Amazon Fried Chicken Breasts

2 cups cilantro leaves
2 garlic cloves
1 jalapeño, seeded
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 cup mayonnaise
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
One 5 1/2-ounce bag potato chips, finely crushed
Four 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, pounded 1/2 inch thick
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

In a blender, combine the cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, vinegar and water and puree. Transfer to a bowl and whisk in the mayonnaise. Cover and refrigerate.

In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Spread the potato chips in a third bowl. Lightly coat the chicken with the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip in the beaten eggs. Coat the chicken with the potato chips.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook over moderately high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plates. Serve at once with the cilantro sauce.

From Michael Cordúa, a 1994 Best New Chef, now chef-owner of Churrascos, Amazon and Américas in Houston