Pesto Palmers

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Pesto Sauce:**
– In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
– With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the pesto seems too thick, add a little more olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the pesto aside.

#### 2. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
– Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another, whisk the eggs. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
– Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.

#### 3. **Fry the Chicken:**
– Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the breading is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

#### 4. **Assemble the Pesto Palmers:**
– Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
– Spoon a generous amount of the homemade pesto sauce over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly.
– Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto-covered chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
– Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

#### 5. **Serve:**
– Once the Pesto Palmers are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
– Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor, if desired.
– Serve the Pesto Palmers with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, citrusy kick.

### Why You’ll Love Pesto Palmers:

1. **A Flavorful Twist on Classic Chicken Parmesan:** If you love chicken Parmesan, you’ll adore this pesto variation. The fragrant, herbaceous pesto adds an extra layer of flavor that perfectly complements the crispy, tender chicken.

2. **Quick and Easy:** While the homemade pesto is made from scratch, the recipe itself is relatively simple and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

3. **Cheesy and Delicious:** The combination of gooey mozzarella cheese with the rich, flavorful pesto makes each bite a cheesy delight. The crispy, breaded chicken provides a satisfying crunch, making this dish both comforting and exciting.

4. **Customizable:** This recipe is easy to modify based on your preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as adding a bit of provolone or using a dairy-free cheese for a twist. You can also adjust the pesto ingredients by adding spinach, arugula, or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique flavor profile.

5. **A Crowd-Pleaser:** Pesto Palmers are perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes this dish an instant hit with everyone.

### Final Thoughts:

**Pesto Palmers** offer a delicious and modern twist on a classic chicken dish. With its crispy breaded chicken, vibrant pesto sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or something a bit more special, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Give it a try and enjoy a fresh, cheesy, and flavorful dinner the whole family will love!