Category: PROTEINS

CHOPPED STEAKS

These are super quick and deliciously flavorful making them great for weeknight dinners!!

CHOPPED STEAKS
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 eggs
1/4 cup minced shallots
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
avocado oil

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Combine everything except the meat until well blended.
  • Add the meat and mix well.
  • Shape into 4 patties.
  • Heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add patties and sear until browned.
  • Flip and move pan to the oven for 15-20 minutes.
  • Transfer steaks to platter and tent with foil.

GRAVY
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup minced shallots
1/4 cup minced Italian Parsley
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 cups beef broth

  • Add butter to the pan you cooked the steaks in.
  • When butter is melted add shallots and mushrooms, sauteing 8-10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir well.
  • Add broth and blend well.
  • Cook 3-5 minutes until desired thickness.

NOTE:

  • Hubby hates mushrooms. So, many times I omit the mushrooms and double the shallots or add green onions and it tastes just as great!
  • If gravy doesn’t thicken as much as you would like, add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

COUNTRY CHICKEN & GRAVY

COUNTRY CHICKEN & GRAVY

1/2 cup all purpose flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
1 cup baby carrots
3 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)
1/2 cup heavy cream
chopped Italian Parsley for garnish
Prepared mashed potatoes

  • Combine flour, salt, paprika and pepper in a large Ziploc bag.
  • Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture and reserve flour mixture for later.
  • In a deep skillet melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add chicken and cook 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
  • Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Add onion and celery to pan, sautéing 2 minutes.
  • Add remaining flour to pan and whisk until all flour is absorbed.
  • Add chicken broth, stirring well.
  • Add chicken, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes until cooked through and fragrant.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  • Stir in cream and cook 2 minutes.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes.
  • Garnish with parsley.

CHICKEN & BROCCOLI COBBLER

CHICKEN & BROCCOLI COBBLER yields 4 servings
1/4 cup butter, melted
4 cups cubed sourdough or Brioche bread
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
3 cups SMALL broccoli florets
3 cups torn rotisserie chicken
scant 1/3 cup finely chopped red pepper
1 small bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 1/4 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade, fresh deli or jarred)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cream sherry

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Lightly grease baking dish or ramekins. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl drizzle butter over bread cubes and toss well.  Reserve 1 cup to top casserole with.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and toss again.
  • Whisk together the Alfredo sauce, sour cream and cream sherry.
  • In another bowl toss together the broccoli, chicken, bell pepper, onions and sour cream mixture.
  • Add half of the bread cube mixture to the broccoli mixture and toss well.
  • Spoon broccoli filling into baking dish or ramekins.
  • Top with remaining bread cubes.
  • Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and toasted.

NOTE:  If using a rotisserie chicken I salvage the juices from the bottom to incorporate with the melted butter to add flavor to the bread cubes.

OVEN FRIED CHICKEN

OVEN FRIED CHICKEN
6-8 chicken pieces, legs and thighs
1 tablespoon Frank’s original hot sauce
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup Bisquick
1 teaspoon each FRESH ground Sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/4 cup crisco
1/4 cup butter

  • Whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.  Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk mixture and chill in refrigerator for 8-24 hours.
  • Drain chicken WELL.  Discard marinade.
  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Whisk together Bisquick, salt, pepper and paprika in a large ziploc bag.
  • In a large baking dish that will hold the chicken pieces in a single layer, melt the crisco and butter in the oven.
  • Add chicken pieces to Ziploc bag, shaking until well coated.
  • Add chicken pieces skin side down to hot butter mixture.
  • Bake 45 minutes until skin is crisp.
  • Turn chicken and return to the oven for another 15 minutes until cooked through.
  • If desired make a gravy from the drippings and serve with mashed potatoes.

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU MEATBALL PASTA BAKE

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU MEATBALL PASTA BAKE serves 6-8 adapted from Twisted Food

1 pound ground chicken
1 egg beaten
½ cup FRESH breadcrumbs
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped parsley
2 green onions, FINELY minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
FRESH ground Salt and pepper
Cubed Tavern ham
Cubed swiss cheese

  • In a large bowl, mix together chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onions, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Form into golf ball sized balls.
  • Flatten each ball on your palm and place one piece of ham and a cube of Swiss cheese.
  • Wrap and roll into a ball. Continue with rest of mix.
  • Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
  • Pan fry meatballs until golden brown all around.
  • Remove and wipe out the pan.

