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Preserved Lemon Citrus Chicken with Chervil Gremolata

Preserved Lemon Citrus Chicken with Chervil Gremolata

20090413-secretingredient-chicken1 chicken, cut into pieces, about 4-4 1/2 pounds
1 T. chopped fresh chervil
Salt and pepper
2 T. olive oil
1 or 2 small preserved lemons, thinly sliced, seeded, and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Zest of 1/2 orange
Zest of 1/2 lemon
3/4 C. dry white wine
1 C. chicken stock
2 T. crème fraîche

When you buy a whole chicken cut up into pieces, you will get 2 breasts, 2 thighs, 2 wings, and 2 legs. Because the breasts are so much bigger than the other pieces, I cut them each in half, cutting perpendicularly through the bone. Season the chicken pieces liberally with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with 1 T. chopped fresh chervil. Heat a wide, deep sauté pan over medium heat, and when the pan is hot, add the oil. Place the chicken in the hot pan, and sear until golden brown. Turn over, and sear until golden brown on the other side. Remove to a plate. Lower the heat to low, and add the preserved lemons, garlic, and citrus zests. Quickly stir them around in the hot oil, and then add the white wine. Raise the heat to high and use a whisk to pick up all the pieces of crisp chicken from the bottom of the pan. Add the stock, and season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces back into the pot, and when the liquid boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes. Remove the lid, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes more. Take the pan off the heat and move the chicken pieces to a serving platter. Whisk 2 T. of crème fraîche into the hot wine and stock, then pour over the chicken. Top with the Chervil Gremolata (recipe follows) and serve with crusty baguette or colorful couscous.

Chervil Gremolata

1 clove garlic, finely chopped
Zest 1/2 orange
Zest 1/2 lemon
2 stems fresh thyme, leaves finely chopped
2 T. chopped fresh chervil
Salt and pepper
2 T. finely chopped preserved lemon (about 1/2 small preserved lemon)

Mix together all the ingredients in a small bowl, then sprinkle on top of the hot Preserved Lemon Citrus Chicken.

Roasted Quartered Chicken with Herb Sauce

Roasted Quartered Chicken with Herb Sauce

17a25dbf5b1b3ec7e9dba004cafca39fd whole chicken (about 4 pounds), quartered and backbone removed, room temperature
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup (optional, see notes in recipe) extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 cup packed parsley or basil or tarragon (or whatever), chopped (or pulsed in food processor)
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic (or a couple of cloves, minced with herbs in the food processor)
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, or more or less to taste

An hour before baking, remove chicken from fridge, quarter it (if you haven’t done so already), and let it rest on a cutting board or the rimmed sheet pan you will use to roast it on. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Pat chicken dry really well with paper towels and transfer to rimmed baking sheet (if it’s not already there). Rub chicken with 1 tablespoon oil; season liberally all over with salt and pepper. Arrange, skin-side up and roast until golden (or until a thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast (without touching bone) registers 160 degrees), about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. I use the food processor, and because I omit the 1/4 cup olive oil and use the pan juices instead, (which amount to about 1/4 cup; see notes below for following original recipe), I simply pulse the basil with the garlic, red pepper flakes, and red wine vinegar, then pour this sauce over the sheet pan after the chicken finishes roasting. If you like this idea, when the chicken finishes roasting, transfer it to a plate for a second, pour sauce over the pan, scrape up those crispy bits, return chicken to pan and let it rest for 10 minutes. Just before serving, spoon the sauce over the chicken pieces. I find that waiting to pour the sauce over top helps keep the skin crispy.

Note: This is what the original recipe suggests: Transfer chicken to a plate. Pour off and discard fat from baking sheet; return chicken to pan. Whisk together remaining 1/4 cup oil, vinegar, parsley, garlic, and pepper flakes in a bowl. Season with salt. Spoon sauce over chicken and let stand 10 minutes before serving with accumulated pan juices and sauce.

Hawaiian Chicken Sliders

Hawaiian Chicken Sliders

sliders2 large chicken breasts
1/2 C. ketchup
1/3 C. pineapple juice
1/4 C. low sodium soy sauce
1/4 C. honey
2 1/2 tsp. molasses
1/4 tsp. coconut extract
1/2 tsp. minced ginger
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1 T. cold water
1 T. cornstarch
2 T. tomato paste
Glazed pineapple rings
10-12 Hawaiian rolls

Glazed Pineapple
10-12 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
2 tsp. of brown sugar per ring
1-2 T. of butter

In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, molasses, coconut extract, ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Set it aside. Strain the sauce from the crock pot with a fine mesh strainer, separating the fat from the liquid. Discard the fat, keep the liquid. Whisk together the cold water and cornstarch in a small sauce pan. Pour into the main sauce. Then whisk in the tomato sauce until everything is combined. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring often. Reduce and simmer for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until thickened. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for another 30 minutes. Split the Hawaiian rolls in half, top with a heaping spoonful of shredded chicken and a ring of glazed pineapple. Enjoy!

Braised Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olives

Braised Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olives

lemoncoq2 sprigs thyme

1 bay leaf

10 peppercorns

Small handful of parsley leaves, chopped, plus a few stems

6 skin-on chicken legs (drumstick and thigh), patted dry

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Olive oil

2 heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons flour

3 cups white wine

2 cups chicken stock or broth

16 Cerignola olives (Picholine olives or other green brine-cured olive can be used)

2 small preserved lemons, cut into â…›-inch thick rounds

Roasted potatoes, boiled egg noodles or toasted slices of country bread rubbed with garlic and oil (optional)

 

Make an herb sachet: Lay the thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns and parsley stems on a piece of cheesecloth or in a tea bag. Tie or seal it up. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Set a wide, heavy braising pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, about 1½ tablespoons. Cook half the chicken, skin-side down, without moving, until brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and brown the other side. Transfer to a plate. Add more oil as needed. Brown the remaining chicken and transfer to the plate. Add the garlic cloves to the pan and sauté until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the garlic to a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and the flour to the pan and whisk over low heat until golden brown, about 1 minute. Add the wine and bring it to a boil, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to pull up the brown bits, until reduced by one-third. Add the stock, browned garlic cloves, olives and herb sachet to the pan. Tuck the chicken, skin-side up, into the sauce. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 35 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Transfer the chicken to a large baking sheet along with the preserved lemon slices. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic and olives to a bowl. Discard the sachet. If you choose, strain the sauce and return it to the braising pan. Boil the sauce until it thickens, skimming the top from time to time. Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. While the sauce reduces, put the chicken and lemons in the oven to brown, about 20 minutes for the chicken, and 25 for the lemons. Transfer the garlic, olives, and browned chicken back into the reduced sauce. Place the preserved lemon slices on the chicken. Sprinkle with some chopped parsley. Serve with egg noodles or roasted potatoes, or on a toasted slice of country bread rubbed with garlic and oil.

