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Category: Poultry

Frito Casserole

Frito Casserole

Frito Casserole

 

10 oz. bag Fritos Original corn chips

10 oz. cooked and shredded white meat chicken (pulled from a store-bought roasted chicken)

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. dry oregano leaves

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

16 oz. can refried beans, any flavor

8 oz. jar salsa or picante sauce

4 oz. can diced green chiles

2.25 oz. can sliced black olives, drained

12 oz. bag shredded cheese (Mexican, cheddar or Colby/jack)

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a deep (at least 4 inches) casserole dish with nonstick spray. Pour approximately one-third of the Fritos into the bottom of the casserole, and crush them down slightly with your knuckles. They don’t have to be flat; just break them enough so that they’re not all sticking up. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, combine the chicken, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well, breaking up the large chunks and coating the chicken well with the spices. Cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes, or until spices are fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside in a medium bowl. In the same skillet (no need to clean it), combine refried beans and salsa. Stir until hot and combined, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Drop half of the bean mixture over the top of the Fritos in the casserole dish, in dollops. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the beans, as evenly as possible. Sprinkle half of the green chilis and half of the black olives over the chicken. Spread half of the cheese over the top. Reserve a couple of handfuls of the Fritos for garnish; pour the rest over the top of the cheese (crushing in your hands as you drop them in). Repeat the layering of the beans, chicken, chilis, olives and cheese.

Chicken with Boursin Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with Boursin Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with Boursin Mushroom Sauce

 

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – pounded thin

2 T. olive oil

3 T. unsalted good-quality butter

1 shallot, thinly sliced

1 C. cremini mushrooms, sliced

2 C. sliced white button mushrooms

1/2 C. dry white wine

1 tsp. stone ground mustard

1/2 C. crumbled Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)

2 T. freshly chopped parsley

Salt and pepper, to taste

 

Rinse and dry the chicken breasts and season well with salt and pepper. Heat 2 T. of olive oil with 1 T. of butter in a large sauté pan. Add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides about 2 to 3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Transfer to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. To the same pan, add the remaining butter. Add the shallot and sauté over medium heat until translucent. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the creminis and white mushrooms to the pan. Sauté the mushrooms, stirring often, until golden, then season with salt and pepper. (Adding salt to mushrooms too early makes them soggy!). Add the wine and mustard to the pan and scrape up the bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the wine is reduced by half. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Boursin cheese and parsley. Add the chicken back to the pan and coat with the sauce. Once the chicken is heated through, serve immediately.

West Coast Salmon

West Coast Salmon

West Coast Salmon

 

1 (1 and 1/2 lb.) skin-on salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions

Extra-virgin olive oil

Sea salt & coarsely ground

black pepper

4 sprigs thyme, leaves only, plus extra for garnish (divided)

4 nectarines or apricots, halved

2 T. honey

Flaked sea salt

4 oz. (1/2 cup) fresh whole-milk ricotta

Sliced toasted almonds (for garnish)

Garden salad, to server

 

Soak cedar planks in water for at least 30 minutes and up to a day before using. Preheat the grill to medium (about 350°F). Use paper towels to pat the fish dry. Rub all over with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the thyme leaves over the salmon (leaving some for the nectarines and for the garnish), and press to adhere. Put the plank on the grill directly over the flames. Cover the grill and allow the plank to heat until starting to just smoke, about 2 minutes. Turn and repeat on the other side. Add the fish skin-side down, to the plank. Add the nectarines cut side up. Drizzle the nectarines with honey, sprinkle with most of the remaining thyme leaves, and a little salt. Cover the grill and cook for 7-to-12 minutes or until fish is almost opaque all the way through and flakes easily and the nectarines are caramelized and tender. (If the planks get too hot and ignite, spritz them with water from a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can grill the salmon directly on an oiled grill grate for 3-to-4 minutes per side, and roast the nectarines in a baking dish in a 400°F oven for 12 minutes.) To serve, add a couple T. of ricotta over each piece of fish, and sprinkle with the almonds. Garnish with thyme. Serve with a garden salad.

Duck Breast with Braised Cabbage

Duck Breast with Braised Cabbage

Duck Breast with Braised Cabbage

 

2 ounces duck fat

2 onions, thinly sliced

2 ounces bacon, thinly sliced

1 medium white cabbage, thinly sliced

12 juniper berries, chopped

20 black peppercorns, ground

1 sprig of thyme, chopped

1 bottle white wine

4 duck breast halves

 

Heat duck fat in a sauté pan and cook onions and bacon over medium heat until onions are soft. Add spices. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil and plunge the cabbage into it, removing and draining right away. Add it to onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add wine and stir. Cover pot and simmer for 1½ hours. Start preparing duck breasts 30 minutes before you want to serve. Take a sharp knife and score the skin of the duck breast with three cuts each way across, creating a crisscross pattern. Be sure to not go all the way through the skin to the meat. The purpose of the scoring is to expose the fat to help with rendering. Season with salt and pepper. Render the duck breasts skin-side down in a sauté pan on medium heat, draining off excess fat every 5 minutes. After 20 minutes, the fat cap should be mostly removed, leaving a nicely crisped skin. Flip the breasts over and finish cooking for about 5 minutes. Let the breast rest in a warm place for 5 minutes. Place a mound of braised cabbage on each plate. Slice breasts thinly and place on top of braised cabbage to serve.

BBQ Duck Filled Blue Corn Pancakes with Habañero Sauce

BBQ Duck Filled Blue Corn Pancakes with Habañero Sauce

BBQ Duck Filled Blue Corn Pancakes with Habañero Sauce

2 pounds duck legs (about 6), skin removed

1 cup Mesa Grill BBQ Sauce or your favorite store brand

3 cups Enriched Chicken Stock or lowsodium chicken broth

Habanero Sauce (recipe follows)

3 T. coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

½ cup blue cornmeal

½ cup all-purpose flour

tsp. baking powder Pinch of

1 kosher salt

1 large egg, beaten

¾ cup whole milk

2 T. honey

1 T. unsalted butter, melted

 

Nonstick cooking spray

Smoked Red Pepper Sauce

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

 

