Description
This Chicken Salmoriglio recipe features succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, then breaded and pan-fried before finishing in the oven. The dish is topped with a vibrant Salmoriglio sauce made from lemon juice, parsley, and garlic, delivering bright and fresh Mediterranean flavors perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 10-12 ounces each)
- Zest from two lemons
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced very fine
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce
- Juice from two lemons
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons butter (for frying)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for frying)
- 3 tablespoons additional butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Butterfly and Marinate: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost through the middle and opening it like a book to create an even thickness. Then marinate the chicken with half of the wet rub mixture (lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper) for 1 hour to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining wet rub ingredients with the lemon juice and finely chopped parsley to create the Salmoriglio sauce that will be served atop the chicken.
- Breading: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with seasoned all-purpose flour (flour, salt, and pepper), one with beaten eggs mixed with water, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each marinated chicken piece first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry: Heat 3 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the breaded chicken cutlets in the skillet on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned cutlets to a baking tray.
- Bake: Brush the browned cutlets with melted butter, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C), approximately 15-20 minutes. This ensures the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and top generously with the prepared Salmoriglio sauce. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra bright citrus flavor.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- Using panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese creates a crunchy and flavorful crust.
- Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour deepens the flavor profile.
- Serve with fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.