COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP (COPY CAT CHICK-FIL-A) ~ BLOG 365.197B

COPY CAT CHICK-FIL-A CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 medium Vidalia onion, FINELY chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced or 2 tablespoons Garden Gourmet garlic paste
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
3-15 ounce cans cannellini beans – reserve 1 can
2-10 ounce cans Rotel original diced tomatoes
15 ounce can cream-style corn
2 cans Green Giant white shopper whole kernel corn
1 15 ounce can BUSH’S seasoned black beans
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
Juice of 1 LARGE lime

GARNISH
1 LARGE lime, sliced for serving
Tortilla strips or chips – for topping
Sour cream, for serving
Shredded cheese, for serving
Avocado slices, for serving

  • In a large stock pot melt avocado oil.
  • Add onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  • Stir in cumin, oregano, and sea salt.
  • Add 2 cans UNDRAINED cannellini beans to a blender and puree. Reserve the remaining 1 can cannellini beans to add to the soup later for whole beans. Stir the pureed beans into the pot.
  • Add both cans of rotted tomatoes, cream-style corn, and shopped corn corn to the pot. Do not drain any of the cans.
  • Add shredded chicken from one whole roasted or rotisserie chicken to the pot.
  • Gently stir in the remaining can of cannellini and black beans, stirring to combine.
  • Let the soup SLOW simmer 20-30 minutes over medium-low heat until fully heated through.
  • Add juice of 1 lime and season to taste.
  • Top with tortilla strips, , shredded cheese, lime slices and a dollop of sour cream to serve.

NOTES:

  • Do not drain any of the cans of their liquid or the texture of your creamy chicken tortilla soup will not come out right!
  • Top with sliced avocado, fresh lime, tortilla strips, sour cream, cheese, and other toppings as desired. It’s delicious!

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SCALLOPED POTATOES ~ BLOG 365.197A

Upgrade this classic potato side dish with the flavors of a decadent chicken cordon bleu creating a creamy and cheesy comfort dish.

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SCALLOPED POTATOES serves 8

1 tablespoon butter
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
6 ounces cooked tavern ham (see notes)
3 pounds gold potatoes washed well
2 LARGE shallots, diced
10 ounces Mozzarella/Provolone shredded cheese mix
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons chopped thyme (FRESH if you have it)
2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease a 13×9 baking pan.
  • Heat butter in non-stick skillet.
  • Cook chicken breast over medium heat until cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • In the same pan add the shallots and quickly sear to brown.
  • Whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, thyme, mustard and FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  • Dice ham and chicken and set it aside.
  • Slice potatoes thinly. A mandolin will make quick work and even slices.
  • Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce on the bottom of the baking dish and start layering a third of the potatoes. Don’t stack the potatoes but rather overlap a little bit if you have to.
  • Spread half of the diced chicken and diced ham over potatoes, evenly.
  • Spread a third of cheese mix over the the meat.
  • Sprinkle some salt on top.
  • Drizzle some cream mixture over the cheese.
  • Repeat the second and third layers ending with cheese.
  • Tent with foil and bake for 60 minutes or so until potatoes are for tender, turning half way through. Remove foil at the 45 minute mark.

NOTES:

  • Use leftover holiday ham (I like a nice tender country tavern style ham). This recipe can also be made with ALL ham or ALL chicken with great success. Bacon also substitutes well in a pinch. Be sure to dice it and cook it until it crumbles.
  • In a pinch shredded or diced Ore ida potatoes work well also.
  • You can also substitute sharper cheeses for a flavor change.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ PEPPERED PARMESAN CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD BOWLS~ BLOG 365.183C

PEPPERED PARMESAN CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD BOWLS

2 cups FINELY shredded Parmesan cheese
FRESH ground tricolor pepper, to taste

  • In a small bowl toss cheese and pepper.
  • Invert a muffin tin on the counter top.
  • Heat a small non-stick 6 inch skillet over medium heat.
  • Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese mixture over skillet bottom.
  • Cook uncovered 1-2 minutes until bubble and edges are turning golden.
  • Cool off heat for 30-60 seconds.
  • Carefully slide cheese circle over muffin tin to form a bowl.
  • Let cool and repeat with remaining cheese until you have 8 bowls.

4 cups chopped romaine
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 1/2 cups finely chopped chicken
1/2 cup crushed salad croutons, flavor of choice or homemade
1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing

  • In a large bowl toss salad ingredients with Caesar dressing.
  • Serve in cheese bowls.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ EDDIE & JOY’S ORANGE CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.176A

This is a compilation of two separate antique recipes that I combined and brought into the 21st century. It was a HUGE hit with my family!

