T.G.I. Friday’s Sizzling Chicken and Cheese

This dish is a modified Mexican dish served in a hot pan, fajita style.

T.G.I. Friday’s Sizzling Chicken and Cheese is a popular dish that combines tender marinated chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and a cheesy mashed potato base. This flavorful and satisfying dish is known for its sizzling presentation and delicious combination of ingredients.

To prepare the dish, start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, which helps ensure they cook evenly. Then, create a flavorful marinade by combining chopped garlic, parsley, crushed red chilies, black pepper, salt, and olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and refrigerate for a few hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.

Once marinated, the chicken is sautéed in a hot cast iron skillet until golden brown, developing a flavorful crust. Meanwhile, julienned green peppers, red peppers, and yellow onions are sautéed until they reach a tender-crisp texture. These vibrant and colorful vegetables add a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor to the dish.

To assemble the sizzling chicken and cheese, a cast iron skillet is heated until very hot. Cooked mashed potatoes are placed in the skillet, and a combination of shredded Chihuahua white cheese and American cheese is added to create a creamy and cheesy base. The sautéed peppers and onions are then added on top of the cheese and potatoes. Finally, the cooked chicken breasts are placed on the assembled dish.

As the dish is served, the sizzling skillet adds a dramatic touch, enhancing the dining experience. The combination of sizzling chicken, melty cheese, savory mashed potatoes, and vibrant vegetables creates a delicious medley of flavors and textures.

T.G.I. Friday’s Sizzling Chicken and Cheese is often served directly from the hot skillet to maintain its sizzling and appetizing presentation. It’s a dish that satisfies both the palate and the senses, offering a delightful combination of flavors and a satisfying meal.

SERVES: 2

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (4-ounce) chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chilies
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons divided olive oil
• 1 julienned green pepper
• 1 julienned red pepper
• 1 julienned yellow onion
• 4 cups cooked mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded Chihuahua white cheese
• 2 slices American cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
2. In a zip-top bag, combine the chopped garlic, parsley, crushed red chilies, black pepper, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
4. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the marinated chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach a golden brown color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, sauté the julienned green pepper, red pepper, and yellow onion for 2-3 minutes, or until they are cooked but still al dente. Remove the peppers and onion from the skillet and set aside.
6. Heat another cast iron skillet on the burner until very hot. Place the cooked mashed potatoes in the skillet, then add the shredded Chihuahua white cheese, slices of American cheese, sautéed peppers, and onion.
7. Place the sautéed chicken breasts on top of the potatoes and cheese mixture. Cook until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve the dish directly from the hot skillet, ensuring to handle it with oven mitts or a trivet to protect your hands and surfaces.