Category: POULTRY

COOKING THURSDAY ~ TERIYAKI PINEAPPLE CHICKEN & RICE RICE STUFFED PEPPERS ~ BLOG 365.253D

The perfect combination of savory teriyaki flavor mixed with the sweet burst of pineapple makes a tangy savory flavor profile all nestled in flavorful peppers making it an all-in-one meal. This recipe is quick and delicious with a fun twist on the classic stuffed pepper. These can be prepared well in advance for making any weeknight meal quick, easy and flavorful.

TERIYAKI PINEAPPLE RICE STUFFED PEPPERS
adapted from GOURMET MARTHA 

4 large red, yellow or orange bell peppers, tops and seeds removed ~ save pepper tops
1 tablespoon avocado oil

  • Preheat the oven to 375°.
  • Place bell peppers cut side up in a baking dish.
  • Drizzle with oil and bake for 10 minutes, just to soften them slightly.

1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken makes an easy short cut)
2 cups cooked rice, slightly cooled
1 cup canned pineapple tidbits, drained
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small bunch green onions, sliced
reserved tops, FINELY chopped
FRESH black pepper, to taste

  • While the peppers are baking, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, pineapple tidbits, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, green onions, diced pepper tops and black pepper in a large bowl, mixing until everything is evenly coated and well combined.

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese, optional!!! We prefer them without it.
2 green onions, sliced, optional, for garnish
Sesame seeds, optional, for garnish

  • Remove the peppers from the oven and stuff with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing the filling down gently to pack it in well.
  • Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with shredded cheese.
  • Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for another 30-45 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden and the peppers are tender.
     
  • Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
  • Serve warm.

NOTES:

  • Go easy on using any salt as the teriyaki sauce is quite salty on its own.
  • I often prepare these in advance – to a point. Prepare them through the filling, cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bring to room temperature before baking. You may have to bake them 5-10 minutes longer to cook all the way through if they have been refrigerated.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ MEXICAN STREET CORN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD ~ BLOG 365.253C

MEXICAN STREET CORN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD adapted from LE  CREME DE LA CRUMB  serves 8

SALAD
3 cups baby spinach
2 cups shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken works well
3 cups cooked bowtie pasta noodles or campanelle noodle
2 ears FRESH corn
2 teaspoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 avocados, sliced
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
Lime wedges, for serving

  • Brush corn with oil and season with salt to taste. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes, turning throughout, until kernels begin to char. Allow to cool slightly before using a sharp knife to cut kernels from the cobs. 

  • In a large bowl combine spinach, chicken, pasta, grilled corn, avocados, black beans, cilantro, onions, and cheese.

DRESSING

⅓ cup Duke’s mayo
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2-3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

  • In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients and set aside. 

  • Pour dressing over the top over prepares salad and toss to combine.
  • Serve immediately


COOKING THURSDAY ~ PINEAPPLE SALSA CHICKEN VERDE ENCHILADAS ~ BLOG 365.253A

PINEAPPLE SALSA CHICKEN VERDE ENCHILADAS adapted from HALF BAKED HARVEST 

1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders or small breasts
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 Poblano pepper
2 cups salsa Verde
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup FRESH chopped cilantro
10-12 golden blend tortillas
1 cup FINELY shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Lightly oil a baking dish and set aside.
  • Rub chicken with the avocado oil.
  • Places chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk together the chili powder, cumin, and paprika and sprinkle over chicken pieces.
  • Add the Poblano to the baking sheet.
  • Transfer baking sheet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken with two forks.
  • De-seed the Poblano and cut into slices.
  • Add the shredded chicken and Poblano to a bowl.
  • Add 1/2 cup salsa Verde, the rice, half the cheese, and the cilantro to the chicken and toss to combine.

  • Pour 1/2 cup of the salsa Verde onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  • Spoon a little of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla, tuck and roll, placing the tortilla, seam side down, into the baking dish.
  • Pour the remaining salsa Verde over top of the enchiladas.
  • Top with the remaining the cheese.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
  • Remove and top with the Pineapple Avocado Salad.

PINEAPPLE AVOCADO SALSA

1 avocado diced or sliced
1 cup FRESH chopped pineapple
1 jalapeno seeded + chopped
Juice of 1 LARGE lime
1/3 cup FRESH chopped cilantro

  • Gently toss together all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  • Keep stored in the fridge for up 2 days.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHICKEN VEGETABLE SHEPHERDS PIE ~ BLOG 365.246C

CHICKEN VEGETABLE SHEPHERDS PIE Serves 6 to 8
TOPPING
2 1⁄2 pounds rus­set pota­toes, peeled and cut into chunks
FRESH ground kosher salt
1⁄4 cup sour cream
5 tablespoons unsalted but­ter, sliced
1⁄4 cup WHOLE milk

  • In a large sauce­pan, com­bine pota­toes with enough cold salted water to cover by 1 inch.
  • Bring to boil over high heat.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low; sim­mer 20 minutes until pota­toes are tender.
  • Drain pota­toes and return them to sauce­pan.
  • Add sour cream, but­ter and milk. Mash well.
  • Sea­son to taste with salt.
  • Cover to keep warm; set aside.

FILLING
5 tablespoons unsalted but­ter
1 yel­low onion, chopped small
1 cel­ery rib, chopped
4 gar­lic cloves, finely minced
1⁄3 cup WONDRA flour
2 cups WHOLE milk
2 cups homemade chicken broth
1 tablespoon finely chopped FRESH lemon thyme
4 cups diced rotisserie chicken
3 cups frozen mixed peas and car­rots, thawed
1 teaspoon Worcester­shire sauce
Pinch cay­enne pep­per
FRESH ground sea salt and black pep­per
3 tablespoons freshly grated Par­mesan
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped pars­ley

  • Heat oven to 400°.
  • Lightly oil a 9″ x 13″ bak­ing dish.
  • Melt but­ter in another sauce­pan over medium.
  • Add onion, cel­ery and gar­lic, cooking and stir­ring often for 5-7 minutes until veget­ables are tender.
  • Whisk in flour. Cook 1 minute, stir­ring often.
  • Gradu­ally stir in milk and broth, then thyme.
  • Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, stir­ring often.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and sim­mer, stir­ring often 3-5 minutes, until sauce is lightly thickened.
  • Stir in chicken, peas and car­rots, Worcester­shire and cay­enne.
  • Sea­son with salt and black pep­per to taste.
  • Spread filling in dish.
  • Spoon top­ping over filling and spread as evenly as pos­sible.
  • Sprinkle with Par­mi­gi­ano.
  • Bake 30-40 minutes until top is lightly browned and sauce is bub­bling.
  • Sprinkle with pars­ley and serve immediately.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CREAMY GREEN CHILE CHICKEN ENCHILADA BAKE & HOMEMADE ENCHILADA SAUCE ~ BLOG 365.246.A

Your cast iron will be your best friend for this recipe. It is simple one pan dish, but oh so tasty. The original recipe called for ground chicken, but I prefer a VERY small diced chicken. You can alternately used diced rotisserie chicken and if you do add the rotisserie chicken LAST.

The more veggies the better! You could incorporate red or green bell peppers, green chilies, shallots or red onion if you prefer. As for the seasonings they can also be adjusted to your personal tastes also. I often use a Pampered Chile Lime mix.

CREAMY GREEN CHILE CHICKEN ENCHILADA BAKE adapted from HALF BAKED HARVEST 

2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 pound FINELY diced chicken – ground beef or pork work well also
1 Vidalia onion, small chopped
1 jalapeno, FINELY diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup homemade chicken broth
12 ounces salsa verde ** see note
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup FRESH chopped cilantro
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
6 golden blend tortillas, warmed
Cotija cheese, avocado, sliced limes, sour cream, green onions, guacamole and/or jalapeños, for serving

  • Preheat the oven to 400°.

