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Category: Poultry

Cary Grant’s Oven-Barbecued Chicken

Cary Grant’s Oven-Barbecued Chicken

Cary Grant’s Oven-Barbecued Chicken

 

3 chickens, 1 ½ lbs each (or 1 chicken, 4.5 lbs), cut into pieces

Olive or vegetable oil for frying

1 C. ketchup

½ C. Worcestershire sauce

½ C. water

½ C. A-1 sauce

¼ C. sugar

¼ C. cider vinegar

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped

2 T. cornstarch (or more if needed)

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Heat olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium till hot. Fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil in batches till browned. Season with salt and pepper as you cook.  Place browned chicken pieces in a 9×13 baking dish. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, water, A-1 sauce, sugar, cider vinegar, onion and garlic. Whisk together over medium heat till warm. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 T. cornstarch with 2 T. cold water till smooth. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the barbecue sauce, whisking till incorporated. Continue to whisk over medium heat till the sauce is hot, bubbly, and thickened. Remove from heat. Pour the sauce evenly across the top of the chicken pieces. Cover the roasting dish with foil. Bake the chicken for 60-75 minutes, or until the meat is tender and well cooked. Remove from the oven. If you’d like to serve extra sauce with the chicken, skim the fat drippings from the top of the sauce. To thicken the leftover sauce, pour it into a saucepan and heat over medium. Mix together equal amounts of cornstarch and water, a half T. at a time, and slowly whisk into the sauce. Heat and add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly, till desired consistency is reached. Serve chicken warm with the thickened barbecue sauce on the side.

Creamy BLT Chicken

Creamy BLT Chicken

Creamy BLT Chicken

 

4 chicken breasts

6 slices of Certified thick cut bacon

3 garlic cloves, minced

8 oz. cream cheese

3/4 C. milk

2 T. stone ground mustard

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1 T. ranch seasoning

1 tsp.. black pepper

2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 C.. baby spinach

2 C. cherry tomatoes, halved

1 T. chives, minced

 

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Place the bacon in the skillet while it is still cold. This will help render as much of the bacon fat as possible. While the bacon is cooking, season each chicken breast with salt, pepper and ranch seasoning. Remove the bacon from the skillet when it’s finished cooking and remove all but 2 T. of the bacon fat from the skillet. You can toss the rest or save it for another recipe! Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip. Grab a bowl while the chicken is cooking and add the cream cheese, mustard, lemon juice and milk. Whisk together and set aside. Remove the chicken when it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pan. Use a wooden spatula to scrape up all the flavor on the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the spinach and tomato. Let boil until the spinach is wilted and reduces in size, about 2 minutes. Add the chopped bacon and mix. Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet and remove from the heat. Top with extra bacon crumbles and minced chives. To serve, present this dish in the skillet and serve family-style! Serve over rice, pasta or devour on its own. Enjoy!

One Pot Chicken and Orzo Skillet

One Pot Chicken and Orzo Skillet

One Pot Chicken and Orzo Skillet

 

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips

2 tsp. salt-free garlic seasoning blend

1 small onion, chopped

1 T. olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 C. reduced-sodium chicken broth

3/4 C. uncooked orzo pasta

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, optional

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese, optional

 

Sprinkle chicken with garlic seasoning blend. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, saute chicken and onion in oil until chicken is no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, spinach, broth, orzo, Italian seasoning and, if desired, pepper flakes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, 15-20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with cheese.

Creamy Peanut Chicken with Charred Snow Peas

Creamy Peanut Chicken with Charred Snow Peas

Creamy Peanut Chicken with Charred Snow Peas

 

½ C. creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter (preferably without added sugar)

1 T. toasted sesame oil

1½ T. rice vinegar, divided, plus more for serving

2 tsp. light or dark brown sugar

2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced

2 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. fish sauce

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

¾ tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste

3 T. neutral oil, such as safflower, sunflower, or grapeseed, divided

1 bunch scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

5 C. (about 12 ounces) snow peas, trimmed

White rice, for serving

½ C. fresh basil, sliced, for serving

 

In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sesame oil, 1 T. of the vinegar, the brown sugar, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and enough water to reach a sauce-like consistency (anywhere from ¼ C. to ½ cup, depending on your peanut butter brand). In a separate medium bowl, toss the chicken with the salt. Heat a large skillet over high heat, then add 2 T. of the neutral oil. Let the oil heat until it thins out, then carefully add the chicken and cook, stirring almost constantly, until the chicken is no longer pink and just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately transfer to a clean bowl. Add the remaining 1 T. neutral oil to the skillet, then stir in the scallion whites. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in the snow peas. Cook until charred, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining ½ T. vinegar. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the peanut butter mixture. Toss to coat everything with the sauce. Taste and add a little more salt, if needed. Serve immediately with rice, with basil and scallion greens on top, and with more vinegar on the side for drizzling.  You can use pretty much any quick-cooking vegetable in place of the snow peas. Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers, thin green beans, broccolini, or zucchini would all work perfectly well. Just avoid dense roots like carrots, which take longer to cook, and leafy greens, which will exude too much liquid

Sheet Pan Crispy Lemon Chicken with Potatoes, Oregano, and Capers

Sheet Pan Crispy Lemon Chicken with Potatoes, Oregano, and Capers

 

1 lemon

1 3/4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

2 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, divided

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste

3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 1/4 to 2 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks **

3 fat garlic cloves, minced or finely grated

Crushed red pepper flakes

Torn parsley, basil, or mint leaves, for serving

1 T. drained capers, for serving

Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

 

