Yum Peaceful Cooking: Chicken
Showing posts with label Chicken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicken. Show all posts

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Cajun Style Gyro


These gems are bursting with flavor....tender, juicy and a bit spicy. We have here some Blackened Chicken, a Cajun Salsa, some delicious Cajun Dip drizzled all over it....all wrapped up in a pita.

Pure yum factor going on here.

The inspiration for such a diverse concoction comes from the tahini I used in the dip. Sesame King Cajun Tahini to be more specific. I had no idea there were flavored tahini's out there....so cool! They currently have Garlic, Honey, Cajun and Olive Oil flavors. All of which would be great in so many recipes. Hummus of course (how fun to have various flavor themes), dressings, sauces, dips.


Before Sunshine International Foods sent me some of their tahini, I had only used it in hummus. They have unknowingly guided me to expand my ways.


Cajun Dip

6 tablespoons Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Sesame King Cajun Tahini
1 1/2 teaspoons cilantro, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste (about a pinch)

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cajun Salsa
1 large tomato
2 green onions
1 - 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (use which ever color you prefer)
1/4 teaspoon creole seasoning
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.



Blackened Chicken
3 or 4 Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (breasts can be used instead)
1 tablespoon creole seasoning
Olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400'F

Drizzle chicken with a small amount of oil then sprinkle a good amount of creole seasoning on both sides of the chicken.

Heat 2 teaspoons of oil an oven safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for a minute or so on each side. Place skillet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove and cover lightly to rest. Slice thinly

Set up your station...


Grab a pita, and put it together the way you would a taco....meat, salsa and dip. Fold, wrap and chow!


The Cajun Tahini added depth to the dip. The tahini itself doesn't have heat to it, so don't worry about that if you shy away from spicy foods.

Sesame King Tahini is certified kosher, pasteurized and made in the USA. Plus, the list of ingredients is short and simple. Nothing in there that I don't recognize. Love that!

I was not compensated for this post, however Sesame King supplied me with product samples. All opinions are my own.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Lemony Grilled Chicken for a Heart Healthy #SundaySupper


Today's Sunday Supper is all about heart healthy dishes. Whether it's a way of life, a new choice, a "sometimes" choice, or you're just trying to maintain that New Year resolution, we have some wonderful options for you.

The dish I've prepared is a Greek dish called Lemonatie Kota sta Karvouna aka Lemony Grilled Chicken using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, marinated and grilled then served with a delightful sauce of your choice. The recommendations are Summer Peach Salsa or Tzatziki. Peaches aren't in season right now and since I drooled over all of the ingredients in Tzatziki, well....that's what my taste buds forced me to use.

Now let me confess a little something about my grilling skills. I'm learning. I know how to start the charcoal but I never really know how many coals to use. This chicken only grilled for about 10 minutes and I really felt guilty using all those coals. Is that typical? A starter full of coals for a 10 - 20 minute grill session?!

And I struggle with exactly when the coals are hot enough. Since Sir Sportsalot wasn't home when I tackled the Weber, I had to leave it up to my own judgement. I'm getting there...but I'm not a confident grill master by any means. Sure I could've used a skillet in the kitchen but it was over 80' outside. I really had no excuse other than my own insecurities. Therefore...I did it. And I didn't burn the chicken. I didn't over cook it. It was tender and juicy and oh so wonderful. Slowly but surely I'm getting there. The grill and I are forming the foundations of a beautiful friendship. I'm actually starting to look forward to my little grilling adventures.

Back to heart healthy. Low fat, low sodium and low cholesterol. I believe this dish covers that. Even with the Tzatziki which is made with Greek yogurt, olive oil and seasonings.

