Category: POULTRY

CHICKEN & STRAWBERRY SALAD with STRAWBERRY VINAIGRETTE

CHICKEN & STRAWBERRY SALAD with STRAWBERRY VINAIGRETTE
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup WONDRA flour
6 ounces creamy YOPLAIT strawberry yogurt
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 cups torn spinach and butter lettuce leaves
2 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 cut carrot sticks
1 cup thinly sliced red onions
1/2 cup chopped candied walnuts

  • Whisk together the yogurt, honey, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Chill under ready to eat.
  • Toss together the spinach, lettuce, red onions, walnuts and carrots.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Generously season chicken pieces with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Lightly dredge chicken pieces in Wondra flour.
  • Heat avocado oil in skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add chicken and sear 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Remove chicken to cutting board and either slice thin or shred with 2 forks. Allow chicken to cool 5-10 minutes.
  • Add chicken to lettuce bowl.
  • Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss well.
  • Add strawberries and GENTLY toss again.
  • Serve and Enjoy!

PAN SEARED CHICKEN IN LEMON WINE SAUCE OR ala PRESSURE COOKER OR SLOW COOKER

I found this recipe in a Taste Of Home magazine and it was written for the new and improved pressure cookers of today, but I find it works great in an older “regular” pressure cooker too. It can also be made in a slow cooker or insta pot quite easily.  I especially like it pan seared using boneless, skinless chicken thighs.  The best part is that it is incredibly FULL of flavor!

PAN SEARED CHICKEN IN LEMON WINE SAUCE OR ala PRESSURE COOKER OR SLOW COOKER

6 bone-in chicken thighs
1 cup FRESHLY sliced mushrooms (I like Beech mushrooms)
4 tablespoons, butter, divided
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
1 shallot, sliced thin
1 small bunch green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped thyme

PAN SEARED

  • Heat butter in skillet and cook 3-4 minutes until tender.
  • Remove mushrooms from pan.
  • Add remaining butter.
  • In a shallow bowl whisk together the flour, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • Generously season chicken thighs.
  • Dredge chicken thighs, shaking off any excess.
  • Brown chicken thighs on both sides.
  • Transfer chicken to platter and keep warm.
  • Add shallots and cook a few minutes until soft.
  • Add wine, lemon juice and broth to skillet, cook 2-3 minutes scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Return the chicken and mushrooms to skillet.
  • Add onions.
  • Turn chicken to coat and cook 5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.

PRESSURE COOKER

  • Heat butter in bottom of slow cooker over a low flame.
  • Add mushrooms and cook 3-4 minutes until tender.
  • Remove mushrooms from pan.
  • Add remaining butter.

 

  • In a shallow bowl whisk together the flour, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • Generously season chicken thighs.
  • Dredge chicken thighs, shaking off any excess.
  • Brown chicken thighs on both sides.

 

  • Add wine and broth to pressure cooker, cook 2-3 minutes scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Return the chicken and mushrooms to the pressure cooker.
  • Add onions.
  • Lock lid and cook over medium high for 10 minutes.
  • Allow pressure to dissipate naturally, about 10 minutes.

NOTES: To make as a SLOW COOKER recipe, cover and cook on low 3 hours until chicken is tender.

MANDARIN CHICKEN BROCCOLI SALAD

MANDARIN BROCCOLI SALAD serves 4

1/2 – 2/3 cup mayonnaise
scant 1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
4 cups FRESH broccoli florets
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
1/2 red onion, halved and sliced
2 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced into quarters
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup candied walnuts
1 can mandarin oranges, drained WELL

  • Whisk mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar together well.
  • Season with salt and pepper
  • In a large bowl toss together the broccoli, onion pieces, raisins and walnuts.
  • Drizzle with mayo mixture and toss again.
  • Fold in orange segments.
  • Chill for several hours before serving. Overnight is better when time permits.

CHICKEN & SAUSAGE GUMBO sans OKRA

I am NOT a fan of Okra. In fact, I absolutely HATE, HATE, HATE OKRA!!!!!!! So, this version of gumbo has NO okra in it!! The thickening is done with a toasted flour roux instead.  Gumbo is usually served with dirty rice in many places, but hubby really likes it over a creamy mashed potato.

