Better than or at least as good as Chilli's

A close friend, Lynn, remarked the other day that I am a 'kill-joy' because I always want to try and make something that the kids like at restaurants. She says that if I keep doing this, the kids will never want to eat out anymore and will never enjoy food outside. I replied that it wasn't actually a 'want' but more of a 'need' - I need to know that I can do it better or at the very least, as good as what you get outside!

I kind of see her point though, but at the same time I dont see any reason why they shouldn't realise that Daddy (and Mummy) make food that is just as tasty, if not better, than what they would get at eateries outside. Furthermore, at least we know what goes into homecooked food, it is definitely more wholesome and also cheaper.




One of our favourite places to eat out is Chilli's Grill and Bar I find it rather interesting that this American Food chain is almost a worldwide name now as they have outlets all over the world. There are Four outlets in Kuala Lumpur alone and I believe one in Penang.

We love going to Chilli's as not only is the food good, it is value for money as Kids eat Free with every Adult Meal, How's that for Free Advertising for Chillis!! I also love the Bottomless drinks, otherwise known as unlimited refills, that you can order there. I usually make sure I finish at least 5 glasses of Coke when I order the bottomless drinks - much to The Lovely Wifes disenchantment! These days though, I try and stick to just water.



When the kids were younger, they would be happy with their own kids meals but nowadays they enjoy sharing the food we order as well. We all enjoy the salads at Chilli's as not only are they tasty, the portions are large and salads are always best eaten shared!


So since we all enjoy the salads there, can you really blame me for trying to make something similar at home? I think not! This is what I did.

Crispy Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
1 egg
1 Tbsp Honey
Pepper
Salt
6 Tbsp Corn Flour
3 Tbsp Plain flour
Oregano
Basil


Salad Leaves
Carrots
Cherry Tomatoes
Capsicum
Japanese Cucumber

Dressing
2 Tbsp Mayonnaise
Splash of lemon juice
1 chopped Gherkin
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 tsp yellow Mustard (English if you want it a bit piquant)
2 Tbsp Honey

Method
Mix the flour, salt, pepper, oregano and basil together. Set aside. Beat the egg with the honey and set aside. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture then into the flour mixture and fry till well cooked. Cut the breasts into pieces.

To make the dressing, mix all the ingredients together till smooth. Adjust it to your taste.

On a serving platter, arrange the salad leaves, cut Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, Capsicum and Japanese Cucumber. Place the chicken over it and serve with the dressing

This salad not only looked like the real thing, it also tasted like the real thing - perhaps even better. The Chicken came out a lot better than I expected. It wasnt as cruncy as the chicken you get at Chillis, but it was certainly very tasty.



What I really like about this Salad is how you can customise it with whatever vegetables you like. Add more salad leaves or more tomatoes - just the way you like it!


The kids loved it and both The Lovely Wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A Simple, Tasty and Healthy dish - what more could you ask for! My son and daughter both remarked that although they still like Chillis, what we cook at home is just as good!