For our current round of CDWU meetings we are cooking national dishes from continents randomly allocated to each of our group members. Australasia was the continent last month and there’s nothing dearer to the hearts of Aussies than “Chicken Parmi”!
Although it originates from Italian immigrants in the USA in the early 20th century, it has become an Australian classic.
Recipes vary a little, but it is essentially a crispy-coated chicken fillet, topped with ham to keep the panko coating from going soggy, and smothered in a rich Napoli sauce with a blanket of melted cheese. Our daughter in Australia says it’s usually next to “Chicken Schnitzi” on the menu – the same recipe as below but without the grilled sauce, ham and cheese topping.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, pounded to about 1cm thickness
- ½ cup (75g) plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ (90g) cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- black cracked pepper
- ½ cup (100ml) olive oil, for frying
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14oz - 400g) chopped tomatoes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the topping:
- 4 slices shaved ham
- ½ cup (60g) grated mozzarella
- ½ cup (60g) grated cheddar
Method
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil, then sauté garlic and oregano for 30 seconds. Add chopped tomatoes, salt & pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
- Mix the oregano and cracked black pepper with the flour on one plate, beaten egg on another, and panko breadcrumbs on a third. Dredge each flattened chicken breast in flour, egg, then breadcrumb, pressing firmly to coat both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over low to medium heat. Fry chicken for 3-4 mins per side until golden and crisp and cooked through. Transfer to a baking tray.
- Top with the ham, spoon Napoli sauce over each schnitzel, then cover with the grated cheddar and mozzarella.
- Place under a hot grill (broiler) for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve hot with chips/fries/wedges and a well-dressed mixed salad. ENJOY!