Crispy Parmesan Chicken Paired with a Lemon Vinaigrette Salad
Introduction
Spring has officially arrived, and I am thinking of Crispy Parmesan Chicken! The days are longer, the air is warmer, and our taste buds crave something fresh and delightful. There is no better dish to celebrate spring with than a dish that embodies lightness and flavor: Parmesan Chicken accompanied by a zesty lemon vinaigrette salad. This is a combination that will tantalize your taste buds and brighten your table.
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The Allure of a Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Parmesan Chicken is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together harmoniously. Chicken breasts pounded to tender perfection, coated in a golden, crispy Parmesan crust. Each bite offers a delightful balance of a crunchy exterior, giving way to the juicy, succulent meat within. It’s no wonder that culinary icon Ina Garten frequently turns to this recipe when hosting guests, praising its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature. The recipe I will be sharing with you today is: Ina Garten’s Parmesan Chicken and Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing.
Ina Garten’s Parmesan Chicken and Lemon Vinaigrette
Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Equipment
- 1 tong
- 1 whisk
- 1 meat mallet or
Ingredients
Parmesan Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless, chicken breats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 extra-large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1¼ cups seasoned dry bread crumbs
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese + extra for serving
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Baby salad greens-enough for 6 people
Lemon Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare chicken breasts: Pound chicken breasts to ¼ inch thick. Use either a meat mallet or a rolling pin. You can pound the chicken between two pieces of waxed paper, or plastic wrap, in a gallon plastic bag, or directly on a cutting board.
- Setup dredging station: you will need three large shallow bowls/plates. In the first, whisk together the flour with two teaspoons of salt and one teaspoon of black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. In the third bowl, whisk together the two extra-large eggs with one tablespoon of water until light and frothy.
- Coating the chicken: Step one: coat both sides of the chicken breast in the flour mixture. Dust off excess flour. Step two: Dip the floured chicken in the egg mixture, making sure both sides are immersed. Step three: dredge both sides of the chicken in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese mixture.
- Cook Chicken: Heat one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch saute' pan over medium-low heat. Cook two breasts at a time for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked thoroughly. Remove cooked chicken to a wire rack in a baking pan and place in a 200-degree oven to keep warm. They can stay in the oven for up to 15 minutes before serving. Add more butter and oil to the saute' pan and continue this process until all the chicken is cooked,
- Serving: Toss salad greens and any desired salad additions with the Lemon Vinaigrette dressing Place the salad on a dinner plate, and beside the salad, place one Parmesan chicken breast; grate or shave Parmesan cheese over the salad and chicken breast.
- Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing: Before cooking the chicken, mix the vinaigrette dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ cup of good olive oil, one teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk again before tossing with salad greens.
Notes
Nutrition
Crafting the Perfect Crispy Parmesan Chicken Crust
Achieving that crispy exterior begins with the breading process. Start by setting up a breading station:
- Flour Mixture: Combine all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Egg Wash: Lightly beaten eggs, sometimes with a splash of water or milk to thin it out.
- Parmesan Breadcrumbs: A blend of seasoned breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Begin by dredging each chicken breast flour. Make sure you have an even coating on each side. In the next step, dip the floured breast into the egg wash. Let any excess drip off. The final step is to press the chicken breast into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered. This triple-layer method ensures maximum flavor and crunch.
Cooking to Golden Perfection: A Crispy Parmesan Chicken Crust
While some prefer frying, baking offers a healthier alternative without compromising crispiness. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the breaded chicken on a wire cooking rack on a baking sheet. Baking in this manner allows air to circulate, ensuring even cooking. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should boast a golden-brown crust. If uncertain after 25 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). This method results in a uniformly crispy crust while reducing added fats.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The Zesty Companion: Lemon Vinaigrette Salad
A crisp salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette is a classic sidekick to our Parmesan Chicken. The lemon’s acidity contrasts with the chicken’s richness, resulting in a balanced and refreshing bite.
Choosing the Greens
Arugula, with its peppery notes, is a stellar choice. Its natural bite complements the savory chicken. However, don’t limit yourself. Mixed baby greens, spinach, or a kale and cabbage blend can offer delightful variations.
Whisking Up the Lemon Vinaigrette
A simple lemon vinaigrette can elevate any salad. Here’s an additional quick recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice..
- While continuously whisking, gradually pour in the olive oil to ensure proper emulsification.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
This vinaigrette not only brightens the greens but also complements the Parmesan in the crust of the chicken.
Plating and Presentation of Your Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Presentation enhances the dining experience. On a large plate, place a generous handful of the dressed salad in the center. Slice the Parmesan Chicken into strips and fan them out beside the salad. For an added touch, shave some fresh Parmesan over the top and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Variations to Explore
Variety is the spice of life, and this dish is versatile enough to accommodate several delightful twists:
- Herb Infusion: For an aromatic lift, add fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Citrus Twist: Infuse the chicken with a subtle citrus aroma by adding lemon zest directly into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cheese Choices: Experimenting with Pecorino Romano or Asiago can offer a different flavor profile.
- Salad Additions: Introduce seasonal fruits such as sliced strawberries or segmented oranges to the salad for a sweet contrast.
Conclusion
Spring is here, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a plate of crispy Parmesan Chicken paired with a zesty lemon vinaigrette salad. This delightful duo not only pleases the palate but also brings a burst of sunshine to your dining table. Thinking of hosting a lively dinner party? Or maybe you are just enjoying a cozy weeknight meal; this dish promises satisfaction with a touch of elegance. So, tie on that apron, gather those fresh ingredients, and let this meal usher in the vibrant flavors of the spring season.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Spring is here! Are you looking for refreshing salad recipes? Check here: https://blissfulfoodsplus.com/refreshing-fruit-slads-summer-occasion/ or here: https://blissfulfoodsplus.com/beat-the-heat-with-cool-and-crisp-summer-salads/
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