Ina Garten Parmesan Chicken

 

I have been craving fried chicken. My great aunt Grace made the best ever fried chicken with white gravy. Not having a mom for most of my formative years; I was very lucky to have 2 great aunts; Grace was the cook and Maureen was the intellectual. My grandmother was also a force in my life and she liked to cook; along with my dad's twin, Aunt Alice. So I come by my passion somewhat naturally. I have posted another recipe, Oven Fried Chicken Parmesan (blog: 6/23/2020) Both are really good. This recipe you pan fry on top of the stove. I used a gluten-free flour: Bob's Mill brand and Ian's gluten-free bread crumbs. I seasoned the bread crumbs, however, if not gluten-free, you can buy premade. You can serve the chicken with salad dressed with Lemon Vinaigrette (recipe follows) or traditionally with sauce, pasta and fresh mozarrella. If we can ever have dinner guests again; the chicken can be prepared ahead and held on a parchment-lined pan in a low 200-degree oven.

Ingredients for Chicken:

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 1/4 cups seasoned breadcrumbs  ( 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• unsalted butter
• good olive oil

Ingredients for Lemon Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup good olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Pound the chicken breasts until 1/4-inch thick. I used the smooth side of my meat mallet. Good way to get to work those arms!

I used 3 pie pans which I added the flour, salt and pepper, the beaten eggs with water, and lastly the seasoned bread crumb and Parmesan. Go ahead and do the breading of the chicken first, placing in one layer on a sheet pan, to be ready to pan fry. First dip in flour, then egg and then the bread crumbs. I had to do 2 batches, as you do not want to crowd your pan. I like to add some extra salt and pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saute pan on medium heat. Pan fry for 3 minutes on each side. Repeat with second batch.