Crispy Sesame Chicken Cutlets with Tomato Salad and Tahini

Flavorful
Description

Breaded with sesame seeds and flakey panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, these crispy chicken cutlets will become a weeknight or weekend favorite.

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved (about 5 cups)
  • 3 orange sweet mini peppers, thinly sliced (about 2/3 cup)
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 small (about 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (about 2 1/8 ounces)
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups panko
  • 1 cup sesame seeds
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup canola oil, plus more as needed
Directions
  1. Toss together tomatoes, sweet peppers, onion, parsley, oil, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss. Set aside.
  2. Whisk together tahini, 3 tablespoons water, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk in up to 1 tablespoon additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until sauce is creamy and pourable, similar to a thick salad dressing. Set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 200°F. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet; set aside. Season chicken with 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  4. Place flour in a large, shallow bowl. Place eggs in a second large, shallow bowl. Combine panko, sesame seeds, coriander, cumin, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a third large, shallow bowl; stir to combine.
  5. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking to remove excess; dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Dredge in panko mixture, patting to adhere. Transfer coated chicken to a parchment paper–lined work surface or baking sheet.
  6. Add oil to a large skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch; heat over medium-high until shimmering. Working in batches, cook chicken until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place chicken on prepared wire rack on baking sheet; transfer to preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding more oil to skillet as needed. Serve with tomato salad, tahini sauce, and lemon wedges.