Chicken Sorrentino: The Ultimate Guide to This Classic Italian-American Comfort Dish

If you’re searching for a meal that feels both elegant and deeply comforting, Chicken Sorrentino deserves a permanent spot on your table. This beloved Italian-American classic layers crispy breaded chicken cutlets, silky eggplant, savory prosciutto, bubbling melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce enhanced with Marsala wine. The result is a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite neighborhood trattoria — hearty, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning a cozy Sunday dinner, hosting guests, or simply craving something indulgent yet homemade, Chicken Sorrentino checks every box. It’s impressive without being complicated, luxurious without being fussy, and satisfying in a way that only layered baked dishes can be.

In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Chicken Sorrentino — from its origins and ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for success, serving ideas, storage advice, and more. By the end, you’ll not only understand how to make it perfectly, but also why this dish has remained a favorite for generations.

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What Is Chicken Sorrentino?

At its core, Chicken Sorrentino is a baked Italian-American casserole-style entrée made by layering:

• Breaded and pan-fried chicken cutlets

• Fried eggplant slices

• Prosciutto

• Melting cheeses (Fontina, provolone, Romano)

• A rich tomato-Marsala sauce

Everything is assembled in a skillet or baking dish and baked until bubbly and golden.

Think of it as a cross between chicken parmesan and eggplant parmesan — but richer, more layered, and more luxurious. The addition of prosciutto and Marsala wine elevates the flavor profile, giving it savory depth and subtle sweetness that makes Chicken Sorrentino uniquely irresistible.

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The Origins of Chicken Sorrentino

While many assume Chicken Sorrentino comes directly from Italy, it’s actually an Italian-American creation inspired by Southern Italian flavors. Named after Sorrento, a coastal town near Naples, the dish borrows classic Italian ingredients like eggplant, tomatoes, cured meats, and cheeses.

Italian immigrants in New York and New Jersey restaurants popularized dishes like this in the mid-20th century. They adapted traditional recipes to American tastes, adding heartier portions and layering techniques that created comforting baked entrées perfect for family gatherings.

Today, Chicken Sorrentino is a staple on many Italian-American restaurant menus — especially in the Northeast — and has become synonymous with celebratory dinners and Sunday family meals.

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Why You’ll Love Chicken Sorrentino

There are countless reasons home cooks return to Chicken Sorrentino again and again:

Deep Flavor

Every layer contributes something special:

• Chicken brings savory protein

• Eggplant adds creaminess

• Prosciutto gives salty richness

• Cheese melts into luxurious gooeyness

• Tomato-Marsala sauce ties everything together

Comfort Food Appeal

It’s warm, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying — exactly what comfort food should be.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can assemble Chicken Sorrentino hours in advance and bake it just before serving.

Perfect for Entertaining

It looks impressive straight from the oven and feeds a crowd easily.

Restaurant Quality at Home

It tastes gourmet but uses simple pantry ingredients.

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Time & Yield

• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

• Total Time: About 1 hour

• Servings: 6

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Ingredients (US Measurements)

For the Eggplant & Chicken

• 1 lb Italian eggplant

• 1 tsp kosher salt (for eggplant)

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 3 eggs + 1 tbsp water

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp table salt

• ½ tsp white pepper

• ¼ cup vegetable oil, divided

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

For the Sauce

• 2 cups yellow onion, large dice

• 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced

• ¼ cup Marsala wine

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 28 oz whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushed

• 4 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Pinch red pepper flakes

• 2 tbsp butter

For Layering

• 8 oz Fontina cheese, sliced

• ½ cup Romano cheese, grated

• 4 oz prosciutto, sliced

• 6 oz provolone cheese, sliced

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Step-By-Step Instructions for Chicken Sorrentino

Follow these steps carefully for perfect results every time.

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1. Prep the Eggplant

Slice eggplant lengthwise into ¼-inch slices. Lay them on paper towels and sprinkle with kosher salt. Let sit 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.

