I love the combination of fresh mozzarella, basil and in-season tomatoes dressed simply in oil and vinegar. What better way to turn this classic salad into dinner than with another Italian-style favorite: Parmesan breaded chicken! This light and refreshing summer-inspired dinner is so quick and easy. You can even prepare the chicken ahead of time and serve it cold. To please everyone, feel free to cook some pasta with jarred marinara sauce to serve on the side.
Summer Chicken Parmesan
30 MIN
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 whole garlic clove, peeled and smashed
- ½ cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound chicken breast cutlets, ½-inch thick (about 5-6 cutlets)
For the salad:
- 1 6-ounce package baby arugula
- 1 cup Tomz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Place 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the garlic clove into a small microwave-safe dish. Microwave for about 15 seconds, just to infuse the oil. Discard garlic clove and set oil aside.
In a wide shallow bowl combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian herbs and salt.
Using your hands or a pastry brush, coat the chicken cutlets with the garlic-infused olive oil. Then transfer each cutlet to the breadcrumb mixture and dredge until coated on all sides.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken in an even layer (working in batches if necessary). Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal cooking temperature reaches 165 degrees.
In a large separate bowl combine the arugula, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and basil leaves. Dress to taste with olive oil and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
Serve the chicken topped with the arugula salad.
Serves 4.
This recipe was developed in paid partnership with Heinen’s Grocery Store. Check out the original post here.
Excellent, quick dinner for warm summer nights! It has texture, protein, fresh flavorful greens! Both my kids and my husband enjoy this recipe ( its also great with a quick side of couscous or rice)