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Generously brush the duck legs with the barbecue sauce and place them in a baking pan. Pour the stock and ½ cup of the habanero sauce around them. Cover the pan, place in the oven, and cook for about 2 hours, or until the meat begins to fall off the bone.  To make the pancakes, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, honey, and butter; add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Place a 6-inch nonstick pan over high heat. Spray with cooking spray and reduce the heat to medium. Ladle ¼ cup of the pancake mixture into the pan, swirling to evenly coat the pan with the mixture. Cook the pancake until just set on the first side, about 1 minute. Flip over and cook for an additional 20 to 30 seconds. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining mixture, stacking the pancakes and covering them with aluminum foil to keep warm. You should have 8 pancakes.  Remove the duck from the braising liquid and set aside to cool slightly.  Strain the braising liquid and reserve. When the duck is cool enough to handle, shred the duck meat into bite-sized pieces and discard the bones.  Combine the shredded meat with ½ cup of the reserved braising liquid in a sauté pan over medium heat until heated through. Add the chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mound some of the duck mixture in the center of each pancake. Fold the pancake over the filling to make a semicircle and drizzle with the remaining habanero sauce and the smoked red pepper sauce. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

 

Habanero Sauce

 

10 cups Enriched Chicken Stock or low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup apple juice concentrate, thawed

3 T. dark brown sugar

2 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

½ habanero chile, coarsely chopped

1 T. fennel seeds, toasted

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Combine the stock, apple juice, brown sugar, star anise, cinnamon, habanero, and fennel seeds in a large

saucepan; place over high heat and boil, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1 cup, about 1 hour. Strain into a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. This can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Warm over low heat before serving.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

 

12 wings

1/2 stick butter

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp salt

juice from 1/2 lemon

1 tsp garlic salt

parsley

 

Melt together butter,  Parmesan, salt, lemon juice and garlic salt in microwavable bowl for 1 minute (cover with Glad Press ‘n Seal to keep it from splattering). Toss wings in butter sauce. Place wings into air fryer

Sprinkle with additional garlic salt. Heat in Air Fryer at 350  for 11 min. Open Air Fryer and turn all wings and rotate them in the fryer. Heat in Air Fryer at 400 for 10 min more. Sprinkle with parsley.

Herb-Roasted Pheasant

Herb-Roasted Pheasant

Herb-Roasted Pheasant

1 pheasant

¼ bunch of rosemary, divided use

¼ bunch of sage, divided use

¼ lb white truffle butter, melted

1 bunch of escarole

10 Cipollini onions, peeled

4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

1/4 cup white wine, or vermouth

1 cup duck and veal demi-glace

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Pick all the herbs so that they are individual leaves, discard stems. Separate 1/2 of the herbs, chop finely and set aside. Using your index finger, carefully separate the pheasant skin from the breasts and thighs, being careful not to tear the skin. Piece by piece, place the whole leaf herbs evenly underneath the skin. Rub the softened truffle butter over the bird so that it forms a shell on the outside. Season well with salt and pepper. Place the bird in a pan on top of the peeled cipollini onions and roast in the oven for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, then lower the oven to 350 degrees for an additional 30 minutes. While the bird is roasting, sauté the escarole with the garlic and season with salt and pepper. You might need to add a little water to make sure the escarole is soft. Deglaze the roasting pan with the white wine or vermouth, then add the demi-glace. Reduce by half and strain, then stir in the minced herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste. Tip: Serve this dish with a side of sweet potato puree. To plate, place a dollop of the sweet potato puree just above the center of each warmed plate, then add the escarole beside it. Slice the meat off the breast of the pheasant (in three lengthwise slices for each breast) and remove the thighs. Place a thigh on each plate, then layer the sliced breast meat on top. Finish with a generous drizzle of sauce and serve with chilled white wine.

Instant Pot Lemon Caper Chicken with Egg Noodles

Instant Pot Lemon Caper Chicken with Egg Noodles

Instant Pot Lemon Caper Chicken with Egg Noodles

 

2 lb. egg noodles

2 T. freshly chopped rosemary

¼ freshly chopped basil

2 cups white wine

2 cups chicken stock

2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

5 T. cold butter, cut into T. pieces

2 chicken breasts, flattened to ¼ inch thick

½ cup capers

Salt and ground pepper to taste

Red bell pepper, optional

Lemon slice, optional

 

Place egg noodles, rosemary, basil, white wine, chicken stock, and lemon juice into the Instant Pot. Secure lid and pressure cook on high for 2 minutes. Allow steam to release naturally. When steam has released, remove lid and gently stir in butter 1 T. at a time.  Place chicken breasts on top of egg noodles and sprinkle with capers, and salt and pepper to taste. Secure lid and steam cook for 8 minutes allowing steam to release naturally. Remove chicken breast and set aside.  Divide egg noodles and sauce between four pasta plates.  Cut chicken breasts into 4 portions.  Serve on top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped bell pepper and lemon slice, if desired.

Lemon-Ginger Fried Chicken

Lemon-Ginger Fried Chicken

Lemon-Ginger Fried Chicken

 

1 tsp. grated lemon rind

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)

2 tsp. minced peeled fresh ginger

1 ½ tsp. minced garlic

2 bone-in chicken breast halves, skinned

2 bone-in chicken thighs, skinned

2 chicken drumsticks, skinned

4 ½ ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)

2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. paprika

½ tsp. ground red pepper

1 tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup peanut oil

¼ cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

2 T. brown sugar

1 lemon, thinly sliced

 

Place rind, juice, and next 5 ingredients (through drumsticks) in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and shake to coat. Marinate in refrigerator 1 hour, turning bag occasionally. Sift together flour and next 3 ingredients (through red pepper). Place flour mixture in a large zip-top plastic bag. Remove chicken from marinade bag, reserving marinade. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over chicken. Add chicken, one piece at a time, to flour mixture; seal bag and shake to coat chicken. Remove chicken from bag, shaking off excess flour mixture. Reserve remaining flour mixture. Place chicken on a wire rack; place rack in a jelly-roll pan. Cover and refrigerate 1 1/2 hours. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°. Return chicken, one piece at a time, to flour mixture; seal bag and shake to coat chicken. Remove chicken from bag, shaking off excess flour mixture. Discard remaining flour mixture. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; cook 3 minutes or until golden, turning once. Arrange chicken in single layer in a shallow roasting pan. Combine broth and reserved marinade in a small bowl; carefully pour broth mixture into pan. Sprinkle chicken evenly with sugar, and top with lemon slices. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until golden and a thermometer registers 165°.

Quick Uses for  Leftover Chicken

Quick Uses for  Leftover Chicken

Quick Uses for  Leftover Chicken

 

  1. QUICK COCONUT CURRY Simmer a can of coconut milk with grated fresh ginger and finely chopped garlic until it has thickened and slightly reduced. Stir in a few handfuls of shredded chicken, get everything warm, and serve over basmati rice with fresh cilantro.

 

  1. GREEN SALSA TACOS Warm shredded chicken with some store-bought salsa, and pile into tortillas with shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, and hot sauce.