Heat oven to 425°F and, if you like, line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner (not essential but helpful for cleaning up). Grate the zest from the lemon into a large bowl and cut the naked lemon in half. Set aside. Put the potatoes, ½ tsp. oregano, ½ tsp. salt, and ¼ tsp. black pepper onto the prepared sheet pan, tossing well to coat. Spread potatoes out into a single layer. Squeeze one lemon half all over potatoes and drizzle with 1 T. of the oil. Roast potatoes for 15 minutes. While the potatoes are roasting, pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with the remaining 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. black pepper. To the bowl with the lemon zest, stir in the garlic, remaining 2 tsp. oregano, and a large pinch of red pepper flakes. Add chicken and toss well, making sure it gets well coated with all the seasonings. After the potatoes are roasted for 15 minutes, add chicken to the pan, placing the pieces skin side up on top of potatoes. Drizzle chicken and potatoes with remaining 2 T. olive oil. Continue to roast until chicken and potatoes are cooked through and everything is golden and crisped, 25 to 30 minutes longer. Transfer chicken and potatoes to a platter or serving plates and sprinkle with torn herbs. Scrape the pan juices into a bowl, squeeze in the remaining lemon half and stir in the capers. Drizzle a little of the sauce over the chicken and potatoes and serve remaining sauce on the side.  ** If you’d rather use bone-in breasts, let the potatoes roast for 25 minutes, then add the chicken and roast for 20 to 25 minutes longer.

Air Fryer Garlic Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Garlic Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Garlic Chicken Wings

 

12 raw chicken wings thawed

1/2 stick butter

1/2 C. Parmesan cheese freshly grated

2 tsp. garlic salt

1/2 lemon juiced

parsley, to garnish

Remove wings from package and rinse with water. Pat dry with a paper towel and set aside. 12 raw chicken wings In a medium bowl, melt butter in microwave for 1 minute (cover with Glad Press ‘n Seal to keep it from splattering). Remove from microwave and stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and garlic salt. 1/2 stick butter,1/2 C. Parmesan cheese,1/2 lemon,2 tsp. garlic salt. In a large bowl, toss wings in garlic parmesan sauce mixture. Place wings in a single layer in air fryer basket (recommend using a parchment liner for easy cleanup). Air Fry at 350º  for 11 minutes (No need to preheat!). Open Air Fryer – flip all wings in the basket. Raise temperature to 400º and air fry 11 min more. You can check them with a meat thermometer in the meaty part of one of the drumettes to be sure they are 165º.  Remove from air fryer with tongs and garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese (or you can always have blue cheese or ranch dressing too!)

Spicy Crispy Chicken

Spicy Crispy Chicken

Spicy Crispy Chicken

 

2 tsp. soju

2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. gochujang

1 tsp. sesame oil

1/2 tsp. grated garlic

260 grams (9 ounces) skin-on boneless chicken thighs

 

In a small bowl, combine the soju, sugar, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil and grated garlic, stirring to combine. Lightly salt both sides of the chicken. Place the chicken skin side down on a cold skillet. Place a cast iron skillet or pot filled with water on top of the chicken to weigh it down. Put the skillet on the stove and cook over medium low heat until the skin side is uniformly golden brown and crisp (about 8-10 minutes). Remove the weight and flip the chicken over. Drain as much oil from the pan as you can, then turn up the heat to high and pour the sauce mixture in around the chicken, being careful not to get any on the crisp skin. Let the sauce boil down until it’s thick and bubbly, and then flip the chicken over a few times to coat both sides of the chicken with the thick glaze. Slice and serve the chicken immediately with steamed rice.

Honey-Glazed Chicken with Mango Salsa

Honey-Glazed Chicken with Mango Salsa

Honey-Glazed Chicken with Mango Salsa

 

3 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce (use wheat/gluten-free if needed)

2 1/3 T. honey

½ tsp. minced garlic (about 1 clove)

1 T. fresh ginger, peeled and minced

1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half crosswise (the short way)

1 large mango, peeled and cubed

¼ C. fresh cilantro, chopped

½ lime, juice only, about 1 Tbsp.

¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

 

Preheat the broiler and put the oven rack 3 – 4 inches from the heating element. Spray a broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, 2 T. honey, the garlic and ginger. Remove 2 T. of the mixture and set it aside. Add the chicken to the bowl with the sauce and turn it until it is coated. Place the chicken on the broiling pan and cook it for 5 minutes until it turns golden. Flip the chicken and spoon the reserved sauce over the top. Broil it for about 5 more minutes until it is cooked through (the chicken should no longer be pink in the middle or its internal temperature should be 165 degrees.) Remove it from the oven. Meanwhile, in a medium serving bowl, gently toss together the mango, cilantro, lime juice, 1 tsp. honey, and crushed red pepper flakes (optional). Serve the chicken topped with the mango salsa.

Smothered BLT Chicken

Smothered BLT Chicken

Smothered BLT Chicken

 

6 slices (6 oz) bacon, chopped

1 1/2 T. olive oil, divided

2 (12 oz each) or 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper

1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

10 oz. (2 cups) grape tomatoes (halved)

1 T. minced garlic (3 cloves)

1 C. low sodium chicken broth, plus 1 1/2 Tbsp

1 T. cornstarch

3 C. packed (3 oz) fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 C. (1 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese

1/3 C. heavy cream

 

Add bacon to a 12-inch skillet, cook over medium heat, tossing occasionally until cooked and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. If using 2 (12 oz) chicken breasts then butterfly and cut into 2 portions through the thickness. Pound each piece with a meat mallet to even the thickness. If using 4 (6 oz) pieces then pound each to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Dab chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season each side evenly with salt and pepper and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 T. olive oil in a clean 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Set pan over medium heat, add remaining 1/2 T. olive oil. Add tomatoes and garlic and saute 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer 2 minutes. Whisk together cornstarch and remaining 1 1/2 T. chicken broth. Pour into skillet and stir. Let cook and thicken, while stirring, about 30 seconds. Stir in spinach, cooked bacon and parmesan cheese. Cook until spinach wilts. Stir in heavy cream. Season sauce with salt as needed and pepper to taste. Return chicken pieces, and spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