 

Kale and Chicken Egg Rolls with Ginger Soy Dip

Kale and Chicken Egg Rolls with Ginger Soy Dip

8be6a2392279c7bb31b56abc059db6741 1/2 pounds ground chicken
1/2 pound kale leaves, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup shredded carrot
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons fish sauce or soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
About 2 dozen 7- to 8-inch egg roll wrappers
Egg white, for sealing wrappers
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger root
Chili paste, to taste
2 teaspoons sliced scallions

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, kale, carrots, egg, sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Mix well. Set aside to marinate for 20 to 30 minutes. To roll the egg rolls, place one wrapper at a time on your work surface and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling onto the lower one-third of the wrapper. Begin rolling from the bottom, tucking the filling under and folding in the sides as you roll. Brush the edges of the wrapper with egg white to seal them. Set the finished rolls aside on a sheet pan as you finish them. In a large frying pan, heat approximately 3/4 inch oil over medium heat. Test the heat of the oil by adding a small piece of egg roll wrapper to the pan. If it sizzles and browns too quickly, then your heat is too high. Gently place the egg rolls in the heated oil and fry for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden on the bottom. Turn the egg rolls over and cook until they are golden on the other side and the filling is cooked through. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, ginger, chili paste (to taste) and scallions. Stir well. Serve the egg rolls warm, with the dip on the side.

Note: Most American grocery stores carry thicker, more flour-based wrappers. These fry up to a nice bubbly roll, but take longer to cook, so take this into account when you’re frying. At Asian specialty markets, you’ll find a greater variety of wrappers, many of which are thinner. These wrappers fry up much lighter and crisper. Select the type that works best for you and, again, take this into account when adjusting frying times.

Saucy Turkey

Saucy Turkey

1/2 C. chopped green pepper

1/3 C. chopped onion

2 T. butter

1 1/2 C. ketchup

1/2 C. chicken broth

1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. prepared mustard

1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce

1/4 tsp. pepper

3 C. cubed cooked turkey

4 sandwich buns, split (optional)

 

In a large saucepan, sauté the green pepper and onion in butter until tender. Stir in the ketchup, broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, hot pepper sauce and pepper. Add turkey. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until heated through. Serve on buns if desired.

Pepian de Pollo

Pepian de Pollo

3 pound chicken cut into pieces, or use chicken thighs, which have the most flavor
3-4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
5 medium-sized roma tomatoes
5 medium tomatillos, husks removed
2 medium onions, skin on
4 large cloves garlic, in skins
½ cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)
2 sticks canela (the softer, easily shredded type of stick cinnamon usually found with Mexican spices, not the hard stick cinnamon)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
1 pasilla chile
2 guajillo chiles
1 ancho chile
2 corn tortillas
1/2 teaspoon achiote powder or paste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

pepian

Place chicken, broth and salt in a large pot and bring slowly to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer until the chicken is cooked through, but not quite fork tender (about 20-30 minutes). While the chicken is simmering, put tomatoes, tomatillos, onions and garlic on a large comal, cast-iron or nonstick skillet. Turn the heat on to medium and let the vegetables dry-roast. Turn them with tongs and let them get charred on all sides. The onion peels might start to look pretty black, but you’ll remove the outer skins anyway. This will take 15 minutes or so. When they are soft and roasted, move them on a plate where they can cool enough to handle. While the vegetables are roasting, and in another dry skillet, put the sesame seeds, pepitas, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes over low heat. Toast them, tossing, and once you can smell and see they are getting browned and toasted, remove them from the heat and pour into blender. Set the pan back on the heat and now toast the pasilla, guajillo and ancho chiles, lightly, turning them a few times. When you can smell the chiles warming, becoming fragrant (just a couple of minutes) take them off heat and turn onto a plate. Now, put the corn tortillas into the pan and again, let them toast, dry, until they are crisped. Whirl the toasted seeds and spices in the blender and pulse to a coarse powder. Take the stems off and seeds out of the dried, toasted chiles and put them into the blender along with the crisped tortilla (which you can cut or crush into pieces with your hands). Blend this mixture well, but you might need a cup or so of chicken broth from the pot to help the process along. That’s OK. Turn this finely blended mixture into a bowl and set aside. Next, trim stem ends and skins from the cooled, pan-roasted vegetables. The softened garlic will come right out of the skins. Put these into the blender and blend to a smooth sauce. Add the tomatoes and onion mixture to the the seeds and chiles mixture and mix well. (You can also put these all into the blender to further process, if there is room.) Add the achiote and pepper and whirl until smooth. Taste for salt. Now, drain the chicken stock from the pot with the cooked chicken and set aside. Then, pour in the contents of the blender, stir gently and add 2 cups of the chicken broth. Simmer the chicken until fork tender (another 15-20 minutes) in the mixture. If it gets at all pasty, add some more broth. It should be a smooth, thick sauce that coats the chicken pieces well but isn’t sticky. Serve pieces of chicken on a plate covered generously with the sauce, or serve stew style in a bowl. (If you would rather have it as stew, which is how we had it at Kacao, use enough chicken broth to give it a more stew-like consistency.) Serve with white rice and more warm, corn tortillas.

Easy Italian Chicken Skillet

Easy Italian Chicken Skillet

4skillet boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small white onion, peeled and diced

5 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced

2 cups (about 10 ounces) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1 jar (about 1 cup) roasted red peppers, drained and diced

1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves, loosely packed

Optional topping: grated Parmesan cheese

 

Season chicken breasts with a generous pinch of salt and pepper on each side. Heat oil in a large sauté pan (skillet) over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts in a single layer, and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side. Then flip and cook on the second side for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink on the inside. Transfer chicken breasts to a separate plate and set aside. Add the onions to the pan with the remaining oil, and sauté for 3 minutes or until mostly cooked. Add the garlic and tomatoes to the pan, and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to break down. Add the roasted red peppers and half of the fresh basil, and sauté for an additional minute. Then add the chicken breasts back into the pan, and sprinkle with the remaining fresh basil. Remove from heat and serve warm, topped with fresh parmesan cheese if desired.

