Kunelić na Padelu (Croatian Pan-Fried Chicken)

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless) 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   In a separate dish, beat the eggs.
3. 3.
   In another dish, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. 4.
   Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
5. 5.
   Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
6. 6.
   Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
8. 8.
   Fry the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. 9.
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain tender.
• Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Breadcrumbs — For a more flavorful crust, consider using seasoned breadcrumbs or adding additional herbs and spices to the mixture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy crust, double coat the chicken by repeating the dipping process in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with grated Pecorino Romano or a similar hard cheese.
• To make this dish healthier, you can bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying it. Simply preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve Kunelić na Padelu hot, alongside a generous portion of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown chicken breasts on a platter, allowing the crispy crust to be the star of the show. Add a sprig of fresh herbs for a pop of color and serve with a side of mashed potatoes or salad.