EDDIE and JOY’s ORANGE CHICKEN

2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into large pieces
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup WONDRA flour
12 ounces orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup homemade chicken bone broth
1/2 cup cream sherry
2 tablespoons Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1 LARGE shallot, FINELY chopped
2 teaspoons FRESH grated ginger or 1 teaspoon Garden Gourmet ginger paste
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped lemon thyme
1 orange, halved and sliced

  • Combine orange juice, bone broth, cream sherry, liquid aminos and brown sugar in large sauce pan, heating to combine until sugar is dissolved and heated through.
  • Melt butter in large skillet.
  • Generously season chicken pieces with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge lightly in WONDRA flour.
  • Quickly sear chicken pieces on all sides. Set chicken pieces aside. Keep warm.
  • Add shallots, garlic and thyme to pan, cooking a couple minutes until shallots are soft and garlic is fragrant.
  • Add sauce and rice to pan, slow simmering 10-15 minutes until rice is tender and sauce is slightly reduced and beginning to thicken.
  • Nestle chicken and orange pieces into pan, simmering 5-10 minutes more to heat through.
  • Serve immediately.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ MARRY ME CHICKEN DIP ~ BLOG 365.162B

I LOVE to make Marry Me Chicken for guests, but even better is this dip version! Marry Me Chicken Dip is creamy, rich, cheesy, and packed with some serious flavor!! The tender chicken pieces and sun-dried tomatoes give this recipe its OOMPH. It’s the PERFECT, yet an easy to make party appetizer that comes together quickly and disappears fast. Great for EVERY game day or holiday.

MARRY ME CHICKEN DIP

1 ½ cups rotisserie chicken pieces, small chopped
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups FINELY shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup FINELY shredded Parmesan cheese
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained well and chopped **see note
1 cup FRESH chopped spinach (optional)
FRESH chopped basil for garnish, optional

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth using a hand mixer.
  • Add in 1 cup of the Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt, mixing until well combined.
  • Fold in the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and shredded chicken until evenly combined.
  • Spread mixture into medium baking dish (round or 9×9 inch) or large cast iron skillet and smooth into an even layer.
  • Top with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • Broil for 1 minute, or until the cheese on top is golden brown.
  • Garnish with extra sun-dried tomatoes and FRESH chopped basil before serving.
  • Serve with crackers, toasted bread pieces or tortilla chips.

NOTES:

  • Roasted Red Peppers substitute really well for sun dried tomatoes in a pinch.
  • The dip makes a wonderful sandwich when served on croissants.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ LEMON ROAST CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.148B

LEMON ROAST CHICKEN – serves 4

A mouthwatering and juicy oven baked chicken made with simple seasonings and oven roasted to crispy perfection. I like to prep it a couple hours before baking and let seasonings soak in to meld flavors. I also like to serve it with roasted broccolini and a parsley rice for balance. I also remove it from the refrigerator 45 minutes before roasting to bring it to room temperature.

4 chicken leg quarters
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper
FRESH ground sea salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoons FRESH minced Parsley
3-4 lemons, sliced

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Spray baking sheet/pan with non stick spray.
  • In a small bowl whisk together all dry ingredients with the melted butter.
  • Trim chicken leg quarters of any excess skin and fat, then pat dry with paper towels.
  • Generously brush both sides of chicken quarters with butter mixture.
  • Arrange skin side up in the baking sheet.
  • Arrange sliced lemons on and around chicken pieces.
  • Bake in oven 35 to 45 minutes or until cooked through.
  • When chicken is done, remove the pan from the oven and let rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve over prepared rice, spooning pan drippings over top.

NOTE:

  • Dark meat such as chicken quarters greatly benefit from cooking to higher internal temps. By removing from oven with internal temperature of 185°, the temperature will continue to rise to 190-195° (which is your actual target temperature) as it rests creating a much juicier and tastier chicken.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SKILLET ~ BLOG 365.148A

HUGE flavor and all in one pan with minimal time effort gets a delicious, hearty meal on the table on the busiest night or for a casual get together in record time.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SKILLET serves 4-6

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, (6 pieces)
1 + 1 teaspoons Pampered Chef Street Corn Seasoning Mix or Chile lime
1 onion, chopped
½ cup Peppadew peppers
15 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
15 ounce can fire roasted corn, drained
4 oz. (1 cup) grated Colby jack cheese
Taco-size tortillas, Optional for Serving
Chopped cilantro, Optional for Serving
Salsa, Optional for Serving
Lime wedges, Optional for Serving
Guacamole, Optional for Serving
Sour Cream, Optional for Serving
Pampered Chef Cilantro-Lime Rice Meal Mix (prepared according to the package), optional

  • Heat the oil 2–3 minutes over medium heat in deep skillet.
  • Season both sides of the chicken thighs with half of the seasoning mix.
  • Sear the chicken 5–6 minutes, or until they release easily.
  • Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet.
  • Add the onion, cooking 6-7 minutes until softened.
  • Add the tomatoes, beans, corn, and remaining seasoning mix; stirring to combine.
  • Nestle the chicken into the pan along with any juices.
  • Top each piece of chicken with cheese.
  • Sprinkle Peppadew peppers around chicken pieces.
  • Cover with the lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the chicken, cooking 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Serve over Cilantro-Lime Rice or in warmed tortillas and topped as desired with cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream and guacamole.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ SWEET CHILI GLAZED CHICKEN on SLIDERS or with YAKISOBA NOODLES~ BLOG 365.134B

This recipe is inspired by PANDA EXPRESSES Orange chicken.