 

Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

3 lbs. skinless chicken thighs (I use about 4 chicken breasts)

1/2 cup soy sauce

2 T. sherry

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

2 T. ketchup

2 T. toasted sesame seeds

 

Place chicken in a slow cooker. Combine remaining 7 ingredients in bowl. Mix well. Pour over chicken, being sure to get some sauce on every piece. Cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serves 4 to 6.

 

Greek Chicken Thighs

Greek Chicken Thighs

IMG_4488

2 tsp. olive oil, divided

1-2 shallots, sliced into thin rings

1 clove of garlic, minced

6 boneless/skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of any fat

Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Garlic powder, to taste (not pictured)

Dried oregano, to taste

Handful of grape tomatoes

Small handful of kalamata olives, sliced in half

1/2-1 lemon juiced

Zest of one lemon

2 T. fresh parsley, chopped (divided)

2 T. low fat feta cheese

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Heat 1/2 tsp. of olive oil in an OVEN SAFE skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shallot and cook, stirring frequently until soft and tender (about 2 minutes), add garlic and cook for an additional 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet and turn the heat up to medium high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano to taste on each side. Once the pan is very hot, add the seasoned chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown on one side, flip the chicken and add the grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, shallot and garlic mixture, lemon zest, lemon juice and half the parsley then season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Place in the oven and roast for 9-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and the feta cheese. Serve and enjoy!

Tiny Fried Tacos

Tiny Fried Tacos

14_01_culinary_tacos2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying

1/2 store-bought cooked rotisserie chicken

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon ancho chili powder

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

24 (3-inch) yellow corn tortillas*

 

Toppings

1/4 cup crema mexicana or sour cream

1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Hot sauce, to taste

 

In a large pot, preheat oil to 375°F. Remove skin and bones from the chicken and shred meat into a medium bowl. Add lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and salt and pepper and toss to combine. Place a big pinch of chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Using tongs gently fold each tortilla around filling and hold under the oil for a minute before releasing; let it fry for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown. Fry tacos a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Drain on paper towels and season with salt to taste. Gently hold each taco open and add toppings as desired.

 

* If tiny tortillas are difficult to find, use a 3-inch circle cutter to cut mini tortillas out of larger ones.

Chicken Cutlets with Honey, Lemon, and Ginger Sauce and Ginger-Honey Walnuts

Chicken Cutlets with Honey, Lemon, and Ginger Sauce and Ginger-Honey Walnuts

Gcutletsinger-Honey Walnuts

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

1 small clove garlic, grated

1/2 cup walnut halves

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

 

Lemon Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts (see note)

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 clove garlic, grated

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons honey

1 thinly sliced scallion (about 1 tablespoon, green part only)

 

To make the walnuts, place the oil, ginger, and garlic in a small skillet. Slowly heat over medium-low until the garlic sizzles. Add the walnuts and honey. Cook on medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting the temperature until the honey boils and sticks to the walnuts and the walnuts turn golden. Sprinkle with the salt, adjusting to taste. Transfer to a side dish or a sheet of aluminum foil. Do not put on paper towels because they will stick. With a sharp knife, fillet the chicken breasts through the thickest part to make 8 cutlets. Place them on a large piece of plastic wrap, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cover with a second sheet of plastic wrap, and gently but firmly pound the chicken with a meat pounder or the underside of a small, heavy skillet to make fillets of even thickness of 1/4 to 1/3 inch. Spread the flour on a large plate and lightly dredge the cutlets; shake off the excess flour. Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, broad skillet until hot enough to sizzle. Add the cutlets a few at a time and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. As the cutlets are cooked, transfer to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Discard the oil in the skillet and let the skillet cool slightly. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, ginger, and garlic to the skillet. Heat and stir over medium-low heat just until the garlic sizzles. Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and honey. Heat, stirring to loosen any browned bits in the skillet, for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture boils and thickens. Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the walnuts and the scallions.

Cachaça Grilled Chicken Recipe

Cachaça Grilled Chicken Recipe

cachacachicken_01 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 cloves garlic, finely crushed
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried or fresh chopped
4 tablespoons Cachaca
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
few sprigs Italian parsley, finely chopped
lime wedges, to serve (optional)

Open out the chicken thighs and place them on a cutting board. Cover them with plastic wrap and lightly bash them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until the meat is of even thickness. Place in a shallow dish and add the garlic, oregano, cachaça, olive oil, salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss and coat the chicken, working the marinade into the flesh. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator half an hour before you start cooking and let it come to room temperature. Light the barbecue and let the flames die down before starting to cook. If cooking indoors, heat a griddle pan until hot. If you like, thread the chicken onto metal skewers, which will make it easier to turn them on the barbecue. Cook on the griddle or barbecue for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until just cooked through — the chicken should feel firm when lightly pressed. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with a sprinkling of chopped parsley and lime wedges on the side.

Rio-style Grilled Chicken (Galeto)

Rio-style Grilled Chicken (Galeto)

P1200681x3 whole spring chickens

Marinade:
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground

Basting:
1 bottle ale
An herb brush

Garnish:
Farofa, toasted

Cut chickens in half. Set aside. Place white wine, cilantro, parsley, onion, garlic, oil, salt and pepper in a blender and purée until smooth. Marinate chicken for up to 2 hours. Skewer the chicken halves and season with additional salt and pepper. Grill the chickens over a charcoal fire and baste the chicken with the ale, brushing the meat every 5 minutes with an herb brush. Serve with toasted farofa.

Carolina Chicken Pilau

Carolina Chicken Pilau

1 tsp. olive oil

4 small bone-in chicken-breast halves, skin removed

2 slice bacon, cut in 1/4-inch dice

1 large onion, cut lengthwise in half then thinly sliced crosswise

1 C. long-grain rice

1 can (14 1/2-oz.) chicken broth

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

1/2 C. loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped

 

In nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and cook about 8 minutes or until golden, turning over once. Transfer chicken to plate. Reduce heat to medium; add bacon and cook 4 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently. Remove bacon with slotted spoon to small bowl. Discard all but 2 tsp. bacon fat from skillet. Add onion to same skillet and cook, covered, 10 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add rice and stir until evenly coated. Stir in bacon, broth, salt, pepper, and 1/2 C. water. Return chicken to skillet; heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, 20 to 25 minutes or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with tip of knife and rice is tender. Sprinkle with parsley to serve.

