Chicken Cutlet
Here is that American favorite, Chicken Cordon Bleu, deconstructed. This gorgeous dish pulls the soggy ham and cheese out of the stuffing, layering them instead over a crisp, juicy chicken cutlet. The rich triple cream cheese begins to melt when it hits the panko-crusted chicken, which then anchors the paper-thin slices of cured ham to them both. Baby arugula is tossed in a bright, acidic vinaigrette of Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar before being placed atop the dish. The peppery arugula and mustardy vinaigrette cut through the richness of the cheese and complement the salty ham. I serve this at lunch, but it would be wonderful at dinner as well.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 4
Ingredients
Chicken
Arugula Salad
Preparation
Step 1
To cook the chicken, put the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in 3 separate shallow bowls and season each with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Place each chicken breast between 2 pieces of wax paper and pound to 1/4-inch thickness.
Step 3
Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper and then dredge each breast in the flour and tap off the excess. Dip into the egg wash and let the excess drip off, then dredge on both sides in the bread crumbs. Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Step 4
Preheat 2 large nonstick sauté pans over high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of the butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil to each pan and heat until the butter is melted and sizzling. Place 2 breasts in each pan and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Flip the breasts over and continue cooking until golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes.
Step 5
To make the arugula salad, whisk together the vinegar and mustard in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the oil until emulsified. Add the arugula and toss to coat the leaves with the vinaigrette.
Step 6
Transfer each breast to a large plate and immediately top with a few slices of cheese, then a few slices of ham, and some of the arugula salad.
