Bacon and Chile Crusted Chicken Milanese with Chile Spiced Polenta and Arugula Salad

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A Note from Feedfeed

This restaurant-quality dish by @sebastians.kitchen is sure to impress and delight anyone you make it for! The chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and oh so satisfying. 

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  • Recipe Card
Prep time: 20mins
Cook time: 50mins
Serves or Makes: 4

Recipe Card

ingredients

Chile-Spiced Polenta:

  • 5 cups salted water
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup parmesan or Chihuahua cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle or Morita chile powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

ingredients

3-step breading:

  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle or Morita chile powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

ingredients

Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspooon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

ingredients

Arugula Salad:

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • Olive oil, to taste (plus more as needed)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups baby arugula

Method

To prepare the polenta:

  • Step 1

    In a heavy saucepan bring water with a heavy pinch of salt and garlic to a boil.

  • Step 2

    Whisk in polenta and cook on low heat, whisking frequently, until thick and creamy, 15 to 20 minutes.

  • Step 3

    Remove from heat, and whisk in heavy cream, butter, olive oil, cheese, and Morita/chipotle chile powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside/reheat until ready to serve.

  • Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 375° F.

  • Step 2

    Lay bacon on a parchment-or foil-lined sheet tray, and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes.

  • Step 3

    Allow to cool a bit, and then cut each strip into 4 pieces. Place in a food processor, and pulse until finely ground.

  • Step 4

    Transfer to a shallow dish and add panko breadcrumbs. Mix to combine

  • Step 5

    In a separate shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, Morita/chipotle powder and salt. Whisk to combine.

  • Step 6

    In a third shallow dish, whisk together eggs, paprika, garlic powder and salt. Set aside.

  • Step 7

    Place chicken breasts between two pieces of parchment paper, plastic wrap, or a large Ziplock bag and using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound until uniform in thickness, about ¼” thick.

  • Step 8

    Season with salt, pepper, Morita/chipotle Chile powder, garlic powder and paprika.

  • Step 9

    Pour olive oil into a large sauté pan, enough to come 1/4 to 1/2 inch up the sides, and heat over medium heat.

  • Step 10

    While oil is heating, bread the chicken: Dredge chicken through the flour mixture first, tapping off any excess, followed by egg mixture, and then coat with bacon breadcrumb mixture. Repeat process until all pieces are breaded.

  • Step 11

    Lay breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil, and cook until first side is golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and repeat.

  • Step 12

    While chicken is cooking, prepare the arugula salad.

  • Step 13

    In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and shallot. Whisk in just enough olive oil until well balanced. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Step 14

    Dress arugula with just enough of the vinaigrette to coat.

  • Step 15

    Transfer chicken to a platter and serve with Chile-Spiced Polenta and arugula salad.