 

Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken

Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken

HerbCitrusRoastedChicken-61/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sugar
2 whole lemons, one juiced and one sliced
2 whole oranges, one juiced and one sliced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
10-12 pieces (about 4 1/2 lbs.) bone-in chicken parts (thighs and legs are best), pat dry
1 medium onion (any kind), thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme, or fresh chopped
1 tablespoon dried rosemary, or fresh chopped
Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), for garnish, optional

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic, sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Place chicken in a rimmed 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Place parts skin side up and spread them out evenly in the pan. Pour olive oil mixture all over chicken, turning pieces to coat all sides. (If you marinated the chicken in this mixture, still add it all in). Arrange slices of lemon, orange and onion around and under the chicken. Sprinkle all over generously with thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until chicken is cooked and juices run clear. Remove parts to a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy!

For best results, chicken can be marinated in a plastic container or bag for several hours or overnight in the olive oil mixture.

Chicken Breasts with Cilantro and Red Thai Curry Peanut Sauce

Chicken Breasts with Cilantro and Red Thai Curry Peanut Sauce

4e20f6c0f455518f4077c46eb9962392f boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thick
2 T. peeled and minced fresh ginger
1 T. chopped fresh garlic
1/2 cup smooth natural peanut butter (without added sugar) at room temperature
1/4 cup rice vinegar (not “seasoned” vinegar which has sugar)
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. Splenda or sugar (use Splenda for South Beach Diet)
1 tsp. red Thai Curry Paste (I like Thai Kitchen brand)
3 T. homemade chicken stock or canned chicken broth
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
About 2 T. peanut oil (depends on your pan)
1 cup unsweetened lite coconut milk (I use Thai Kitchen Lite Coconut Milk)
4 T. finely chopped cilantro (or more), plus more for garnish if desired

Trim chicken breasts so they are about the same size and remove any visible fat or ragged edges. Put each chicken breast inside plastic bag or between plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound to even 1/2 inch thickness. Finely mince the ginger and garlic. In food processor or immersion blender canister combine ginger, garlic, peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, Splenda or sugar, curry paste, and chicken stock. Taste to see if you want to add more red curry paste. (I didn’t.) Heat the oil in heavy, large frying pan. Season chicken with black pepper, then add chicken to pan and sauté over medium heat about until chicken breasts are nicely browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes on first side, and 2-3 minutes more on second side. (It’s important not to overcook the chicken; it should feel barely firm to the touch when you take it out of the pan.) Remove chicken to plate and cover with foil. Reduce heat to low and add 1 cup coconut milk. (You can freeze the other 3/4 cup coconut milk for another time.) Scrape off browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then stir in peanut/curry/ginger paste mixture and heat through, about 2-3 minutes. Add any juices that have accumulated on the pate and cook another minute or two. Turn off heat and mix in chopped cilantro. Serve the sauce immediately over chicken breasts, with additional chopped cilantro for garnish if desired.

Sun-Dried-Tomato Chicken Roll-Ups

Sun-Dried-Tomato Chicken Roll-Ups

full_sun-dried-tomato--ricotta-chicken-roll-ups_CLhXo7cAdKyZg2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
8 chicken breast cutlets (1 1/2 pounds)
1/2 pound deli-sliced provolone cheese
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400°. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil and grease the foil. Place the beaten eggs and bread crumbs into separate shallow bowls. In another bowl, mix the ricotta and sundried tomatoes. Dip the chicken cutlets into the egg, then coat with the bread crumbs and place on a work surface. Place a slice of provolone and a heaping tablespoon of ricotta mixture on each cutlet. Roll up and secure with toothpicks. Place the chicken roll-ups side by side on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Bake until the chicken is golden and the cheese is bubbling, about 20 minutes.

Coq au Reisling

Coq au Reisling

83f17620fb18788d47de0068232616e94 T. butter
Splash of olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
4-5 oz. bacon/pancetta, sliced into thin strips
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
8 chicken pieces on the bone (I used 4 thighs and 4 drumsticks)
8-9oz portabellini mushrooms, sliced
2 C. Riesling (or dry white wine of your choice)
1 C. cream
Salt & pepper to taste
Handful chopped parsley

Melt the butter and oil together in a large pan. Brown the chicken pieces all over and remove from the pan. Add the onions and bacon and allow to fry until the onions are soft and translucent and the bacon has rendered its fat. Add the garlic and allow to sauté for another 30 seconds before removing the mixture from the pan (leaving the fat behind). Add the mushrooms and allow to fry for 5 minutes. Add the onion and bacon mixture along with the browned chicken back to the pan. Pour in the wine and allow to come up to a boil. Turn down the heat and cover. Allow to simmer for 15-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. After 15 minutes, uncover, turn up the heat and add the cream. Allow to cook for another 10 minutes. Add the chopped parsley and season to taste. Serve with rice, pasta or crusty bread.

Kotopoulo Lemonato (Greek Chicken Adobo)

Kotopoulo Lemonato (Greek Chicken Adobo)

202551.1 kg whole chicken, cut into eight pieces
1 clove garlic, peeled and sliced
6 lemon, juice only
¼ c vinegar, white wine
Salt to taste
Black peppercorn, freshly ground to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
½ T.oregano leaves
½ kg potatoes, peeled and wedges
Feta cheese, diced

In a heavy bottom saucepan, arrange chicken halves in a single layer. Place potatoes in between chicken cuts. Fill pan with water until half of the chicken. Add garlic, lemon, vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce to a simmer until liquid becomes half. Continue simmering covered until chicken is browned. Top with feta cheese.

