Happy Valley Chow

gour-mand (noun): one who is excessively fond of eating and drinking

Chicken Club w/ Garlic Aioli


This is one of those really simple and delicious dinner options that only takes 30 min to make. There really isn't much to say about this, so how about we cut the chit chat and get to the recipe! 

Ingredients:
  • 4 Boneless chicken chicken breasts
  • Salt & Pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3/4 Cup mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 6 slices of bacon
  • 4 Kaiser rolls 
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
Directions

For the garlic aioli, add the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy, cover and set aside in fridge (You can also make this of time so that all the flavors infuse). 

Take your chicken breasts and dry with a paper towel to remove all moisture. Lay the chicken breasts on a large piece of parchment paper, fold the parchment paper over top the chicken so that they are covered. With a flat meat mallet or heavy pan, pound the chicken thin, making them as close to the same thickness as possible for even cooking. Then season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour, making sure to remove excess flour. 

Heat a large saute pan, over medium high heat. Once heated add in the oil, you'll know the oil is ready when the oil shimmers. After heated, add in the chicken breasts, you may have to work in batches depending on the size of your pan. Once golden brown on side, flip and brown the other side. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer, you may have to turn down the heat to prevent burning. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken breasts to a cooling rack and let rest. 

Heat another large saute pan over medium heat, add in the bacon and cook until crisp. Leave the bacon drippings in the pan and add in the buns and toast. 

After everything has been prepared, you are ready for assembly. Spread some of the garlic aioli on the top bun. Place a chicken breast on the bottom, top with 1 1/2 slices of bacon, lettuce and tomato (or whatever toppings you please). Enjoy!

Song of the Recipe


Anybody that knows me, knows that I'm a big Batman fan. Saw The Dark Knight Rises this weekend and just hearing the music at the beginning made me giddy with excitement....I'm a nerd. If this soundtrack doesn't get you jacked up, then I don't know what will!



Did I also mention that Lee and I were in The Dark Knight Rises?? Ohh yeah...we were. We drove to Pittsburgh for the football stadium scene...You might not be able to see use, but I really feel like our acting skills brought something to the film. 

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