This is a labor intensive recipe with chopping so many times I prep the day before. While I’m chopping, I toast the flour so it has plenty of time to cool. If storing overnight, be sure to store the flour in an airtight container.

I also use a ladle as well as a slotted spoon to serve so everyone can have as much or as little gravy as they like. 😀

CHICKEN & SAUSAGE GUMBO sans OKRA

1 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 each red, orange and yellow mini pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 tablespoon FRESHLY minced thyme
3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 bay leaves
4 cups chicken broth
4 slices bacon, cut into thin strips
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat and cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 pound Andouille sausage, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon vinegar
Prepared rice or mashed potatoes
Frank’s original hot sauce

  • Heat oven to 425°.
  • Place flour in an oven safe skillet and bake, stirring frequently, 40-55 minutes until the color of cinnamon and has a nutty fragrance.
  • Transfer flour to a bowl and allow to cool.
  • Heat oil in dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers.
  • Add bacon and cook until bacon is rendered and beginning to crisp up.
  • Add onions, bell peppers and celery, cooking 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
  • Stir in thyme, garlic, paprika, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, stirring until fragrant.
  • Stir in 2 cups of broth.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 30 minutes.
  • Whisk together the melted butter with the remaining broth.
  • Slowly and gradually whisk the flour into the broth mixture until a smooth batter like paste is formed.
  • Increase heat to medium high.
  • SLOWLY whisk the paste into gumbo making sure each addition is COMPLETELY incorporated before adding more.
  • Stir in chicken pieces.
  • Simmer uncovered 25 minutes.
  • Discard bay leaves if using.
  • Stir sausage pieces and green onions into gumbo and slowly simmer 5 minutes to heat through.
  • Remove pot from heat and stir in vinegar.
  • Adjust seasonings.
  • Serve over rice with hot sauce.

NOTES:

  • When toasting the flour, obtaining the “cinnamon” color is key to the flavor.
  • I like to use cheesecloth seasoning bags for the bay leaves to make them easier to fish out at the end.  Bay leaves can also be eliminated with a thyme and oregano combination.  For each bay leaf substitute 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • Most recipes call for green pepper, but green pepper and I are NOT on speaking terms so I substitute mini peppers, one in each color, orange, red and yellow.

CREAMY CHILI CHICKEN

CREAMY CHILI CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER or STOVE TOP

Avocado oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup all purpose flour for dredging
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 large shallot, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch

STOVE TOP

  • Heat avocado oil over medium-high heat in a heavy or cast iron skillet.
  • Dredge in flour and generously season chicken pieces.
  • Add chicken pieces to pan searing 4-5 minutes until crisp.  Flip and sear second side.
  • Transfer chicken pieces to platter and keep warm.
  • Add shallot pieces and garlic to pan, sautéing 2-3 minutes.
  • Add wine and cook until almost evaporated, 5 minutes or so.
  • Add broth, chili sauce and bring to a simmer.
  • Whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch.
  • Cook 5 minutes until thickened.
  • Adjust seasoning and and serve over chicken and a side of mashed potatoes, rice or prepared noodles.

SLOW COOKER

  • Heat avocado oil over medium-high heat in a heavy or cast iron skillet.
  • Generously season chicken pieces.
  • Add chicken pieces searing 4-5 minutes until crisp.
  • Transfer chicken pieces to slow cooker.
  • Add shallot pieces and garlic to pan, sautéing 2-3 minutes.
  • Add wine and cook until almost evaporated, 5 minutes or so.
  • Add broth, half of chili sauce and bring to a simmer.
  • Pour around chicken in slow cooker.
  • Cook on low 4-6 hours.
  • Transfer chicken to platter and tent to keep warm.
  • Turn slow cooker to high.
  • Whisk together the remaining chili sauce, heavy cream and cornstarch.
  • Add to slow cooker and cook 15-30 minutes until thickened.
  • Adjust seasoning and and serve over chicken and a side of mashed potatoes, rice or prepared noodles.

