Hasselback Cheese Puff Fried Chicken

Ingredients
for 4 servings

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 salt, to taste
1 pepper, to taste
3 cups buttermilk
1 packet ranch seasoning
10 cups cheese puff
1 oil, to fry

Preparation

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Make parallel cuts in each chicken breast without slicing all of the way through. Place chicken breasts in a large bowl.
3. Add buttermilk and ranch seasoning mix to the bowl and stir until chicken is well-coated. Marinate in refrigerator for 4 hours, or overnight.
4. While chicken is marinating, place 10 cups of cheese puffs in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely ground. Pour into a large bowl.
5. Using tongs or yours hands, toss each marinated chicken breast into cheese puff powder.
6. Bend coated chicken breast to form a hollow circle. Use a toothpick to seal the ends together.
7. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large skillet or pot.
8. Carefully place each breast in the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until internal temperature of chicken breast reaches 165°F (75°C).
9. Remove the chicken breasts and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
10. Serve with french fries, carrots, broccoli, and ranch dressing, if desired.
11. Enjoy!