The Chicken Parmigiana is a proper crowd-pleaser – crispy golden chicken, topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a hint of BBQ char. Forget the oven; we’re using the Ninja Woodfire to bring smoky outdoor vibes to this Italian classic. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an easy showstopper for mates, this recipe is as fuss-free as it is delicious. Gather the family, prep your ingredients, and let’s bring a little Italian sunshine to the backyard.
Chicken Parmigiana in the Ninja Woodfire Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Marinade:
For the Tomato Sauce:
For the Crispy Coating:
For Topping:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create six fillets.
- Cover the fillets with clingfilm and flatten using a rolling pin until they’re even in thickness.
-
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs with minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken fillets thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for deeper flavour).
-
Step 3: Cook the Tomato Sauce
- Heat avocado oil in a pan. Sauté onions on high heat for 2-3 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in passata, sugar, Mediterranean seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
-
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge.
- Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Arrange the fillets on a wire rack over a baking tray.
-
Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat Ninja Woodfire to 180°C (Air Fry mode).
- Spray chicken with canola oil and cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again.
-
Step 7: Top & Bake
- Preheat Ninja Woodfire to 160°C (Bake mode).
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce over each chicken fillet.
- Top generously with mozzarella.
- Bake until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling (about 10 minutes).
-
Step 8: Rest & Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Pair with a side of salad, pasta, or crusty garlic bread for the ultimate feast.
Equipment
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product using these links, we get a commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the BBQ magic alive, and we thank you in advance!
Note
Pellet Tip: Add a handful of Ninja Woodfire pellets for extra smoky flavour.
Make Ahead: Prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance to save time.
