Chicken Parm Bites

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 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)

Directions

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Place a large pan over medium heat with the olive oil.

4. 4

   Cook the chicken in 2 batches, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, 5-6 minutes.

5. 5

   While the chicken bites are cooking, place a small pot over medium heat with the crushed tomatoes and bring up to a bubble.

6. 6

   Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the pesto.

7. 7

   Serve the chicken bites with the tomato-pesto sauce alongside.