A great example of how one dish can become 3 different kinds of meals. These crispy cutlets slathered with pesto are fantastic served with buttered noodles, atop a crisp salad or between chewy bread and tomato slices!
First, prepare the pesto. Using a blender or mini processor combine the Fresh Basil Leaves (2 cup), Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup), Pine Nuts (3 tablespoon), Olive Oil (3 tablespoon), Garlic (1 clove), Salt (1/4 teaspoon), and juice from the Lemon (1/2), and blend until combined but still has some texture. Set aside.
STEP 2
Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine All-Purpose Flour (1/3 cup) and half the Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon). In the second bowl, combine the Egg (2) whisked with the Milk (2 tablespoon). In the third bowl, combine Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup) and Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon).
STEP 3
Pat Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (16 ounce) dry with a paper towel. Cut each breast in half horizontally and then cut each half into half vertically, giving you 4 pieces per breast.
STEP 4
Place chicken pieces between 2 pieces of parchment. Pound to about a 1/4-inch thick (no thinner).
STEP 5
Dredge chicken cutlets with flour, shaking off excess. Then dunk floured cutlets into egg wash and then into bread crumbs, turning and pressing lightly to coat evenly. Arrange prepared cutlets onto a clean plate or tray.
STEP 6
Add enough Canola Oil (to taste) to a large skillet to come up about a 1/8 of an inch. Heat over medium until hot. Add 4 cutlets and cook approximately 2 1/2 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
STEP 7
Turn oven to broil, with rack 8 to 10 inches from heat.
STEP 8
Arrange cutlets on a foil lined tray. Spread 1 tablspoon of pesto onto each cutlet and sprinkle lightly with Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup). Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, until cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
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Compelled to Cook
Dana, you will also find a Classic Pesto recipe in my profile. It makes a bigger batch that’s wonderful on pasta, shrimp, sandwiches etc. It freezes beautifully in a mason jar if you drizzle a bit of olive oil on the surface and seal with a lid. When thawed it will be like the day you made it....
Compelled to Cook
Yes, fresh pesto is delicious!!! Thanks again for your feedback😘
Dana Johnson
I just wanted extra. I'd never made homemade pesto before and will never go back.
Thank you !
Compelled to Cook
Thank you Dana, so glad you enjoyed the cutlets. Did you feel there was not enough pesto for each cutlet, or you just wanted a little extra? It’s good to hear feedback from others who have made it. Thank d