Herbed Chicken Breasts with Tomatillo Salsa and Queso Fresco

  • 4

Ingredients

  • * Salsa:
  • 2 * 2 quarts water
  • 1/2 * 1/2 pound tomatillos (about 10 small), husks and stems removed
  • 1 * 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 to 1 * 1/2 to 1 serrano chile
  • 1/2 * 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 * 1/4 cup coarsely chopped onion
  • 1 * 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 * 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • *
  • Chicken:
  • 3 * 3 (1-ounce) slices white bread
  • 4 * 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1/2 * 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 * 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 * 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 * 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 * 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 * 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled queso fresco cheese
  • * Cilantro sprigs (optional)
  • * Lime wedges (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare salsa, bring water to a boil. Add tomatillos, garlic, and chile; cook 7 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Combine tomatillos, garlic, chile, chopped cilantro, onion, lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor or blender; pulse 4 to 5 times or until coarsely chopped. Set aside.

To prepare chicken, place bread in a food processor, and pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs measure 1 1/2 cups. Arrange crumbs on a baking sheet; bake at 350° for 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely.

Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, cumin, and red pepper; sprinkle evenly over chicken.

Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Place egg in another shallow dish. Dip chicken in egg; dredge in breadcrumbs.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Top chicken with salsa, and sprinkle with queso fresco cheese. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges, if desired.