2 tablespoons avocado oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
12 ounces penne pasta, prepared
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup grated Swiss cheese, divided
1 cup grated Mozzarella, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup pasta water
Chopped parsley

  • Preheat an oven to 350º.
  • Add the butter and let it melt, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in the chicken stock until combined and smooth then pour in the cream.
  • Bring to a simmer and stir through the mustard.
  • Cover with a lid and let thicken slightly.
  • Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
  • Add the pasta, half of each cheese and the meatballs. Stir to coat.
  • Pour the pasta mix into a large casserole dish.
  • Bake for 10 minutes and then grill for 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

CHICKEN NORMANDY aka ESCALOPE DE POULET ALA NORMANDE

CHICKEN NORMANDY aka ESCALOPE DE POULET ALA NORMANDE

You are going to LOVE this wonderful classic, though updated, French chicken dish from France. Apples are quite prominent in the Normandy region of France and are quite good in both sweet and savory as you’ll see from this recipe.

2 pounds (4) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 LARGE shallot, diced
8 ounces BEECH mushrooms
1 LARGE garlic clove, minced
¼ cup WONDRA flour
½ cup chicken stock (I prefer homemade)
1 cup apple cider
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
¼ cup brandy
1 LARGE Granny Smith apple, washed, cored and chopped
¼ teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
¼ cup heavy cream

  • In a small bowl combine lemon juice and just enough water to submerge the apple pieces.
  • In a large skillet heat avocado oil over medium high heat.
  • Generously season chicken breasts with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sear over medium high heat until lightly golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, keeping warm.
Add butter to the pan and reduce the heat to medium.
  • Add shallots and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until golden.
Add the mushrooms and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden.
With a slotted spoon, remove onions and mushrooms from the pan.
  • Add the flour. Mix well until the flour is moistened. Return the pan back to the heat.
Add the stock to de-glaze the skillet, scraping up any stuck bits.  
Add the apple cider and brandy, blending well.
  • Add the cream and blend well, turning the chicken to coat.
  • Drain the apples.
  • Return the chicken to the pan, nestling them among the onions and mushrooms.
  • Nestle apple pieces into pan also.
  • Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
  • Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes over medium low heat until the sauce has thickened to your liking and chicken is completely cooked through.

BAKED PINEAPPLE SALMON

BAKED PINEAPPLE SALMON adapted from DELISH

Non-stick cooking spray, for pan
1 FRESH pineapple cut into rings
6 salmon fillets, 6-8 ounces each
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped cilantro
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2-3 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Lay 2 pineapple slices per fillet.
  • Season both sides of fillets with salt and pepper and place on top of pineapple slices.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together butter, chili sauce, cilantro, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  • Brush fillets with the sauce.
  • Bake until the salmon is cooked through, about 25 minutes.
  • Switch the oven to broil, and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until fish is slightly golden.
    Garnish with green onions and lemon wedges.

NOTE: Give the salmon a quick 2-3 minute broil at the end of cooking to allow the top to caramelize.  DO NOT overcook though, it will burn quickly.

CHICKEN FLAUTA RING

CHICKEN FLAUTA RING
2 cups chicken, cooked, shredded **
1 small red onion, chopped small
1 large ripe tomato, chopped
2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese, divided
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
18 flour tortillas fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
guacamole and avocado slices, for garnish
sour cream, for garnish
salsa, for garnish

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, onion, tomato, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup  cheddar cheese, the lime juice, and taco seasoning, mixing thoroughly.
  • Preheat the oven to 400˚.
  • Spray baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Place one of the tortillas on a cutting board.
  • Scoop 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the bottom edge of the tortilla.
  • Roll up the tortilla tightly and cut in half crosswise.
  • Repeat with the rest of the tortillas and filling.
  • Arrange the flautas in a circle on the baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Place a second layer of flautas on top of the first so they are overlapping.
  • Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
  • Place the rest of the flautas on top for a third layer.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  • Place a spoonful of guacamole and sour cream in the center.  Top with tomatoes and sprinkle with green onions and salsa.
  • Serve immediately and Enjoy!

NOTES:

  • **ROTISSERIE chicken works great!
  • I use my pizza pan wrapped in foil to get them really crisp!

TUSCAN CHICKEN – INSTA POT

TUSCAN CHICKEN adapted from AMY & JACK
Make this Italian inspired Creamy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken or you will regret it!  Make sure you make enough to have leftovers to make their Tuscan Chicken Lasagna too!

The tender chicken immersed in a simple, yet richly balanced creamy garlic sauce with caramelized mushrooms and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. It’s crazy satisfying and a super easy weeknight meal too!