 

  1. GREEN CHICKEN SALAD In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with a few spoonfuls of Roasted Garlic–Herb Sauce (here). Stir in whatever you’ve got in the fridge—sliced radishes and/or celery, chopped fennel, arugula or other soft salad greens, more fresh herbs, crumbled feta or other soft cheese, sliced tomatoes, maybe a little yogurt or mayo to make it creamy—and eat it on thick pieces of toast.

 

  1. CHICKEN STIR-FRY In a large skillet, heat the cooked chicken with a little soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, finely chopped garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Add some quick-cooking vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers and/or onions, sliced mushrooms, baby bok choy, or chopped greens (kale, escarole, chard) and cook, tossing, until the vegetables are where you want them.

 

  1. CHICKEN SOUP All it takes is some chicken broth, some noodles or rice, and maybe a sliced carrot or two. Add the shredded chicken, warm it through, and serve with lemon wedges.

 

  1. CHICKEN QUESADILLA: Mix shredded chicken with shredded cheese, sour cream or cream cheese, garlic powder and cilantro. Spread some mixture on a flour tortilla and cook in a dry skillet 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and filling is warm and the cheese melting.  You can do this by using only one tortilla and filling half to it and folding it in half or r by laying one tortilla flat on the pan and filling the entire tortilla and then covering with another tortilla. Serve with a sauce for dipping.

 

  1. BBQ CHICKEN SWEET POTATOES: Mix chicken with BBQ sauce and minced garlic.  Split warm cooked sweet potatoes and add filling.  Top with shredded cheese, thinly sliced red onion and thinly sliced jalapeno.  Bake 15 minutes until filling is warmed and cheese melted.  Drizzle with extra BBQ if desired.
Instant Pot Lemon Caper Chicken

Instant Pot Lemon Caper Chicken

Instant Pot Lemon Caper Chicken

 

1 T. olive oil

1.5 – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken stock (see note)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. dried basil

1 jar (4 oz) capers, drained

 

Heat Instant Pot to Sauté and add oil. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken and add to hot Instant Pot. Brown chicken for about 4 minutes on each side and then remove to a plate. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Add broth, lemon juice, oregano, and basil and scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the Instant Pot. Return chicken to Instant Pot and sprinkle capers on top. Put cover on (make sure vent is turned to “seal”). Set Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook, depending on the model) for 10 minutes. Once done, quick release the pressure. Use an instant read thermometer and ensure chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve chicken with sauce in pan.

Instant Pot Chicken Piccata-ish

Instant Pot Chicken Piccata-ish

Instant Pot Chicken Piccata-ish

1 T. olive oil

1.5 – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

3/4 C. reduced-sodium chicken stock (see note)

1/4 C. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. dried basil

1 jar (4 oz) capers, drained

 

Heat Instant Pot to Sauté and add oil. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken and add to hot Instant Pot. Brown chicken for about 4 minutes on each side and then remove to a plate. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Add broth, lemon juice, oregano, and basil and scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the Instant Pot. Return chicken to Instant Pot and sprinkle capers on top. Put cover on (make sure vent is turned to “seal”). Set Instant Pot to Manual for 10 minutes.  Once done, quick release the pressure. Use an instant read thermometer and ensure chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve chicken with sauce in pan.

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

 

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced

½ medium yellow onion, diced

1 C. roughly chopped white mushrooms

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1½ tsp. garlic powder

1½ tsp. fine sea salt

½ tsp. ground black pepper

16 ounces gluten-free spaghetti

3 C. chicken broth or stock

1 C. sour cream

 

Preheat an electric pressure cooker using the SAUTÉ function. When the display panel reads HOT, add the chicken, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Using a wooden spoon, stir periodically and cook until the chicken browns on all sides and the onion begins to turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Break the spaghetti into thirds and place in the pot. Cover the pasta with the chicken broth, then place the lid on the pressure cooker. Make sure the vent valve is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel, press the CANCEL button. Select the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK function and HIGH PRESSURE. Use the +/− buttons until the display reads 6. When the cooker beeps to let you know it’s finished, switch the vent valve from the SEALING to the VENTING position, administering a quick release. Use caution while the steam escapes—it’s hot. Stir in the sour cream and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Mix and Match Skillet Meal

Mix and Match Skillet Meal

Mix and Match Skillet Meal

 

1 cup grain, uncooked

1 ½ cups vegetables, fresh, canned or frozen, ~cut bite-sized~

1 cup protein, cut bite-sized

2 cups sauce, stirred

½ tsp. spices

3 Tablespoons topping

 

To make in a skillet: Combine all ingredients except topping in a large skillet. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until grains are tender, about 15 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and add liquid if too dry. Add topping before serving. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

 

To bake in oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients except topping in a casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until grains are tender, about 50 to 60 minutes. Add topping before serving. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

 

Grain – try bulgur, pasta, quinoa or rice

Vegetables – try a mixture of corn, carrots, green beans, onions, mushrooms, peppers or zucchini

Protein – try cooked cubed or ground beef, pork, chicken or turkey, canned tuna or salmon, tofu or beans

Sauce – try one can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream soup such as chicken, potato or tomato soup plus 1 1/4 cups water or low-fat milk

Spices – try basil, oregano, parsley, chili powder, garlic, onion powder or ground ginger

Topping – try grated cheese or crushed whole grain cereal or crackers

Ratatouille Sheet Pan Chicken

Ratatouille Sheet Pan Chicken

Ratatouille Sheet Pan Chicken

4 T. (½ stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1½ tsp. fine sea salt, plus more as needed

1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves

½ tsp. tomato paste

1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced

1 whole (3½- to 4-pound) chicken, patted dry with paper towels

2 medium eggplants (1½ pounds), cut into 1¼-inch chunks

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

6 sprigs fresh thyme

3 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 bay leaves, torn into pieces

3 medium zucchini (1¼ pounds), cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into ½-inch-wide strips

1 tomato, cut into 1-inch chunks

2 T. chopped fresh basil leaves, for serving

Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

 