Lemony Grilled Chicken

Recipe from the It's All Greek to Me cookbook
Printable Version

1/4 fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1/4 olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
5 green onions, thinly sliced, green parts reserved.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
4 cups loosely packed fresh greens
Tzatziki (recipe to follow)

In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano and white parts of the green onions. Set aside

Rinse and pat dry the chicken. If the breasts are really thick, I recommend butterflying them. Season with salt and pepper. Place them in a zip lock baggy and pour the lemon juice mixture over them. Seal the bag and place in the fridge for at least one hour or up to over night, turning once.

Get your grill nice and hot. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 4 - 6 minutes on each side. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve over a bed of greens accompanied by Tzatziki spooned over the chicken and garnish with the greens from the onions if desired (I forgot).


Tzatziki

Recipe from the It's All Greek to Me cookbook
Printable Version

1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 teaspoon salt, divided
2 cups Greek yogurt
3 garlic cloves, mashed into a paste
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill

Grate the cucumber and place in a fine mesh strainer. Toss in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and let set over a bowl for 10 minutes.

Working in small batches, squeeze the cucumber in your hand to get out as much liquid as possible. Place the strained cucumber in a medium bowl.

Add the remaining ingredients in with the cucumber, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and mix well.

Place in the fridge to chill for 2 hrs or more. The longer it chills, the more intense the garlic flavor will become.

Store for up to 5 days.

The chicken was extremely tender and juicy! How could it not be after marinating in fresh lemon juice?! I've discovered that I absolutely love Tzatziki! Bursting with flavor, fresh and cool, the ideal accompaniment. This meal was light and satisfying. Perfect for a "pretend" summer day in the middle of winter.

Better for you breakfasts:
Jump start your health with these appetizers and snacks:
Soups that'll win your heart:
Veggies, Sides, & Salads your heart will thank you for:
Healthy is the center of attention in these main courses:
Staying healthy doesn't mean giving up desserts!
We heart wine.
Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Crispy Chicken Alfredo Crostini


This is one of those things that's so ridiculously easy and tastes so good!

Minimal ingredients. Minimal time. Maximum yum.

It can be a meal in itself or an appetizer. And...it's perfect for your Super Bowl party. How ever you choose to serve it, it's sure to please. I mean, who doesn't like crispy chicken? Who doesn't like Fettuccine Alfredo? And whooooo doesn't like garlic bread?! Cuz basically that's what this recipe is....a combination of those, wrapped into one.

Crispy Chicken Alfredo Crostini 

Makes about 9 depending on the size of the crostini

1 25 oz package of Tyson Fully Cooked Crispy Chicken Strips
2 cups Fettuccine Alfredo (I used a boxed version for convenience)
9 slices of a baguette, sliced on the diagonal
2 Garlic cloves, whole
1/2 cup diced tomatoes, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish

Toast bread slices in the broiler, turning once,until golden brown. Rub one side of each piece of toast (aka crostini) with a garlic clove. Set aside.

Heat the chicken as directed on the package.

If using Fettuccine Alfredo from a box, cook according to instructions, If you're using your favorite recipe, you'll need 2 cups of prepared Alfredo sauce and fettuccine, combined.

Let the chicken and Alfredo cool slightly. Just before preparing, toss the diced tomatoes and basil into the pasta dish and stir until just combined.

Top each crostini with Fettuccine Alfredo, chicken and then garnish with diced tomatoes and basil.

That's it. If your household is anything like mine, these babies won't last but a minute.


I was not compensated for this post, however Tyson supplied me with a coupons for their product. All opinions are my own.


Sunday, October 19, 2014

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili #SundaySupper


The holidays are approaching fast and if you're budget is anything like mine, things get tight. Or should I say....tighter. Sales, coupons, making meals stretch, all become more focused for the next couple of months. If a meal can be made by only spending a few bucks....and makes enough for lots of leftovers...I'm one happy camper. When said meal tastes wonderfully delicious and is comforting and filling....I'm doing the happy dance. (probably something you don't really want to witness)

A while back I won Erin Chase's cookbook, The $5 Dinner Mom. It's a great cookbook in many ways. The recipes are good, quick and easy to prepare. I don't know if this meal is actually a $5 dinner as prices have gone up since it was published back in 2009. But the key is to purchase on sale, use your coupons and make things from scratch whenever possible. Foods that have been prepared and processed for convenience are pricey, but they lure us in because we all know how busy our lives are. And saving time appeals to us all. Funny thing is....a lot of those processed foods don't really take that much time to make. Especially if you plan accordingly and make it ahead of time.

