Balsamic Tomato-Basil Breaded Chicken

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or prepare a skillet with oil for pan-frying.
2. Pound 4 chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness between plastic wrap using a meat mallet.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Set up a breading station: one shallow dish with 1/2 cup flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with 1 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
6. For pan-frying: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). For baking: Place on a lined baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. While chicken cooks, prepare the topping: Dice 4 ripe tomatoes into small cubes and place in a bowl.
8. Finely chop 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and mince 2 garlic cloves; add to tomatoes.
9. Drizzle 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp olive oil over the tomato mixture; season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
10. Let the topping sit for 5 minutes to marinate.
11. Plate the cooked chicken and spoon the tomato-basil mixture generously over each piece.
12. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze if desired, and serve immediately with a side of pasta or greens.