This Milanese-style crispy chicken and arugula salad is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The golden, crunchy breaded chicken pairs beautifully with the fresh, peppery arugula and a tangy lemon-parmesan dressing. Light yet satisfying, this dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 oz container arugula
- 1 fennel bulb, shaved
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large lemon, zest and juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1.5 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
For the Chicken:
- 3 large chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and olive oil. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare the Salad: Shave the fennel thinly and squeeze a bit of lemon juice over it to prevent browning. Toss the arugula and fennel together in a large bowl and massage in the dressing to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound them to an even thickness.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In one plate, whisk together eggs and milk, then strain. In another, mix the panko with the remaining grated Parmigiano, salt, and pepper. In a third plate, season the flour with salt and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and then coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a pan over high heat for 2 minutes, then add plenty of olive oil and reduce to medium-high. Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and let it rest on a paper towel.
- Assemble and Serve: Top the crispy chicken with the dressed arugula and fennel salad. Garnish with shaved Parmigiano and freshly cracked black pepper.
Why This Recipe Works
The crispy Milanese-style chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the fresh, zesty salad balances the richness with bright, peppery, and citrusy notes. The combination of parmesan, lemon, and fennel adds depth and complexity, making every bite flavorful and refreshing. Whether served as a light main course or an elegant meal, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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