Making this chili is easy, inexpensive, and doesn't use any processed foods. You're going to have some minor prep work, but trust me...it's simple and worth the few minutes it takes. Not only will you be saving money, but you'll be avoiding a lot of unnecessary ingredients that come with packaged foods.

I did most of the prep work the night before (my time is very limited in the morning and I didn't want to get up any earlier that I had to...5:30am just isn't an option). All I had to do before going to work was toss it all in the slow cooker, turn it on...and bam! Dinner was in the making.

I'm going to be giving you 2 recipes here. One for the chili and one for the homemade basic white sauce. The basic white sauce is one of the major things I made the night before in order to save time in the morning (and it's a big money saver).

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Inspired by The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook by Erin Chase

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cup into bite sized pieces
1/2 onion, chopped
1 recipe for Homemade Basic White Sauce (recipe below)
6 oz green chilies (either canned or fresh) chopped
4 oz jalapenos (either canned or fresh) chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dried Great Northern beans
2 ears of corn, kernels cut from the cob
1 zucchini, chopped
4 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Avocado and cilantro to garnish (optional)

Note: I used about a pound of veggies. Keep this in mind when swapping with other preferred or less expensive veggies.

Combine all of the ingredients into your slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hrs. Garnish if desired and serve.

Homemade Basic White Sauce
4 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the butter until a paste is formed and it bubbles.

Whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the butter and flour have dissolved. Cook and stir for about 5 or 6 minutes, being sure that nothing sticks to the bottom or sides. The sauce will thicken a bit as it cools.

Tips: If chicken thighs are less expensive than breast...use them. If you find other veggies that you prefer, or are on sale....use them.

For more wonderful budget friendly meals, check out what the rest of the Sunday Supper team has in store for you!

Scrumptious Mains (Breakfast and Dinner)
Satisfying Sides
Sweet Treats
Sips, Spreads, and Snacks
Sunday Supper Movement Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Slow Cooker Lime Garlic Chicken #SundaySupper


Welcome to Sunday Supper's Slow Cooker edition.

The days are getting shorter but our schedules sure aren't, which is the perfect reason to use your slow cooker and why I'm going to keep this short and sweet!

We have a fantastic line up ranging from breakfast to dessert and everything in between, all made in that fantastic little counter top cooker that we all love and know as a slow cooker (or crock pot if you're old school like me).

If your days are as busy as mine (and maybe even more so) there's no reason you still can't enjoy a good home cooked meal with your family. So let's get started.

Slow Cooker Lime Garlic Chicken

Printable Version

1 1/2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon summer savory or thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup uncooked brown rice

Place the chicken in a 3-4 quart slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients except for the rice. Cover and cook on low for about 8-10 hrs. During the last hour of cooking, stir in the rice. Turn the heat to high and continue cooking for another hour or until rice is done.

Remove the chicken. Place the rice on a serving platter and top with the chicken, pouring any remaining juices over the chicken. Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables.


Simple, and delish! Of course the chicken falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. The broth and juices make for an amazing rice. The prep is minimal but the results are major!

Satiating Soups
Scrumptious Mains (Breakfast and Dinner)
Satisfying Sides
Scintillating Sweets
Savory Baking
Sips and Spreads

Sunday Supper Movement Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup


There are a lot of recipes out there that call for cream of chicken soup. I mean....a lot! But I'd cringe whenever I used it. I mean....from the can. It's loaded with all sorts of ingredients that I don't recognize. Plus several that I do recognize as totally not.....food. They certainly aren't ingredients I have in my pantry.