Chicken Alla Pitocca

Chicken Alla Pitocca

Chicken Alla Pitocca

 

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 C. onion cut in 1-inch chunks

1 C. carrot cut in 1-inch chunks

1 C. celery cut in 1-inch chunks

2 plump garlic cloves, peeled

1/3 C. extra-virgin olive oil

1 T. kosher salt

1 fresh bay leaf

1 C. dry white wine

5 C. hot chicken or turkey stock, plus more if needed

2 C. Italian short-grain rice, such as arborio, carnaroli, or vialone nano for finishing

2 T. butter, cut in pieces

3 T. chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/2 C. grated grana padano, plus more for passing

 

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Using a food processor, mince the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic into a fine-textured pestata. Pour the olive oil in the saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in the pestata, and season with 1 tsp. of the salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pestata has dried and begins to stick to the bottom of the pan. Toss in the chicken pieces and the bay leaf, and sprinkle over it the remaining 2 tsp. salt. Tumble and stir the chicken in the pan until browned and caramelized all over, about 4 minutes. Raise the heat, pour in the white wine, and cook, stirring and scraping up the browned bits in the pan, until the wine has almost completely evaporated. Pour in the hot stock, stirring, then all the rice. Bring to the boil over high heat, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to keep the rice bubbling gently. Cook for about 14 minutes, or until both the rice and the chicken chunks are fully cooked and the consistency is creamy. Turn off the heat, drop in the butter pieces, and stir vigorously until thoroughly amalgamated, then stir in the parsley and 1/2 C. of grated cheese. Spoon the rice into warm pasta bowls and serve immediately, passing additional grated cheese at the table.

Sugar and Chile Cured Duck

Sugar and Chile Cured Duck

Sugar and Chile Cured Duck

 

¼ C. granulated sugar

3 tablespoons ancho chile powder

1 tablespoon salt

4 boneless, skinless duck breasts (8 ounces each)

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 C. corn kernels

1 teaspoon chopped shallot

1 C. white wine

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

3 tablespoons red bell pepper

ketchup

1 tablespoon snipped chives, for Garnish

 

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, chile powder, and salt. Evenly rub the mixture over the duck breasts; place on a plate and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the corn and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the shallot and white wine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and put in a blender; purée until smooth. Add the cold butter, one piece at a time, until incorporated. Strain the sauce back into the saucepan and keep warm. Just before serving, stir in the ketchup. Assembly: Prepare a barbecue grill. When hot, brush off the excess dry cure from the duck breasts and place the breasts on the grill. Cook until still pink inside, 5 to 7 minutes per side. Cut the duck breasts diagonally into thin slices and plate. Spoon the corn sauce over the open portion of the plate and top with chopped chives. Tips/Techniques: For best flavor, let the duck breasts sit in the chile cure overnight before cooking. Cracklings made with leftover duck skin are a real treat and a great garnish: Put the skin in a very hot oven to render all the fat and to get crispy. Then cut it up and sprinkle on the duck breasts just before serving.

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.

Butter-Braised Chicken with Spring Veggies

Butter-Braised Chicken with Spring Veggies

Butter-Braised Chicken with Spring Veggies

 

2 tsp. olive oil

2 T. unsalted butter

2 lb. chicken (pieces or half a chicken)

salt and black pepper

3 medium leeks, white and light green parts halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces

4 cloves garlic, sliced

8 radishes, quartered

1½ C. low-sodium chicken broth

5 stalks asparagus, chopped large

2 T. lemon juice

1 T. minced fresh rosemary

2 tsp. minced fresh thyme

 

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and swirl to coat. Season the chicken with 1 tsp. each salt and pepper. Lower the heat to medium, add butter and stir to melt. Cook chicken skin-side down, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add the leeks, garlic, and radishes to the Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the leeks and radishes are just tender, 6–8 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Nestle the chicken in the veggies, skin-side up; cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Toss asparagus on top, cover, and cook another 5–7 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest piece of chicken registers 165°. Stir the lemon juice and herbs into the sauce and serve.

Chicken Romano Meatballs

Chicken Romano Meatballs

Chicken Romano Meatballs

 

1 pound ground chicken

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 large egg, lightly beaten

½ C. seasoned bread crumbs

⅓ C. romano cheese

1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp. dried basil

½ tsp. dried oregano

½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

PAN SAUCE:

1 shallot diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ C. dry white wine, like chardonnay

1 C. chicken stock

1 lemon, sliced

 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with the garlic, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, dried basil, oregano, pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Mix with clean hands until just combined – do not overmix. Shape the mixture into meatballs that are 1-inch in size – or slightly less. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add 1 T. of olive oil. Add the meatballs in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches), browning on all sides, cooking about 5 to 6 minutes in total. You don’t need to cook them fully because we will put them in the oven – just brown them. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the shallots and garlic with a pinch of salt and stir. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the white wine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add in the sliced lemons and chicken stock. Add the meatballs back into the pan. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through to 165 degrees F. Serve on sandwiches or with pasta, rice or your favorite vegetable.

Easy Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini and Orzo

Easy Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini and Orzo

Easy Pesto Meatballs with Zucchini and Orzo

 

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/4 cup pesto

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg

1/2 T. olive oil

2 T. butter

2 zucchini, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup uncooked orzo

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/4 cup white wine

1 1/4 cup vegetable broth

1 cup water

 

Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, pesto, parmesan and egg in a bowl. Combine with your hands in form into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Add olive oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs once the oil is hot and cook until each side is browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Add butter to that same pan. Once melted, add red pepper flakes. (You can omit this if you don’t like spice!) Stir in the thinly sliced zucchini and cook for about a minute, then add your minced garlic. Add white wine and lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes. Mix in your orzo, stirring to coat every piece of pasta. Then add broth and water. When you start to see a low simmer, nestle the meatballs back in. Cover the pan and cook for 8 minutes. Uncover and check to make sure your orzo is al dente and your meatballs are cooked all the way through to the center. Serve with additional parmesan cheese on top!