CHURCH SUPPER RING

I wish I had taken a picture of the “WHOLE” ring, but never even thought about it for some reason. It does make an impressive looking presentation for a church potluck or even impromptu company. The best part is that any leftover filling makes a GREAT cold chicken salad!  Fill a pita and eat on the run 😀
CHURCH SUPPER RING serves 8-12

2 – 8 ounce tubes Pillsbury crescent rolls
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Heinz Chili sauce
1/2 cup chopped mini peppers
1 small bunch green onions, chopped
6 strips bacon, chopped, cooked and crumbled crisp
1 package Good Season’s Italian Salad dressing

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Spray 14 inch pizza pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Unroll crescent dough into 16 triangles.
    place the wide end of the triangle 3 inches from the edge of the pan with the point overhanging the edge of the pan. Repeat overlapping the corners and lightly pressing to secure edges until all pieces are used.
  • In a mixing bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, chili sauce and Italian seasoning mix until well blended.
  • Fold in chicken, cheese, onions, bacon pieces and peppers until mixed well.
  • Spoon chicken mixtures over the wide edges of the dough.
  • Fold tip up over chicken mixture and tuck under the edge pressing lightly to secure the dough.
  • Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cut into slices.

OVEN BBQ CHICKEN

OVEN BBQ CHICKEN

2 pounds chicken thighs and legs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

SAUCE
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
2 tablespoons molasses
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Line a large baking sheet with foil for easier clean up.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine ketchup, pineapple juice, vinegar, butter, lemon juice, molasses, brown sugar, garlic, chili powder, paprika, red pepper, salt and pepper.
  • Season chicken pieces with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dip each piece in sauce and place on baking sheet skin side up.
  • Bake 45-50 minutes or until temperature reads 170°, basting with reserve sauce every 15 minutes and at the end when you remove it from oven.  Tent with foil and allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve with remaining sauce.

SLOW COOKED COUNTRY CHICKEN & GRAVY

SLOW COOKED COUNTRY CHICKEN & GRAVY

Slow cooked Country Chicken and Gravy is TRULY what easy comfort food is all about!! It is  absolutely ahhh-mazing!

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet DRY chicken gravy mix
1 packet DRY Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix**(see notes)
1 – 10 oz. can cream of chicken soup**(see notes)
1 3/4 cups water or chicken broth**(see notes)
FRESH ground black pepper

  • Empty the gravy packets, cream of chicken soup, water and pepper in a slow cooker.
  • Whisk until the gravy is smooth.
  • Add chicken breasts in a single layer if possible.
  • Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
  • Serve over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes

NOTES:

  • You can interchange this packet for just about ANYTHING and get an entirely NEW dish. Try Hidden Valley Ranch, Pioneer Peppered Gravy or Lipton French Onion soup.
  • Try changing out the soup flavor also for a new and inventive flavor combination. Use cream of potato or cheddar cheese…
  • The chicken is so tender you can fork shred it into the sauce and make an entirely different dish!  Try adding some carrots or peas for color.
  • I usually have homemade chicken broth around and I prefer that over water. If I use broth I change this to 2 cups as the homemade broth has more body than store bought.
  • You can also add a quick cornstarch slurry at the end if you need to thicken up the sauce.

HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER

HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER

This recipe is ALWAYS a winner. Full of flavor and JUST spicy enough to please everyone at your dinner table.

8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped Thai basil

  • Lay chicken thighs into the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker.
  • Whisk liquid aminos, ketchup, honey, garlic, and basil together in a bowl; pour over the chicken.
  • Cook on Low for 4 hours.
  • Serve over rice or noodles.

NOTE:  To spice this up I use Jalapeno ketchup instead of plain.

CHICKEN BACON APPLE STRATA/BREAD PUDDING

This recipe is perfect for the FULL family weekend where you want to spend more time with the family than in the kitchen. This can be made well in advance and just be popped into the oven when needed. It’s the perfect recipe for either brunch OR supper! I adjusted the flavors from the original to our liking, but ALSO think that next time I will cut the bread into chucks and do it more like a bread pudding.

