Description
Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese delivers crispy, golden perfection with Italian-inspired elegance. Juicy chicken cutlets coated in seasoned breadcrumbs create a delightful main course that brings Mediterranean charm to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 extra-large eggs
- 1–¼ cups seasoned dry Panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Unsalted butter
- Good olive oil
Salad and Dressing Components:
- Salad greens for 6, washed and spun dry
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 teaspoons agave or 4 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 16 tablespoons (1 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 teaspoons minced shallots
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Craft the citrus-infused vinaigrette by whisking together freshly squeezed lemon juice, agave nectar, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, extra virgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and finely minced shallots until the mixture becomes silky and emulsified.
- Transform chicken breasts into uniform cutlets by gently pounding them to approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 centimeters) thickness using a meat mallet or heavy rolling pin, ensuring consistent cooking.
- Establish three distinct breading zones: first plate with seasoned all-purpose flour, second plate with whisked eggs and water, third plate combining crispy Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Meticulously coat each chicken cutlet by first dredging in seasoned flour, then thoroughly dipping in egg wash, and finally pressing into breadcrumb mixture to create a complete, even golden crust.
- Warm a large skillet over medium-low heat, adding butter and olive oil. Carefully place breaded chicken cutlets into the pan, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Create a vibrant salad by gently tossing mixed greens and halved cherry tomatoes with prepared vinaigrette, ensuring each ingredient is delicately coated.
- Plate by positioning a crisp chicken cutlet as the foundation, crowning with dressed salad, and garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and a generous drizzle of vinaigrette for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Pounding chicken breasts evenly ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry, tough meat.
- Gently pressing breadcrumbs creates a more consistent, crispy coating that adheres beautifully to the chicken surface.
- Maintaining medium-low heat helps achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning the delicate breadcrumb layer.
- Resting the chicken briefly after cooking allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Serving immediately guarantees maximum crunch and optimal taste, delivering a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 437
- Sodium: 794mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6g
- Fiber: 2.1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 166mg