Vietnamese-style Chicken Parmigiana

Ingredients

While the original Chicken Parmigiana is typically breaded and fried, the Vietnamese adaptation incorporates Vietnamese flavors and cooking techniques. Instead of using breadcrumbs, we will coat the chicken with a mixture of rice flour and spices, giving it a light and crispy texture. Additionally, we will infuse the tomato sauce with Vietnamese herbs and spices to add a unique twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Chicken Parmigiana, so you can check it out.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb)
• 1 cup (120g) rice flour 1 cup (120g) rice flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a shallow dish, combine the rice flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Dredge each chicken breast in the rice flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off any excess flour.
4. 4.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
6. 6.
   Add the tomato sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the chicken.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice flour — Rice flour gives the chicken a light and crispy texture. If you don't have rice flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or cornstarch.
• Fish sauce — Fish sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the tomato sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and black pepper for 30 minutes before coating them with the rice flour mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Serve the Vietnamese-style Chicken Parmigiana with steamed jasmine rice or a side of fresh Vietnamese baguette for a complete meal.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the tomato sauce.
• If you want a lighter version, you can use chicken tenderloins instead of chicken breasts.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-style Chicken Parmigiana hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. It pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or a side of fresh Vietnamese baguette. Add a side salad of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Presentation advice

To present the Vietnamese-style Chicken Parmigiana, place a chicken breast on a plate and spoon some of the tomato sauce over it. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with the suggested side dishes and enjoy!