In a small bowl, mash together the butter, salt, rosemary, thyme, tomato paste and garlic. Using kitchen shears, cut down the sides of the chicken’s backbone to remove it. Keep it for roasting later. Flip the chicken over and cut the chicken in half between the breasts. Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken halves, getting it underneath the skin. Place the chicken halves on a rimmed baking sheet and let them marinate for at least 2 hours, and up to overnight, in the fridge (leave it uncovered, which will help the skin dry out and then crisp up when it roasts). Arrange the racks in the top third, middle and bottom third of the oven. Heat the oven to 450°F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss together the eggplant, onion, 5 T. olive oil and a big pinch of fine sea salt. Top the mixture with 2 thyme sprigs, 1 rosemary sprig and a third of the bay leaf pieces. Place the reserved chicken backbone in the middle of the baking sheet next to the vegetables and roast on the middle oven rack for 20 minutes, tossing the vegetables after 10 minutes. (The pan will be very full and that’s okay; the onion will reduce as it cooks.) Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the zucchini, bell pepper and tomato with just enough oil to coat and add a big pinch of fine sea salt. Divide the vegetables between two rimmed baking sheets and spread them out into one layer. Top each pan of vegetables with half of the remaining thyme, rosemary and bay leaf. Nestle half a chicken in among the vegetables on each pan. Make sure the chicken is resting on the pan, not the vegetables. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil. Place these baking sheets on the top and bottom oven racks (the eggplant is on the middle rack). Roast for 15 minutes. Toss all the vegetables (including the eggplant and onion) and drizzle the chicken with a little more oil. Switch the top and bottom baking sheets (to help evenly brown the chicken) and roast for another 15 to 25 minutes, until the chicken registers 155°F when a thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Keep an eye on the vegetables and transfer any that start to burn to a serving bowl. If the chicken is done but the skin isn’t brown enough for you, broil it for 1 to 2 minutes; then transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. Transfer all the vegetables to a serving bowl, discarding the herb sprigs and bay leaf pieces, and toss them well with the pan drippings, any juice from the rested chicken and the basil. Sprinkle the vegetables with flaky salt and plenty of black pepper and then serve them alongside the chicken, with lemon wedges on the side.

One Pot Skillet Lemon Chicken with Artichokes

One Pot Skillet Lemon Chicken with Artichokes

One Pot Skillet Lemon Chicken with Artichokes

 

2 T. olive oil, divided

1 (9-ounce) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed

1 tsp. salt, divided

½ tsp. ground black pepper, divided

4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

2 T. unsalted butter

1 medium onion, cut into ½-inch pieces

3 garlic cloves, minced

1½ cups orzo pasta (about 8 ounces)

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

2½ cups unsalted chicken broth

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat 1 T. of the oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the artichoke hearts, ¼ tsp. of the salt, and ⅛ tsp. of the pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.  Season the chicken with ½ tsp. of the salt and ¼ tsp. of the pepper. Add the remaining 1 T. oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, turning once, until lightly browned on both sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat and add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the orzo and cook until it is lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the lemon juice and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Return the artichoke hearts to the pan and stir in the broth and the remaining ¼ tsp. salt and ⅛ tsp. pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, nestle the chicken breasts on top of the orzo, and transfer to the oven. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the center of the chicken registers 160°F and the orzo is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Stir in the parsley just before serving.

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas and Mexican Sour Cream Rice

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas and Mexican Sour Cream Rice

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas and Mexican Sour Cream Rice

 

BBQ Chicken Filling for Quesadillas

 

2 T.  oil

1-1/2 onions (vidalia is preferred) sliced into rings

1 T. honey

2 chicken breasts, diced

1/2 C. BBQ sauce

 

1 C. shredded mexican cheese

 

Heat one T. of the oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add the onions and cook until they begin to caramelize. Mix in the honey and stir until it is golden brown. Remove and set aside. Place the remaining oil in the pan and add the chicken. Cook through over a medium high heat. Stir in the BBQ sauce to evenly coat the chicken.  Use chicken, onions and cheddar as filling for quesadillas.

 

Mexican Sour Cream Rice

 

1 C. uncooked long grain white rice

1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth

1 C. sour cream

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers

2 C. shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided

1 1/2 C. frozen corn

1/4 C. finely chopped fresh cilantro

salt and ground black pepper to taste

 

In a large pot, bring the rice and chicken broth to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish.  In the pot with the cooked rice, mix the sour cream, green chile peppers, 1 C. pepper Jack cheese, corn, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish, and top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Pan-Fried Lemongrass Chicken

Pan-Fried Lemongrass Chicken

 

5 pieces of chicken thighs, boneless

2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped (approximately 1 C.)

5 cloves of garlic

2 T. soy sauce

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

1 T. vegetable oil

chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

 

In a ziploc bag, combine chicken, chopped lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar and pepper. Add cayenne pepper if you want this to be spicy. Seal and shake ziploc bag to evenly disperse marinade with the chicken. Place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably for 2 hours. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Place chicken on the pan and cook for 7 minutes per side, or until each side is nicely browned and the internal temperature of the thighs is 165˚F (75˚C). Slice into strips and serve over a bowl of steamed white rice sprinkled with sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped cilantro.  Make sure to marinate the chicken. The key to this recipe, and the key to achieving tender, juicy chicken thighs every single time is the lemongrass marinade. You need to make sure that the chicken sits in the marinade for at least 1 hour (personally, I prefer 2 hours). So yes, although this is the perfect weeknight meal because it takes less than 25 minutes to prep and cook, you do need to think ahead about the time you need to allow the chicken to marinate.

Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage Pasta

Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage Pasta

Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage Pasta

 

1 lb. gemelli or other short cut pasta

4 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 large shallot or 1 small onion, chopped

12oz Sweet-Apple Chicken Sausage, sliced

1 apple, peeled then chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

pinch red chili pepper flakes

salt and pepper

15oz can Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed

6oz baby spinach

1 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

 

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat extra virgin olive oil in a very large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sausage then sauté until sausage is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add apple, garlic, and red chili pepper flakes, season with salt and pepper, and then sauté until apple is tender, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth, beans, and spinach then toss with tongs until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Pour sausage and apple mixture into pot with pasta then add parmesan cheese. Stir until combined, adding reserved pasta cooking water to reach desired consistency.

Chicken Marengo

Chicken Marengo

Chicken Marengo

 

Olive oil spray

1 cup penne or farfalle

½ tsp. olive oil

½ to ¾ pound chicken breasts or thighs

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

5 garlic cloves, quartered

6 ounces wild mushrooms, sliced

½ cup small green pimiento stuffed olives

1 cup fresh or frozen pearl onions

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

1 T. chopped fresh basil

5 to 6 leaves rainbow or Swiss chard, stemmed and chopped

14oz. can Diced Tomatoes

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray the inside and lid of a cast iron Dutch oven with olive oil. Pour the pasta, ⅓ cup water, and the olive oil into the pot, and stir to coat the noodles. Arrange the chicken on top and season with salt and pepper. Scatter the garlic on top of the chicken along with the mushrooms, olives, onions, parsley, and basil. Add the chard and pour the entire, undrained can of tomatoes evenly over everything. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven.  Serve immediately.