Wingless Buffalo Chicken Rolls with Blue Cheese Dip

Wingless Buffalo Chicken Rolls with Blue Cheese Dip

Buffalo Chicken Rolls

1 pkg (1 1/3lb) ground chicken breast

6 scallions, thinly sliced, then chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

3-4 T. hot sauce

Salt and fresh ground black pepper

6 sheets frozen phyllo dough, defrosted

4 T. unsalted butter, melted

 

Dipping Sauce

1 C. crumbled blue cheese

1 1/2 C. sour cream

 

Preheat oven to 400. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, scallions, garlic, and hot sauce and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a sealable plastic bag. To turn the sealable plastic bag into a homemade pastry bag, trim 1 1/2 inches off one of the bottom corners of the plastic bag. Push the chicken mixture to the cut corner without pushing it through the hole. Reserve while you prepare the phyllo. Arrange 1 sheet of phyllo dough with the long side closest to you on your kitchen counter, brush liberally from edge to edge with melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. Place another sheet of phyllo on top, again brush liberally with butter, and season with salt and pepper. Repeat with the third layer of phyllo. Place the trimmed end of the pastry bag 1/2 inch in from the left side and 1/2 inch up from the bottom of the phyllo sheet. Squeeze half of the chicken mixture from the bag while moving along in a straight line from left to right. Roll the front edge of the phyllo sheet away from you, encasing the chicken mixture. Continue until you have completed a long roll. Tuck the ends in and then brush the entire outside of the phyllo log with more melted butter. Transfer the first log to a rimmed cookie sheet, putting the seam side down. Repeat this process to make a second log with the remaining chicken mixture. Bake 15 minutes or until the log feels firm to the touch. While the phyllo-wrapped chicken is in the oven, in a bowl, combine the blue cheese and sour cream. Smash the blue cheese with a fork to break it up, then stir to thoroughly combine with sour cream. When rolls are cooked, remove from oven and let them cool just enough to handle. Cut each roll in half, then cut each half in 3 equal pieces. Serve 3 chicken rolls per person celery sticks and a dish of dipping sauce.

 

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Spicy Hawaiian Burgers

Spicy Hawaiian Burgers

7d2c0ab65c2681b64af33e478a3d656f2 pounds ground chicken
6 pineapple rings (or equivalent slices, cut about 1/2″ – 3/4″ thick)
6 slices pepper jack cheese
6 whole wheat hamburger buns
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. seasoning salt (I use Lawry’s)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 clove garlic, minced

Combine the ground chicken, soy sauce, 1/2 the paprika, 1/2 the chili powder, seasoning salt, cumin, and garlic. Lightly mix with your hands and divide into 6 even balls. Form patties, making them slightly thinner in the middle and sprinkle with remaining paprika and chili powder. Refrigerate about 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Coat grates lightly with oil. Grill burgers over medium heat about 6 minutes per side. The burgers should flip easily when they are ready to turn, if they want to stick, give them another minute. Top with cheese for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time to melt. Remove to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to rest. Grill buns if desired. For the pineapple, if you are using rings, grill directly on the grates over medium heat. Carefully turn after 1-2 minutes. If you are using pineapple slices or chunks, thread onto skewers and grill skewers in the same fashion. Assemble burgers and enjoy.

One Pot Wonder Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

One Pot Wonder Chicken Lo Mein Recipe

8fabe03623de2b3830ab7a5a699a4838½ lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small chunks
1 – 13.25 to 16 oz. box of linguini or fettuccini pasta, broken in half (I used whole wheat)
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut in thin 3 inch long strips
1 medium red bell pepper, cut in thin 3 inch long strips
1 bunch green onions, white part sliced and green part cut in 3 inch long strips
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Add the chicken, then the pasta, then the remaining ingredients to a large stockpot and cover. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook covered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until most of the liquid is gone and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the lid and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pasta with Mini Chicken Meatballs

Pasta with Mini Chicken Meatballs

minimeatballThis is pure comfort food. Mini chicken meatballs, pasta, cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Warm your belly and your soul with this quick one pot pasta dish.

1/2 lb. orecchiette or other small pasta

1/4 cup plain bread crumbs

2 eggs

1 tablespoon whole milk

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, divided

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ground pepper

1 lb. ground chicken

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup chicken broth

4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz. bocconcini (small mozzarella balls), halved

1/2 cup packed chopped fresh basil

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender.  .In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, eggs, milk, ketchup, 3/4 cup of the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and combine well.  .Using a melon baller or teaspoon, scoop up the mixture and roll into 1 inch mini meatballs.  .Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook without moving until brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn the meatballs and brown the tops. (It took me three batches to get all the meatballs browned.)  Return all meatballs to pan and add chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits on bottom of skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the tomatoes are soft and meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes.  Drain the pasta and add to the meatballs. Add the remaining 3/4 cup parmesan, bocconcini, and basil. Give it a good stir and serve with additional parmesan if desired.

 

 

Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken

Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken

citrus1/4 cup olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons sugar

2 whole lemons, one juiced and one sliced

2 whole oranges, one juiced and one sliced

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

10-12 pieces (about 4 1/2 lbs.) bone-in chicken parts (thighs and legs are best), pat dry

1 medium onion (any kind), thinly sliced

1 teaspoon dried thyme, or fresh chopped

1 tablespoon dried rosemary, or fresh chopped

Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), for garnish, optional

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic, sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Place chicken in a rimmed 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Place parts skin side up and spread them out evenly in the pan. Pour olive oil mixture all over chicken, turning pieces to coat all sides. (If you marinated the chicken in this mixture, still add it all in). Arrange slices of lemon, orange and onion around and under the chicken. Sprinkle all over generously with thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until chicken is cooked and juices run clear. Remove parts to a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

 

 

 

Chipotle Chicken Rolls with Avocado Dipping Sauce

Chipotle Chicken Rolls with Avocado Dipping Sauce

Chipotle-Chicken-Rolls1 pkg (1 1/3lb) ground chicken breast
6 scallions, thinly sliced, then chopped
1 1/2 C. grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped or 3 T. of a chipotle flavored salsa
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
6 sheets frozen phyllo dough, defrosted
4 T. unsalted butter, melted

