Chicken Paillard

We can thank Tyler Florence for making me crave this one. Maybe while I'm up in wine country I can make it for lunch. Open a nice crisp white, sit out on the patio. . . mmmm.

Chicken Paillard with Creamy Parmesan Salad

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs, whipped slightly with splash milk
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 anchovy fillets
• 2 egg yolks*
• 2 clove garlic, smashed
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup organic grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 bag fresh baby arugala
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, boccancini, halved
• Shaved Parmesan, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for garnish
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Begin by pounding out the chicken breast gently between 2 pieces of plastic wrap.

Prepare a breading station with flour, whisked eggs and milk, and panko crumbs. Season all with salt and pepper. Coat the breasts in flour, egg then panko. Lay the coated breasts out on a flat tray and refrigerate to let the crust dry out (about 10 minutes) this will ensure there is less moisture and less chance your coating will break when frying.

Shallow fry the paillard in hot oil for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side depending on how thick the breasts are. Drain well, season with salt and set aside when done.

Put the anchovies, egg yolks, garlic, lemon juice, and water into a blender and process for 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth. With the blender running, pour the olive oil in slowly for the dressing to emulsify. Stir in the Parmesan, season with salt and a couple of grinds of black pepper; set aside. (Refrigerate the dressing if you will not be using it right away.)

Prepare the salad by splitting the grape tomatoes in half through the middle lengthwise, mixing all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the dressing and toss the salad well.

To serve lay the warm, crispy chicken paillard on the base of the plate and top with the salad. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese, a wedge of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.

I might forgo the egg in the dressing altogether to lighten it up a bit - I'm already frying the damn chicken.