Crispy Chicken Milanese with Roasted Cherry Tomato-Arugula Toss
Indulge in this elevated version of Chicken Milanese that expertly balances crisp, juicy chicken with the vibrant flavors of slow-roasted cherry tomatoes and a refreshing arugula salad. Influenced by Gwyneth Paltrow's take, this dish combines the golden crunch of Panko-breaded chicken with sweet, blistered tomatoes and peppery arugula tossed in a hint of balsamic vinegar. Not only is this meal satisfying, but the addition of arugula makes it a nutrient-packed triumph. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, each bite bursts with flavor and health benefits!
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (pounded thin)
milk
1 cup (for soaking)
plain breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
2 cups (seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup, divided (1 tablespoon for tomatoes, 1/4 cup for frying, 1 tablespoon for salad)
cherry tomatoes
2 cups (to be roasted)
coarse salt
to taste (for final seasoning)
arugula
5 ounces (washed and dried)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (high quality if possible)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
To prepare the Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, arrange the cherry tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle lightly with coarse salt.
3
Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 20 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are split, blistered, and caramelized to sweetness. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes, as cooking times can vary.
4
Meanwhile, prepare the arugula salad by tossing the arugula with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Gently fold in the roasted tomatoes once they are ready and set aside.
5
For the chicken, place the boneless skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper. Using a meat mallet, pound each breast until very thin, about 1/6 inch thick.
6
In a shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
7
Pour the milk into another shallow bowl. Dredge each chicken piece in the milk, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even layer.
8
Heat 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts one at a time, cooking for about 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is browned and the chicken is firm to the touch.
9
To serve, place each crispy chicken breast on a plate and generously mound the roasted cherry tomato-arugula mix on top. Enjoy your delicious and wholesome meal!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Chicken Milanese?
It is an elevated Italian-inspired dish featuring thin, golden-brown Panko-breaded chicken breasts topped with a fresh salad of roasted cherry tomatoes and arugula.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this recipe contains approximately 375 calories.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This recipe provides 30g of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and nutrient-packed meal.
What oven temperature is needed for the roasted tomatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) to properly roast the cherry tomatoes.
How long do the cherry tomatoes need to roast?
The tomatoes typically take between 20 to 40 minutes to become split, blistered, and caramelized.
Why do I need to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to 1/6 inch thickness ensures even cooking and a tender texture, which is characteristic of the Milanese style.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
Panko breadcrumbs are preferred because they provide a superior, airy crunch compared to standard breadcrumbs.
What role does milk play in the recipe?
Milk acts as a binder; dredging the chicken in milk allows the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs to adhere properly to the meat.
How much olive oil is required in total?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, divided for roasting the tomatoes, frying the chicken, and dressing the salad.
What seasonings are added to the Panko mixture?
The breadcrumbs are seasoned with dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How long should I fry each chicken breast?
Fry the chicken for about 4 minutes on the first side and 2 to 3 minutes on the second side until golden and firm.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this gluten-free by substituting the Panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
What kind of vinegar should I use for the arugula toss?
A high-quality balsamic vinegar is recommended to provide the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
What if I don't have a meat mallet?
You can use a heavy skillet or a rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts between sheets of wax paper.
How do I know when the roasted tomatoes are ready?
The tomatoes are ready when they are blistered, have split open, and appear caramelized.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While breasts are traditional for Milanese, you can use boneless thighs as long as they are pounded thin.
What is the fat content per serving?
This dish contains 20g of fat per serving, largely from the extra virgin olive oil used for frying and roasting.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the chicken, vegetables, and pantry staples like oil and spices.
Is the arugula cooked in the oven?
No, the arugula is kept fresh and tossed with the oil, vinegar, and warm roasted tomatoes just before serving.
What makes this version 'elevated'?
The combination of slow-roasted sweet tomatoes and the peppery arugula salad adds a complexity of flavor not found in basic fried chicken.
How do I ensure the chicken is crispy?
Make sure the olive oil is hot before adding the chicken and use a nonstick skillet to prevent the breading from tearing.
Who influenced this specific recipe take?
This particular version of Chicken Milanese is influenced by Gwyneth Paltrow's culinary style.
Should the arugula be washed?
Yes, ensure the arugula is thoroughly washed and dried before tossing to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Can I use regular salt instead of kosher salt?
You can, but kosher salt is preferred for seasoning the breading as it distributes more evenly than table salt.
How should I arrange the food for serving?
Place the crispy chicken breast on the plate first, then generously mound the tomato-arugula salad directly on top.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed as a quick, wholesome meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is best to achieve a golden crust without the chicken sticking.
Why use coarse salt on the tomatoes?
Coarse salt helps draw out moisture during roasting and adds a nice textural finish to the salad.
Can the tomatoes be prepared in advance?
Yes, the tomatoes can be roasted ahead of time and gently reheated or added at room temperature to the arugula.
What is the key to the balsamic vinegar used?
Using a high-quality balsamic vinegar provides a richer, more syrupy sweetness that perfectly complements the peppery arugula.