napoletana sauce (spread gently over the ham)
   • A generous handful of mozzarella cheese
4. Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top.

Super yummy picnic!