Monday, June 06, 2005

Picnic Chicken

I love a picnic. I must get that from my grandma, whose greatest joys were spent eating outdoors...either on her back porch or at a nearby wooded park that ran along the town's reservoir. And while I like to grill, for most picnics I prefer a more "grab-and-go" approach, taking things that can be easily transported and easily eaten, rather than having to cook once we arrive at our picnic spot. This chicken dish fits the bill...I really like cold chicken for a picnic and any number of accompaniments can complete and compliment the meal. This is a great make-ahead dish, as I usually make it the night before.

4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

about 2/3 C. dry breadcrumbs
2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 to 1/3 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano or Parmigiano cheese
1/4 cup flour
salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

1 egg, beaten with a tablespoon or so of water
*A nice change of taste can be had by mixing a little bit of freshly grated nutmeg into the egg. It's just enough to add taste and variety without overwhelming the dish

Oven 375
Spray or oil a baking sheet.
Combine all the dry ingredients together. Dip the chicken strips into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumb mixture and place on the baking sheet. Spray or drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake about 20 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.

Refrigerate until ready to go!

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