Monday again

Well, my grant is finally in to the federal government and over the weekend things began to get back to normal. (I am not going to comment on the multiple incredible horrific news stories... NIU - politics - etc. Anyone who reads this blog knows where I stand - and I am immersed in enough stuff with my job that I don't need to go there...)

Anyway - the kids are still fighting off some colds - but that doesn't stop them from eating!!!

So - tonight - as I was coming home (and after shopping lots yesterday for all assortment of things to cook...) I thought about what to make for dinner. Last night I made a fantastic vegetable stew with spaghetti (even my oldest ate the spaghetti from the pot - VICTORY!!!!) I will post that recipe another time.

Tonight - I wanted some additional protein - i.e. Chicken. and I had a bag of chips that was way past the "can't eat just one stage" - the last bits...

So - here was tonight's dinner - came out terrific by the way -

Potato Crusted Chicken Breasts...

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded - not pounded - whatever...)
1 cup potato chips - yes - the salted kind - Crushed into bits.
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 eggs
olive oil
salt and pepper
2-3 slices of lemon

1. Put the chips and bread crumbs in a bowl
2. Crack the eggs into another bowl and whisk
3. Prepare the chicken - a pinch of salt and pepper on each side (pound flat if you want to)
4. Heat some olive oil in the pan (for these to be crispy - there needs to be enough "fat" to chicken... put in enough to coat the bottom of the pan.) Make sure the oil is hot - but not burning... a bit of the breadcrumbs in the pan should make that sizzle sound when it is ready.
5. Place chicken breasts in egg then in chip mixture... press the chips/crumbs into the chicken breasts. Place immediately in pan. Don't crowd the chicken in the pan - there should be enough room to see the pan between each piece...Also - do NOT move the chicken breasts too much.... 5 minutes on one side - you will see it turning "white" as it cooks.... flip the chicken - about 6 minutes on the other side... Cut into it if you need to check for doneness.
6. Transfer to plate - put lemon slices on top and serve.

Side dishes - rice and some sweet potatoes...

For those that don't remember... rice is always 2 to 1.

1 cup of rice. 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to lowest setting. Cover. Do not open lid. Wait 15 minutes. Turn off heat. Fluff and serve.

Sweet Potatoes - oven pre-heated to 425. Poke potatoes with fork. Put on tray. Roast for 1 hour.

Great meal - Kids loved it - used some leftovers.... certainly better than pre-packaged chicken "fingers" -

D