Guess what.....cream of chicken soup in a can is sooooo not necessary. It's incredibly easy ....as in SIMPLE.....to make. What do you think our great-great-grandmothers use to do? They made it! If you want to get real here...it starts out as a simple rue and then you add a bit of cream and stock.

Basically, that's it.

Hardly any time at all to make and it's totally cheap! And.....no junk added. No preservatives. No chemicals. Just wholesome ingredients found in just about any kitchen.

I have some seasonings listed and of course they can be adjusted based on personal taste. Whether you change the quantity or the seasoning all together. Make it the way it tastes best to you. For example, the summer savory can be swapped with thyme. The poultry seasoning can be omitted or swapped with herbs de province, etc. etc. You get the picture.

Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup

Inspired by: Gimme Some Oven
Makes about 2 cups

1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup milk
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp summer savory
1/4 cup chopped chicken

In a sauce pan, over medium low heat, melt butter and add flour, stirring to combine. Stir and simmer for about a minute or so, being careful that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

Slowly stir in the chicken broth, mixing until smooth. Add in the milk and the seasoning; salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning and savory.  Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Add in the chopped chicken. Reduce heat and continue simmering, stirring often, until thickened. It will thicken even more as it cools. Especially once refrigerated.

Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Remove from heat, allow to cool.

Either use right away or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Use like you would any other condensed creamy soup.

What did I do with it? I made a really nice......

Roasted Hatch Chili Creamy Chicken Soup. 


You see, I had tossed some chicken in my slow cooker, along with some roasted hatch chilies (or any chili your little heart desires).

I then sauteed carrots, onion, and celery in a bit of olive oil. (this is what's so great about making soup. You just eyeball it, season it to taste and eat. It's all good).

I took out my condensed cream of chicken soup from the fridge, admired it for a second...loving how nice and thick it was


Added about a cup to my mirepoix (fancy name for the carrots, onion and celery combo)


I stirred in about 1 cup of chicken broth and added in my hatch chilies and chicken. Heated through....buttered up some bread, poured myself a glass of wine and prepared for a relaxing evening watching T.V.


The soup tasted as if it had been cooking all day long...complex flavors in such a short amount of time.


All due to a wonderfully easy, and way better tasting, condensed cream of chicken soup.

Makes me wonder why we allowed the food industry to talk us out of making it ourselves to begin with. Honestly...if you're putting together a casserole, take the extra 10 minutes or so to make your own soup base. I bet your family will be highly impressed with the flavor improvement.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Grilled Chipotle Chicken Pizza #SundaySupper


I'm excited to say that I have joined the #SundaySupper Movement! And this is my first participating post. Wouldn't you know it....it's all about Man Food! Is there much out there that men won't eat?

I think not.

At the bottom, you will find a list of other #SundaySupper blogger's Man Food recipes and links. You can check them all out and see what you find that'll make your man happy.

What man doesn't like pizza? There might be a few out there but I've never met one. This Father's Day, to celebrate the man in your life, rather than turning on the oven to bake your pizza (and getting the house all hot and uncomfortable), why not take a shot at it on the grill? The flavor that's imparted is wonderful, just like anything else that's BBQ'd. You know that tell-tale smokey flavor that announces 'summer' loud and clear. Grilled pizza is fun, quick, and so darned good!

As with all pizzas, there are 3 components: the dough/crust, the sauce, and the toppings. Most of which can be partially prepared ahead of time. Even a day beforehand. 



First I'm going to share a beautiful pizza dough recipe. I've used it several times over the past few years and for the life of me, I cannot remember where I originally got the recipe (which is really bugging me now cuz I really would love to give them credit). 

