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3-Ingredient Pesto Fried Chicken

4.1

(10)

3ingredient pesto fried chicken on a plate.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Molly Baz

In Epi's 3-Ingredient Recipes series, we show you how to make great food with just three ingredients (plus staples like oil, salt, and pepper).

We like breadcrumbs here for an old-school cutlet feel, but panko would work just fine in their place.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    20 minutes

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetable oil (for frying; about 2 cups)
1 cup plain fine breadcrumbs
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4 large)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup basil pesto, plus more for serving

Special Equipment

A deep-fry thermometer

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pour oil into a large heavy skillet fitted with thermometer to come 1/2" up sides. Heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 350°F. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow dish or rimmed baking sheet.

    Step 2

    Season chicken all over with salt and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread 1/4 cup pesto all over chicken. Dip chicken into breadcrumbs, turning to coat and pressing with your fingertips to adhere.

    Step 3

    Carefully add chicken to hot oil, then reduce heat to medium. Fry 4 minutes, then flip and continue to fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack.

    Step 4

    Serve chicken with pesto alongside for dipping.

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