Having a family of my own and raising them in a world of fast food was so foreign to me.  I grew up with homemade dinners which included fresh vegetables, protein and always potatoes.  Raising my boys in a world where the go-to was chicken fingers and fast food was something I could not accept.  I was determined to give them the best homemade meals ever and their friends too.  I worked on a recipe for what everyone called “chicken fingers” as I refused to buy them at the market.  Today, it warmed my heart when my 28 year old son called and asked for the recipe.  He made it tonight and he felt like he was 6 years old back in California.  He admits the outcome needs a little work but the flavors and memories were all there.  Ryan’s first try photo is the second above.  So proud!

Crispy Parmesan Chicken

4 skinless chicken breasts
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Use a cast iron pan or line a baking sheet with foil. Brush lightly with olive oil.
Set out medium size 3 bowls
1. mix in a bowl
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup parmesan cheese

2. whisk in a separate bowl
1/2 cup olive oil
one egg
1 tablespoon mustard

3. stir in the third bowl
1 cup of flour
Mix in salt and pepper (optional any dried herbs you have)

Pat chicken breast dry. If they are thick pound down to reduce thickness 50% or slice into 1” wide pieces (kinda like making chicken fingers)
Dip chicken in flour and coat lightly.
Then dip in egg mixture and finish off coating it well in the bread crumb mixture.
Place on pan and bake 10 minutes. Remove and turn and continue to bake another 10 minutes.