Kat’s Food

CHICKEN MARIA

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I like to trim off excess, and butterfly for faster cooking)

I use 2-3 eggs depending on the size of the chx breasts

In a large square Tupperware container I mix::

A hearty amount of fine bread crumbs (Italian or Plain depending on your taste buds)

A generous amount of Hungarian Hot Paprika (My personal fave is “Pride of Szeged” that comes in a red/white tin like container – found in most grocery stores)

Dried parsley

Generous amount of pepper, I use cracked black pepper, freshly ground

Salt/garlic salt (a sprinkle) to your liking

Also, a generous amount of Parmesan cheese.

I put a lid on the Tupperware and shake the mix vigorously. Once I pull the top off, I like to look at the color. It should have lots of green (parsley) and you should be able to see your parm turn a little red from the paprika.  If not, add more, it won’t even hurt, and the seasonings aren’t overwhelming so if you over do it, it only adds more flavor.

I’ll take another bowl and mix the eggs up, just like it I were scrambling them.

Heat your pan on medium.

Take the chicken (once the pan is warmed up) and dip the breast in the eggs.  Then roll the breast in the mixed breadcrumbs etc.

Drizzle some cooking oil into the pan.  I use 100% Pure Canola Oil, the Light.. it’s much healthier than regular cooking oils.

Then place a few pieces in a large pan and let one side brown up before flipping.  You can always cut a slice in the larger piece of the breast and make sure it’s cooked all the way.

EXTRA:: If you want to make into a Parmesan chicken dish, you can before pulling out of the pan, melt fresh cut parm or mozza over the top and let melt before removing them from the pan.  You can serve with any kind of pasta (I suggest wheat noodles.. they’re a heartier noodle, and considered healthier)

Chicken Maria is great with wild rice pilaf, pasta of any kind (you can also mate with Alfredo sauce), or even couscous.

I would suggest a white wine.  I usually serve with Pinot Grigio, or any light white, really.

ADD:: A spring mix salad, with either Italian Dressing (go for light), Oil & Vinegar, or a lemon wedges to squeeze over the salad. Suggested to mix w/ salad:: Roma or baby tomatoes, mushrooms, cucs, avocado, pine nuts, oranges or raspberries.

Enjoy!