Pizza Dough:
Ingredients:
1 package of active dry yeast (comes out to 2 1/2 tsp)
3 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 TBS honey 
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup warm water (about 110 - 115 degrees)

Directions:
Mix the honey and the water together. Add the yeast. Let sit for about 10 minutes, until it foams. Add salt and oil and give it a quick stir. Add the flour and mix well. Mix together with a wooden spoon or by hand. If it's too wet, add a bit of flour (1 TBS at a time) until its dry enough. If it's too dry, add a bit of water (1 TBS at a time) until its right. Turn out onto a well floured surface and knead until its nice and smooth. You might want to step away for a few minutes during kneading to let the dough rest. When you come back, it will knead so nicely and get all smooth and beautiful for you. 

Form the dough into a ball and put into a large oiled bowl. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm area until it has doubled in size (about 35 - 45 minutes or more). Punch down and let it rise again until it has doubled in size (about 1 - 1.5 hrs). Punch it down. 

At this point, you can store it in the refrigerator in a lightly covered container, for a few days. Do not seal the container tight as the dough will still rise (albeit slowly) in the fridge and you do not want the gases to build up and cause an explosion. When ready to use, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temp a bit before working with it. 

Turn it onto a well floured surface and prepare your dough for pizza. I divided it up into 4 balls and made individual sized pizzas. The number of pizza you get out of this dough will depend on how think you want your crust and how big you want them. 



Chipotle Pizza Sauce:
Inspired by The Neely's Chipotle Sauce

Ingredients:
1 cup sour cream (if you can get Mexican sour cream, all the better)
2 chipotle peppers, seeded
2 green onions, roughly chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Juice from 1 lime

Directions:
Place all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth and creamy. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. At least an hour or 2 would be good in order for the flavors to mesh together and get all warm and fuzzy.

Note: If you are sensitive to heat, then use 1 chipotle. If you like it really hot, then leave the seeds in.



Shredded Smokey Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 425' F if using the oven to bake the chicken, otherwise prepare your grill accordingly.

Ingredients:
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
juice from 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Rinse and pat dry the chicken.

In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, garlic powder and cumin.

Drizzle the chicken with lemon juice on both sides and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Rub the chili powder combo on the chicken, on both sides.

Bake in a hot oven on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray, for about 30 minutes, or until done. Or grill over medium-hot coals until the juices inside run clear.


Let cool first, then shred.

Toppings:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded jack cheese
Grilled onions
Grilled bell peppers
Sliced avocado
Chopped cilantro
Lime wedges


Grilling and assembling the pizza:
Heat up your grill and make it hot. You want a even heat. If you are using charcoal, spread those hot coals evenly around, under your grate.

On a lightly floured surface, shape your dough as desired. Place it on a pizza peel that is lightly dusted with flour or cornmeal, if you have one. If you don't have a pizza peel, dust the bottom side of a cookie sheet and use that.


Slide the dough off the peel and onto the middle of your grill (this should be done in one full sweep). Cover and let cook for maybe 3 - 5 minutes? Check it and see what's going on. It all depends on how charred you want it.

It will bubble up and get all cool looking


When it's lightly browned, remove it using a couple of spatulas, flipping it over onto your peel.


The cooked side will now be the top of your pizza. Spread the Chipotle sauce over the crust


Add the cheese, shredded chicken, grilled onions and more cheese and then slide it back onto the grill.


Cover and grill for another few minutes, until the top is melted and bubbly and the bottom is a deep golden brown or even a bit charred, should you so desire.


Remove. Add the avocados, cilantro and drizzle with lime juice.

Slice and serve!


The cool cream in the sauce keeps the chipotle peppers under control. To a point. It's a bit spicy but that's what's so darned good about it. That smokey chipotle heat, which is also enhanced by the grill. The chicken is just plain good, especially with all that melted cheese everywhere. All in all, this is just a great combo of flavors that naturally go well together. Put it all on a deliciously homemade pizza crust and you can't go wrong.


