Sesame Chicken Thigh Paillard with Peanut Sauce

6 skinned and boned chicken thighs
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup canola oil
Peanut Sauce

  1. Place each chicken thigh between 2 sheets of plastic wrap, and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, using a rolling pin or flat side of a meat mallet. Sprinkle thighs with 1 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

  2. Place flour in a shallow dish. Place eggs in a second dish. Stir together panko, sesame seeds, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a third dish. Dredge chicken in flour; shake off excess. Dip in eggs, and dredge in panko mixture, pressing to adhere.

  3. Cook 3 chicken thighs in 1 Tbsp. hot oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat 3 minutes. Add 1 Tbsp. oil, turn chicken, and cook 3 minutes or until done. Keep warm in a 200° oven. Repeat procedure with remaining oil and chicken. Serve with Peanut Sauce.

Peanut Sauce

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup lite soy sauce
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons dark sesame oil

Process peanut butter, soy sauce, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and dark sesame oil in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add 1 to 2 Tbsp. water, 1 tsp. at a time, processing until desired consistency is reached.

Southern Living