Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breasts

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breasts:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying, optional)

• Cooking spray (if baking)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.

   • In a shallow dish, mix panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

   • In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.

2. Bread the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.

   • Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.

   • Dredge the chicken in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Pan-Fry Option: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet and finish in the oven for 10–12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

   • Bake Option: Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased wire rack. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the Parmesan-crusted chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or pasta for a complete meal.

Spinach & Sausage Alfredo Pasta

We first enjoyed this recipe when our friend and neighbor, Julie, graciously provided dinner for our family. It was an immediate family favorite that has been added to our weekly dinner rotation. Perfect for feeding a crowd or a busy weeknight, I often purchase all ingredients for this dish from Trader Joe’s, including the gluten-free rice penne pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground Italian sausage

• 1 lb. penne pasta

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• ½ yellow onion

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 5 oz. baby spinach

• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp. butter

• *save 2 tbsp. pasta water to be added to sauce

Method:

Cook pasta in large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions.

• While pasta is cooking heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.

• Cook Italian sausage until the sausage is no longer pink.

• Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary then add onion, & garlic. Cook until translucent & fully combined with sausage.

• Turn the heat to low then add butter & cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then add in the spinach and reserved pasta water. Cook while stirring for about 3 minutes until the spinach is completely wilted.

Salsa Brisket

Perfect mix of barbecue & slightly spicy flavor. This shredded beef, which is roasted in the oven, can be used for sandwiches or as a main dish without the outdoor grill.

• 3-4 lb beef brisket

• 2 cups or one 16-oz jar of salsa

• 1 cup of water

• salt & pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Pat brisket dry with paper towels & place in dutch oven. Season with salt and pepper on all sides. Pour salsa & water on top of beef. Cover & cook for 6 hours. Remove from oven, place beef onto cutting board, then slice against grain or shred.

For sandwiches, we like to use brioche burger buns with mayo & sliced sharp cheddar cheese. Additional toppings such as onions, pickles or peppers would be great too!

We love Five Marys beef, this post is not sponsored in any way, and have been loyal farm club members for over 3 years now.

Recipe adapted from Five Marys blog: Spicy Brisket Sandwiches

Copycat Crunchy Tacos

An Instant Pot Taco meat reminiscent of a Taco Bell ground beef crunchy taco but better and without mystery ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef

• 1 packet of taco seasoning*

• 1 8oz can of tomato sauce

• 1 package of hard taco shells (we prefer Siete brand but you could also use corn shells)

• Shredded lettuce for topping

• Grated cheddar cheese for topping

• Optional toppings: sour cream, olives

Method:

Turn Instant Pot on to saute, add ground beef. Cook until fully browned. Incorporate taco seasoning fully into the meat. Add tomato sauce and stir completely. Set on slow cook for at least one hour to further combine flavors. Serve in warmed taco shells with desired toppings.

*When shopping for prepackaged spices or spice mixes, I carefully read the ingredients list for fillers. Many preservatives contain gluten or corn derivatives, which can be a health concern, so I typically opt for the package containing the least ingredients or make my own mixes in bulk. We often rotate through Siete brand or store brands at Sprouts, Trader Joes and Thrive Market.