Manly Starters:
Manly Mains:
Manly Desserts:
Wine Pairings for Man Food #SundaySupper byENOFYLZ Wine Blog


Sunday Supper Movement


Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our#SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
« Last Edit: Today at 08:05:48 AM by Susan @ LittleRedKitchen »

Friday, June 6, 2014

Chicken Thighs, Stirred Up and Fried Hard #50ShadesOfChicken


Are you ready for another tantalizing recipe from Fifty Shades of Chicken?

This is one of my favorites. It was so good! There was just a bit leftover and I had placed it in the fridge, all ready to take to work with me the next day and have it for lunch.

Someone ate it. All. I was pissed! Well, mostly thoroughly disappointed because I really was looking forward to enjoying it. Again. And if I had even more, I would've enjoyed it...twice in one day. Or more.

The way it's described in the cookbook (in a round about way) is perfect: "I lie exhausted on a bed of rice. He leans over me, tasting me and savoring the juices that are still dripping from me...."Satisfied, Miss Hen?"" This sentence, of course, is written from the chicken's point of view.

You will want to clean your plate and go in for round two with these juicy, tender thighs.

Chicken Thighs, Stirred Up and Fried Hard
aka (for the children's sake) Stir-Fried Chicken with Spinach and Peanuts
Printable Version

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, patted dry
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon honey
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (or peanut oil if you happen to have some)
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 bunch of green onions, white and green parts separated
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts (optional. I didn't have any on hand this time)
Cooked rice

Cut the chicken into sizes that are easily nibbled. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl mix together the broth, soy sauce, cornstarch and honey, using a whisk. Set aside.

Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sesame oil and allow to heat for a few seconds.


Add the chicken and stir-fry "hard, fast, and furiously" until its golden brown, yet not quite cooked through. This should take about 5 - 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate and "make it beg you to finish if off."

To the skillet, add the onion whites, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. Cook until for about 30 seconds, bringing out the fragrance. Add the spinach and stir-fry for another minute.

Add the broth mixture to the pan and heat to a simmer, scraping up the brown bits which will add to the flavor of your sauce. Let the sauce simmer "until it is thick and velvety", about a minute or two.

If you're using the peanuts, now is the time to add them, along with the begging chicken, and the onion greens.


Stir it around in the sauce until it is good and tousled, the sauce is the desired thickness, and the chicken is done, about 2 minutes or so.

Serve over a bed or rice.


If you have the patience to savor the incredible flavors, I recommend enjoying these thighs with a pair of chop sticks.

Note: quotes and recipe are from Fifty Shades of Chicken by FL Fowler

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Chicken Strip Tease - 50 Shades of Chicken


This little cookbook, Fifty Shades of Chicken, being a parody and all should really be taken more seriously. If you are a fellow 'Chicken Queen' (or Chicken King), then I highly recommend it. Don't get your panties in a bunch and judge it just because it's full on the best innuendos that can be found in the kitchen! Take it in stride and giggle.....and then totally enjoy the food. I've made several, and they are all delicious.

Especially this one!

This dish is very easy to do and perfect for newbies. You just have to plan ahead a little as the chicken does need to marinate a bit.

But while it's doing it's thing, you can enjoy the intro (each recipe has a fun intro). Here's a tease of a snippet....(although if you didn't read 50 Shades of Grey, this might not be as funny to you).

""Your whole control-freak foodie thing, it was because of her, that woman Mrs. Child." My mood has darkened.
"Julia opened my eyes to many important things." he explains. "In fact, I'd still be eating frozen dinners if it weren't for her.""

FL Fowler did a great job...seriously cracks me up!!

Chicken Strip Tease (aka Chicken Breast Strips with Balsamic and Rosemary)
Printable Version

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Note: I say olive oil rather than extra-virgin olive oil because....I learned from a woman I know, who lived in Italy for many years, that extra-virgin olive oil (although what we have here is not the same, nor as good, as what they have in Italy) is used as a finishing oil. When cooking, one should use light olive oil.

