Milanesa de Pollo with Avocado-Tomatillo Salsa

Servings: 4  

This recipe is adapted from one of Richard's Frontera recipes and it's my favorite chicken dish.  You can bread the chicken several hours in advance, cover it and refrigerate it..  The salsa can also be prepared several hours in advance.    

INGREDIENTS

  • Avocado-Tomatillo Salsa
  • 1 avocado (peeled and pitted)
  • 3/4 cup tomatillo salsa (we prefer Frontera Tomatillo Salsa)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Chicken Milanesa
  • 4 (about 1 1/4 pounds total) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, butterflied
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil, plus 1/2 cup for frying (divided use)

INSTRUCTIONS

Scoop the flesh of the avocado and place in a blender or food processor. Add the tomatillo salsa, lime, salt and 2 tablespoons water. Process until smooth. Remove and place in a serving bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, press against the surface of the salsa to seal out any air and place in the refrigerator. This salsa can be made several hours in advance. If made in advance, bring back to room temperature before using.

Set up a 3 part breading station. In the first dish, combine the flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. In the second dish, beat 2 eggs with 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. In the third dish, pour in 2 cups of panko crumbs and mix with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

Sprinkle salt over both sides of chicken and dredge each breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip into the egg mixture, making sure that they are totally coated. Finally, place the chicken in the panko crumbs, pressing the crumbs into both the top and bottom surfaces. Move the coated breast to a wire rack to allow the crumbs to dry.

Place a very large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 the frying oil to the skillet and raise the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, place two of the breasts into the pan and cook until both sides are golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes total. Remove to a warm plate lined with paper towels. Add the remaining frying oil, and saute the last two breasts.

Spoon the salsa over the breasts and serve without delay.