1 ripe Hass avocado
Juice of 3 limes
Handful of fresh cilantro leaves
1 tsp. coarse salt
3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 400. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, scallions, cheddar cheese, garlic, and chipotles and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a sealable plastic bag. To turn the sealable plastic bag into a homemade pastry bag, trim 1 1/2 inches off one of the bottom corners of the plastic bag. Push the chicken mixture to the cut corner without pushing it through the hole. Reserve while you prepare the phyllo. Arrange 1 sheet of phyllo dough with the long side closest to you on your kitchen counter, brush liberally from edge to edge with melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. Place another sheet of phyllo on top, again brush liberally with butter, and season with salt and pepper. Repeat with the third layer of phyllo. Place the trimmed end of the pastry bag 1/2 inch in from the left side and 1/2 inch up from the bottom of the phyllo sheet. Squeeze half of the chicken mixture from the bag while moving along in a straight line from left to right. Roll the front edge of the phyllo sheet away from you, encasing the chicken mixture. Continue until you have completed a long roll. Tuck the ends in and then brush the entire outside of the phyllo log with more melted butter. Transfer the first log to a rimmed cookie sheet, putting the seam side down. Repeat this process to make a second log with the remaining chicken mixture. Bake 15 minutes or until the log feels firm to the touch. While the phyllo-wrapped chicken is in the oven, cut the avocado in half lengthwise, cutting around the pit. Separate the halves and scoop out the pit with a spoon, then use the spoon to scoop the avocado from its skin. Place the avocado in a food processor and combine with lime juice, cilantro, coarse salt, and about 3 T. of water. Process until avocado mixture is smooth, then stream the EVOO into the dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings. Once the chipotle chicken rolls are cooked, remove from oven and let them cool just enough to handle. Cut each roll in half, then cut each half in 3 equal pieces. Serve 3 chicken rolls per person on a bed of Bibb lettuce with a dish of dipping sauce.

Roast Chicken Thighs with Potatoes, Artichokes and Lemon

Roast Chicken Thighs with Potatoes, Artichokes and Lemon

thighs3 T. olive oil (divided)

5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of any fat

Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Dried basil, to taste

15 frozen artichoke hearts, thawed

15 fingerling potatoes, sliced in half lengthwise

1-2 cloves of garlic, sliced into thin slivers

Zest of one lemon and the juice

1 lemon sliced into thin slices

2 T. chicken broth (not pictured)

1 T. fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

 

Heat a pot of water over high heat until it’s boiling. Slice the fingerling potatoes down the center lengthwise then add them to the boiling water to par cook for 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and drain water. Add the garlic slivers, lemon zest, lemon slices, artichoke hearts and 1 T. of olive oil to the potatoes. Season with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste, set aside.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Season the trimmed chicken thighs with sea salt, fresh cracked pepper and dried basil to taste. Heat 1 T. of olive oil in an OVEN PROOF SKILLET over medium high heat. Once VERY HOT add the chicken thighs and cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Turn the chicken over and remove from heat. Add the potato and artichoke heart mixture to the pan. Place the skillet in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Mix 1 T. of olive oil, juice of one lemon and 2 T. of chicken broth in a bowl. Season with dried basil, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.  Remove skillet from the oven and pour the lemon juice mixture over the top of everything. Let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes before cutting. Enjoy.

 

 

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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

7faa462db8db009c30f0185c8cc50ee63/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend*
1 cup chopped yellow onion (from about 1 small onion)
1 cup diced carrots (from 2 medium)
1 cup diced celery (from 2 – 3 stalks)
7 T. butter, diced, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
4 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (measured from 3 14.5 oz cans)
1/4 tsp of each dried thyme, marjoram, sage and rosemary
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts halves
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp lemon zest

Prepare rice according to directions listed on package. Halfway through the rice cooking, in a separate large pot, melt 1 T. butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery and sauté until slightly tender, about 4 minutes, adding in garlic during last 30 seconds of sautéing. Add chicken broth, thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Increase heat to medium-high, add chicken and bring mixture to a boil. Cover pot with lid and allow mixture to boil 12 – 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (rotating chicken to opposite side once during cooking for thicker chicken breasts – if they don’t fully immerse in broth). Remove chicken and set aside on cutting board to cool 5 minutes then shred into small bite size pieces. Meanwhile reduce heat to low and add cooked rice. Add shredded chicken to soup. In a separate medium saucepan (I just rinsed and wiped out the rice pan), melt remaining 6 T. butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook 1 1/2 minutes, whisking constantly. Then, while whisking vigorously, slowly pour milk into butter/flour mixture. Cook mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add milk mixture to soup mixture in pot and cook about 5 minutes longer, or until soup is thickened (at this point, you can simmer the soup for a longer period of time if you want the rice to soften more, just cover with lid first and stir occasionally. You can also add what’s left in the remaining can of chicken broth). Stir in heavy cream and lemon zest and serve warm.

*I used Lundberg Wild Blend Rice which I recommend for this recipe if you can find it.

Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe

Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe

fc4af815a699554dd93d444d6d24bb131 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in, trimmed of excess fat
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon lemon zest (1 teaspoon for rub and 2 teaspoons for sauce)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil (1 tablespoon for rub, 1 tablespoon for cooking)
1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 1/4 cups (300 ml) low-sodium chicken stock
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Heat oven to 400 degrees F (200 C). Make rub for chicken. Combine mustard, 1 teaspoon of the lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a small bowl. Use fingers or a brush to coat chicken on both sides with the mustard rub. In another bowl or measuring jug, combine remaining lemon zest (2 teaspoons), lemon juice and the chicken stock. Set aside. Heat remaining tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic then cook about 1 minute or until you can smell toasted garlic and the garlic has browned around the edges. Remove and discard the garlic, but leave the oil. Add chicken, skin-side down into the hot garlic-infused oil and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the skin has turned golden brown. Flip the chicken then add the lemon juice mixture from before. Stir then slide the pan into the oven and bake 25 to 35 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 175 degrees F (79 degrees C). Remove pan from oven then transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. There should still be liquid in the pan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, use your fingers to mix butter and flour together, making a dry, crumbly paste. Whisk the flour and butter into the sauce. The sauce will thicken slightly and look glossy. Nestle the chicken back into the pan then serve.