Chicken Thighs with Lime and Honey

Chicken Thighs with Lime and Honey

Chicken Thighs with Lime and Honey

 

12 boneless skinless chicken thighs

3 large limes, juice and zest of

8 ounces liquid honey

1 T. grated fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)

 

Combine lime juice, lime zest, honey, ginger, and garlic in a large ziploc bag. Add chicken and combine well. Squeeze out as much air as possible and freeze. Remove from freezer the night before serving and defrost all day in the fridge; chicken will marinate as it defrosts. Transfer thighs to a roasting pan and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. You can also cook this chicken on the BBQ/grill if desired.

Miso Butter Noodles

Miso Butter Noodles

Miso Butter Noodles

 

4 oz dry spaghetti

1 T. miso

1/2 tsp mirin

1 tsp soy sauce

1 clove garlic, chopped or grated

4 T. pasta water

2 tsp cooking oil

4 oz ground chicken, pork, turkey, beef or crumbled extra firm tofu

4 to 5 green cabbage leaves, cut into bite size

pinch of salt

1 T. butter

 

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water by following the directions of the package you are using. Meanwhile, mix miso, mirin, soy sauce, garlic, and pasta water in a mixing bowl and set aside. Heat a large skillet over high heat, add cooking oil; add ground meat, cabbage and pinch of salt. Cook until pork is fully cooked and cabbages are soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sauce mixture. Mix everything real quick then add the spaghetti and butter. Toss everything together. Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately. Enjoy!

3 Ingredient Pesto Meatballs

3 Ingredient Pesto Meatballs

3 Ingredient Pesto Meatballs

 

1 lb. ground chicken (or beef)

1/3 cup panko crumbs or oat bran

¼ cup jarred pesto

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, panko and pesto. Salt, to taste. Mix until fully combined. Roll meat mixture into balls using 1 tbsp mixture per meatball. This recipe will make ~24 meatballs. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until browned on the outside and no longer pink on the inside, stirring and flipping the meatballs throughout. They will cook in about 6-8 minutes, depending on the size. Remove from the pan and serve with your favorite pasta recipe.

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Brown Butter Corn

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Brown Butter Corn

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Brown Butter Corn

 

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1¼ pounds)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2garlic cloves, finely grated or minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from 1 to 2 ears)

½ cup torn basil leaves

Lime wedges, for serving

2 scallions, thinly sliced, for serving

 

Season chicken all over with salt and pepper. Rub garlic and thyme on chicken and set aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter, letting butter melt. Add chicken and sear, undisturbed, until browned on both sides, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate. Over medium heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides and it smells nutty and toasty, 2 to 3 minutes. (Watch carefully to see that it doesn’t burn.) Add corn and a big pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté until tender and golden brown, 2 minutes. Add chicken back to the skillet. Cover and cook until chicken is cooked through and corn is caramelized, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and taste corn, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in basil and squeeze 2 lime wedges over the top. Serve garnished with sliced scallions and more lime wedges.

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

 

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1 T. unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic

1 T. brown sugar

¼ cup honey

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 lb green beans

 

Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Melt 1 T. butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear both sides until golden brown. (The skin side will take much longer, in order to properly render the fat and crisp up the skin.) Remove chicken thighs and set aside. Pour out any excess fat, but leave some in for the sauce. Add garlic, stir until fragrant, then add brown sugar, honey, thyme, and oregano, and stir. Reduce heat to low. Return chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the sauce. Add green beans to skillet. Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy!

ATK Indoor-BBQ Chicken

ATK Indoor-BBQ Chicken

 

Sauce:

 

1 C. Ketchup

3 T. Cider Vinegar

3 T. mild Molasses

2 T. finely grated Onion

2 T. Worcestershire Sauce

2 T. Dijon Mustard

2 T. Maple Syrup

1 tsp. Chile Powder

¼ tsp. Cayenne

 

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt & Pepper

1 T. Vegetable Oil

 

Whisk all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust oven rack to upper middle and heat to 325 degrees. Pat chicken dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat oil in 12 inch oven safe skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Cook chicken breasts until very lightly brown on one side, 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and drain off fat in skillet. Add sauce to pan, scraping up browned bits. Turn up to medium-high and simmer, stirring often, until sauce is thick and glossy, about 4 minutes. Off heat, return chicken to pan and coat with sauce. Turn chicken and spoon more sauce over so they are well coated. Transfer skillet to the oven and cook until chicken reaches 130 degrees on instant read thermometer, 10-14 minutes. Add rack to 5 inches below broiler and heat broiler. Move skillet to that rack and broil until thickest part reaches 160-165 degrees, 5 to 10 minutes longer. Carefully transfer chicken to platter and rest 5 minutes. Sitr what is left of the sauce (careful, handle remains hot) and transfer to small serving bowl to serve alongside chicken.

Agave Lime Chicken

Agave Lime Chicken

Agave Lime Chicken

 

1/2 cup agave

1/4 cup lime juice

1-1/4 tsp. grated lime peel, divided

Salt

1 tsp. rosemary, crushed

Red hot pepper

Pepper

1/8 tsp. dried crushed

2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (8 to 10 oz. each)

1 tsp. cornstarch

1 T. water

 

Combine agave, lime juice, 1 tsp. lime peel, salt, rosemary and pepper; mix well. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes; brush with agave mixture and bake 15 minutes longer or until juices run clear. Remove chicken from baking pan; pour remaining sauce into pan and deglaze. Strain mixture into small saucepan; bring mixture to boil. Combine cornstarch and water; add to strained sauce. Cook and stir until mixture comes to boil. Boil 1 minute. Stir in remaining lime peel. Slice chicken breast; pour hot sauce over slices.

