ITALIAN PAN-FRIED CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.101B

Simple, delicious and can be dressed up for a company meal or down for a casual weeknight meal.

ITALIAN PAN-FRIED CHICKEN
1 tablespoon softened butter
2 tablespoons avocado oil
6 LARGE bone-in chicken thighs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons FRESH minced rosemary
1/2 teaspoon FRESH minced oregano
1 teaspoon FRESH minced basil
3-4 LARGE garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup QUALITY merlot
1/4 cup QUALITY chardonnay
1/4 cup QUALITY balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon COLD butter, diced

  • In a large skillet, melt butter and avocado oil over medium-high heat.
  • Season chicken generously with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Brown chicken 4-5 minutes on each side.
  • Add garlic and simmer 1 minute more.
  • Add vinegars and wines.
  • Reduce heat to medium; cook 10-12 minutes, covered until a thermometer reads 165°-170°.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan; cook 5-7 minutes or until reduced by half.
  • Remove chicken to a serving plate and keep warm.
  • Stir in cream, butter and herbs.
  • Return to a SLOW boil, cooking 3-5 minutes more or until slightly thickened.
  • Serve over chicken and potatoes.

BRAISED BALSAMIC CHICKEN & MASHED CARROTS ~ BLOG 365.79

BRAISED BALSAMIC CHICKEN
4-6 8 ounce skinless, boneless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 carrot, FINELY diced
1 LARGE onion, thinly sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
14.5 ounces can fire roasted tomatoes with juices
1/2 cup QUALITY balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons QUALITY Italian seasoning
1-2 cups FRESH baby spinach
Parmesan cheese, for garnish

  • Generously season chicken breasts with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add carrots, onions and garlic, sauteing 2-3 minutes until soft. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Add chicken to skillet, sauteing 4 minutes per side until browned.
  • Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
  • Return onion mixture to the skillet.
  • Top with the tomatoes, their juices and the balsamic vinegar. Simmer 5 minutes.
  • Stir in spinach leaves, sauteing until wilted.
  • Top with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

MASHED CARROTS

2 pounds carrots, peeled and rustic cut
4 tablespoons butter, cubed
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey or HOT honey for more spice
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Place carrots in a steamer basket over 2 inches of water.
  • Cover and steam 20 minutes over medium high heat until tender.
  • Drain the carrots and transfer to a food processor. Process until chunks are smooth, but not totally pureed.
  • Add the butter, honey, salt and pepper. Pulse until well mixed and keep warm.

SPICY CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS ~ BLOG 365.77

SPICY CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS serves 4

FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon BETTER THAN BOUILLON chili base
1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
1 onion, chopped
2 LARGE carrots, halved and sliced
3 stalks celery, halved and sliced
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour or cornstarch
2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1 cup frozen peas

  • Melt butter in large stock pot.
  • Add onions, carrots and celery pieces.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sauté 5-10 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize.
  • Whisk chili base and champagne vinegar into broth.
  • Add broth and peas to veggies.
  • Simmer 20-30 minutes.
  • Remove 1/2 cup of the broth and whisk flour or cornstarch into it until smooth. Add mixture back into stock pot stirring until well blended.
  • Fold in chicken pieces and simmer 5-10 minutes more.

DUMPLINGS
2/3 cup biscuit baking mix
1/3 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk

  • Whisk together the baking mix and cornmeal.
  • Fold in grated cheese until well blended.
  • Add milk, stirring to form a shaggy dough.
  • Drop by spoonfuls into chicken mixture.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 10-12 minutes.
  • Ladle chicken and veggies into bowl and top with dumplings.
  • Spoon a ladle full of broth over dumplings.

CHICKEN CABBAGE STEW ~ BLOG 365.44

CHICKEN CABBAGE STEW serves 6-8
1 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 LARGE shallot, chopped
3 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
4 cups chopped cabbage (1/2 head)
2 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced
14 ounce can diced FIRE roasted tomatoes, undrained
3/4-1 1/4 cups homemade chicken broth
+/- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
Juice of 1 LARGE lime

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1/4 cup FRESH chopped Italian leaf parsley
2 teaspoons FRESH chopped lemon thyme
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Brown the chicken, onion and garlic 5-7 minutes in a large deep skillet over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and chicken is crumbled.
  • Drain well.
  • Add the remaining ingredients including the rotisserie chicken pieces if using.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil, cover and simmer 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

NOTE: You can also substitute rotisserie chicken pieces.

SLOW COOKER TEX-MEX CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.10

This is super easy and packs a punch of traditional Mexican flavor and spices with the ease of a slow cooker that allows the chicken to absorb all the seasonings and make it tender and juicy that’s ready to serve whenever you are. It is not only easy, but versatile! Serve it in tacos, in burritos or over rice. Works well to feed a crowd also.