Chicken Thighs with Saffron, Green Olives, and Mint

Chicken Thighs with Saffron, Green Olives, and Mint

Chicken Thighs with Saffron, Green Olives, and Mint

 

Flour for dredging

12 chicken thighs (2 1/2 to 3 pounds), rinsed and patted dry

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup EVOO

2 large red onions, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp. saffron threads

1 cup small green olives

1 medium carrot, finely chopped

3 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

 

Spread the four on a plate. Season the chicken thighs liberally with salt and pepper and dredge in the flour. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over high heat until smoking. Add 6 thighs at a time and brown well on all sides. Transfer to a plate. 2. Add the onions and saffron to the pot and cook until the onions are softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the olives, carrot, and stock and bring to a boil. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, arranging them in a single layer, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot tightly and simmer for 15 minutes. 3. Remove the lid and cook, uncovered, until the chicken is just cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a platter. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste and add the mint leaves. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs and serve.

Sheet Pan Chicken Leg Quarters with Cauliflower and Shallots

Sheet Pan Chicken Leg Quarters with Cauliflower and Shallots

Sheet Pan Chicken Leg Quarters with Cauliflower and Shallots

 

1 head cauliflower (2 pounds), cored and cut into 8 wedges through stem

6 shallots, peeled and halved

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 T. chopped fresh sage or 2 tsp. dried, divided

1 tsp. table salt, divided

1 tsp. pepper, divided

4 (10-ounce) chicken leg quarters, trimmed

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. grated lemon zest, plus lemon wedges for serving

8 ounces grape tomatoes

1 T. chopped fresh parsley

 

Adjust 1 oven rack to lower-middle position and second rack 6 inches from broiler element. Heat oven to 475 degrees. Gently toss cauliflower and shallots with 2 T. oil, 1 T. sage, ½ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper on rimmed baking sheet. Arrange cauliflower pieces cut side down in single layer in center of sheet. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Make 4 diagonal slashes through skin and meat of each leg quarter with sharp knife (each slash should reach bone). Sprinkle chicken with remaining ½ tsp. salt and remaining ½ tsp. pepper. Place each piece of chicken skin side up in 1 corner of sheet; rest chicken directly on sheet, not on vegetables. Whisk garlic, lemon zest, remaining 2 T. oil, and remaining 1 T. sage together in bowl. Brush skin side of chicken with seasoned oil mixture. Transfer sheet to lower rack and roast until chicken registers 175 degrees, cauliflower is browned, and shallots are tender, 25 to 30 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through roasting. Remove sheet from oven and heat broiler. Scatter tomatoes over vegetables. Place sheet on upper rack and broil until chicken skin is browned and crisp and tomatoes have begun to wilt, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove sheet from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup

 

1 T. olive oil

1/2 large onion chopped

3 sticks celery chopped

3 medium carrots peeled & sliced

3 cloves garlic minced

3 dashes Italian seasoning

3 large chicken breasts (or use 6 thighs)

4 cups chicken broth or stock

2 cups water

2 generous cups refrigerated cheese tortellini

1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) or to taste

Salt & pepper to taste

 

Prep your ingredients. Add the olive oil, onion, and celery to your Instant Pot. Press the sauté button and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the carrots, garlic, Italian seasoning, chicken, chicken broth, and water. Close the lid and ensure the valve is on “sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

Once the countdown has completed, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure. Take the lid off the pressure cooker. Press the “sauté” button. Take the chicken out of the Instant Pot and add the tortellini in (also add the cream if using). Shred or cut up the chicken while the tortellini cooks (this should only take about 5 mins or so). Add the chicken back into the Instant Pot and then season the soup with salt & pepper as needed. I added some fresh parsley too (optional).

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

 

Cooking spray

2 (103/4-ounce) cans chicken stock, or homemade

4 boneless, skinless whole chicken breasts

1/2 C. (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 medium onions, chopped

1 (8-ounce) package herb-seasoned stuffing mix

1 T. dried sage

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup, or 2 1/2 C. homemade

Chopped Parsley, for garnish

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large saucepan set over low heat, bring the chicken stock to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts, cover with a lid, and poach them for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender, and the meat no longer shows sign of pink when sliced at the thickest part. Remove the pan from the heat and let the chicken cool in the poaching liquid. Reserve 2 C. of the cooking liquid. Cut the chicken into small cubes. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 1 C. of the reserved poaching liquid, the stuffing mix, sage, salt, and pepper. In another medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine the cream of chicken soup and the remaining 1 C. of poaching liquid. Heat for about 5 minutes. Put the chicken in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and top with the stuffing mixture. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the edges are bubbling.

Savory French Onion Tart Casserole

 

This simple onion tart is a perfect example. It has a thin, flaky crust, a creamy caramelized onion filling, and a delicious topping of Gruyere cheese. With a “touch” of crumbled bacon, this meal is over the top! And even though tarts are great cut up into small pieces for use at parties, we prefer serving ourselves a larger slice along with a simple green salad dressed in our homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.

Roasted Chicken Parts with Brussels Sprouts and Shallots

Roasted Chicken Parts with Brussels Sprouts and Shallots

Roasted Chicken Parts with Brussels Sprouts and Shallots

 

1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

12 ounces shallots, peeled and halved

6 garlic cloves, peeled

4 tsp. minced fresh thyme, divided

1 T. vegetable oil, divided

2 tsp. minced fresh rosemary, divided

1 tsp. sugar

1½ tsp. table salt, divided

1 tsp. pepper, divided

2 T. unsalted butter, melted

3½ pounds bone-in chicken pieces (2 split breasts cut in half, 2 drumsticks, and 2 thighs), trimmed

 

Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Toss Brussels sprouts and shallots with garlic, 2 tsp. thyme, oil, 1 tsp. rosemary, sugar, ¾ tsp. salt, and ¼ tsp. pepper. Combine butter, remaining 2 tsp. thyme, remaining 1 tsp. rosemary, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper in bowl; set aside. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle with remaining V2 tsp. salt and remaining 1/2 tsp. pepper. Place vegetables in single layer on rimmed baking sheet, arranging Brussels sprouts in center. Place chicken skin side up on top of vegetables, arranging breast pieces in center and leg and thigh pieces around perimeter of sheet. Brush chicken with herb butter and roast until breasts register 160 degrees and thighs/drumsticks register 175 degrees, 35 to 40 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through roasting. Transfer chicken to serving platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Toss vegetables with pan juices and transfer to dish with chicken. Serve.

