Description
Homemade pesto chicken parmesan elevates classic Italian comfort cuisine with a zesty herb twist. Crispy breaded chicken nestles under melted mozzarella, promising rich flavors you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts, butterflied
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (59 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¾ cup (180 ml) breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) pesto sauce
- ¼ cup (59 ml) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally to create uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
- Coating Creation: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish for a robust seasoning blend.
- Breading Process: Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully place breaded chicken to develop a golden-brown crust, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a crisp exterior.
- Flavor Infusion: Reduce heat, spread pesto across chicken pieces, top with mozzarella cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, then cover skillet to allow cheese to melt completely and create a luxurious topping.
- Temperature Check: Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and succulent results.
- Serving: Transfer chicken to plates, accompanied by preferred side dishes, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs or an additional pesto drizzle for enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Butterfly with Precision: Slice chicken breasts carefully and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Coating Technique Matters: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly and completely onto chicken, creating a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in moisture.
- Temperature is Critical: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F, guaranteeing both safety and juicy, tender meat.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Cover skillet when adding mozzarella to create a steamy environment that helps cheese melt smoothly and evenly without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg