Category: POULTRY

CHICKEN & DUMPLING SOUP

LOL 😀 It must be a Midwestern thing 😀

This would have been Molly Yeh’s recipe with very few changes until I realized I was making my great grans chicken and noodles minus the pasta and thickener. The dumplings are Molly’s MIL’s recipe though.

CHICKEN & DUMPLING SOUP – the items highlighted in blue are used in the second step.

Level: Easy Total: 3 hr 5 min Active: 1 hr 10 min Yield: 4 to 6 servings

SOUP BASE
One 3 1/2-pound whole chicken
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves 
2 cloves garlic, MINCED
2 sprigs FRESH thyme 
3 large carrots, 1 cut into large chunks and 2 thinly sliced 
3 large celery stalks, 1 cut into large chunks and 2 thinly sliced 
2 medium yellow onions, 1 quartered and 1 chopped 
2 medium parsnips, 1 cut into large chunks and 1 thinly sliced 
6 sprigs fresh dill, 3 left whole and 3 chopped (I omitted this – I’m just NOT a dill fan)
2 BIG sprigs of sage
3 LARGE sprigs of Rosemary
6 sprigs FRESH flat-leaf parsley, 3 left whole and 3 chopped, plus more for serving 
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
FRESH ground black pepper 

  • Combine the chicken, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, thyme, carrot chunks, celery chunks, quartered onion, parsnip chunks and 3 sprigs parsley in a large pot.
  • Cover with 5 quarts of cold water to cover by 2 inches and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer 1 1/2-2 hours, uncovered, until the chicken is very tender. The longer the better for the the flavor.
  • Add more water, as needed, skimming off scum and some fat, if desired.
  • Carefully strain the stock, discarding everything (veggies and herbs) except for the chicken. You should have 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 quarts of stock.
  • Set the chicken aside to cool briefly while you put together the rest of the soup.
  • Return the strained stock to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
  • Add the second step portions of sliced carrot, sliced celery, chopped onion, sliced parsnip, chopped parsley and the salt.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

DUMPLINGS (Molly’s MIL’s recipe)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 
A few fresh grinds whole nutmeg 
3 LARGE eggs 

  • In a small saucepan, bring the butter and 3/4 cup water to a boil.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the flour.
  • Let cool for a few minutes so it’s not so hot that it will cook the eggs, then whisk in the salt, sugar, nutmeg and the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated into a slightly lumpy thick batter. (It’ll take a little work to whisk in the eggs.)
  • Drop heaping teaspoons of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup, then cover and cook until the vegetables are tender and the dumplings are cooked through; begin checking for doneness at 15 minutes.
  • Pull the chicken meat off the bones and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • Season it with salt, then add it to the soup along with the ground black pepper.
  • Taste and add more salt as needed. TASTE AND REPEAT. ADJUST SEASONINGS UNTIL IT TASTES PERFECT TO YOU!
  • Serve, garnishing with fresh parsley.

TUSCAN STYLE HERB CHICKEN

TUSCAN STYLE HERB CHICKEN
1 cup chicken bone broth
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 LARGE russet or 6 Yukon gold potatoes, diced bite size
1 cup peeled and sliced carrots
3/4 cup frozen peas
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can diced tomatoes with herbs, drained WELL
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon Garden Gourmet Italian herbs

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Whisk Italian herbs and butter into the chicken broth.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Arrange potatoes, carrots, peas and tomatoes into the bottom of a baking dish. I like to use my enameled cast iron for even baking.
  • Nestle chicken pieces into veggies.
  • Pour broth mixture over and around chicken and veggies stirring gently to coat well.
  • Bake 35-40 minutes until potatoes and carrots are tender and chicken is cooked through.

BALSAMIC PINEAPPLE CHICKEN with ROASTED POTATOES & BRUSSELS SPROUTS

It’s all about the sauce! Sauce is the BEST way to add extra flavor to ANY dish! I use pineapple jam, but have also used apricot pineapple, tart cherry, peach and even fig. When you add your favorite jam to a QUALITY balsamic vinegar and FRESH herbs the flavors mingle with the pan drippings and caramelized onions so that the flavors explode into the PERFECT sauce.

BALSAMIC PINEAPPLE CHICKEN with ROASTED POTATOES & BRUSSELS SPROUTS

12 ounces Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
1 Red Onion, halved – one half sliced thin, the other half diced
2 tablespoons FRESH thyme leaves
1 LARGE Lemon, juiced
2 boneless, skinless chicken steaks
4 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 tablespoons QUALITY Balsamic Vinegar
3 tablespoons Pineapple jam
1/3-1/2 cup homemade chicken stock
2 cups halved and trimmed small BRUSSELS SPROUTS
1 + 1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 + 1 tablespoon butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 450°.
  • Toss potato pieces and Brussels sprouts
  • Dice potatoes into ½-inch pieces; toss on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Roast on top rack, tossing halfway through, until browned and tender, 20-25 minutes.
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
  • Generously season all over with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Dredge in WONDRA and and shake off excess.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes per side.
  • Transfer to a cutting board and set aside to rest.
  • Add the remaining oil to the pan oil in pan.
  • Add the onion slices and thyme leaves, cooking 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Whisk vinegar, lemon juice and jam together.
  • Add jam mixture to pan and simmer 2-3 minutes until syrupy.
  • Stir in stock and simmer 2-3 minutes until thick and glossy.
  • Remove pan from heat and stir in remaining butter until melted.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Thinly slice chicken crosswise if you’d like.
  • Divide chicken, potatoes, and green beans between plates.
  • Drizzle to your heart’s content over the chicken and or potatoes and Brussels sprouts. ENJOY every bite.
  • Serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

END OF WEEK CHICKEN

Recently Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom mentioned she was cooking her Dad’s Favorite Chicken, a recipe handed down from her grandmother, great grandmother for dinner one night. You can find her recipe here. As I was reading her recipe I realized that everyone’s grandmother must have a similar recipe. My Gram’s recipe was used primarily at the end of the week to use up things from the veggie bin and such and she used dried herbs. I’ve freshened it up over the years with FRESH. Sandra’s recipe is made with Portuguese fries, but mine is made with either mashed potatoes, pasta or crusty fried potatoes.

END OF WEEK CHICKEN

2 LARGE skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into small bite size chunks
1/3 cup WONDRA flour , seasoned to taste
1 LARGE bunch green onions, THINLY sliced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
2 LARGE carrots, halved and sliced in half moons
1 tablespoon FRESH thyme leaves
1/4 cup chopped FRESH Italian leaf Parsley
1/2 teaspoon smokey paprika
FRESH ground sea salt and tri-color pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup homemade bone broth
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter

  • Melt avocado oil and butter in saute pan.
  • Add carrots and saute 2-3 minutes.
  • Add onions and tomatoes, cooking 2-3 minutes more until onion is translucent. 
  • Add seasoned WONDRA flour to a paper bag or large ziploc bag. Add chicken pieces shaking to coat. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Arrange veggies around the edges and add in chicken pieces, thyme, paprika, minced garlic, salt and pepper, searing chicken pieces for a few minutes. The dredged chicken pieces will help with your gravy as they cook.
  • Add in bone broth, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Check frequently to make sure you still have cooking liquid – add broth as necessary to keep everything moist and have a good amount of gravy.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles or fried potatoes.

Turkey Tetrazzini ~ Memories past

This recipe was originally posted in January of 2010. BUT, it needed a MAJOR picture overhaul!! I’ve also made a few updates over the years to make the recipe more “scratch made”.
When I was a kid and just starting to do the majority of the family cooking we had a set group of recipes that were the “weeknight” recipes. One of those recipes that was especially popular during the holidays was Turkey Tetrazzini. We also substituted ham and chicken for the turkey throughout the rest of the year.

Back then I prepared the recipes exactly as they were written and they were okay, but the Tetrazzini recipe used ALL Velveeta and canned mushrooms and stuff I wouldn’t think of putting into my body now so it was my goal to create the same recipe in a more health oriented way, but still easy for a weeknight meal.

TURKEY TETRAZZINI
2 tablespoons butter
1 LARGE bunch green onions OR 1 LARGE shallot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped small
8 ounces spaghetti or linguine, broken in half and cooked al dente
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded turkey pieces**
1 can cream of celery soup (see soup substitutes)
1 cup WHOLE milk
1 cup grated mild cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Melt butter in a skillet.
  • Saute onions and celery just until tender.
  • Add soup and milk, stirring to blend. Cook just until thick.
  • Add cheddar cheese.
  • Add salt and pepper.
  • In the bottom of an 11×7 baking dish scatter first the pasta and then the meat pieces.
  • Pour soup mixture over top.
  • Top with Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Bake 25-30 minutes.

NOTE: ** ham and rotisserie chicken work well too

Casseroles tend to call for a can of some form of “cream of” soup.  Since those soups tend to be full additives and preservatives I came up with some quick and easy substitutes that are homemade as you needed.

CREAM SOUP SUBSTITUTES

Do you hate buying canned soups for use in recipes? Do you want something healthier and less costly?  These recipes make perfect substitutes for 1 can of soup.

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk or other liquid (as specified in variations)

  • Melt the butter in heavy saucepan. 
  • Blend in flour and salt. Cook until bubbly. 
  • Remove from heat and gradually stir or whisk in liquid. 
  • Return to heat and cook, constantly stirring until smooth and thickened.

VARIATIONS

  • Cream of chicken: Use 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth as the liquid. Add 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning or sage.
  • Cream of celery: Saute´ 1/2 cup chopped celery and 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion in the margarine before adding flour. Use milk for liquid.
  • Cream of mushroom: Saute´1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms and 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion in margarine before adding flour. Use milk for liquid.
  • Tomato: Use tomato juice as liquid. Add a dash each of garlic salt, onion salt, basil, and oregano.
  • Cheddar cheese: Use milk for liquid. Stir into the finished sauce 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard.
  • Cream of shrimp: Drain the liquid from a small can of tiny shrimp into a measuring cup. Fill cup with milk to measure 1 cup of liquid. Add a dash of pepper, onion salt, curry powder, and paprika to the finished sauce, and stir in the shrimp.

COMPANY CHICKEN

This recipe was originally made with chicken thighs, but breasts always make for a fancier dish, especially when you call it Company Chicken! You’ll notice that I don’t list sea salt in the list of ingredients. That’s because the liquid aminos will add more than enough salt.

COMPANY CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup WONDRA flour
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, sliced thin
1/8 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/3 cup Smuckers apricot jam, PUREED to remove chunks
1 LARGE clove garlic, FINELY minced
1-2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup FRESH orange juice

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Season chicken breasts generously with FRESH ground black pepper.
  • Dredge the seasoned breasts in the flour and set aside.
  • In a cast iron skillet heat avocado oil over medium heat.
  • Sear the chicken 2-3 minutes per side and then set aside.
  • Add onions to pan until they are caramelized.
  • Nestle the chicken into the top of the onions.
  • Whisk together the liquid aminos, apricot jam, orange juice, garlic and red pepper flakes.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken and onions.
  • Bake uncovered 30-35 minutes. The sauce will thicken and get sticky. But, if it gets too brown too fast cover with a piece of foil.

MELT IN YOUR MOUTH CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE

I made this tonight with thighs and sans fried shallots, but definitely prefer it with breasts and the fried shallots. I’ll get a better picture the next time I make it with the breasts.

MELT IN YOUR MOUTH CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE adapted from The Cookin’ Chicks

serves 6
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
________________
Total Time 45 minutes

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (in a pinch thighs work pretty well too)
3/4 cup QUALITY mayonnaise
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 shallots, sliced thin
WONDRA flour for dredging

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Place diced chicken into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
  • Spread mayonnaise mixture evenly on top of the chicken pieces.
  • Evenly sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top of mayonnaise mixture.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes.
  • While chicken is baking melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium high heat in a large skillet.
  • Dredge shallots lightly with WONDRA flour.
  • Add shallots to hot skillet, stirring regularly until crispy.
  • Remove chicken pieces from oven.
  • Serve over prepared pasta topped with homemade marinara and fried shallots.

HOT ITALIAN SANDWICHES

HOT ITALIAN SANDWICHES
1 package King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
1/2 cup QUALITY mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Classico tomato pesto
6 slices provolone cheese
6 slices Tavern ham
6 slices Hard Salami
6 slices oven roasted turkey
6 slices Pastrami
1 cup giardiniera, chopped small
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup FRESH basil leaves
1/2 SMALL red onion, sliced thin
1/4 cup River House Parmesan Herb dressing (or a zesty Italian)
Pepperoncinis, garnish
Giardiniera, garnish

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Slice the rolls horizontally in half.
  • Lightly spray a 11×7 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise and pesto until well blended.
  • Spread mayonnaise mixture over the cut rolls.
  • Place roll bottoms in baking dish.
  • Layer the provolone cheese followed by the meats in an even layer.
  • Add basil in a single layer followed by the red onion slices and giardiniera.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Place roll tops over the ingredients.
  • Gently press to flatten.
  • Bake 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and and brush with dressing.
  • Bake another 5 minutes.
  • Cool slightly before slicing.
  • Serve with pepperoncinis and giardiniera.

PAN SEARED CHICKEN with WINE HERB PAN SAUCE

This is a recipe I’ve made repeatedly over the years with whatever I had on hand. Then a few months ago I ran across one of those antique recipe boxes with a bunch of OLD handwritten recipes in them and was surprised to find a recipe ALMOST identical to mine so I had to try it! And you know what I think I like it almost better. 😀 I ended up mixing a bit of mine with a bit of theirs and now have the PERFECT recipe.

PAN SEARED CHICKEN with WINE HERB PAN SAUCE
6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup WONDRA flour
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons dry white wine
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1/2 pound THINLY sliced mushrooms
1-2 cups sour cream
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Frank’s Original Hot Sauce
Prepared egg noodles
Minced green onions, for garnish

  • Pound chicken breasts to even sizes.
  • Generously season chicken breasts with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • LIGHTLY dredge chicken in flour.
  • Heat avocado oil in large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Saute’ chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
  • Add 1/2 cup of the wine, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
  • Remove chicken to plate and keep warm.
  • Add mushrooms to pan along with remaining wine and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Blend in sour cream and hot sauce, stirring constantly.
  • Adjust seasoning and serve over prepared noodles.
  • Garnish with green onions for color.

ROAST CHICKEN with HOT BUTTER SAUCE

The original recipe called for St. Germain liqueur. What does St. Germain taste like you ask? I had to google it myself. It’s a combination of tropical fruits, peach, pear, citrus, and even a hint of honeysuckle. I couldn’t even find it anywhere locally so I goggled it for another substitution.

ROAST CHICKEN with HOT BUTTER SAUCE
SAUCE
10 habanero chiles, halved and seeded
1 orange bell pepper – halved, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons orange zest
4 tablespoons Peach Schnapps
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1 cup Champagne vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons water
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Puree chiles, bell pepper, orange zest, garlic, 2 tablespoons of peach schnapps, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper in a small blender.
    Transfer mixture to a small bowl.
  • Cover with saran and let sit overnight or 12 hours at room temperature to ferment.

 

  • After fermented and while chicken is baking, puree again with vinegar, remaining peach schnapps.
  • Strain through a fine sieve into a small saucepan.
  • Heat over medium heat.
  • Whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Whisk cornstarch mixture into the hot sauce. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened, whisking constantly.
  • Whisk in 3 tablespoons of butter.
  • Adjust seasoning.

CHICKEN
3 pound chicken thighs or leg quarters or combination of thighs and legs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 450°.
  • Generously season chicken pieces.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook chicken skin side down 5 minutes until golden.
  • Flip chicken and cook another 5 minutes.
  • Remove chicken pieces to a plate.
  • Serve with sauce.

KANSAS CITY BBQ CHICKEN

KANSAS CITY BBQ CHICKEN
CHICKEN
2 1/2 pounds chicken (I like to use thighs)
2 tablespoons Pampered Chef Kansas City style BBQ rub
2 teaspoons baking powder

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Toss the chicken with the rub and baking powder.
  • Arrange in a single layer on a large stone or stainless sheet pan.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes until cooked through, flipping chicken pieces midway.

SAUCE
1 cup jalapeno ketchup
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon Pampered Chef Kansas City style BBQ rub
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey

  • Whisk together the ketchup, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses and Kansas City style BBQ rub in a saucepan until well blended, bringing to a simmer 8-10 minutes until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in honey.
  • Add baked wings to a large bowl.
  • Pour sauce over chicken and toss to coat.

PEPERONCINO CHICKEN

PEPERONCINO CHICKEN
6-8 skin on chicken thighs
10-12 peperoncinos
1/2 cup peperoncino brine
2 + 2 tablespoon QUALITY avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 stalks celery, sliced thin
1/2 red onion cut root to tip, sliced thin
4-6 cloves garlic
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped thyme leaves**
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped parsley**

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Coat a large cast iron skillet (I like my enamel covered cast iron) with 2 tablespoons of QUALITY avocado oil and heat over medium heat.
  • Generously season chicken with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Place chicken skin side down. Cook undisturbed 10 minutes or until chicken skin is browned.
  • While chicken is browning toss the potatoes, peperoncinos, remaining oil, peperoncino brine, garlic, half the red onions, half of the celery, a generous turn of ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • When chicken is browned, turn the pieces over onto a plate.
  • Add potato mix to pan and stir to combine well.
  • Nestle chicken thighs skin side up into the potato mix.
  • Transfer pan to oven and roast 45-50 minutes until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.


**NOTES:

  • I like to use herb mixes that my local store carried to make my dollar go farther.
  • After plating the chicken and potatoes you can also make a gravy out of the juices if you’d like.