Sheet-Pan Pasta Bake with (leftover) Chicken and Kale

Sheet-Pan Pasta Bake with (leftover) Chicken and Kale

Sheet-Pan Pasta Bake with (leftover) Chicken and Kale

 

Kosher salt

12 ounces penne pasta

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided

4 T. olive oil divided

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning

3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper divided

1 bunch curly kale ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into bite-size pieces

1 pint cherry tomatoes halved

1 cup sour cream or crème fraiche

1 T. Dijon mustard

4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided

 

Set a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Bring a pot of salty water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, mix the panko, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, 2 T. of the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp. black pepper, and ¼ tsp. salt in a medium bowl and set aside. Toss the kale and tomatoes with ½ tsp. salt and the remaining 2 T. olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the pot along with the sour cream, Dijon mustard, 1 tsp. salt, ¼ cup pasta water, and the remaining ¾ cup Parmesan cheese and ½ tsp. black pepper; stir until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of the mozzarella, adding more pasta water to keep everything mixable if needed, until well combined. (You can add additional aromatics and seasoning at this point to pump up the flavor.  Garlic powder, roasted red bell peppers, red pepper flakes, scallions or chives, etc.).  Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet with the kale and tomatoes. Toss to combine and spread everything in an even layer on the baking sheet. Top with the panko mixture and the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese. Place the pan in the oven and roast the pasta until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Serve warm.

Mojo Chicken with Rice and Beans

Mojo Chicken with Rice and Beans

Mojo Chicken with Rice and Beans

 

This recipe doesn’t call for marinating the chicken, but if you’re feeling extra, go ahead and slip the chicken legs into a plastic bag with ½ cup Garlic Mojo Sauce and let it hang out in the fridge for however long you’ve got – two hours, four hours, even overnight.

 

4 whole chicken legs (thigh and drumstick)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 T. vegetable oil

½ cup Garlic Mojo Sauce, plus more for serving

2 cups cooked basmati rice

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

2 scallions, thinly sliced

 

Trim any excess skin from the chicken legs, then pat the legs very dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Set a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Add the chicken legs, skin side down, and cook, lifting them once or twice to let the hot fat run underneath, until the skin is golden brown and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer the legs to a plate, skin side up, and pour off all but 1 T. fat from the skillet. Pour the mojo and 1 cup water into the skillet and let it come to a simmer, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up. Cover the skillet, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook the chicken until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 160°F, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate. Add the rice and beans to the skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. (I like it pretty wet, almost like a stew, so I let it simmer for only a few minutes.) Taste and season with kosher salt—you’ll need about ½ tsp., depending on how much you let the liquid reduce. Divide the rice and beans among four shallow bowls and top each bowl with a chicken leg and some scallions. Serve with extra mojo on the side.

One-Pan Roast Chicken and Shallots

One-Pan Roast Chicken and Shallots

One-Pan Roast Chicken and Shallots

 

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

12 to 15 whole medium shallots, peeled, halved if large

kosher salt to taste

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

a few sprigs tarragon or thyme

2 cups white wine

fresh-cracked black pepper

8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drummies or a combination

 

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot or skillet set over medium-high heat. When the butter foams, add the shallots to the pot, season with salt, and sauté them in the butter until they begin to soften and caramelize, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Lower the heat as needed if shallots are browning too quickly. Add the mustard and thyme and stir until the mustard coats the shallots evenly and begins to brown. Add the wine and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any brown bits. Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides. When the wine simmers, add the chicken pieces to the pan and transfer the pan to the oven. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes or until the skin is nicely brown and crisp. Remove pan from oven. Using a spoon, swirl around the sauce and take a taste. If it tastes good, serve it. If it tastes fatty, transfer the meat and shallots to a platter, pour the juices into a Pyrex and let them sit until the fat rises, about 5 minutes. Skim off the fat. Return the juices, chicken and shallots to the pan. Return to the oven or bring to a simmer stove top to reheat. If chicken isn’t as brown as you would like, you can stick it under the broiler too. Serve immediately with crusty bread and a salad.

Sautéed Quail with Black Barley, Beets, and Fig Sauce

Sautéed Quail with Black Barley, Beets, and Fig Sauce

Sautéed Quail with Black Barley, Beets, and Fig Sauce

 

For the Quail and Barley

1⁄2 cup olive oil

1 T. Dijon mustard

5 sprigs rosemary (1 stem removed; 4 left whole)

5 sprigs thyme (1 stem removed; 4 left whole)

2 bay leaves

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 deboned quail (1 lb.)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup black barley

2 T. unsalted butter

 

For the Fig Sauce and Beets

4 black mission figs, quartered

3 T. red wine

3 T. ruby port

2 T. sugar

1 1⁄2 T. fresh lemon juice

1 shallot, minced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 1⁄4 lb. golden baby beets, trimmed

6 T. balsamic vinegar

3 T. sherry vinegar

1 bay leaf

1 sprig rosemary

1 sprig thyme

1 clove garlic, smashed and peeled

 

For the quail: In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil with the mustard, rosemary leaves, thyme leaves, bay leaves, and garlic. Add the quail, toss to coat, and cover with plastic wrap. Marinate the quail in the refrigerator for 12 hours. For the barley: In a large saucepan of boiling, salted water, add the barley and cook until al dente, about 30 minutes. Drain and transfer the barley to a bowl, cover, and keep warm. For the beets: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 T. sugar with the beets, both vinegars, bay leaf, rosemary and thyme sprigs, garlic, and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until the beets are tender, about 30 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beets to a cutting board and let cool for 5 minutes. Peel and halve the beets, then return them to the cooking liquid. Let the beets stand until cooled to room temperature and then drain from the cooking liquid and toss with the barley in a bowl. Divide the barley and beets between 4 serving plates. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, heat the butter over medium-high. Remove the quail from the marinade, and season with salt and pepper. Stuff each quail with 1 rosemary sprig, and then add the quail to the skillet, breast side down, and cook, turning once, until lightly browned and cooked to medium, about 5 minutes. Transfer each quail to a plate on top of the barley and beets, garnish each with a thyme sprig, and serve with the fig sauce on the side.

