Ingredients:
- 2 large (500g) chicken breasts, halved horizontally and pounded thin
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp (5ml) hot sauce
- 1 cup (60g) Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (45g) Parmesan cheese, freshly and finely grated
- 1 tbsp (8g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (2g) smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp (3g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (1g) black pepper
- 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (4g) fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp (10g) extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and place them between sheets of plastic wrap. Use a mallet to pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Season both sides lightly with salt.
- Set up a triple-dredge station with three shallow bowls: place flour in the first; beaten eggs and hot sauce in the second; and the Panko, 1/2 cup Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Press the chicken firmly into the flour and shake off excess. Dip completely into the egg wash, then press hard into the Parmesan-crumb mixture to ensure full coverage.
- Place breaded chicken on a wire cooling rack and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the breading to set.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat with a high-smoke point oil (like avocado or canola). Sear the chicken until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In the final minutes of cooking, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan. Baste the chicken with the foaming garlic butter.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese before serving.