Panko-Crusted Chicken with Cherry Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

4 small pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts trimmed of tenderloin and lightly pounded
Salt and pepper
Flour, for dredging
2 large egg whites, beaten
1 cup Panko crumbs
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, a couple of handfuls
A small handful of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for shallow frying, plus 2 tablespoons
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes

A handful of basil leaves, torn or shredded

Yields: Makes 4 pieces of chicken

Preparation

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in a little flour, then coat in egg white and then in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmigiano Reggiano and parsley.

Heat a shallow layer of oil, about 1/8-inch thick, in large skillet over medium to medium- high heat. Place cooling rack over sheet tray in oven preheated to 200˚F to keep chicken warm until you serve.

Fry chicken in 2 batches, if necessary, to avoid crowding pan. Cook chicken 5 minutes on each side until deep golden and cooked through.

Meanwhile, in a small pot with a tight fitting lid, heat EVOO, about 2 tablespoons, over medium heat. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, stir and place lid on pot. Raise heat a bit and cook, shaking pan occasionally, until tomatoes begin to burst, 6-8 minutes. Uncover pot and break up tomatoes with wooden spoon and season with salt and pepper, stir in basil.

Serve cutlets with tomato sauce on top.