PAN SEARED CHICKEN with LEMON and CHIVE SAUCE

PAN SEARED CHICKEN with LEMON and CHIVE SAUCE
CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless thin sliced chicken breast steaks
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup +1 tablespoon WONDRA flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 shallot minced
1 tablespoon WONDRA flour
1 cup chicken broth
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
1 tablespoon FRESH minced chives
1 tablespoon COLD unsalted butter

  • Generously season chicken steaks with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Heat oil and butter in skillet over medium heat.
  • Dredge chicken in beaten egg and the 1/4 cup flour, shaking off excess.
  • Sear chicken breasts in skillet for 2 minutes per side.
  • Remove chicken steaks to plate and keep warm.
  • Add shallot and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes until softened.
  • Add the 1 tablespoon of flour and cornstarch, stirring to coat shallot 30 seconds or so.
  • Slowly whisk in broth and bring to a simmer 5-10 minutes until reduced and slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in lemon juice, chives and butter.
  • Season to taste.
  • Serve over chicken.

LEMON THYME MARINATED FRIED CHICKEN

This is one of those scraps of a recipe I had in my file. I do not know who the recipe was from and I sure wish I did – I’d LOVE to thank them! This is one of the crispiest and most flavorful recipes I’ve ever come across for fried chicken. The breading adhered and held up PERFECTLY!

LEMON MARINATED FRIED CHICKEN
MARINADE
4 cups water
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup sugar
6 lemons
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon FRESH ground black pepper
1 bunch FRESH thyme
4 cups ice

4 pounds chicken pieces

  • Whisk together the water, salt, sugar, lemon halves, garlic, black pepper and thyme in a large stockpot.
  • Bring to SLOW boil.
  • Turn off heat and add ice.
  • Allow to cool.
  • Add chicken pieces.
  • Refrigerate AT LEAST 8 hours or overnight.

AFTER at least 8 HOURS

  • Drain chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Lightly spray a rack with non-stick cooking spray and place on baking sheet.

BREADING
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
FRESH ground black pepper
2 cups WHOLE buttermilk
2 LARGE eggs

  • In a shallow dish whisk together the flour, garlic salt, onion powder and black pepper.
  • Whisk together the buttermilk and eggs in a second bowl.

Coconut Oil for frying

  • Heat oil in a deep cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
  • Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture shaking off excess.
  • Then dredge in egg mixture followed by the flour mixture again.
  • Fry in oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.  Grams always told me to put the chicken in the HOT oil  and leave it alone until it bleeds then flip it!
  • Place on prepared rack.
  • Bake 10-15 minutes until centers are cooked through.

SHEET PAN VINEGAR CHICKEN

SHEET PAN VINEGAR CHICKEN ala Valerie Bertinelli – update ala Tamy
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges
1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
2 cups mixed color cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup pitted Castelvetrano (the pale green ones – I use Mezetta) olives
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic, sliced or minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • Toss the onions with 1/2 tablespoon of the oil on a large rimmed baking sheet.
  • Arrange the chicken thighs on top and sprinkle them all over with the smoked paprika and salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle the vinegar on top and then roast in the oven about 15 minutes.
  • Toss the cherry tomatoes, olives, rosemary and garlic with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, a big pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the mixture to the baking sheet with the roasted chicken and continue to roast until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, 10 minutes more.
  • Serve the chicken with the vegetables and juices from the baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle with the parsley.

IMOGENE’S CHICKEN

This is one of those recipes that I made EXACTLY as written the FIRST time, but had to change. It was good the first time, but we knew it could be better!

IMOGENE’S CHICKEN
2 tablespoons butter
2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons FRESH grated ginger
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in cast iron casserole pan.
  • Arrange chicken thighs top side down in a single layer.
  • Whisk together the white wine, liquid aminos, vinegar, chicken broth, ginger, sugar and oregano and pour around chicken pieces.
  • Cover and bake 30 minutes.
  • Turn chicken and cook 15 minutes more.
  • Serve over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes.

PAN SEARED CHICKEN with CREAMY TOMATO BASIL SPINACH CREAM SAUCE

PAN SEARED CHICKEN with CREAMY TOMATO BASIL SPINACH CREAM SAUCE

Boneless skinless chicken thighs smothered in an easy-to-make creamy tomato basil and spinach sauce.