Herb-Baked Chicken Breasts with Red Onions & Potatoes

Herb-Baked Chicken Breasts with Red Onions & Potatoes

3 T. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 T. minced fresh rosemary leaves or 11/2 tsp. dried

¼ C. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 dried red chili pepper, crumbled

4 large (11/2 lb.) Yukon Gold or red-skinned potatoes

2 whole chicken breasts, with skin, split

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 large (1-lb.) red onion, cut into thin wedges

3 T. balsamic vinegar

 

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Pour 1 T. oil into an ovenproof casserole that will hold chicken breasts in a single layer without crowding. Thoroughly coat sides and bottom of casserole with oil. In a small dish, combine garlic, rosemary, parsley and chili pepper; set aside.  Cut potatoes lengthwise into thick slices; arrange over bottom of casserole. Season undersides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Loosen skin and push some of the herb mixture between skin and flesh of each breast. Place breasts, skin side up, over potatoes. Tuck onion wedges around and between chicken pieces. Sprinkle chicken with vinegar; season generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle on remaining oil.  Bake chicken, basting often, until browned and cooked through and potatoes are done, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

 

 

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Spiced Chicken Leg Quarters with Brown Sugar & Rosemary

Spiced Chicken Leg Quarters with Brown Sugar & Rosemary

spicedchicken4 chicken leg quarters
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup Dijon
1 Tablespoon Sage
1 Tablespoon Rosemary (+ more for garnish)
1 Tablespoon Thyme
1 Tablespoon Coriander
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, Dijon, sage, rosemary, thyme, coriander, and a dash of salt and pepper. Take a chicken quarter and place it into the bowl and covering the quarter with the brown sugar-Dijon mixture. Once covered, place quarter on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining quarters. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until cooked through and golden. Remove from oven, let it cool slightly. Plate the quarters family style and garnish with rosemary!

Savory Crescent Chicken

Savory Crescent Chicken

chickencrescent21 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 T. butter, softened
2 C. cubed, cooked chicken meat
1 T. minced onion
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
2 T. milk
1 T. chopped pimento peppers
1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 T. butter, melted
3/4 C. crushed croutons

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 T. melted butter or margarine until smooth. Add the chicken, onion, salt, pepper, milk and pimento. Mix well. Separate crescent dough into four rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. Spoon 1/2 C. of the chicken mixture onto the center of each rectangle. Pull 4 corners of dough to center of chicken mixture and twist firmly. Pinch edges to seal. Place sandwiches on an ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops of sandwiches with 1 T. of melted butter or margarine; sprinkle with crushed croutons. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Chicken in Lemon Cream with Penne

Chicken in Lemon Cream with Penne

1 6124427796_78a11229f2_zlb penne pasta
3 T. EVOO
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, diced into 1-inch cubes
1 tsp. herbes de Provence
Pinch of salt, plus ½ teaspoon
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper, plus ¼ teaspoon
1 C. reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 C. heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of cayenne pepper
¼ C. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8-10 minutes. Drain. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breast with the herbes de Provence and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken and set aside. Pour off any excess oil from the pan. Add the chicken broth to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the cream, lemon zest, and cayenne. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the pasta, chicken, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce and serve.

Turkey Meatloaf with Creamy Asiago Gravy, Roasted Broccoli and Tomatoes

Turkey Meatloaf with Creamy Asiago Gravy, Roasted Broccoli and Tomatoes

turkeymeatloaf1 head of garlic left whole plus 2 cloves, grated

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling

1 C. milk

1 slice (about 3 inches thick) of crusty bread or 6 slices of sandwich bread

2 lb. (1 package) ground lean turkey breast

1 T. poultry seasoning

4 T. fresh sage, chopped

1/4 tsp. nutmeg, to taste

6 shallots, finely chopped

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 large head broccoli or 2 small heads

1 pint of cherry tomatoes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 T. butter

3 T. flour

1 C. chicken stock

1 C. milk

2 1/2 C. (10 oz.) good quality, shredded Asiago cheese

 

Serve the meatloaf with roasted garlic cheese gravy and the roasted broccoli and tomatoes alongside.  Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut the top off the whole garlic bulb, drizzle with EVOO and rub into skin. Double wrap the garlic in foil and roast 20-25 minutes in the oven or toaster oven. While the garlic is roasting, place the bread into medium size mixing bowl and pour the milk over it. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes. In another medium-size mixing bowl, add the ground turkey. Make a deep well in the center by punching the meat with your fist and fill it with the 2 cloves of grated garlic, soaked bread, poultry seasoning, sage, nutmeg, shallots, Parmigiano-Reggiano and egg. Mix the meatloaf ingredients together, form a long, thin, oval-shaped loaf and transfer it to a sheet pan. Drizzle the loaf liberally with EVOO, and roast for 45 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. While the meatloaf is roasting, work on the broccoli and cherry tomatoes: Trim the very end off of the broccoli stems with a peeler or a paring knife, removing the thick fibrous outer layer of the broccoli stems. Cut the broccoli lengthwise into large spears that look like long, skinny trees and place them along with the cherry tomatoes onto a sheet pan. Drizzle everything with EVOO and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to the oven during the last 30 minutes that the meatloaf is cooking. For the gravy, place a medium-size saucepot over medium heat with the butter. Mash the whole roasted garlic cloves until they are nice and smooth, and add to the butter. Once the butter melts, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken stock, then the milk. Allow the mixture to thicken, about 2 minutes, then stir in the Asiago cheese. Once the cheese has melted, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

 

 

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Duck Breast with Thyme Infused Honey and Balsamic Pan Sauce

Duck Breast with Thyme Infused Honey and Balsamic Pan Sauce

duck1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black peppercorns

1/4 tsp. sugar

2 boneless Moulard or Muscovy duck breast halves (3/4 to 1 lb. each) or 4 boneless Pekin (Long Island) duck breast halves (about 6 oz. each), skin and fat removed (you can reserve a little fat for cooking the breasts)

3 T. lime blossom, thyme, or wildflower honey

1 T. fresh thyme leaves (and flowers, if possible), plus sprigs for garnish

1 tsp. reserved duck fat or olive oil

3 T. balsamic vinegar

1/4 C. veal demiglace or 1/2 C. low-sodium chicken broth, reduced to 1/4 C.

