Craving a ridiculously easy and delicious meal that's ready in minutes?
This isn't your average chicken dinner: think crunchy, flavorful chicken paired with creamy mashed potatoes and a vibrant cucumber tomato salad for a weeknight win that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Crunchy Chicken Ingredients
Let's get crackin' on the crunchy chicken—it's the star of our show! First, you're gonna need 400g (that's about 13oz) of chicken breast minute steaks. If ya can't find 'em, just slice regular chicken breasts thin, about 1cm thick.
Next up, grab 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise—whole egg mayonnaise works best, trust me! Then, mix it with 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, grated of course. The ease of preparation is one of the things that makes this recipe so great. I want you to be sure to use a small bowl for those little ingredients.
Now, for the crunch factor, you'll need 6 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs. Panko's are those big, crispy breadcrumbs; though regular's fine too; don't sweat it. Gotta make sure you use your hands to pat that panko well!
Fast Mashed Potato Prep
Now that we've got our chicken lookin' like a winner, I'm gonna walk you through the mashed potatoes – quick and easy, just how we like it! I grab two medium potatoes; no need to peel 'em, we're keepin' it real simple.
Pop those taters in the microwave. I cook 'em on high for three minutes, flip 'em, then two more minutes. Give 'em a squeeze; they're ready when they're soft. Careful; they're hot!
I cut each potato in half. Then, I scoop out the insides with a spoon into a bowl. It's kinda like excavating for gold, but way tastier!
Now, I add about 1/4 cup of milk – just eyeball it. A tablespoon of butter goes in (if you're feelin' fancy!), plus salt and pepper to taste! Adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme could really elevate this simple side dish. Mash it all up until it's smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk!
Cucumber Ribbon Tomato Salad Creation
First, grab your cucumber. You're gonna use a potato peeler – yes, the same one from the mashed potatoes! – to create ribbons. Just peel long strips down the cucumber. It's kinda fun, like making veggie art.
Next, take your cherry tomatoes. Halve 'em! If you've only got big ones, that's cool; just chop 'em up a bit smaller. Gotta get that tomato goodness in every bite, ya know?
Now, pile those cucumber ribbons and tomato halves onto a plate. Looking good already, isn't it? I always think so!
I like to keep it simple, so I drizzle on about a tablespoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of olive oil. A sprinkle of salt and pepper, and boom! Perfection.
Plating and Serving
With our vibrant salad ready, the spotlight's on how we're going to bring this all together! I usually love thinking about these things!
First, grab your plates. Now I want you to put a generous scoop of that fluffy mashed potato right in the middle. Don't be shy now! Then, nestle a piece of our crunchy chicken right on top, so it sits like royalty on a throne!
Next, I usually drizzle a little olive oil over both–about half a teaspoon, if you want to be precise! A touch of fresh, finely chopped parsley? Oh, go on, it'll make it pop, it is optional though!
Finally, place a lovely pile of our cucumber and tomato salad right beside the chicken. It's all about balance, folks! Dig in and enjoy this super quick and easy meal! Are you impressed? Yay!
Short Recipe Version
Crunchy Chicken Mashed Potato Cucumber Ribbon Tomato Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
1 lb Chicken Breast
1 package Instant Mashed Potatoes (prepared as directed – approximately 2 cups)
1 Cucumber
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Coat chicken breast in bread crumbs.
- Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package directions.
- Slice cucumber into ribbons. Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Slice the Chicken breast thin.
- Assemble: Plate mashed potatos, add sliced cucumber ribbon, and cherry tomatoes, top with chicken..
Nutrition (Estimated per serving):
Calories: 450
Protein: 40g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g