1 tablespoon avocado oil
4-6 LARGE boneless, skinless chicken thin breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons tomato pesto (Barilla or Classico)
1 cup tomato sauce
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach leaves
4-6 leaves fresh basil, chiffonaded
2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsely
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • In a large skillet heat avocado oil over medium heat.
  • Generously season chicken thighs with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Dredge in 1/4 cup WONDRA flour.
  • Add to hot oil and cook for 2 minutes until the top side is nicely seared.
  • Flip over to the other side and sear for 2 more minutes on medium heat.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet to a plate and keep warm.
  • Add garlic to pan and cook 30 seconds or so until fragrant.
  • Add chicken broth, tomato pesto, tomato paste and heavy cream to skillet.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil, stirring regularly.
  • Reduce heat to low simmer.
  • Taste the sauce and add more salt and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk together with 2 tablespoons of reserved flour dredge until smooth.
  • Whisk into sauce until smooth.
  • Add fresh spinach, parsley and fresh basil, stirring until spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
  • Add chicken to sauce, turning to coat, increasing heat to medium for a minute or 2 to reheat chicken.
  • Serve over pasta and spoon the sauce over the pasta and chicken.
  • Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

BACON BROWN SUGAR GARLIC CHICKEN

BACON BROWN SUGAR GARLIC CHICKEN

This is the PERFECT weeknight recipe! There are few ingredients that produce a sticky and crisp yet sweet garlicky taste for a quick meal.

2/3 cup PACKED brown sugar
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
12 slices bacon
Chopped parsley, for garnish

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Lightly spray a deep dish baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • In a large bowl add the brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper and mix until combined.
  • Coat the chicken in the brown sugar mixture, pressing to adhere.
  • Wrap each piece of chicken with two slices of bacon in such a way that the ends are under the chicken to prevent it from unwrapping while cooking. I put them on a bed of green beans, onions and sliced carrots to make a one pot dish.
  • Top with the remaining brown sugar mixture.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and browned with the bacon crisp.

NOTE: Be careful to not let the brown sugar burn or blacken.

CHICKEN THIGHS with CREAMY BACON MUSHROOM THYME SAUCE

CHICKEN THIGHS with CREAMY BACON MUSHROOM THYME SAUCE
These chicken thighs smothered in a creamy bacon mushroom thyme sauce are so easy and yummy, but look like a company calling recipe.

CHICKEN
6 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
4 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in
1+1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Season both sides of chicken thighs generously with FRESH ground sea salt, black pepper and
  • Italian herb seasoning .
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon butter on medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  • Add chicken thighs skin-side down, cooking for 5-7 minutes, on the skin side until golden.
  • Transfer chicken thighs, skin side up, to a foil-lined baking sheet and bake 20 minutes or until chicken thighs are completely cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

SAUCE
4 LARGE green onions, sliced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
6 LARGE white mushrooms
5 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
5 sprigs fresh thyme, 3 trimmed, 2 whole

  • Add bacon to pan and brown until crisp.
  • Remove bacon pieces with slotted spoon and add 1 tablespoon of butter to pan.
  • When melted add sliced mushrooms cooking on medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring periodically.
  • Add onions and garlic, stirring and cooking 2 minutes more.
  • Add heavy cream and trimmed fresh thyme, and thyme sprigs.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil, stirring continuously.
  • Reduce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes over low heat to allow flavors to blend and sauce to reduce a bit.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Add chicken and bacon pieces to sauce, turning to coat.
  • Serve over pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.

BAKED GARLIC BUTTER PARSLEY CHICKEN

GARLIC BUTTER PARSLEY CHICKEN          Serves 4 to 6

3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6)
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
8 ounces butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
3/4 cup Parmesan grated cheese
1/4 cup FRESH chopped Parsley
1 Vidalia onions, cut into wedges
Avocado oil
2 FRESH broccoli crowns, cleaned and trimmed

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven.
  • Pat the chicken dry with and generously season on all sides with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Melt butter and whisk in garlic and 1/2 the chopped Parsley in a small bowl.
  • In another bowl stir together the bread crumbs, cheese and remaining Parsley.
  • Dip each piece in the butter mixture and then the bread mixture.
  • Place skin side up on baking sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Scatter onion pieces among the chicken.
  • Place tray in oven and bake 1 hour. DO NOT TURN chicken pieces.
  • Toss broccoli with avocado oil to coat.
  • Add broccoli to pan and roast until the chicken is deeply golden brown, crispy, and registers 160º in the thickest part, 20-25 minutes.

DIMPLES BBQ CHICKEN modified

This recipe for Dimples BBQ Chicken, a type of jerk chicken, is based on a recipe from Fastina Sherman who was?/is a chef at Boar Hill outside of Kingston, Jamaica. The page is a torn cookbook page of unknown age that I think is from the BBQ Bible from 2008 maybe.  I found it among my cousin’s things when we were rehabbing the House From Hell and saved it because it sounded so good.  I kept the flavors virtually the same, but converted it to the oven.