2 tsp. cold unsalted butter

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt and peppercorns with the sugar. Place the duck breasts on a platter and rub the spice mixture into each one. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. About 20 minutes before cooking, remove the duck breasts from the refrigerator to return to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels. With a paring knife, remove the tenderloin, the thin strip of meat that runs lengthwise down the underside of each breast. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and thyme leaves and bring to just a simmer over low heat, crushing the leaves with the back of a spoon; set aside to infuse for 5 minutes. In a heavy medium skillet, heat the duck fat until hot and shimmering. Add the duck breasts and tenderloins and cook until browned and crusty on both sides but still springy to the touch, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side for the Moulard or Muscovy breasts, or 2 to 3 minutes per side for Pekin breasts, about 1 minute per side for the tenderloins. Just before they are done, brush each duck breast with some of the thyme-infused honey and continue to cook until lightly caramelized. Transfer the breasts to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard the fat from the pan. Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and stir to loosen the browned bits on the bottom. Boil until the vinegar is very syrupy, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in the remaining infused honey and the demiglace and return to a boil. Boil until thick and syrupy, about 1 1/2 minutes longer. Stir in the cold butter and add the salt and pepper to taste. Using a thin sharp knife, slice each breast on a diagonal 1/8 inch thick. Arrange the slices on four warmed dinner plates. Pour the duck juices left on the cutting board into the pan sauce, strain the sauce over the duck slices, and serve at once.

 

 

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Mock Duck Leg Confit with Root Vegetable Slaw

Mock Duck Leg Confit with Root Vegetable Slaw

duck1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1/4 teaspoon honey

Freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt

2 cups thinly sliced fennel

2 cups thinly sliced celery root

2 cups thinly sliced carrot

2 cups thinly sliced beet

3 thinly sliced shallots

1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

6 duck legs

 

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, thyme leaves, honey, pepper, and salt.  Use the fine slicer disc of a food processor to thinly slice all the vegetables.  Add them and the parsley to the large bowl, and toss with the vinaigrette.  Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until later.  Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.  In a wide oven-safe skillet, place the duck legs, skin side down, over medium heat.  Season the duck with salt, and sear until the skin begins to crisp.  Place the whole skillet, with the duck, in the oven.  Roast for 1 hour, then flip the duck legs, and roast for another hour. To serve, mound the softened vegetable salad on a plate, and top with a crispy, almost-confited duck leg.

 

Chicken in a Fresh Tomato and Eggplant Sauce with Spaghetti

Chicken in a Fresh Tomato and Eggplant Sauce with Spaghetti

june25Coarse salt

1 lb. spaghetti

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 small, firm eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 1/3 lb. chicken tenders cut into small bite-size pieces

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, pressed

Coarse black pepper

1 t crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 C. dry white wine (I used Yellow Tail Chardonnay)

1 1/2 C. chicken broth

1 pint red grape tomatoes

1 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

1 C. grated Parmesan cheese

 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it is boiling, salt the water and cook the pasta al dente. Heads up: you will need to reserve 1/2 C. of the pasta cooking water before draining. Preheat a large nonstick skillet (it needs to be VERY big!!) over medium-high heat with 3 T. of EVOO. Add the eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the skillet to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm; return the skillet to the stove. Add the remaining 2 T. of EVOO. Add the chicken and cook to lightly brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onions and the garlic and return the eggplant to the skilet, season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, and continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes more. Add the cherry tomatoes and the reserved pasta cooking water and cook until the tomatoes begin to burst. Add the parsley and the cooked pasta, toss to coat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce tightens up around the pasta. Turn the heat off and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat the spaghetti, then serve it up!

 

 

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Curried Chicken Lime Skewers with Lime-Apricot Glaze

Curried Chicken Lime Skewers with Lime-Apricot Glaze

skewers1/8 c. lime juice

1/8 c. soy sauce

1/8 c. apricot or peach jam

1tbsp sugar

1/2 tbsp curry powder

1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped

1/2-inch section ginger, coarsely chopped (or ginger powder)

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sweet-and-tangy peanut dipping sauce (optional; recipe follows)

 

Set skewers aside to soak in water. Purée all the marinade ingredients in a blender. If making peanut dipping sauce (recipe follows), reserve about 1/5 of the marinade before it comes into contact with the raw chicken and set aside. Trim and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Skewer the chicken, leaving enough room at the end to grab onto later. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces. Preheat the broiler for at least 5 minutes and position the rack so that the skewers will be 3 inches from the heat source. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Place each skewer on the pan, arranging them so that the meat is in the center of the pan and the skewers slightly hang over the outside, and slide into the broiler. Broil until the chicken develops a few char spots, about 5 to 6 minutes. Turn each piece over to brown the other side, an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Test for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the skewer. Serve with peanut dipping sauce and/or lime wedges for squeezing.

 

Sweet-and-Tangy Peanut Dipping Sauce: Reserve about 1/5 of the marinade before it has come into contact with the raw chicken. Take desired amount of peanut butter and dilute with enough marinade so that a dipping consistency is reached.

 

 

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Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin

Olive oil

2 cloves garlic, chopped

16 oz. frozen spinach cooked and drained.

Half an 8 ounce jar of sundried tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Toothpicks

Store bought bread crumbs, (parmesan or Italian flavor both good)

1/3 cup canola oil (more or less depending on size of skillet)

 

In a medium skillet, sauté garlic in a small amount of olive oil over medium heat about a minute. Do not let olive oil smoke or the garlic brown. Add the cooked and drained spinach. Stir over medium to medium-low heat until spinach looks dry. Stir in the tomatoes along with some of the oil from the jar. Add the toasted pine nuts. Finally stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. Cool to room temperature. Lay the pounded chicken breasts on a cutting board. Divide the stuffing among the four breasts. Spread the stuffing along the center of each breast. Either roll the chicken up jelly roll style or fold over to make a pocket, whichever is easiest. Either way, secure with a toothpick. Set the stuffed chicken in a shallow dish of bread crumbs; press the crumbs onto the chicken. Brown the chicken in a large skillet with canola oil. Transfer to a baking dish seam side down. If some of the spinach falls out, simply tuck it back underneath the chicken. Bake at 375 degrees for a half an hour or until chicken is no longer pink.

 

 

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Busy Night Turkey Taco Soup with Avocado Cream

Busy Night Turkey Taco Soup with Avocado Cream

turkeytaco2 1/2 C. Turkey Breast Cutlets or leftover Turkey, cooked and chopped

1 (11 oz .) can Mexican-style corn

1 (16 oz.) can chili beans, undrained

2 (14.5 oz.) cans chicken broth

1 (16 oz.) jar chunky salsa

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 C. low-fat sour cream

2 T. guacamole

 

In a large pot over medium heat, combine corn, chili beans, broth and salsa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in cooked turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Cover, and cook 5 to 10 minutes more, until heated through. Stir in cilantro. In a bowl, stir together sour cream and guacamole until smooth. Ladle soup into bowls and top with guacamole mixture.

 

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