  • In a large oven-safe skillet over medium high heat add the oil,
  • Add the meat, onion, and peppers, cooking 5-7 minutes until completely browned and broken into small pieces.
  • Add the chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder, 1 cup homemade chicken broth, 1 cup salsa verde and season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Simmer 5-8 minutes.
  • Mix in the cream cheese until creamy.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.

  • Sprinkle shredded cheese down the center of each tortilla, tuck, and roll. Reserve some for topping.
  • Place the tortillas, seam side down over top of the meat layer.
  • Pour the remaining salsa Verde over top.
  • Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

  • Serve warm, drizzled with sour cream, a squeeze of lime and season to taste.
  • Top with avocado, cilantro, chopped green onions, and jalapeños…
  • Enjoy!

NOTE: Homemade Enchilada Sauce works well as an alternative when using beef or pork.


HOMEMADE ENCHILADA SAUCE
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock
4-6 tablespoons QUALITY tomato paste
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Blend all together.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ SMOKEY CARAMELIZED BALSAMIC CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.239D

I had a bottle of liquid smoke sitting in my cupboard and I wasn’t sure what to do with the rest of it.

Until now. I’ve made this chicken several times and it’s always a hit with the family. It’s a quick and simple way to dress up ordinary chicken in a delicious and healthy way.

SMOKEY CARAMELIZED BALSAMIC CHICKEN

old ingredient list & instructions

2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons liquid smoke, divided
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 cup water
2 cloves garlic
3 – 6 ounce boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
salt and pepper

  • In a large pan, melt butter with 1 teaspoon of the liquid smoke.
  • Toss onions in and saute for a few minutes or so.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pan and brown for about 10 minutes, turning once.
  • Remove to a plate, add garlic and one cup water to the pan, boil for about 1 minute scraping up the browned bits.
  • Return chicken to pan, cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 20 – 30 minutes.
  • Move chicken to one side of pan (or briefly remove), and stir in brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon liquid smoke.
  • Boil uncovered until slightly thickened.
  • Move the chicken around in the delicious liquid to slightly caramelize on the chicken.
  • Serve with flavored onions over the chicken.

updated ingredient list & instructions
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons liquid smoke, divided
1 medium onion, finely diced
3-4 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 teaspoons liquid smoke
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoon avocado oil

3 tablespoons brown sugar
4 (6-8 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

  • In a medium bowl, whisk garlic, vinegar, oil, brown sugar, rosemary and thyme together.
  • Generously season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and pepper.
  • Reserve ¼ cup marinade for grilling.
  • Add chicken to bowl and toss with marinade to combine.
  • Cover bowl and refrigerate overnight preferably, but at least 30 minutes. 
  • Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; preheat 5 minutes.
  • Grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade and turning halfway through, until 165° temperature is reached. 
  • Transfer chicken to a platter.
  • Top with parsley.
  • Serve immediately.

March 30, 2011 = original post
updated August 27, 2026

COOKING THURSDAY ~ PEACH GLAZED BBQ CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.232C

PEACH GLAZED BBQ CHICKEN

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 LARGE shallot, FINELY diced

  • Heat oil in LARGE sauce pan.
  • Saute shallot 5-10 minutes until soft and browned.

1 cup jalapeño ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup peach preserves
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

  • Whisk into the sauce pan until smooth.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  • Set aside to cool

1 teaspoon garlic powder
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3-4 pounds chicken pieces
Non-stick cooking spray
2-3 firm peaches, sliced

  • Stir together garlic powder and seasoning until well blended.
  • Sprinkle and rub seasoning into chicken pieces.
  • Spray each piece with cooking spray.