Sheet Pan Drumsticks with Carrots, Asparagus and Tarragon

Sheet Pan Drumsticks with Carrots, Asparagus and Tarragon

Sheet Pan Drumsticks with Carrots, Asparagus and Tarragon

 

1 T. salt

1 T. smoked paprika

1 T. granulated garlic

1 lb. carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise 3 T. olive oil, divided

½  lb. asparagus

3 lb. chicken drumsticks

¼ cup white wine vinegar

3 T. honey

2 T. whole grain mustard

2 T. chopped tarragon

 

Preheat the oven to 425°. In a small bowl, mix the salt, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic until fully combined. Set aside.  Place the carrots cut side down on a large, rimmed baking pan. Drizzle 2 T. of the olive oil over them and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of the prepared spice mixture evenly across the carrots. Spread them out flat and even again in the pan and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. Push the carrots to one end of the pan to make room for the asparagus.  Toss the asparagus with 1 T. of olive oil, and then spread the spears out evenly across the cleared half of the baking pan. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of the spice mixture evenly across the asparagus and the carrots. Return the baking pan to the oven and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and set the vegetables aside on a platter.  Add the chicken drumsticks to the empty sheet pan. Sprinkle enough of the spice mixture over the drumsticks to cover on all sides, and then spread them out evenly. Place the pan in the oven and cook for 15 minutes. Turn the pieces over, and then cook for another 15 minutes. Add the carrots and asparagus to the pan, arranging them in an even layer around the drumsticks. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°. Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside while you prepare the gastrique. (A gastrique infuses vinegar and a sweetener of some form, in this case honey, with flavoring agents of your choice. Its purpose is to bring out the full flavor and saltiness of meats.)  Place the honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly for 2 minutes until foamy. Add the vinegar and stir constantly for 3 minutes, and then remove the pan from the heat. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes, and then stir in the mustard.  Drizzle the gastrique evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle 1 T. of chopped tarragon evenly over the pan, toss gently to coat both sides, and then spread the ingredients back out. Sprinkle the remaining T. of chopped tarragon evenly across the entire pan, and then serve immediately.

Sticky Sesame Chicken

Sticky Sesame Chicken

Sticky Sesame Chicken

 

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs

2 T. olive oil

2 tsp. tapioca flour

2 T. sesame seeds

1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro

4 lime wedges

 

1/4 C. coconut aminos

1 tsp. erythritol brown sugar replacement

1 T. minced fresh garlic

1 T. minced fresh gingerroot

2 tsp. sesame oil

3 T. rice wine vinegar

 

Pat the chicken dry. Dice into 1/2-inch pieces and season it with salt and pepper to taste. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, erythritol brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to marinate.  Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large sauté pan. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip away. Reserve the marinade. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add the tapioca flour to the marinade and whisk to combine. Add the marinade to the pan with the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Evenly divide among 4 bowls and serve the chicken garnished with sesame seeds, cilantro, and lime wedges. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this dish is good for 3 to 4 days.

 

4 servings, 331 calories, 18g fat, 1g fiber

Thai Chopped Chicken Salad

Thai Chopped Chicken Salad

Thai Chopped Chicken Salad

 

2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped

2 C. shredded red cabbage

1 C. shredded carrots

2 C. shredded cooked chicken breast

¼ C. crushed peanuts

¼ C. scallions, sliced

 

For the dressing

¼ C. unsweetened natural peanut butter

¼ C. full-fat coconut milk

2 T. gluten-free tamari

2 T. rice vinegar

2 T. lime juice

1 tsp. sesame oil

 

Place the romaine lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, chicken, peanuts, and scallions in a large bowl. Whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, tamari, rice vinegar, lime juice, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss, and divide equally into 4 smaller bowls. If you are preparing this dish in advance, store the dressing and salad separately in airtight containers and toss them together when you are ready to serve.

 

4 servings, 359, 20g Fat, 9g Fiber

Sweet-Tart Duck Breasts with Fresh Cherry Sauce

Sweet-Tart Duck Breasts with Fresh Cherry Sauce

Sweet-Tart Duck Breasts with Fresh Cherry Sauce

 

2 5- to 6-ounce duck breasts

Coarse sea salt, such as Maldon

2 tsp. olive oil

1 small shallot, finely diced

1/2 C. dry red wine

1/4 C. low-sodium chicken stock

7 ounces Bing cherries, pitted, stemmed, and halved

1 T. balsamic vinegar

10 twists on the black pepper mill

1 tsp. honey, preferably orange flower

1/2 T. very cold unsalted butter

 

Take the duck out of the fridge 15 minutes before you want to use it. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Score the fat on top of the duck in a crosshatch fashion, carefully to score only the fat and not the flesh beneath it. Season the duck on all sides with salt. Preheat a small nonstick skillet on medium heat. Place the duck, skin-side-down, in the hot pan and leave it alone for 10 to 12 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and the fat has rendered. Take the pan off the heat and turn the duck breasts over so the bottom of the breasts are coated in the rendered duck fat. Pour the excess fat into a heat-proof container and keep for frying potatoes. Put the duck, skin-side-up in its original sauté pan, in the oven and cook for 10 minutes. The internal temperature will be about 135°F. Let the duck breasts rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing. To make the cherry sauce, heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and the shallots. Sauté for 1 minute, just to soften the shallots. Add the wine, stock, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the balsamic vinegar, salt to taste, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove a 1/4 C. combination of liquid and cherries and purée in a mini food processor. Return the puréed mixture to the pan with the rest of the sauce and stir in the honey and the cold butter. Slice the duck. Pour the sauce onto a serving plate and arrange the slices of duck on top. Season with a bit of salt and pepper for garnish.

Sheet Pan Sumac Spiced Chicken with Plums

Sheet Pan Sumac Spiced Chicken with Plums

Sheet Pan Sumac Spiced Chicken with Plums

 

1 lemon zested

½ tsp. brown sugar (optional for caramelization)

1 T. ground sumac

2 tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. allspice

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, grated or minced

6-8 chickens thighs skin on bone in

1 small bunch thyme, more for garnish

 

8-10 small-Med size plums, halved or quartered if large (any variety)

2 shallots, sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds

1 T. honey

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. allspice

1 bay leaf, torn in half

 

Place the lemon zest in a small bowl (Set aside the zested lemon) Stir in the sumac, salt, pepper, sugar if using, cinnamon, and allspice into the lemon zest. Stir in the olive oil and the garlic. Rub it all over the chicken and allow to marinate for 1 hour to overnight / remove from fridge and allow to come to room temp while oven is preheating.  Preheat oven to 400°F.  Toss together plums, shallots, honey, oil, salt, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaf and 2 T. water. Spread out ½ the plum mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Then scatter the thyme over them and Place chicken over the plums in the pan. Roast for 30 minutes. Then remove and REDUCE oven temp to 350 degrees F baste the chicken with pan juices and squeeze the juice of the lemon over the chicken and scatter remaining plums onto the pan then continue to roast until the chicken is  golden-skinned and cooked through, 10-15 minutes. Once done serve with the plums and more thyme and lemon wedges for garnish. Serve with rice, couscous or some crusty bread to enjoy the pan juices with.

