Classic Australian Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce
A beloved Aussie pub favorite featuring breaded chicken topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, served golden and bubbly. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends all-purpose flour, beaten large egg, breadcrumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 large (6 oz each), butterflied chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1, beaten large egg
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup tomato passata
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup tomato passata and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, simmer for 8 minutes until thickened. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow dish, 1 beaten large egg in another, and mix 3/4 cup breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese in a third. Dredge each butterflied chicken breast (2 pieces) first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a baking tray.
- Step 4: Spoon tomato sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot with a side salad or chips.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Australian Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Classic Australian Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Australian Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Australian Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Australian Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce?
Australian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.