DIMPLES BBQ CHICKEN modified
CHICKEN
8 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon FRESH thyme, chopped
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos
1 tablespoon avocado oil

  • In a small processor, mince together the green onions, garlic, jalapeno, liquid aminos, paprika, thyme and avocado oil.
  • Pour into a large ziploc bag with chicken and marinade 12-24 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Drain chicken and place skin side down on rack in a baking tray.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Dip each piece of chicken in BBQ sauce and return to baking rack skin side up for another 30 minutes.
  • Baste with BBQ sauce every 10 minutes during the final 30 minutes.
  • Serve remaining sauce on the side.

BBQ SAUCE
1 cup jalapeno ketchup
1/3 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons QUALITY dark rum
1 cup red onion, finely minced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons finely minced ginger
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

  • In a small saucepan whisk together the ketchup, liquid aminos, apple cider vinegar and rum until well blended.
  • Stir in brown sugar until completely dissolved.
  • Stir in onions, ginger and garlic.
  • Simmer on LOW heat 20-30 minutes until thick and bubbly.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CHILE VERDE

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CHILE VERDE
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 white onion, chopped small
1 tablespoon cumin
10 LARGE tomatillos, chopped
3 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped*
3 Anaheim peppers, seeded and chopped*
1 LARGE jalapeno, seeded and chopped*
2 LARGE cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water

  • Add peppers, garlic, oil and 2/3 of cilantro to food processor. Pulse until smooth with only small chunks.
  • Quickly sear the chicken and then chop into large pieces.
  • Spray slow cooker insert with non-stick spray.
  • Add food processor contents and chicken broth to the slow cooker, whisking to combine.
  • Stir in cumin, salt and pepper.
  • Fold in chicken pieces and onions.
  • Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender and pulls apart.
  • Whisk cornstarch and water together until smooth.
  • Stir into slow cooker, cooking for another 10-15 minutes until desired thickness.
  • Fold in remaining cilantro just before serving.
  • Serve with warmed tortillas, shredded cheese and sour cream.

NOTES: For extra flavor char peppers before chopping.

CRISPY OVEN FRIED CHICKEN

We love fried chicken, but have really been watching what we eat so were looking for a REALLY crispy version of oven fried chicken.  I found a recipe over at Savory Nothings and only had to make a few changes to meet my family’s likes. The first change I made was to use skin on, bone in chicken. 😀

CRISPY OVEN FRIED CHICKEN

6-8 tablespoons butter

CHICKEN
2-3 pounds chicken thighs

EGG MIXTURE
1 large egg
1/3 cup buttermilk

BREADING
1 cup all purpose flour
4 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian seasoned work as well)
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper, to taste

  • Preheat the oven to 410°.
  • Place a dark-colored roasting pan or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
  • Whisk together the egg and milk in a large mixing bowl.
  • In a separate mixing bowl whisk together the flour, breadcrumbs, baking powder and seasonings.
  • Toss the chicken pieces in the flour, coating evenly and shaking off any extra.
  • Then toss the chicken pieces in the egg mixture.
  • Then, dip each into the flour mix again, this time pressing the breading well on the chicken to make it coat and stick.
Remove the baking pan from the oven and melt the butter on it.
  • Place the coated chicken pieces on the tray skin side down and NOT touching.
  • 
Bake for 25 minutes, carefully flip* (see notes) and bake for another 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  • Finish by broiling the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy.

NOTES:

  • Your chicken will turn out bland if you don’t season it enough. You can add some heat by using a little cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture or a little Frank’s original hot sauce to the egg mixture.
  • A dark pan reflect the heat best, which results in the crispiest chicken.
  • I like to cook flat on foil for the first half and when I flip I place them on a rack on a second pan to finish.
  • Use a spatula to slide underneath the chicken and very gently release the chicken from the pan before flipping/serving. If you just rip it off with tongs etc, the breading will fall off.
  • Let the chicken rest for JUST 3-5 minutes before serving for best results.

ASIAN CHICKEN ALA SLOW COOKER

ASIAN CHICKEN ALA SLOW COOKER serves 4
adapted from Karina at CafeDelites

2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts and chicken thighs
1/2 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1/3 cup oyster sauce
1/4 cup QUALITY honey
3 packed tablespoons brown sugar
6 large garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
1 small bunch green onions/scallions sliced for garnish
1 tablespoons white and black sesame seeds, to garnish

  • Spray your slow cooker bowl with non-stick spray.
  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the liquid aminos, oyster sauce, honey, brown sugar and garlic.
  • Place chicken into the sauce, turning to coat.
  • Layer chicken pieces into slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
  • Pour remaining sauce over top.
  • Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low setting.
  • During the last hour of cooking, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until cornstarch is completely dissolved.
  • Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce until well blended.
  • Recover and allow sauce to thicken and the chicken is just beginning to fall apart.
  • Season with salt and pepper as necessary.
  • Serve over rice.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.