I call that recipe a variation of the famous Parmigiana Chicken.
Sorry, I probably made true Italian foodies fall off their chairs by saying this.
Rest assured I will review a “true” Parm chicken eventually as this is on my review lineup!
So this Cheesy Chicken Milanese from HelloFresh is a bit long to do but so good with a punch of different flavours.
Let’s dive right into it! I’m hungry, so is my 4-year-old son!
This is the original recipe freely available on HelloFresh’s website.
But my elevated version is a bit better, as usual 😉
Expected time to cook: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Average cost in CAD to buy your own ingredients: $14.19 total (about $7 per portion)
Table of Contents
Ingredients In The Package
Nutritional values
- 2 Chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup of Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of White cheddar
- A small bag of Baby spinach or Mixed salad
- 1 Tomato
- 2 tbsp of Mayonnaise
- 1 Gala apple
- A bit of White wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
Nutritional values
The Setup
Broiler and Apple Preparation
First thing first, as usual for me, if I have something to marinate, I prepare the ingredients right away.
In this case, cut your apple into small dice of about 1 cm (1/4 inch) and place in a mixing bowl.
Quick tips: HelloFresh “tells” you to turn on the broiler right away. This is not necessary at this point in time. You will waste electricity as you have a good 20 minutes before the need to use it. I will tell you when.
Preparing the Marinade
When I prepare a marinade, I like to use a measuring cup. It is clean and it works perfectly for a small amount.
Having said that: Use the vinegar, Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp of white sugar.
Now, they tell you to simply add the oil and that’s it.
Secret tips: While you are whisking your marinade, add slowly the oil and keep whipping it until you have completely used the oil. It will thicken and it should not separate. Always add the oil at the end!
Pour the marinade into the bowl with the apple, place in the fridge and let it rest until ready to serve.
Chicken Breast
HelloFresh suggestion
Slice the chicken breast lengthwise in the middle to create a sort of pocket.
Open it flat, and season with salt and pepper.
In a shallow dish, pour your breadcrumbs, coat the chicken in mayonnaise, press the breast into your breadcrumbs and put aside.
“Ouf, so many things wrong here.”
Better suggestion
Do you know how much cross-contamination potential you have if you follow the above?
Also, I have a better way of creating a chicken breast pancake!
No need to cut and on top of that you will tenderize the breast.
First! Prepare your shallow dish with the breadcrumb, and set aside.
Prepare a second shallow dish pour the mayo in it, and set it beside the other dish.
Important to do that now before handling the chicken.
Do you have a rolling pin, a cast iron pan or an actual meat mallet handy? If so, do this:
- Place your chicken flat on a large cutting board
- Put a layer or two (2) of plastic wrap
- Take your favourite tool mentioned above (in my case, the cast iron pan) and have your way with the chicken until about 1/4 inch or 1 cm flat.
Place the pan, your tools and the cutting board away before the next steps.
Cooking Process
Cooking the Chicken
NOW you may turn on your stove to broil for it to warm up.
Turn on the stove to medium-high and use a non-stick pan.
Add 2 tbsp of oil in the pan
Secret tips: Use coconut oil for about 4 or 5 tbsp, and don’t be shy with it. It will act as a shallow fryer while adding a sweet subtle taste and it cooks way hotter than olive oil.
While the pan is warming up, take one chicken breast and coat it with mayonnaise inside out then press it into the breadcrumbs blend until completely covered.
Add carefully to the hot pan and do the same with the other breast.
Please wash your hands and set everything aside.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes each side until golden brown.
Place Chicken in Oven
Place the breasts on a baking sheet with cover them with aluminum foil.
Add cheese on top and put it in the oven for about 2-3 minutes.
Always watch it! Don’t walk away.
WAIT!
Do you want it to taste good, or crazy good?
Quick tips: Before putting the cheese on top, spread some pizza sauce on the breast, trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Finish up and Plating
Remove the chunks of apple from the fridge in its marinade that you’ve set aside earlier and pour into a mixing bowl.
Cut your tomato into 1/4 inch (1cm) cubes and put in the bowl.
Add the salad (or spinach) and toss until all the ingredients are coated.
Divide all your mixtures on a plate.
You may crack some pepper on top of the cheese and or the salad.
Serve
Bon apétit!
Honest Review for the Cheesy Chicken Milanese
Actual time to make: 60 minutes
This is the second time I’ve made this one, but the difference is I have integrated the pizza sauce in it.
This is not a meal to make in a rush especially if your little ones are begging for food and or constantly looking for your attention; ask me why!
I knew it would take much longer than the original proposed time by HelloFresh but the result was very satisfying regardless.
PROS from the original recipe:
-Very tasty
-The marinade with apples is refreshing and crispy
-Simple ingredients and easy to buy yourself
-Hitting the chicken breast with a cast iron pan is somewhat satisfying (ah!)
CONS:
-A bit technical to make if you are not used to cooking often
-Takes a good hour to prepare and cook if you do it properly and my way
My final thoughts:
The CONS don’t prevent me from giving it a 5-star rating.
This is the perfect comfort food for a cold night but it could be challenging if you are in a rush or if this is the first time you make this kind of recipe.
Star Rating
How to get a free box
Did you like my review with tips and tricks to make it better? If you are interested in trying Chefs Plate Meal Kit Box, please use my link below and get a FREE FIRST BOX!
No bull! And guess what, no obligations, no contract, you cancel whenever you want.
Full disclosure: I may receive a small incentive or a free box myself if you use my link.
Have you ever cooked it?
What are your thoughts? Any other tips and tricks to make it even better?
Let me know in the comments below!
Historical FAQ's
Where does the Chicken Milanese come from?
“Chicken Milanese is a dish that finds its origins in Milan, Italy. It was traditionally made with veal, but chicken soon became the more popular version of this classic Italian dish”
Quote source: AskChefDennis
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