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Breadcrumbs: Use fresh or homemade breadcrumbs. Commercial breadcrumbs can be a little coarser and less flavorful. If you choose homemade breadcrumbs, lightly toast some stale bread slices and grind them until they are fine.
Herbs and Spices: Add herbs and spices to your liking to further enrich the breading. Rosemary, thyme, parsley and oregano are all great choices. For a spicy touch, a light sprinkling of chili powder can make all the difference.
1.3 Eggs
Eggs are used to bind the breading to the chicken. Use fresh, quality eggs, preferably organic. The eggs should be beaten with a pinch of salt and pepper to further flavor the breading.
1.4 Olive Oil
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is essential to ensure golden brown and crispy cooking. The oil also helps to make the breading tastier and less dry. Opt for a high-quality olive oil, which not only improves the flavor, but also provides nutritional benefits.
2. Preparing the Ingredients
Careful preparation of the ingredients is crucial to the success of the dish. Follow these steps to achieve perfect results.
2.1 Preparing the Chicken
Cleaning and Preparation: Start by washing the chicken breasts under cold running water. Dry them well with kitchen paper to eliminate excess moisture. If the chicken breasts are very thick, flatten them slightly with a meat tenderizer to ensure even cooking. Place the breasts between two sheets of cling film and gently beat them until they are uniformly thick, about 1-2 cm.
Marinating: To add flavor and tenderness, you can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and some herbs. Leave the chicken in the marinade in the fridge to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat
2.2 Making the Breading
Cheese: Grate the parmesan cheese finely. You can use a hand grater or a food processor. If you are not using the parmesan immediately, store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Breadcrumbs and Seasonings: In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan. Add the herbs and spices of your choice. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Eggs: Beat the eggs in a shallow dish with a pinch of salt and pepper. The eggs should be well mixed to ensure that the breading adheres evenly to the chicken.
3. Breading and Preparing for Cooking
3.1 Breading
Steps: To bread the chicken breasts, follow these steps: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, making sure it is completely coated. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breading adheres well. Repeat the process for each piece of chicken.
Resting: After you have breaded the chicken, let it rest on a wire rack or plate for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the breading adhere better and improves the crispiness during cooking.
3.2 Preparing the Pan
Coating: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking and to make cleanup easier. Lightly grease the paper with a drizzle of olive oil, spreading it evenly.
Arranging the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. This allows hot air to circulate and ensures even, crispy cooking.