Hoisin Turkey Lettuce Cups

Hoisin Turkey Lettuce Cups

Hoisin Turkey Lettuce Cups

 

6 T. hoisin sauce

1 T. soy sauce

1 T. sriracha

1 1/2 tsp. oil

1/3 cup seeded and small-diced red bell pepper

2 cups diced leftover turkey

10 Bibb lettuce cups, each roughly the size of a small hand

1/4 cup finely diced green onion

About 1/2 cup of something crunchy: crispy chow mein noodles are ideal; peanuts or cashews would work great, too

 

Combine the hoisin, soy sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and swirl it around. Add the bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the diced turkey and stir well to combine. When the turkey mixture has been warmed through, add the hoisin mixture and stir quickly, making sure all is coated well. Remove from the heat and divide among the lettuce cups. Top each with green onion and crunchies.

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables & Creamy Garlic Lemon Sauce

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables & Creamy Garlic Lemon Sauce

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables & Creamy Garlic Lemon Sauce

 

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. light brown sugar

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. chili powder

1/4 tsp. smoked paprika

1/8 tsp. ground cayenne pepper

1 1/2 – 2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh

 

1 lb asparagus, ends broken off, then cut into half

3 oz baby bella sliced mushrooms

1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved

2-3 T. extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper

 

2 T. butter

2 T. flour

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth

1 cup fat free Half & Half

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 T. dried basil

zest + juice of one medium lemon

salt and pepper

 

Begin by combining all the seasonings for the chicken spice rub. Set aside, then trim the chicken thighs into similar sizes, removing any fat if needed. Brush each piece of chicken with olive oil, then rub each side thoroughly with the spice rub. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully place all of the chicken on one half of the paper, then toss the asparagus in a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper and place those on the other side of the sheet. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 12-15 minutes. While the chicken and asparagus are baking toss the mushroom and tomatoes in a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. Once the chicken and asparagus are almost done, add the mushrooms and tomatoes to the pan on top of the asparagus and bake uncovered for another 12-15 minutes. While the chicken is baking, melt the butter for the sauce in a medium saucepan. Once melted, slowly whisk in the flour. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, whisking together, then slowly stir in the chicken broth. Add the half and half, Parmesan, basil, lemon zest and lemon juice, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce to simmer until sauce thickens and reduces just a bit. Remove from heat. Serve as is, or over some brown and wild rice mixed with a bit of the creamy garlic lemon sauce for a full, flavorful meal. Drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken (and rice), it perfectly balances the heat of the spice rub on the chicken thighs with smooth and creamy taste of the sauce.

Slow-Cooker Lemony Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Feta

Slow-Cooker Lemony Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Feta

Slow-Cooker Lemony Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Feta

 

1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped

2 T. EVOO

3 small cloves garlic, peeled and minced

2 tsp. fresh oregano or ½ tsp. dried

1 tsp. Salt, divided

½ C. Chicken Broth (half and half?)

1 ½ C. Instant White Rice

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (small to medium in size), trimmed and any fat discarded

¼ tsp. Pepper

2 C. fresh baby spinach leaves

½ C. crumbled feta cheese

1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest

2 T. fresh lemon juice

2 T. minced Parsley

 

Microwave onion, oil, garlic, oregano, and 1/2 tsp. salt in bowl, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes; transfer to slow cooker. Stir in broth. Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper and nestle into slow cooker. Cover and cook until chicken is tender, 4 to 5 hours on low. Transfer chicken to plate. Stir rice into slow cooker. Arrange chicken on top of rice, adding any accumulated juices. Cover and cook on high until rice is tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer chicken to serving platter and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Gently stir spinach into slow cooker, 1 handful at a time, and let sit until wilted, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer rice to dish with chicken and sprinkle with feta and parsley. Serve.

Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

Chicken Noodle Wonton Soup

 

2 T. oil

1/2 small onion, sliced

2 medium carrots, cut diagonally into thin slices

1 celery stalk, cut diagonally into thin slices

One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, crushed and roughly chopped

6 cups chicken stock

6 green onions, white and light green parts, cut into 1-inch pieces

8 frozen chicken or pork pot stickers

4 baby bok choy, root end cut off so leaves can separate, then sliced lengthwise

One 3-ounce package instant ramen noodles, seasoning pack removed

8 shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced

8 ounces leftover Chicken

1 T. soy sauce

1 tsp. sesame chili oil (or just sesame oil)

 

Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about a minute. Add the stock and green onions and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Put in the pot stickers and cook for 5 minutes, then add the bok choy, noodles, shiitakes, and chicken. Cook until the noodles are softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in the soy sauce and sesame chib oil. Serve.

Braised Chicken with Onions, Mushrooms, and Bacon

Braised Chicken with Onions, Mushrooms, and Bacon

Braised Chicken with Onions, Mushrooms, and Bacon

 

Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or polenta.

 

3 slices bacon

8 (3-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 onions

1 ounces cremini mushrooms

1 cup chicken broth

Fresh parsley

 

Chop bacon and cook in Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to paper towel—lined plate. Trim chicken, pat dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Heat bacon fat left in pot over medium heat until just smoking. Brown half of chicken lightly on 1 side, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to plate. Repeat with remaining chicken. Halve and thinly slice onions, trim and quarter mushrooms, and add to fat left in pot with 1/4 tsp. salt. Cover and cook over medium heat until softened and wet, about 5 minutes. Remove lid and continue to cook, stirring often, until onions and mushrooms are dry and well browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in broth, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to simmer. Nestle chicken and any accumulated juices into pot, cover, and simmer gently until chicken is very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer chicken to platter; cover to keep warm. Return sauce to simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and pour over chicken. Mince 2 T. parsley, sprinkle parsley and bacon over top, and serve.