Instructions:
Pat the chicken dry and cut into strips about 1/2 inch thick.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the garlic, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, salt, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken and turn to coat.


Cover mixture tightly and allow to marinate, in the fridge, for at least an hour. Over night would be best...or at least all day.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and gently pat dry.

In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken and sear on both sides, until golden brown.

Continue cooking, stirring occasionally until done, about 5 minutes or so.

At this point, I removed the chicken from the pan, covered to keep warm, and threw some vegetables into the pan with a bit more oil if needed: carrots, onions, asparagus, mushrooms...


And allowed them to take advantage of the drippings left behind. 

Other recommendations for serving are: wrapped in a tortilla with tomatoes and avocado, topped with some cheese. Or, toss into a salad, or even an omelette. Whatever you do with the chicken...you're bound to please whoever's receiving. 


Sunday, March 9, 2014

Mexican Chicken Chowder


This is one of those super tasty, easy dinners. It's satisfying and pretty quick to make. It would be even quicker if you had some leftover cooked chicken on hand.

One of the things that makes this meal so quick and easy is the flavoring packet I used. Now typically, I stay away from seasoning packets. Well...the ones at the local market. What makes the one I used here an exception? It's organic. No GMO's, no pesticides, no preservatives, no insecticides, no irradiation, do food dyes. So what we have here...is quality AND convenience. All neatly wrapped up in one.

Where can you get Wildtree products? From my friend Michele (whom by the way is responsible for me starting a blog, and joining Facebook):

Website http://www.mywildtree.com/MICHELEBCOOKS/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/michelebcooks
She also has a blog: My Italian Grandmother

Meanwhile, back at the bat cave.....

Mexican Skillet Meal Seasoning contains every flavor you would want in a Mexican dish, such as peppers, onion, garlic, cumin, cilantro, and jalapeno. Its all conveniently packaged for your ease of not only time, but peace of mind. Your meal is loaded with flavor, not time. Aaaaand health is not compromised just because you need 'fast food'.



Mexican Chicken Chowder
Printable Version
serves 4 - 6

3 good sized boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 tablespoon of light olive oil for sauteing
Salt and Pepper according to taste
4 oz fresh button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 large white onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 - 14.5 oz can of chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 packet of Wildtree Mexican Skillet Meal Seasoning
1 - 15.5 oz can of Cannellini Beans, undrained (or any white bean that you prefer)
1 - 7 oz can diced green chiles, mild

Heat oil in a thick bottomed 2 quart sauce pan over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add to sauce pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until brown on all sides and almost cooked through, about 8 - 10 minutes (less if you're using chicken breast). Remove from pan and set aside.

Reduce the heat to medium, add a bit more oil to the pan if needed. Toss in the mushrooms and onions. Stir to coat with oil and saute until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute an additional minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any bits off the bottom and along to sides.

Reduce the heat to medium low. Add the milk and the Wildtree Mexican Skillet Meal Seasoning. Stir to combine.

If you have a stick blending (immersion blender) put that baby to use and puree what's in the pan. Otherwise, either leave it as is, or puree it in a blender, only filling the blender half full and covering with a towel (may have to work in batches).

Once pureed, add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the cannellini beans and the diced green chili. Stir and continue cooking until heated through.


Garnishment recommendations are endless:

Avocado
Cilantro
Cheese
Tomatoes
Green Onions
Tortillas
Tortilla Chips
Jalapenos

Whatever your little heart desires. (I had mine with a margarita, but I don't think that is considered a garnishment).

This recipe is similar to a white chili that I make, that's either made in the crock pot, or for quite a bit more time on the stove. The Wildtree Mexican Skillet Meal seasoning give this baby that boost of flavor that so often is lacking in quick meals. It's sure to be a family favorite. It's not spicy, although if heat is your thing, add a dash or 2 or more of cayenne pepper to spice it up a bit.