CHICKEN BACON APPLE STRATA
3/4 pound bacon, chopped
8 slices thick sandwich bread
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups whole milk
4 large eggs
FRESH ground salt and pepper
3/4 teaspoon creamy horseradish
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper toweling.
  • Spray a 10 inch spring form pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Arrange 4 slices of bread in the baking dish, cutting bread as necessary to form a single layer.
  • Arrange half the apples over the bread layer followed by the bacon pieces and cheddar cheese.
  • Top with chicken pieces in an even layer.
  • Top with remaining apples followed by the remaining.
  • Top with remaining bread slices.
  • Whisk together the milk, eggs, horseradish, salt and pepper. Pour over bread tops, pressing to submerge the bread into the egg mixture.
  • Cover with saran and refrigerate at LEAST 8 hours.

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • When ready to bake, top with the melted butter.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake 45-60 minutes until strata is puffed and golden brown.

PORTUGUESE PIRI PIRI CHICKEN – marinades for 24 hours – plan ahead

I’d been making a version of this chicken for years – I never knew it had a name 😀 After trying this version I adapted it to a mix of Karina’s and my recipes that is now my preferred method!

PORTUGUESE PIRI PIRI CHICKEN adapted from Karina at CafeDelites

MARINADE
1/2 cup avocado oil
1/3 cup BBQ sauce** (see below)
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon onion powder
Juice of FRESH LARGE lemon
2-4 teaspoons PIRI PIRI sauce or sriracha
1 teaspoon creamy horseradish
2 teaspoons FRESH ground salt
FRESH Cracked black pepper , to taste

  • Mix all of the marinade ingredients (except for the Piri Piri or Sriracha) together until well combined.
  • Mix in 2 teaspoons of Piri-Piri or Sriracha. Taste test, and work up from there until reaching your desired level of heat.
  • Using 3/4 of the marinade, coat the chicken evenly on the outside, as well as under the skin where possible (the breast especially), until fully coated in sauce.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate over night if time allows, but no less than 2 hours. The longer you leave it, the better the flavor.

CHICKEN
3 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste

  • When ready to cook, arrange oven shelf to the middle of the oven, and preheat to 400°.
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter top for 20 minutes to take the chill out of the chicken.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in an oven proof pan or well seasoned skillet over medium heat. When pan is hot, place the chicken, skin side down into the pan, and sear for a good 5-6 minutes, until the skin becomes golden browned. Flip and sear on the other side for 5 minutes more.
  • Add 1 more tablespoon of avocado oil to the remaining marinade, and pour half of it over the chicken. Use a basting brush to coat evenly.
  • Place the chicken in the preheated oven, and cook for 30 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear.
  • Once the chicken is done, baste with the pan drippings and serve with any remaining marinade to use as a dipping sauce.

NOTES**:

  • The BBQ sauce you use will make a HUGE difference in the flavor. I wouldn’t use an overly sweet one and prefer to make my own.
  • You can leave the sriracha out all together if you don’t want any heat at all.

BBQ SAUCE
2 cups ketchup
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
5 packed tablespoons light brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • In a large saucepan combine all the ingredients, stirring to blend.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for an hour, stirring frequently.

ROAST LEMON CHICKEN

ROAST LEMON CHICKEN
3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (breasts and thighs)
1/2 cup salt
1 teaspoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 heaping tablespoons WONDRA flour
1 cup chicken broth
Juice of 2 MEDIUM lemons
ZEST of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

  • Dissolve salt in 2 quarts of cold water.
  • Submerge chicken pieces in brine and refrigerate 1 hour.
  • Remove chicken and pat dry.

 

  • Preheat oven to 475°.
  • Heat oil in cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
  • Place chicken skin side down in skillet and cook 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove chicken from pan and wipe clean.
  • Add butter to skillet. When melted add the shallot and garlic until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle with flour, stirring until golden.
  • Slowly pour in broth and lemon juice, stirring until well blended. Bring to a simmer, cooking sauce until is slightly reduced and thickened to desired consistency.
  • Stir in most of the lemon zest and remove from heat.
  • Add chicken back into the sauce, turning to coat.
  • Transfer skillet to oven and bake uncovered 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove from oven and let stand, tented for 5 minutes.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes, spooning sauce around chicken and over the potatoes.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley.

NOTE: Pouring the sauce “AROUND” the chicken instead of “OVER” it when you put it in the oven keeps the skin crispier.  I then ladle a spoonful of sauce over it as I serve it.