Oven-Fried Basil Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
4boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
8basil sprigs
4slices fresh mozzarella
4slices cooked pancetta or bacon
2egg whites
2cloves garlic, minced
1/4teaspoon salt
1/4teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
lemon wedges
Crumb Mixture:
1cup fine semolina or Italian bread crumbs
1/4cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4cup pine nuts, finely chopped (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Set a rack on a sheetpan and spray it with olive oil spray. Cut through the thick side of each chicken breast to create a pocket. Into each pocket press two basil sprigs, a slice of mozzarella and a slice of pancetta or bacon (folded in half to fit if necessary).
In a medium bowl, stir together the crumb mixture. In another bowl, lightly beat egg whites. Add garlic, salt and pepper. Dip stuffed chicken breasts into egg white mixture; then press into crumb mixture, coating thoroughly. (At this point, the breasts may be placed on a cookie tray and frozen until almost solid; wrap in aluminum foil to store.) Set the chicken on the rack; bake for 25 minutes until the crumbs are golden brown and chicken is cooked all the way through. Serve immediately, accompanied with fresh lemon wedges. Serves 4