🍽️Main Course

Crispy Chicken Fillets with Mozzarella & Tomato Basil Sauce

Name: Crispy Chicken Fillets with Mozzarella & Tomato Basil Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 6 boneless chicken breast fillets; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 500 g tomato fillet; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; Dried thyme, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 12 slices smoked chicken ham; 12 slices mozzarella cheese (about 150 g); 12 fresh basil leaves

"Elevate your dinner table with succulent crispy fillets layered with smoky ham and molten cheese, all nestled in a vibrant, scratch-made tomato basil sauce."

Prep:25 min

Cook:45 min

LevelMedium

Analyzing...

● Ingredients

6 boneless chicken breast fillets
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
500 g tomato fillet
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Dried thyme, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 slices smoked chicken ham
12 slices mozzarella cheese (about 150 g)
12 fresh basil leaves

🌱 High-Protein🌱 Comfort Food🌱 Poultry-Based⚡ Medium

❤️Health62%

😋Taste94%

🥳Joy90%

👨‍🍳Difficulty45/100

📜 The Story

This dish is a modern refinement of the Italian-American classic, Chicken Parmigiana, which was adapted by immigrants from the traditional eggplant-based Neapolitan recipes. The inclusion of smoked chicken ham adds a contemporary smoky dimension that bridges rustic Mediterranean flavors with modern deli influences.

🧬 Flavor DNA

🍋Sour

4/10

🧂Salty

6/10

🌶️Spicy

2/10

🍯Sweet

3/10

🍄umami

8/10

☕Bitter

1/10

✨ Sensory Profile

"A captivating contrast of textures where the audible crunch of the golden breaded crust gives way to succulent chicken and the luxurious, stretchy pull of melted mozzarella. The aroma is a fragrant blend of wood-smoked ham, bright citrusy lemon, and the earthy, sweet scent of fresh basil simmering in a rich tomato reduction."

Chef's Mastery

💡

The Secret

To achieve the ultimate golden crust, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones and ensure your oil is exactly 350°F before the chicken hits the pan.

⚠️

Avoid This

Skipping the 15-minute refrigeration step; this rest period is crucial for the breading to set, preventing it from sliding off during the sauce-simmering stage.

❄️

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F to restore the crispiness of the coating.

Instructions

Season the chicken breast fillets evenly with salt and black pepper.

Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten egg and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to help the coating adhere.

Heat the vegetable oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

In the same pan, add olive oil, garlic, tomato fillet, thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Place the fried chicken fillets into the tomato sauce. Top each with a slice of smoked chicken ham, mozzarella, and a basil leaf.

Cover the pan and cook gently for about 5 minutes, until the mozzarella is fully melted. Serve hot, spooning the sauce over the chicken.