Fennel-Roasted Chicken and Winter Squash with Endive-Apple Salad

Fennel-Roasted Chicken and Winter Squash with Endive-Apple Salad

Fennel-Roasted Chicken and Winter Squash with Endive-Apple Salad

 

8 chicken thighs (with skin and bones)

2 T. fennel seeds, coarsely crushed (use a mortar and pestle or crush under a heavy skillet)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 small or 1/2 large kabocha or acorn squash (about 2 1/4 pounds), halved if whole, seeded, and cut into 1-inch-wide wedges

2 T. olive oil

 

3 T. cider vinegar

3 T. minced shallots

2 T. honey
(for vegan: substitute with agave nectar or pure maple syrup)

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 T. finely chopped fresh tarragon

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

6 ounces Belgian endive (about 2 heads)

5 ounces baby arugula (about 8 cups not packed)

1 Fuji or Gala apple, cored and very thinly sliced

3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and very coarsely chopped

3/4 cup coarsely crumbled blue cheese

 

To roast the chicken and squash: Preheat the oven to 450°F. On a large heavy baking sheet, toss the chicken with 1 T. of the fennel seeds to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken pieces well apart on the baking sheet. Roast the chicken on the bottom shelf of the oven for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, on another large heavy baking sheet, toss the squash with the olive oil and the remaining 1 T. fennel seeds to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet. Move the chicken to the top shelf of the oven and place the squash on the bottom shelf. Roast for about 25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the undersides are deep golden brown and the chicken shows no sign of pink when pierced at the bone with the tip of a small sharp knife.

Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk the vinegar, shallots, honey, mustard, and tarragon until blended. Whisk in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. To assemble the salad and serve: Remove hard cores from the endive. Cut the small leaves in half lengthwise, and quarter the large leaves lengthwise. In a large bowl, toss the endive, arugula, and apple slices with about half of the vinaigrette. Divide the salad among four dinner plates. Top each with 2 chicken thighs and some squash, and sprinkle with the walnuts and blue cheese. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over and around the salads and serve immediately.

Crispy Prosciutto and Sage Wrapped Chicken with Creamy Pistachio Noodles

Crispy Prosciutto and Sage Wrapped Chicken with Creamy Pistachio Noodles

Crispy Prosciutto and Sage Wrapped Chicken with Creamy Pistachio Noodles

 

2 honeycrisp apples cored + chopped

4 chicken breasts or chicken thighs

2 cloves garlic grated

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 bunch sage divided

8 slices thin prosciutto

2 T. olive oil

 

Creamy Pistachio Noodles

 

1 pound fettucinne noodles or other long cut pasta

 

1/3 cup shelled pistachios

2 T. butter divided

1 T. flour

1 1/4 cup milk I used 2%

1/2 cup cream

3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus more for garnish

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

salt + pepper to taste

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease 9×13 inch baking dish. Scatter the chopped apples on the bottom of the dish and toss with 1 tsp. olive oil and a pinch of salt + pepper. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and then rub with the grated garlic. Arrange 3-4 sage leaves on top of each breast and wrap with 2 slices prosciutto, overlapping slightly and tucking edges under. In a large skillet, heat 1 T. olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken, and sear until crisp, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and place each breast in the baking dish right on top of the apples. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked through. While the chicken bakes make the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain. Add the pistachios to a food processor and process until the pistachios have become a powder. Now in the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, add 1 T. butter, once melted add the remaining sage leaves and cook 30 seconds per side. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add another T. of butter, once it’s melted and bubbly add the flour. Whisk together to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture gets a bit golden in color. Add the milk and cream, stir and turn down heat to low. Add the crushed red pepper and season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until milk thickens. Add in parmesan, pistachio powder. Stir to combine and then add the pasta. Cook another minute, adding milk if the sauce seems too thick. Serve the chicken and apples over the creamy pistachio noodles. Garnish with the crispy sage and fresh parmesan.

Beer-Braised Chicken Thighs with Kale and Polenta

Beer-Braised Chicken Thighs with Kale and Polenta

Beer-Braised Chicken Thighs with Kale and Polenta

 

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (I buy from Baffoni’s Farm)

Kosher or sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4 T. unsalted butter, divided

1 T. olive oil

1 medium shallot, peeled, trimmed, finely chopped

2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, divided

1 (12-ounce) can beer, such as Narragansett Lager

2½ cups water

1 cup corn meal, such as Kenyon’s stone-ground corn meal

2 T. grated Pecorino Romano

1 bunch kale, washed, stemmed and coarsely chopped

 

Rinse the chicken thighs in cold water, pat them dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large sauté pan with a lid or a Dutch oven, melt 2 T. of butter over medium heat then add the oil. Place chicken into the pan, skin side down, and cook until the skin is brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the shallots and sauté until they’re translucent, 1 to 2 minutes, then add the thyme and beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, skin side up, increase the heat slightly to bring the beer to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 35 to 40 minutes. While the chicken cooks, bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually stir in the corn meal, stirring frequently for 15 to 20 minutes until it begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from the heat, then stir in 1 T. of butter, 1 tsp. fresh thyme and 2 T. of grated Pecorino Romano. Add the kale to the chicken, using a spoon to gently submerge it into the liquid. Once the kale has wilted and is bright green (5 to 10 minutes), remove the pan from the heat, stir in 1 T. butter and season with salt and pepper. Serve the chicken and kale over the polenta, adding some of the delicious pan sauce over each serving.

