These crispy baked plantain-crusted chicken strips are out of this world tasty, and incredibly easy to prepare. The avocado cream takes them over the top!
You know how sometimes when you’re trying too hard to make something happen, it just doesn’t happen? Kind of like when Gretchen Wieners kept trying to make “fetch” happen and was pushing it a little too hard…girl it just wasn’t going to happen.
That’s how I feel about cooking.
It’s an important life lesson that I’m finally beginning to understand inside and outside the kitchen. Putting food on the internet for others to see, try and judge can be a really scary thing. Lately I’ve found myself easing up and going back to my roots – treating cooking and preparing meals as a fun, therapeutic activity. That’s truly what it is for me. If a recipe turns out good, then awesome! I’m excited to share. And if not, no biggie.
I always find the best creations are the things I just kind of throw together. When I overthink things, or try to get a little too fancy, usually that’s when I make a recipe that is a complete flop. Then there are those other magical times where I whip up a little something something out of the blue and it’s crazy good.
This chicken/avocado cream combo is one of those times where my little something something turns out pretty amazing.
I originally made this recipe last week after taking my mom through a tough workout at home. Maybe I had a rush of endorphins from the workout, or the happiness I get from training others got the best of me. Either way, I was feeling really inspired (and hungry) and I came up with my new favorite dinner. Bonus: it comes together in under 30 minutes and is super simple to make!
Sometimes it pays off to not try so hard to make things happen. Relax and do your thang. Yes, I just said thang.
- Plantain Crusted Chicken:
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into strips
- 1 Egg, Beaten
- 2 Cups of Baked Plantain Chips (I got mine from Trader Joe's)
- ¼ Teaspoon Cumin
- Dash of Chili Powder
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
- Avocado Cream:
- 1 Avocado
- ½ Cup Chopped Cilantro
- 2 Tablespoons Low-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
- ¼ Cup Pistachios
- Juice of 1 Lime
- 3 Tablespoons Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
- ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, or large plastic bag crush the plantain chips until they are a coarse meal. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder and cumin.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat with the plantain mixture. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake for ~20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the chicken is baking, combine all avocado cream ingredients in a blender or food processor and combine until smooth. Can be used as a dipping sauce, or drizzle over the chicken.
- Serve immediately.
Talk to me:
- How do you handle over-thinking things?
- What’s the best recipe/food you’ve ever created on a whim?
- SUPER IMPORTANT: What’s your favorite Mean Girls quote?
Mm this looks delicious! To prevent from over-thinking things, I try and take it one thought at a time haha. Doesn’t always work, but it’s a nice start for me.
Thanks Jess! Happens to me too, but I agree – its a good place to start!
OMG these look seriously amazing! 😍 I love the cream sauce too!…I usually have to think more about my recipes…wish I was creative enough o just whip things together!
There’s nothing wrong with a well thought-out recipe – you share amazing creations! <3
DIS CHICKEN!!! I love how unique it is! Plantain chips = UM genius!
Thank you! The plantain chips are definitely unique, but they make an awesome coating!
Oh my gosh I love these Trader Joes plantain chips! I can’t wait to try these!!
They are SO addicting aren’t they? Super tasty with the chicken 🙂
I recently started a paleo-ish diet, but I’ve cut dairy, poultry and red meat. I will try these with fish. I wonder how I can sub out the Greek yogurt for the avocado sauce…trying not to “overthink” it. 🙂
Meditation helps me from overthinking. Also, journaling. <3
I think you can just use more avocado and leave out the Greek yogurt. It will still be tasty 🙂 Journaling and meditation are two great ways to combat overthinking!
This looks great! I grew up eating plantain chips. I never thought to use them as breading! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you Theresa! They make an amazing breading – enjoy!