Crispy Chicken Strips With Spicy Pesto Dip

One at a time, place a chicken portion between two plastic storage bags or sheets of plastic wrap. Using a flat meat mallet (or even a wine bottle or rolling pin), pound until about ⅓ inch thick throughout. Cut the chicken across the grain into ½-inch-wide strips. Season the chicken with the salt and pepper.

Spread the flour in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs until combined in a second shallow bowl. Spread the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 200℉. Set a wire cooling rack on a large rimmed baking sheet.

A few at a time, dredge the strips in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip in the eggs to coat, and roll in the crumbs to cover completely. Transfer to the lined platter.

Pour enough oil to come to about ¼ inch up the sides of large skillet. Do not skimp on the oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil is very hot and shimmering, but not smoking. In batches without crowding, fry the chicken strips in the oil, turning them as needed, until golden brown, about 2 ½ minutes. Using a wire spider or slotted spoon, transfer the strips to the wire rack and keep warm in the oven while frying the remaining chicken. Just before serving, drain briefly on paper towels and transfer to a clean platter.

Serve hot with pesto dip.

To make the dip:
Mix the mayonnaise, basic, Parmigiano, garlic, and hot red sauce in a medium bowl.
 
Excerpt from "Super Tuscan: Heritage Recipes and Simple Pleasures from Our Kitchen to Your Table" by Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar. Copyright © 2017 by Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar. Used with permission by Touchstone. All rights reserved.