Lemon Braised Chicken with Fennel

Lemon Braised Chicken with Fennel

Lemon Braised Chicken with Fennel

 

1 lemon

4 (10- to 12-ounce) bone-in split chicken breasts

4 T. unsalted butter

2 fennel bulbs

3 garlic cloves

1 cups chicken broth

 

Cut away peel and pith from lemon, then slice crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Trim chicken, pat dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Melt 1 T. butter in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown 2 chicken breasts on both sides, 8 to 10 minutes; transfer to plate. Repeat with 1 T. butter and remaining chicken. Trim fennel stalks and fronds: mince 2 T. fronds and reserve. Trim bulb, cut in half, core, and slice into 1/4-inch-thick strips. Add fennel and 1/4 tsp. salt to now-empty pot and cook over medium heat until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Mince garlic, stir into pot, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth, scraping up any browned bits. Nestle chicken and any accumulated juices into pot. Add lemon slices and bring to simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until chicken is fully cooked and tender and registers 160 degrees, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer chicken to serving dish; cover to keep warm. Remove fat from surface of sauce using large spoon, return sauce to simmer, and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Off heat, stir in remaining 2 T. butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauce over chicken and sprinkle with fennel fronds. Serve.

Pantry Friendly Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto Chicken and Walnuts

Pantry Friendly Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto Chicken and Walnuts

Pantry Friendly Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto Chicken and Walnuts

 

1 lb bow tie pasta

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

10 ounces jar pesto sauce

1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

 

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain. Place chicken in a large bowl. While pasta is still warm, add it to the chicken and toss thoroughly. Add entire jar of pesto sauce and toss to coat. Add the walnuts and toss once more. Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Chicken Francese for Two

Chicken Francese for Two

Chicken Francese for Two

 

To make chicken Francese, cooks dip cutlets in flour and then beaten egg; shallow-fry them; and sauce them with a lemony, beurre blanc–like reduction that saturates the plush coating. Cutting and pounding each boneless, skinless breast into three ¼-inch cutlets ensured that they cooked through evenly in minutes. Briefly salting the meat seasoned it and helped it retain moisture during cooking. For a tender coating, we diluted the eggs with 1 T. of water to prevent their proteins from coagulating tightly and cooking up tough and rubbery. It was important to fry the chicken in enough oil (¼ cup for a 10-inch skillet) that it crested just above the sides of the cutlets, which prevented the coating from slipping off before it had time to set. Using a combination of vegetable and olive oils reduced cost while adding just enough of the olive oil’s grassy bitterness. We captured complex fruit flavor in the lemony butter sauce by combining juice, zest, and browned lemon slices; the latter also made for a visually striking garnish. Thickening the sauce with flour-dredged cubed butter was simpler than making a proper beurre manié (butter-flour paste), and the dredged fat added lush, silky body.

 

2 (6- to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

1 tsp. table salt

¼ tsp. pepper

1 lemon

2 T. unsalted butter, divided

½ cup all-purpose flour, divided

2 large eggs

1 T. water

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil for frying

¼ cup vegetable oil for frying

1 small garlic clove, minced

3 T. dry white wine

¾ cup chicken broth

1 T. minced fresh parsley

 

Use a stainless-steel skillet, not cast iron, the seasoning of which can be damaged by the acidic sauce. To ensure that the sauce develops the correct flavor and consistency, transfer the liquid to a heatproof liquid measuring cup once or twice during simmering to monitor the amount. Serve the cutlets with buttered pasta, white rice, potatoes, or crusty bread and a simple steamed vegetable.

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Cut each chicken breast in half crosswise, then cut thick half in half again horizontally, creating 3 cutlets of similar thickness. Place cutlets between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to even ¼-inch thickness. Place cutlets in bowl and toss with salt and pepper. Set aside for 15 minutes. Grate peel from 1 end of lemon to yield ½ tsp. zest. Cut lemon in half crosswise and juice zested lemon half. Measure out 1 T. juice. Slice remaining (unzested) lemon half into two ¼-inch-thick rounds. Discard end. Cut 1½ T. butter into ½-inch cubes and transfer to small bowl. Sprinkle cubes with ½ tsp. flour and toss until cubes are fully coated and no loose flour remains in bowl; refrigerate until needed. Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet. Spread remaining flour in shallow dish. In medium bowl, whisk eggs with water. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, dredge cutlets in flour, shaking gently to remove excess. Transfer to prepared rack. Heat olive oil and vegetable oil in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, coat 3 cutlets with egg mixture and gently place in skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook until golden brown on 1 side, about 2 minutes. Using tongs, flip and cook until golden brown on second side, about 2 minutes. Arrange cutlets on serving platter and place in oven. Repeat with remaining 3 cutlets. Discard oil. Gently wipe out skillet with paper towels. Return skillet to medium heat and add lemon slices and remaining 1½ tsp. butter. Cook, flipping slices occasionally, until lightly browned on both sides, about 3 minutes. Transfer lemon slices to cutting board. Add garlic to now-empty skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in wine, scraping up any browned bits, and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to rapid simmer and cook until wine is mostly evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in broth and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to ⅓ cup, 3 to 4 minutes longer. Reduce heat to low and stir in reserved lemon zest and juice. Whisk in floured butter cubes, a few at a time, until sauce is thickened to consistency of heavy cream, 1½ to 2 minutes. Off heat, stir in parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut browned lemon slices in half and scatter over cutlets. Spoon sauce over cutlets and serve.

