Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 lbs chicken tenders, each cut in thirds
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)

Method

  • Arrange 3 shallow bowls on the counter; fill one with the flour, one with the eggs, and one with a mixture of the bread crumbs, cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and parsley.
  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper; coat each first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the bread crumb mixture; set the coated pieces on a baking sheet.
  • Place a large pan over medium heat with the olive oil.
  • Cook the chicken in 2 batches, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, 5-6 minutes.
  • While the chicken bites are cooking, place a small pot over medium heat with the crushed tomatoes and bring up to a bubble.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the pesto.
  • Serve the chicken bites with the tomato-pesto sauce alongside.