4 – 6 skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasonings
8 ounces Beech mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
¾ cup unsalted chicken stock
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1 small shallot halved and sliced
4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup torn spinach
½ cup heavy cream
¼ – ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

THICKENER
3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup cold water

  •  Heat up Instant Pot using Sauté More function. Wait until it says HOT. This prevents chicken from sticking to the pot. Brown Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts:
  • Pat dry chicken and generously season with sea salt and black pepper.
  • Add in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or avocado oil.
  • Add chicken to brown. Brown for 3 1/2 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for 2 minutes. Set the chicken aside.
  • Add minced garlic, then saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add mushrooms, season with salt and black pepper, sauteing for a minute.
  • Add 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings and saute another minute.
  • Whisk together the Bragg’s liquid aminos and chicken stock to deglaze Instant Pot.  Be sure and scrape up all the bits from the bottom.
  • Add the browned chicken and any meat juice that accumulated. Pressure cook chicken at Thighs for 5 minutes at high pressure + Natural Release of 10 minutes or Breasts for 4 minutes at high pressure + Natural Release 10 minutes.  

After 10 minutes, release remaining pressure.  Set aside chicken.
  • Bring the liquid mixture back to a boil using the Saute button.
  • Add in torn spinach leaves and sun-dried tomatoes, then cook for 30 seconds. Give them a quick stir.
  • Mix in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 – 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
    Thicken Tuscan Chicken Sauce & Seasoning:
  • Whisk together 3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch and ¼ cup cold water together in a small mixing bowl.
  • Add the cornstarch mixture one third at a time to thicken sauce until desired thickness.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
    Add chicken back in and give it a quick mix before serving. Delicious over creamy mashed potatoes, prepared pasta or risotto.
  • Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.

BBQ CHICKEN SLIDERS

BBQ CHICKEN SLIDERS

12 King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls OR 6 King’s HAWAIIAN buns
3 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
½ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s original barbecue sauce
½ red onion, thinly sliced
6 slices Baby Swiss or Gruyere cheese
3 ears baby white corn cut from cob or 2 cans white shoepeg corn
2 green onions, minced
FRESH ground salt and pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Bragg’s amino acids
2 +1 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Over medium high heat melt 2 tablespoons butter.
  • Add corn and green onions, generously seasoning with FRESH ground salt and pepper.  Cook until staring to turn golden brown.
  • Add apple cider vinegar and Bragg’s amino acids to the skillet, stirring to combining and cooking JUST until liquid is absorbed.  Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Slice the rolls in half lengthwise.
  • Place the bottom half in a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) rimmed baking dish.
  • Combine chicken and BBQ sauce until well mixed.
  • Spread the chicken evenly over the rolls, followed by the red onion, corn and then the sliced cheese.
  • Top with the remaining rolls.
  • Brush the tops with melted butter mixture.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
  • Slice into individual sliders.
  • Enjoy!

CHEESE & POTATO STUFFED PORK CHOPS

CHEESE & POTATO STUFFED PORK CHOPS serves 4
adapted from Bake At Midnite

4 center cut bone-in pork chops (about ¾-inch thick)
2 medium potatoes, sliced VERY thinly (See note)
4 green onions, sliced thin
½ cup shredded Fontina cheese
4 slices Gruyere cheese
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons melted butter, divided
4-6 sprigs FRESH thyme

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
  • Make a “pocket” in the chops to hold the filling.
  • Peel the potatoes if you wish.
  • Slice the potatoes ULTRA thin…so you can read through them.
  • Place potatoes in a medium bowl.
  • Add green onion pieces, the cheeses, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of the melted butter.
  • Stuff each chop with a quarter of the potato-cheese mixture.
  • Heat butter over medium-high heat.
  • Quickly sear each side of chops and then place them in prepared pan.
  • Brush with remaining melted butter.
  • Top with thyme sprigs.
  • Sprinkle lightly with additional salt and pepper.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes.

NOTES: You may also substitute 2 cups frozen shredded potatoes that are thawed and dried of ALL moisture if you don’t want to bother with the thin slicing.

SLOW COOKER METHOD:

  • Proceed as above except place chops in a 5-7 Quart slow cooker. Try to angle the chops with the stuffed pocket angled upward.
  • Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hrs.

BACON RANCH CHICKEN CASSEROLE

BACON RANCH CHICKEN CASSEROLE
8 ounces pasta, prepared per package instructions
3 slices bacon, chopped
1 small shallot, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound shredded rotisserie chicken pieces
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
12 ounces evaporated milk
1 Hidden Valley ranch dressing seasoning mix
1/3 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s hot sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • Preheat oven 350°.
  • Spray 8×8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

  • In a large skillet cook bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper toweling.
  • Add shallots and garlic, quickly sautéing.
  • Drain of excess grease.
  • Add chicken pieces and cook several minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Whisk together the milk, ranch dressing mix and hot sauce. Pour over chicken and stir together.
  • Remove from heat and add the pasta, mixing well.
  • Top with 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and most of the bacon, stirring to combine.
  • Pour into prepared baking dish, top with remaining cheese and garnish with remaining bacon.
  • Bake 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
  • Let cool 10 minutes before serving.