 

  • Spray grill with non-stick spray.
  • Heat to high and then reduce to low.
  • Arrange chicken skin side down and grill 4-5 minutes until fat is rendered and skin is browned.
  • Flip chicken pieces.
  • Cover and grill on low 20-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and no pink near the bone.
  • Brush with sauce every 10 minutes, adjusted and moving chicken around to prevent burning.
  • Add peaches during the last 10 minutes.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHICKEN FAJITA COBB SALAD ~ BLOG 365.225A

CHICKEN FAJITA COBB SALAD

VINAIGRETTE
1 LARGE lemon juiced
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1 shallot, FINELY chopped or minced
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
⅓ cup avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and rainbow pepper, to taste
pinch sugar, as needed

  • Whisk ALL together and chill until needed.

CHICKEN & MARINADE
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped or pureed
1 1/2-2 teaspoons taco seasoning
FRESH ground sea salt and rainbow pepper, to taste
4 chicken thighs or 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless


  • Combine the vegetable oil, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, taco seasoning, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper in a small bowl, stirring to combine.
  • Place the chicken in a large zip top plastic bag and pour in the marinade.
  • After sealing, mix the chicken into the marinade well and refrigerate for at least an hour.


Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
Grill (preferably) the chicken or pan fry until golden and cooked through.
Let chicken rest 10 minutes.

  • Slice the chicken against the grain.

SALAD & ASSEMBLY
3-4 cups torn salad greens of choice
2 corn on the cob kernels removed OR 2 cans Green giant white shopper corn
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 cup grilled red bell peppers
red onion slices, grilled
1-2 avocados, sliced, optional
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
FRESH ground sea salt and rainbow pepper, to taste
Cotija cheese crumbles, for garnish
Lemon or Lime wedges, for garnish

  • On a large platter arrange the greens with all the toppings on top.
  • Toss or drizzle the salad with the vinaigrette.
  • Add garnishes and serve.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ WATERMELON PEACH PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SALAD ~ BLOG 365.218C

Marinated shallots and watermelon will become your new best friend for summer salads.

WATERMELON PEACH PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SALAD

1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1 inch cubes or melon balls
1 shallot, FINELY chopped
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and rainbow pepper, to taste
1 1/2-2 cups chopped white meat rotisserie chicken pieces

  • Combine the watermelon, shallots, and mint in a large bowl with avocado oil.
  • Season the mixture with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
  • Toss with chicken pieces
  • Transfer to a fridge and let marinate for at least 1 hour, up to 3 hours.

1/2-1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, cut into ½ cubes (optional)
2 yellow peaches, sliced
1-2 cups FRESH pineapple pieces
1 LARGE English cucumber, sliced into ½ inch thick rounds
2-3 radishes, sliced thin
7-8 snap peas, cut into bite sized pieces

  • Remove from the fridge.
  • Add the sliced peaches, cheese cubes and cucumbers, tossing to combine.
  • Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with the vinaigrette and season to taste with salt and pepper.

VINAIGRETTE
4 tablespoons avocado oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1 shallot, FINELY chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
FRESH ground sea salt and rainbow pepper, to taste

  • In a small bowl whisk together ALL the vinaigrette ingredients and drizzle over the salad.
  • Season to taste, adjusting as needed. 


NOTE: I like white peaches, but you can use yellow if your prefer.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHICKEN CAMPFIRE STEW aka HOBO STEW ~ BLOG 365.204D

CHICKEN CAMPFIRE STEW serves 6

This recipe was originally one from my days as a girl scout where we cooked it in tinfoil pouches over an open fire, but over the years I’ve adapted it to grown up tastes cooked at home.

It is also VERY versatile and adapts to pork or beef quite easily. It can be cooked as easily over a campfire as on a stove.

2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into large bite sized chunks
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and rainbow peppercorns, to taste
¼ cup WONDRA flour
4 cups homemade chicken bone broth
2 tablespoons cream sherry
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, diced
1 pound baby potatoes or Golden Yukons cut into large chunks
3 large carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground bay leaves
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped thyme
Pinch red pepper flakes, to taste

  • Season chicken generously with FRESH ground sea salt and rainbow peppercorns.
  • Place chicken in ziplock bag with the avocado oil to marinade for 30 minutes.