Pat completely dry.

This step is critical. Properly salted eggplant fries better and absorbs less oil.

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2. Prepare the Chicken

Butterfly the chicken breasts and slice into six thin cutlets, about ¼-inch thick.

Thin cutlets ensure:

• Even cooking

• Tender texture

• Better layering

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3. Bread the Eggplant & Chicken

Beat eggs and water in one bowl.
Mix flour, salt, and white pepper in another.

Dip each piece into egg, then flour.

This light dredge creates a crisp exterior without heavy breading — perfect for Chicken Sorrentino.

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4. Fry

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Heat oils in an oven-safe skillet.

Fry eggplant until golden. Remove.

Fry chicken until lightly browned. Remove.

You’re not fully cooking here — just building flavor and texture.

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5. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet:

• Sauté onions until soft

• Add garlic

• Deglaze with Marsala

• Add tomatoes, stock, paste, seasoning

• Simmer 10–15 minutes

• Finish with butter

The Marsala adds subtle sweetness and complexity that defines Chicken Sorrentino.

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6. Assemble

Layer:

Sauce → Eggplant → Chicken → Prosciutto → Cheese

Repeat.

Finish with Romano cheese.

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7. Bake

Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until bubbly and browned.

Rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Sorrentino

Master these techniques to elevate your dish.

Slice Chicken Thin

Thicker cutlets make layering difficult and cook unevenly.

Don’t Skip Salting Eggplant

This removes bitterness and prevents sogginess.

Use San Marzano Tomatoes

They’re sweeter and less acidic.

Use Quality Cheese

Fontina melts beautifully and gives authentic flavor.

Let It Rest

Resting helps layers set and makes serving easier.

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Flavor Variations

One of the joys of Chicken Sorrentino is its flexibility.

Mushroom Version

Add sautéed mushrooms between layers.

Spicy Kick

Increase red pepper flakes.

Extra Cheesy

Add mozzarella for more stretch.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free flour for dredging.

Lighter Version

Bake instead of fry.

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What to Serve with Chicken Sorrentino

Pair this rich dish with lighter sides.

Classic Pairings

• Spaghetti or linguine

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Roasted vegetables

Elegant Options

• Polenta

• Risotto

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate

Up to 4 days airtight.

Freeze

Up to 2 months.

Reheat

Oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Avoid microwaving — it softens the crust.

Print

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: ~620

• Protein: 45g

• Carbs: 32g

• Fat: 34g

• Fiber: 5g

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Why Chicken Sorrentino Is Perfect for Special Occasions

Few dishes feel as celebratory as Chicken Sorrentino. It fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, looks stunning fresh from the oven, and satisfies everyone at the table.

It’s ideal for:

• Sunday dinners

• Family gatherings

• Holidays

• Dinner parties

• Date nights at home

Because it can be assembled ahead, you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your guests.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Sorrentino

Can I make Chicken Sorrentino ahead?

Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I substitute eggplant?

Zucchini or mushrooms work but eggplant is traditional.

Can I use mozzarella?

Yes, but Fontina gives better flavor and melt.

Is Chicken Sorrentino authentic Italian?

It’s Italian-American, inspired by Southern Italy.

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The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Chicken Sorrentino at Home

The difference between good and unforgettable Chicken Sorrentino comes down to details:

• Season every layer

• Don’t rush the sauce

• Use fresh garlic

• Use good cheese

• Let flavors meld

When each component tastes great individually, the final baked dish becomes extraordinary.

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Final Thoughts

Chicken Sorrentino is more than just a recipe — it’s a celebration of Italian-American cooking at its finest. It captures everything we love about comfort food: crispy textures, melted cheese, savory meats, and rich tomato sauce baked together into something greater than the sum of its parts.

If you’ve never made Chicken Sorrentino at home, this is your sign to try. Once you experience the layers of flavor and the satisfying moment when you cut into that bubbling casserole, you’ll understand why it has stood the test of time.