Buttermilk battered fried chicken might be a Southern classic (and deservedly so!), but it’s always fun to switch things up. Try this Asian-inspired dish that swaps classic batter for crushed ramen noodle pieces, which give these chicken cutlets a satisfying crunch. Complete the dish by pairing it with a citrusy Asian salad.

Yield: Serves 4 (serving size: 1 chicken cutlet and 1 1/2 cups salad)
Total time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1bunch kale (about 8 oz.), stems removed, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1bunch cilantro, chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• 3green onions, thinly sliced diagonally
• 1 1/4 cupsmatchstick carrots
• 3 1/2 tablespoonsfresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoonssoy sauce
• 1 teaspoonhoney
• 6 tablespoonsolive oil, divided
• 2(3-oz.) pkg. chicken-flavored instant Asian ramen noodle soup mix
• 1 teaspoonground ginger
• 1/4 teaspooncayenne pepper
• 4(5- to 6-oz.) chicken cutlets
• 2large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cupdry-roasted peanuts, chopped

Preparation

1. Toss together kale, cilantro, green onions, and carrots. Whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl; pour over kale mixture, and toss to coat. Set aside while preparing chicken, tossing occasionally.
2. Break ramen noodles into pieces. Process ramen noodles, seasoning mixtures from ramen packages, ginger, and cayenne pepper in a food processor until combined, 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a shallow dish, and set aside.
3. Place each chicken cutlet between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, using a rolling pin or flat side of a meat mallet. Dip each cutlet in eggs, and dredge in ramen mixture, pressing to adhere.
4. Cook half of chicken in 2 1/2 tablespoons hot olive oil in a large skillet over medium until golden brown and done, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Place on a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet, and keep warm in a 200° oven. Repeat procedure with remaining chicken and olive oil.
5. Sprinkle peanuts over kale mixture, and serve with cutlets.

By
Bryan Vallejo