 

  • When ready to prepare heat a heavy duty dutch oven over medium high heat.
  • Add chicken along with the oil, stir and saute’ until slightly golden.
  • Add onions, celery, carrots, potatoes and garlic, stirring and sautéing 5-10 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
  • Whisk together the bone broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, pinch red pepper flakes and WONDRA flour until smooth.
  • Pour broth mixture into dutch oven, stirring to mix well and bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for an hour or so, stirring occasionally, until desired consistency. 

  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve warm with bread for dunking.


COOKING THURSDAY ~ WHISKEY CAKE KITCHEN CHICKEN MELT ~ BLOG 365.204C

One of my favorite sandwiches at Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar was their popular “Chicken & Cheese Melt”, an elevated club-style sandwich. But, it’s also VERY good as an entree without the bread! The key to a GREAT meal is using QUALITY components.

It’s easy to replicate it at home by layering quality toasted sourdough with sliced roasted rotisserie chicken breast with crispy peppered bacon topped with melted Fontina cheese, fresh avocado, sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and roasted shallot mayo. The shallot mayo is THE BEST component of this sandwich!!

WHISKEY CAKE KITCHEN CHICKEN MELT (copy cat)

SHALLOT MAYO
Avocado oil
2 SMALL shallots, peeled
1/2 cup Duke’s mayonnaise

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Place peeled shallots on a small baking sheet. Drizzle them with avocado oil.
  • Roast for 20 minutes until caramelized and soft.
  • Mash the shallot and fold into the mayonnaise.
  • Set aside until needed.

SANDWICH
Thick cut QUALITY sourdough bread
Butter
Thick sliced rotisserie chicken
Thick sliced peppered bacon, cooked crisp
Avocado slices, optional & seasonal)
Tomato slices
Crisp green leaf lettuce

  • Butter one side of your sourdough slices.
  • Place them butter-side down in a hot skillet or panini press.
  • Smear the inside of both slices with the roasted shallot mayo.
  • On one slice, layer your Fontina cheese, sliced chicken, peppered bacon, avocado, tomato, and lettuce.
  • Top with the second slice of bread.
  • Press lightly, and flip until both sides are golden-brown and the cheese is beautifully melted.
  • Slice in half and serve warm.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ KUNG FU CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.204A

Johnny Chang’s Kung Fu Chicken is a signature dish at Grace’s in Houston, featuring crispy chicken bites in a spicy-sweet Asian glaze served alongside pork fried rice. The exact proprietary recipe is closely guarded, though owner Johnny Carrabba shares select family favorites in his cookbook, A Gift from the Heart.

Because the official restaurant recipe isn’t published online, you can recreate the famous Houston dish at home using a highly rated copycat approach that mirrors its signature flavor profile.

JOHNNY CHANG’S KUNG FU CHICKEN copy cat recipe

CHICKEN
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
Salt and black pepper to taste
Avocado oil for frying

  • Toss the chicken chunks in the cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well coated.
  • Heat about 1 inch of oil in a DEEP pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Fry the chicken 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. DO NOT CROWD pan – cook in batches as necessary.
  • Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.

SAUCE & GLAZE
1/3 cup BRAGG’S liquid aminos
1/3 cup PACKED brown sugar
1/4 cup QUALITY honey
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon FRESH grated ginger or 1 teaspoon Garden Gourmet ginger paste
3 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon Garden Gourmet garlic paste
1–2 FRESH Thai red chilies or serrano peppers, taste, FINELY sliced
Zest and juice of 1 small orange
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Sliced Green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

  • In a saucepan, combine the liquid aminos, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, chilies and orange juice/zest.
    Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

 

  • Whisk the cornstarch into the water for a slurry.
  • Whisk slurry into the sauce and let simmer until thick and sticky.
  • Toss the fried chicken into the sauce, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until fully coated.
  • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve with your favorite fried rice.