SLOW COOKER TEX-MEX CHICKEN

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon avocado oil
FRESH ground salt and pepper
1 LARGE onion halved and sliced

16 ounce jar PACE chunky mild salsa (or use medium for a spicier kick)
3-4 tablespoons brown sugar
4 ounce can mild diced green chilies
14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon FRESH ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper (optional, for added heat)
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
Hot sauce, to taste
Warm tortillas, for serving
Chopped green onions, for serving
Shredded Mexican cheese, for serving
Sour cream, for serving

  • Rub the chicken breasts all over with the oil and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Scatter onions over chicken.
  • Mix together the brown sugar, seasoning, liquid smoke, salsa, green chiles and diced tomatoes. Pour over the chicken and onions.
  • Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 2-4 hours, or on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
  • Shred chicken and return it to the slow cooker adding the **black beans at this time, letting it simmer on low for an additional 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Drain off any excess liquid if necessary before serving.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Serve with tortillas, green onions, shredded cheese and sour cream.

NOTE:

  • You can replace ALL of the seasonings with 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite Mexican blend seasoning or taco seasoning.
  • I often add the black beans into the salsa mixture and it’s just as tasty. 😀
  • You can also substitute 2 cans of ROTEL tomatoes for the green chiles and fire roasted tomatoes making it easier to choose your heat level.

CREAMY LEMON PARMESAN CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.9

Love lemon? Then this is the dish for you!! This creamy lush sauce is tangy, creamy and super delicious.

CREAMY LEMON PARMESAN CHICKEN

CHICKEN
2 LARGE boneless skinless chicken breasts large, halved horizontally to make 4 steaks
1/4 cup WONDRA flour
3 tablespoons FINELY grated Parmesan cheese
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1-2 tablespoon avocado oil
1-2 tablespoon butter

  • In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and parmesan cheese.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper; dredge in the flour mixture; shake off excess and set aside.
  • Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter has melted and pan is hot.
  • Fry the chicken 3-4 minutes until golden on each side and cooked through and no longer pink.
  • Transfer to a warm plate.

SAUCE
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ¼ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup FINELY grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped lemon thyme plus extra to garnish
1 teaspoon cornstarch – optional
1 tablespoon of water – optional
Juice of 1 EXTRA LARGE lemon, adjust to your tastes
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped parsley

  • Add the garlic to the oil in the pan, adding another tablespoon of oil or butter if necessary and saute 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Reduce heat to low-medium.
  • Stir in the broth and cream. 
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer; seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
  • Add in the Parmesan cheese and thyme. Continue cooking gently for about 2 minutes until thicker.
  • If the sauce is too runny, add the cornstarch/water mixture quickly into the sauce.

  • Pour in the lemon juice, allow to simmer for a further minute to combine.
  • Add the chicken back into the pan, allowing to simmer gently in the sauce for about a minute to soak up all of the flavors in the sauce.

  • Serve over pasta, noodles or rice.
  • Garnish, lemon slices and parsley.


COUNTRY FRENCH CHICKEN GARLIC SOUP ~ BLOG 365.3

This recipe is inspired by an old Julia Child recipe.

COUNTRY FRENCH CHICKEN GARLIC SOUP
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 SMALL onion, chopped (1 cup)
10-12 cloves garlic, chopped
4 cups homemade chicken broth
1 LARGE potato, diced (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups diced rotisserie chicken pieces

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped thyme
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup chopped FRESH parsley, for garnish
Grated Gruyere, for garnish
Crusty bread or Butter Swim Biscuits

  • Melt butter and oil together in large pot over medium heat.
  • Add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft.
  • Add chicken broth and diced potatoes. Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  • Stir in heavy cream, thyme, chicken pieces, FRESH ground salt and pepper. Heat through.
  • Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving and serve with crusty bread.
  • For extra richness, top with grated cheese and crusty bread.

CHICKEN TOSTADA CUPS ~ BLOG 365.2

CHICKEN TOSTADA CUPS
12 (6 inch) corn OR flour tortillas, warmed
Cooking spray
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken pieces
1 cup chunky salsa
16 ounce can refried beans
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeno, lime wedges, sliced ripe olives, sliced green onions, sliced radishes, and pico de gallo or additional salsa

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Press warm tortillas into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray, pleating sides as needed.
  • Spritz tortillas with additional cooking spray.
  • Bake 5-7 minutes until lightly browned, 5-7 minutes.
  • Toss chicken with salsa.
  • Layer each cup with beans, chicken mixture and cheese.
  • Bake 9-11 minutes until heated through.
  • Serve with toppings as desired.

