Active Time:30 minsTotal Time:50 minsServings:4

Active Time:30 mins

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Servings:4

Servings:

4

Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist: Emily Hall

the ingredients to make the Crispy Breaded Pesto Chicken with Whipped Feta & Tomatoes

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients2ouncesfeta cheesein brine, drained and crumbled (about1/2cup)1clovegarlic, grated4tablespoonswhole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt, divided4 1/2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil, divided2teaspoonslemon juice, divided2teaspoonswaterplus2tablespoons, divided1/3cupall-purpose flour1 1/2cupswhole-wheat panko breadcrumbs1largeegg3tablespoonsrefrigeratedbasil pesto, divided4(4-ounce)chicken cutlets, patted dry1/4teaspoonsalt, divided2cupsSungoldcherry tomatoes1/2teaspoonground pepper1/4teaspoonAleppo pepper(optional)

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

2ouncesfeta cheesein brine, drained and crumbled (about1/2cup)

1clovegarlic, grated

4tablespoonswhole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt, divided

4 1/2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil, divided

2teaspoonslemon juice, divided

2teaspoonswaterplus2tablespoons, divided

1/3cupall-purpose flour

1 1/2cupswhole-wheat panko breadcrumbs

1largeegg

3tablespoonsrefrigeratedbasil pesto, divided

4(4-ounce)chicken cutlets, patted dry

1/4teaspoonsalt, divided

2cupsSungoldcherry tomatoes

1/2teaspoonground pepper

1/4teaspoonAleppo pepper(optional)

Directions

Combine feta, garlic, 2 tablespoons yogurt, 1 tablespoon oil and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a food processor; process until very smooth, about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice.

a photo of the ingredients mixed in the food processor

With the processor running, slowly stream in 2 teaspoons water through the chute; process until the mixture appears whipped, about 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons yogurt; pulse until incorporated, about 3 (1-second) pulses. Transfer the whipped feta to a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Place flour in a shallow dish and place panko in a separate shallow dish. Crack egg into a third shallow dish. Add 1 tablespoon pesto and 1 tablespoon water to the egg; whisk until combined. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, dredge in flour, turning to coat. Place the floured cutlet in the egg mixture; turn to coat, letting excess drip back into the dish. Place the cutlet in the panko; turn to coat, patting lightly to adhere. Place on a large plate. Repeat with the remaining cutlets.(Discard any remaining egg mixture, flour and panko.)

a photo of the chicken breasts in the flour, eggs, and bread coating

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 breaded cutlets; cook, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy on both sides and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 4 to 6 minutes. (Reduce heat to medium-low as needed to prevent burning.) Transfer the cutlets to a clean plate; cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with another 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and the remaining 2 cutlets. Sprinkle the chicken with 1/8 teaspoon salt.

Wipe the skillet clean; heat the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to blister, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in pepper and the remaining 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

a photo of the tomatoes cooked in the pan

Spread the whipped feta on a platter; sprinkle with Aleppo pepper, if desired. Arrange the chicken cutlets on top. Spoon the burst tomatoes over the chicken. Stir the remaining 2 tablespoons pesto and 1 tablespoon water together in a small bowl. Drizzle over the chicken.

To make aheadCover and refrigerate whipped feta (Step 1) for up to 2 days.

To make ahead

Cover and refrigerate whipped feta (Step 1) for up to 2 days.

Nutrition InformationServing Size: 1 cutlet, about 2 Tbsp. feta mixture & about 1/4 cup tomatoesCalories 486, Fat 27g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 129mg, Carbohydrates 24g, Total Sugars 4g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 37g, Fiber 3g, Sodium 476mg, Potassium 239mg

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 cutlet, about 2 Tbsp. feta mixture & about 1/4 cup tomatoesCalories 486, Fat 27g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 129mg, Carbohydrates 24g, Total Sugars 4g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 37g, Fiber 3g, Sodium 476mg, Potassium 239mg

Serving Size: 1 cutlet, about 2 Tbsp. feta mixture & about 1/4 cup tomatoes

Calories 486, Fat 27g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 129mg, Carbohydrates 24g, Total Sugars 4g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 37g, Fiber 3g, Sodium 476mg, Potassium 239mg

Frequently Asked QuestionsCheese, in general, is a healthy food that offers lots of nutrition, including calcium, protein and probiotics. There is evidence that the saturated fat in cheese is not as harmful as other types of saturated fats. Feta cheese is one of the higher-sodium cheeses, so if you need to watch your sodium intake, eat feta sparingly and limit how much salt you add to your plate.Chicken cutlets are simply chicken breasts that have been sliced in half lengthwise (and sometimes pounded thin).Chicken breastis a lean protein-rich food that also provides a host of other nutrients, including B vitamins and choline.Sungold tomatoes are a type of cherry tomato. They get their name from their beautiful golden hue.Tomatoesprovide some pretty impressive nutrients, including potent antioxidants, such as lycopene, vitamin C and beta carotene.Absolutely. The whipped feta can be made up to two days ahead of time. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator.To round out the meal with a starch and greens, we would suggest jasmine rice, roasted ormashed potatoesoroven-baked friesplus asimple green salador a medley of roasted orgrilled veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheese, in general, is a healthy food that offers lots of nutrition, including calcium, protein and probiotics. There is evidence that the saturated fat in cheese is not as harmful as other types of saturated fats. Feta cheese is one of the higher-sodium cheeses, so if you need to watch your sodium intake, eat feta sparingly and limit how much salt you add to your plate.

Chicken cutlets are simply chicken breasts that have been sliced in half lengthwise (and sometimes pounded thin).Chicken breastis a lean protein-rich food that also provides a host of other nutrients, including B vitamins and choline.

Sungold tomatoes are a type of cherry tomato. They get their name from their beautiful golden hue.Tomatoesprovide some pretty impressive nutrients, including potent antioxidants, such as lycopene, vitamin C and beta carotene.

Absolutely. The whipped feta can be made up to two days ahead of time. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator.

To round out the meal with a starch and greens, we would suggest jasmine rice, roasted ormashed potatoesoroven-baked friesplus asimple green salador a medley of roasted orgrilled veggies.

EatingWell.com, March 2024

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