Saturday, August 28, 2010

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken



I saw this recipe on America's Test Kitchen.  I love watching cooking shows, especially the shows on the PBS stations.  I will post my other favorite parmesan chicken recipe at a later date --one that includes bread crumbs.  This one is mostly coated with parmesan and it is really, really yummy!  I hope you try it!

 Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
adapted from a America's Test Kitchen recipe

4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (4 ounces each), tenderloins removed, breasts trimmed of excess fat
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour plus 1 tablespoon
1/2 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup), see note above
3 large egg whites
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives (optional)
6 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese (about 2 cups) see note above
4 teaspoons olive oil
1 lemon , cut into wedges

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Place chicken between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to even 1/4-inch thickness--some will be thicker and need more pounding, others might need only a little so compare thickness before pounding. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Set wire rack on rimmed baking sheet. Whisk together 1/4 cup flour and grated Parmesan cheese in pie plate. In medium bowl, whisk egg whites and chives (if using) together until slightly foamy. In second pie plate, combine 2 cups shredded Parmesan and remaining tablespoon flour.

Using tongs and working with 1 cutlet at a time, coat chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Transfer chicken to egg-white mixture; coat evenly and let excess run off. Coat chicken with shredded Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so that cheese adheres. Place on sheet pan covered with foil for easy transfer to stovetop area.
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place 2 cutlets in skillet and reduce heat to medium. Cook until cheese is pale golden brown, about 3 minutes. While chicken is cooking, use thin nonstick spatula to gently separate any cheesy edges that have melted together. Carefully flip cutlets and continue to cook until cheese is pale golden brown on second side and meat is no longer pink in center, about 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Wipe out skillet with paper towel and return to medium heat. Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil and cook remaining 2 cutlets. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.