Mix and Match Casserole

Mix and Match Casserole

Mix and Match Casserole

 

Preheat the oven to 35O°F and lightly grease a 9- by 13-inch casserole dish. Cook the starch according to the package directions. Place the sauce of your choice in a small saucepan over low heat and stir in 1/2 cup milk (skim, low-fat, evaporated, or whole). Place the vegetables in a medium-size saucepan, cover with water, and bring just to a boil. Drain. Stir together the starch, sauce, vegetables, cheese, meat, and seasonings in a large bowl. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish and bake until bubbly, 30 minutes. Add a topping, if desired, and bake an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Easy Chicken with Noodles and Basil

Easy Chicken with Noodles and Basil

1 T. Sesame Oil

2 lg. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Halves, sliced

1 T. Soy Sauce

1 T. Honey

10 oz. Udon Noodles, ready to use

Handful Fresh Basil, torn

 

Heat oil in large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.  When hot, swirl it around the pan and add the chicken.  Stir-fry quickly for a few minutes until chicken begins to turn golden.  Remove from pan and set aside. Add soy and honey to the pan and let bubble for a minute.  Return chicken  to pan along with the noodles and stir until noodles are warmed through and everything is coated.  When ready to serve, stir in basil and serve immediately.

 

Chicken Meatballs in Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce with Asparagus

Chicken Meatballs in Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce with Asparagus

Chicken Meatballs in Lemon-Dill Cream Sauce with Asparagus

 

1 cup red onion, minced

extra-virgin olive oil

2 slices country-style bread

½ cup milk

1¾ pounds ground chicken, both dark and white meat together

2 cloves garlic, grated

pinch chili flakes

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

½ cup minced chives

2 ounces crumbled sheep-milk feta

¾ cup chopped dill, divided

juice and zest of 1 lemon, divided

¼ cup white wine

1 shallot, minced

1 cup heavy cream

16 fat asparagus spears, ends trimmed and stalks peeled

2 T. unsalted butter

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet heat 2 T. olive oil and add the minced red onion. Sauté, stirring, until soft and translucent but not browned, 3–4 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. In a large bowl soak the bread in the milk until absorbed, then using your hands rub the bread into crumbs. Add the chicken, ¾ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, chives, feta, half the dill and half the lemon zest. Add the cooled sautéed onion and use your hands to fold all the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the meat. Place the onion skillet back on the heat and fry 1 tsp. of the meat mixture on both sides to cook it through; taste and add more salt to the meat if needed, mixing thoroughly with your hands. Using wet hands, form the mixture into 1½-inch balls and arrange on a lined baking sheet. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to overnight; freeze if desired and defrost before proceeding with the recipe. When ready to cook, brown the meatballs on all sides in olive oil and return to the baking sheet. Finish cooking in the oven while you make the pan sauce. Heat the same skillet you cooked the meatballs in and add the wine and shallot; deglaze the pan and reduce the wine to just a T. or so, then add the remaining lemon zest, the lemon juice and the heavy cream. Whisk to combine, season with salt and pepper and stir in the remaining dill. Keep warm. In another skillet melt the butter with 2 T. olive oil over medium-high heat and add the asparagus. Pan roast, turning and basting, until the spears are bright green and tender, about 6–8 minutes total. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to keep warm. Remove the meatballs from the oven and add to the pan sauce, rolling them around to coat. Serve with asparagus on the side, garnished with extra dill.

Chicken and Rice with Coconut Milk and Pistachios

Chicken and Rice with Coconut Milk and Pistachios

Chicken and Rice with Coconut Milk and Pistachios

 

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ cup all-purpose flour

3 T. vegetable oil

1 medium onion, minced

1 ½ tsp. garam masala, an Indian spice blend found in most supermarkets

1 ½ cups long-grain white rice

3 medium garlic cloves, minced

2 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk

1 cup frozen peas

½ cup chopped pistachios, lightly toasted

¼ cup minced fresh cilantro leaves

 

Pound each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness. Place the flour in a shallow dish and pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Heat 2 T. of oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until the oil is rippling. Carefully lay the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook until lightly browned on both sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the remaining 1 T. oil to the skillet and return to medium heat until rippling. Add the onion, garam masala, and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the chicken broth and coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits. Nestle the chicken into the rice and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the chicken is done, about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate, brushing off any rice back into the skillet. Tent the chicken loosely with foil to stay warm. Cover the skillet and continue to cook the rice over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 10 minutes. Off the heat, sprinkle the peas over the rice, cover, and let warm through, about 2 minutes. Add the pistachios and cilantro and gently fold into the rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with the chicken.

LTS Penne with Chicken, Pine Nuts and Tomato

LTS Penne with Chicken, Pine Nuts and Tomato

Pantry Friendly Penne with Chicken, Pine Nuts and Tomato

 

12 ounces dry penne (or similar tube pasta)

1/6 cup pine nuts

2 T. olive oil

One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried basil

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. sugar

One 10-ounce can chicken, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

 

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, you can toast the pine nuts. Place them in a shallow pan on the top rack of an oven set at 350°F. Roast for several minutes. (You have to watch carefully to make sure they don’t burn, keeping in mind that they continue to cook after you pull them out.) You could also put them in a toaster oven set on medium. When finished, the nuts should be golden-brown, with a few deep brown nuts. Let them cool. In a medium saucepan, combine the olive oil, tomatoes, garlic powder, basil, salt, and sugar. Bring to a low boil, stirring periodically. Add the chicken, stir, and let simmer for at least 5 minutes (a little longer is even better—you may want to start the sauce before you start the pasta). Toss the pasta with the sauce. Add the Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, tossing again to distribute. Serve immediately.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

 

12 ounces penne pasta

2 cups Alfredo sauce, homemade or prepared

1 ½ cups diced cooked chicken breast, about 8 ounces

8 ounces cooked ham steak, diced

6 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

1 T. Creole seasoning

½ cup grated Monterrey Jack cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

Position the oven rack in the middle. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet with oil.

In a large pot, bring water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, remove from heat, drain water, and return pasta to the pot. To the pasta, add the Alfredo sauce, chicken, ham, crumbled bacon, and Creole seasoning, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and heat ingredients through for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer the hot pasta mixture to the greased baking dish and top with the cheeses. Broil on low for about 3 minutes, until the cheese has melted and a golden crust has formed. Carefully remove the dish from the oven and serve immediately.