Pecorino Chicken Fingers and Zucchini

Submitted by TasteTester

"This makes crunchy and moist chicken fingers, which are served with zucchini and a marinara dipping sauce."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, toasted lightly (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
• 1⁄3 cup freshly grataed pecorino romano cheese
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 garlic clove, crushed with press
• 1 1⁄2 lbs chicken tenders
• 3 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-in thick half-moon shapes (8 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup prepared marinara sauce
• 1⁄4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaf, chopped, plus small whole basil leaves for garnish

directions

1. Preheat oven to 475°. Place a wire rack inside a 15 1/2-inch by 10 1/2-inch jelly-roll pan; spray pan and rack with cooking spray.
2. On a plate, combine panko, pecorino, ground red pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
3. In a pie plate, whisk egg whites and garlic until well mixed.
4. One at a time, dip chicken tenders in egg-white mixture, then into panko mixture to coat evenly; press firmly so mixture adheres. Arrange chicken on rack in jelly-roll pan; spray chicken lightly with cooking spray.
5. Bake chicken 10 to 12 minutes or until crust is golden brown and chicken is no longer pink throughout.
6. While chicken cooks, in microwave-safe medium bowl, place zucchini and 2 tablespoons water. Cover with vented plastic wrap and cook in microwave on high 5 minutes or until zucchini is just fork-tender. Carefully remove plastic wrap and drain zucchini; stir in lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
7. Meanwhile, in a 1-quart saucepan, heat marinara sauce on medium-low 5 minutes or until hot, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in chopped basil. Serve dipping sauce with chicken fingers and zucchini; garnish chicken and dipping sauce with basil leaves.

Reviews

[HokiesMom]

Wow!!!! I'm almost at a loss for words this was so yummy and so easy to make! Everything worked out so well following your instructions...everyone enjoyed the chicken, zucchini and the dipping sauce! What a great dinner you provided by sharing your recipe! Thanks so much! Tagged & made for Potluck Tag.