ROAST CHICKEN with APRICOT HABANERO GLAZE ~ BLOG 366.361

ROAST CHICKEN with APRICOT HABANERO GLAZE Adapted from Adventures in Cooking

APRICOT HABANERO GLAZE
2 tablespoons apricot habanero jam
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Mix together all of the ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
  • et aside.

CHICKEN
1/4 cup apricot habanero jam
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon FRESH thyme leaves
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 pound apricots halved and pitted
1 large Vidalia onion, sliced
3-5 pound roasting chicken
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 cups water

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • Adjust rack to lowest position.
  • Mix together the apricot habanero jam, avocado oil, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Place the apricot halves and sliced onion in a roasting pan and toss with the jam mixture until coated.
  • Spread the onion slices out so that they make a layer on the bottom of the pan and arrange the apricot halves around the edge of the pan.
  • 
Generously rub the outside and inside of the chicken with the apricot habanero glaze, gently edging your hands underneath the skin of the chicken breast to get the mixture underneath the skin as well.
  • Place in the center of the pan.

  • Stuff the cavity with the sprig of rosemary and tie the legs together using a piece of cooking twine.
  • Pour the 2 cups of water into the pan around the chicken.
  • Tent the pan with tin foil, ensuring that it is secured and closed on all four sides, but poke a small 1 inch hole in it to allow excess steam to escape.
  • Make sure the tent does not touch the actual skin of the bird! This step is VERY important, because if you do not tent the bird with tin foil, it will brown too quickly because of the high sugar content of the glaze, and while the inside of the bird will still be moist and tasty, the outside will look *quite* crispy.

  • Roast for 1 hour, basting halfway through.
  • At the 40-minute mark, remove the tin foil, reduce the oven temperature to 375 and cook another 15 minutes or so until the thigh joint measures 165°.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the juices to cool for 15 minutes before serving so that the chicken retains more moisture. If you carve it right away the juices will drain out of the meat too rapidly.
  • Enjoy!


ROAST TURKEY BREAST ~ BLOG 366.352

I have a NEW toy and I LOVE it! I’m updating many of my instant and crock pot recipes and getting rid of ALL my old appliances! Not a great picture, but the flavor made up for that! Tender, juicy and super flavorful!

ROAST TURKEY BREAST

3 Pound Boneless Turkey Breast
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped lemon thyme
2 tablespoons butter, divided
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Coat turkey breast with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter.
  • Season well with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Place the turkey breast in the basket of the Ninja Foodi.
  • Cook at 350° for 20 minutes.
  • Carefully turn the turkey breast, coat it again with remaining melted butter.
  • Sprinkle with chopped lemon thyme.
  • Cook for an additional 30 minutes, making sure internal temperature is 165°.
  • Rest 10-15 minutes.
  • Slice and serve.

MEAT LOVERS SAVORY BREAD PUDDING ~ BLOG 366.338

This is a versatile recipe that can be dressed up or down. Change the cheese flavor, change the bread flavors, add seasonings that are special to your family, add or delete proteins…

MEAT LOVERS SAVORY BREAD PUDDING
6 LARGE eggs
2 1/2 cups WHOLE milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
FRESH ground black pepper
12 cups cubed artisan bread
1 1/2 cups cubed ham steak
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar OR pepper jack cheese

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease 13×9 baking dish.
  • In a LARGE bowl whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, mustard and seasonings until well blended.
  • Fold in bread cubes, 1 1/4 cup of each cheese, onions and meat. Set aside for 15 minutes to rest.
  • Gently toss bread mixture again and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  • Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake uncovered 45-55 minutes until casserole is puffed and center is clean when tested with a butter knife.
  • Rest 10 minutes before serving.

CHICKEN CHILES HOT DISH CASSEROLE ~ BLOG 366.334

This recipe is wonderful for a potluck, family gathering or church social. It’s completely versatile to changes in flavors. Dress it up, dress it down, spice it up… it’s all up to you and your family’s flavor profile. Grams used to call this a “HOT DISH” because of the frozen potatoes it called for in the recipe.

CHICKEN CHILES HOT DISH CASSEROLE

1 cup sour cream
1 cup half-n-half
1 cup chopped onion
4 ounce can green chiles, undrained
FRESH ground salt and black pepper
2 pound package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
2 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
FRESH chopped cilantro for garnish

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a large bowl combine the sour cream, onion and chiles.
  • Season with FRESH ground salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Fold in the frozen potatoes, chicken pieces and 2 cups of the cheese.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 13×9 / 3 quart baking dish.
  • Bake 1 1/4 hours uncovered until golden brown.
  • Sprinkle with remaining cheese and return to oven 2-3 minutes JUST until it melts.
  • Serve with chopped cilantro for garnish.

NOTE: This makes a great after holiday meal. I often use cubed ham (after Easter) or turkey pieces (after Thanksgiving) and are a great substitution for the chicken.