Panko Chicken Fingers With Broccoli Trees and Healthy Ranch Sauce
| Serves | 5 |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Poultry, Vegetables, Dairy |
| Day Part | Dinner, Lunch |
| Menu Part | Entree |
| Cuisine Type | American |
Chef Moro adds a healthy twist to a chicken-fingers plate by creating a ranch-style dip made with a yogurt base and roasting broccoli florets to serve on the side in place of the usual fries. Coating the chicken in panko and cooking in olive oil gives the fingers a crispier coating and more sophisticated accent.
Ingredients
Healthy Ranch Dressing
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup olive oil mayonnaise
1 tsp. minced garlic (optional)
1 tbsp. minced Italian parsley
1 tbsp. minced fresh chives
1 tsp. chopped fresh dill
Worcestershire sauce, to taste
Lemon juice, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken Fingers
Olive oil for pan frying
2 lb. skinless boneless chicken breast
3 to 4 large eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp. water
2 cups seasoned all-purpose flour
3 cups seasoned panko bread crumbs
5 lb. broccoli, cut into florets
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated yellow cheddar cheese
Steps
- Prepare Healthy Ranch Dressing: In covered container, combine all ingredients; season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- For chicken fingers, slice chicken breasts on bias to make finger shape; set aside.
- In separate shallow bowls, place beaten eggs, seasoned flour and panko. Coat chicken in seasoned flour and dust off excess; then coat in egg and panko. Place chicken fingers in single layer on waxed paper.
- In cast iron pan over medium heat, heat 1/8-inch olive oil. Pan-fry chicken fingers in hot oil in batches until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to baking sheet and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Place broccoli in large bowl; coat generously with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange broccoli in one layer on large baking sheet. Roast broccoli in oven 15 to 20 minutes until tender-crisp. Sprinkle with grated cheddar; roast 2 minutes longer to melt the cheese.
- Reheat chicken fingers, if necessary, in 350°F oven. Serve chicken with broccoli trees and a ramekin of Healthy Ranch Dressing.
Photo courtesy of North American Olive Oil Association