This is an oldie but a goodie. We have tried to make it healthier (lots of vegies in the sauce, just enough cheese, less oil when frying chicken) and simpler (just flouring the chicken instead of schnitzelling it in breadcrumbs) and using fewer pans. Pizza cheese is a mixture of grated mozzarella, parmesan and tasty cheese. If you can’t find it mix together 2 tablespoons grated mozzarella and 2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese. About $3.60 a serving with zucchini, carrots and a green salad.

Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 25 mins

2 tbsp light flavoured olive oil
1 long eggplant (about 150g/5oz), quartered lengthwise, then sliced
400g (140z) can diced tomatoes
1 small red capsicum, diced
½ tsp dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp shredded basil
1 tbsp plain flour
2 chicken breasts (about450–500g/1lb, cut in half horizontally, lightly bashed with a mallet
1/3 cup pizza cheese

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium saucepan and cook the eggplant for about 3–4 minutes on a medium heat until starting to soften and changing colour (add a drop of water if eggplant starts to stick), stirring occasionally. Stir in the tomato, capsicum, oregano and garlic. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, uncovered. Add the sugar and season to taste. Stir in the basil.

Place the flour on a plate, mix in some freshly ground black pepper and dust the chicken pieces in flour, shake off excess. Heat remaining oil in a frying pan and cook the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes each side until golden and cooked through.

Preheat the oven grill. Line a baking tray with foil and place the chicken on a tray. Top each piece with some sauce and then sprinkle over the cheese. Grill for 2–3 minutes until cheese has melted and is golden. Serve with steamed vegetables (we like zucchini and carrots with this) and a salad.

Leftover sauce? Spread over a pizza base or use in a toasted sandwich with cheese for another money saving meal or snack.