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Roasted Plums and Onions

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Roasted Plums and Onions

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Roasted Plums and Onions

 

2 tsp. fennel seeds

2 T. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. grated lemon or orange zest

4 garlic cloves, finely grated

2 tsp. honey

¼ tsp. ground allspice

Large pinch red-pepper flakes, or to taste

1 chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds), cut into parts

Kosher salt and black pepper

2 C. ripe, soft plums, pitted and cut into 3/4-inch thick slices

6 fresh thyme sprigs

1 medium red onion, peeled and sliced from root to stem in 1/2-inch wedges

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

â…” C. torn mint, basil or cilantro leaves (or a combination)

Flaky sea salt, for serving

 

Toast the fennel seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour seeds into a mortar and pound with a pestle until coarsely crushed (or lay seeds on a cutting board and pound them with a can or jar). Put the seeds into a large bowl and stir in lemon juice, zest, garlic, honey, allspice and red-pepper flakes. Season chicken generously all over with salt and pepper and add to the bowl, turning the pieces to coat them with marinade. Mix in plums and thyme sprigs. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, heat the oven to 425 degrees. Put the chicken pieces, plums, and thyme sprigs on a rimmed baking pan. Add onions, spreading them out around the chicken and plums. Season plums and onions lightly with salt. Drizzle everything with olive oil. Roast until chicken is golden and cooked through, 30 to 45 minutes, removing the white meat if it’s done before the dark meat. Transfer chicken pieces as they are done to a platter. Spoon the plums and onions around the chicken. Drizzle a little of the pan drippings over the chicken and serve, garnished with the herbs and flaky salt.

One Pot Chicken and Orzo

One Pot Chicken and Orzo

One Pot Chicken and Orzo

 

4 T. olive oil, divided

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 t. dried basil

salt and pepper to taste

2 zucchini, sliced

8-oz. pkg. orzo pasta, uncooked

1 T. butter, softened

2 T. red wine vinegar

Optional: 1 t. fresh dill, snipped

 

Garnish: lemon wedges Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken with basil, salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook, turning once, for 12 minutes, or until juices run clear. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm. Add zucchini to skillet and cook for 3 minutes, or until crisp tender. Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions; drain and stir in butter. Whisk together remaining oil, vinegar and dill, if using; drizzle over orzo and toss to mix. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve chicken and zucchini with orzo, garnished with lemon wedges. Serves 4.

Chicken Romano

Chicken Romano

Chicken Romano

3 T. Italian-flavored dry bread crumbs

3 T. grated Pecorino-Romano cheese

1 lb. chicken cutlets

1 T. olive oil, divided

14-1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained and 1/3 c. juice reserved

3 cloves garlic, pressed

2 T. Kalamata olives

1 t. balsamic vinegar

1/8 t. red pepper flakes

3 T. fresh basil, chopped

 

Combine bread crumbs and cheese in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken pieces in bread crumb mixture until coated on both sides. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add 2 chicken cutlets. Cook, turning once, for about 10 minutes, until golden on both sides and no longer pink in the center. Remove from skillet and keep warm. Add tomatoes, garlic, olives, vinegar, red pepper flakes and reserved tomato juice to skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and discard garlic. Stir in basil. To serve, spoon sauce over chicken. Serves 4.

Warm Duck and Grilled Apple Salad

Warm Duck and Grilled Apple Salad

Warm Duck and Grilled Apple Salad

 

1 duck leg

2 granny smith apples

1/2 sweet onion

1/4 C. calvados

1/4 C. apple cider

4 sage leaves

2 T. olive oil

salt and pepper

1/4 C. pistachios

2 C. mustard greens (try to get smaller younger ones – the 2 C. is after you have washed them and cut them into ribbons – sans stems)

2 T. unsalted butter

reduced balsamic vinegar to drizzle.

 

Heat the oven to 250. Heat the olive oil in a skillet, and generously salt and pepper the duck leg. Brown the leg on both sides and then remove it to a baking dish. Cut the onion into wedges, and half of one of the apples. Add those to the baking dish. Pour the duck fat from the pan over everything then add the cider and calvados. Lay the sage leaves on top and cover it all tightly with foil, and into the oven. You have probably completely destroyed your stove with fat splatters, you have some time if you’d like to clean up a bit. The duck needs to be in the oven for about 3 hours. You can also toast your pistachios in a dry pan and set them aside while you wait. Also wash your mustard greens and chop them into wide ribbons. When the duck is completely fall apart tender – you can tell when you peek, give it a little poke with a fork – remove it from the oven. Heat the butter in a griddle pan. Cut the other apple into 8 wedges, remove the seeds, then griddle them on both sides until they are just brown but not mushy – you want to keep some texture. Assembly: Lay the greens on a platter. Take the skin off the duck and then use fork to pull the meat away from the bone – avoid the tricky little bones that want to go along. Arrange the duck and apples on top of the greens. Add the onions from the duck pan, then drizzle with a couple of T. of pan drippings and balsamic vinegar and sprinkle the pistachios on top.

Chicken Salmoriglio

Chicken Salmoriglio

Chicken Salmoriglio

 

1 T. grated lemon zest, plus 2 lemons halved crosswise

2 medium cloves garlic, finely grated

1 tsp. dried oregano, crumbled

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

5 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 T. honey

3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, trimmed and patted dry

1 bunch watercress, trimmed, or 1 (5-ounce) container baby arugula

1 T. finely chopped fresh oregano

 

Heat the oven to 475 F with a rack in the lower-middle position. Grate 1 T. zest from the lemons, then halve the lemons and trim off the pointed ends so the halves sit stably with cut sides facing up; set the lemon halves aside. .In a small bowl, stir together the zest, garlic, dried oregano, 1½ tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Measure 1 T. of the lemon-garlic mixture into a large bowl. Stir 4 T. of oil into the remaining mixture; set aside. To the large bowl, add the remaining 1 T. oil, the honey, 2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper, then stir to combine. Using a sharp knife, cut parallel slashes about 1 inch apart all the way to the bone on both sides of each chicken thigh. Add the thighs to the bowl and turn to coat on all sides, rubbing the seasoning mixture into the slashes. Arrange the chicken, skin-side up, and the lemon halves, cut-sides up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until the chicken is beginning to brown and the thickest part reaches 165-170 F, about 20 minutes. Leaving the chicken in the oven, turn on the broiler. Continue to cook until the chicken is deep golden-brown and the thickest part reaches about 175 F, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven. Place the watercress on a serving platter, creating a bed for the chicken. Using tongs, place the chicken on top of the watercress. Squeeze 3 T. juice from 1 or 2 of the lemon halves, then stir the juice along with the fresh oregano into the lemon-garlic oil to make the salmoriglio. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and serve with the remaining lemon halves for squeezing.