SWEET CHILI GLAZED CHICKEN SLIDERS
3-4 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 pound TYSON frozen fully-cooked breaded chicken tenders, prepared
12 ounces Panda Express Sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1 tablespoon chili paste
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup minced carrots
1/4 cup FINELY minced celery

3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoon Garden Gourmet cilantro paste
1/4 cup THINLY sliced red onion
12 KING’S Hawaiian dinner rolls
1 tablespoon butter

  • Add garlic, butter and oil in a cold large skillet and cook 3-5 minutes over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the garlic becomes golden brown.
  • Chop the breaded chicken tenders into small pieces and set aside.
  • Once the garlic is golden brown, stir in the orange marmalade, liquid aminos, sweet chili sauce, cilantro paste and chili paste, cooking over medium heat 2-3 minutes until well combined. Reserve 2 tablespoons of sauce before adding chicken, celery, carrots and green onions.
  • Add the chicken, carrots and green onions.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, cooking 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Halve the dinner rolls with a serrated knife, portion into serving amounts and set the bottoms on a serving platter.
  • Adjust seasoning.
  • Top bottoms with chicken mixture.
  • Add THINLY sliced red onions.
  • Whisk together the melted butter and reserved chili mixture.
  • Top with roll tops and brush lightly with butter chili mixture.
  • Serve Immediately.

NOTE: This is also WONDERFUL with Yakisoba noodles in a bowl!

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHICKEN PARMESAN SLIDER BAKE ~ BLOG 365.127C

CHICKEN PARMESAN SLIDER BAKE – serves 6

12 pack KING’S Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or 1 1/2 pounds prepared frozen chicken tenders**SEE NOTE
3/4 cup FRESH Marinara sauce
8 ounce FRESH grated Mozzarella or Provolone slices

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line a 9 x 9 or 9 x 13 baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
  • Use a long serrated knife to slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, lengthwise, so you have a slab of rolls. Don’t pull the rolls apart or individually slice them because you want the rolls to be completely connected.
  • Place the roll bottoms side in the prepared pan.
  • 
Layer the shredded rotisserie chicken or prepared chicken tenders over the rolls.
  • Place marinara sauce over all of the chicken. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese or a layer of provolone slices.

GARLIC BUTTER
1/2 cup butter
3 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon FRESH minced parsley
2 Tablespoons FRESH chopped basil
1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons FRESHLY grated Parmesan Cheese

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
  • Add the minced garlic, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese.
  • Evenly brush the butter mixture all over the roll tops.

  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
  • Uncover and bake for 3 to 5 minutes more.
  • Serve hot!

NOTE:

  • The 2 different types of chicken make for entirely different textures, but both are really good!
  • Definitely a knife and fork sandwich.
  • Slightly freezing the mozzarella ball before grating makes it easier to to shred.

 

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CORN CHILE CHICKEN RELLENO SOUFFLE ~ BLOG 365.120B

This souffle is PERFECT for a weeknight meal or a holiday brunch.

CORN CHILE CHICKEN RELLENO SOUFFLE serves 3-4

1 LARGE can Hatch chopped green chiles, drained
1 can Green Giant Mexicorn
1 small jalapeno, de-seeded and small diced, optional

1 SMALL can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch green onions, sliced – reserve some for garnish
1 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1 cup + 1/2 cup FRESH grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup JIFFY baking mix
1 cup WHOLE milk
1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
Salsa, garnish
Sour cream, garnish
Olives, optional garnish

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Lightly grease 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
  • Spread green chiles, green onions, corn, black beans and jalapenos if using.
  • Sprinkle with chicken pieces.
  • Sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese.
  • Whisk together the eggs, biscuit mix, milk and pepper until smooth.
  • Fold in cottage cheese until well blended.
  • Pour mixture over top ingredients already in baking dish.
  • Top with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake 50-60 minutes until golden brown, puffy and cooked through.
  • Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve with Salsa, sour cream, sliced green onions and optional olives.

NOTE:

  • Recipe easily doubles for a 9×13 baking dish.
  • UNBAKED casserole can be covered and refrigerated for several hours or overnight before baking. Bring to room temperature before baking while you’re preheating oven. May require a bit more time baking.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ SAGE BROWN BUTTER LEMON CHICKEN PASTA ~ BLOG 365.106C

SAGE BROWN BUTTER LEMON CHICKEN PASTA Serves 4

Simple ingredients combined in the most flavorful way is what makes this an especially flavorful recipe that is just as perfect for company as it is a weeknight. One of my favorite flavors is the FRESH lemon combined with the browned butter and crispy sage finished with a pinch of salt for perfection.

8 ounces QUALITY pasta, cooked al dente (1 minute less than the package directions)
3 tablespoons butter
6 sage leaves
1/2 pound FRESH green beans

2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
1 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup FRESH & FINELY grated Pecorino cheese
1/2 cup FRESH & FINELY grated Parmesan cheese, plus a bit for garnish

  • Prepare spaghetti as directed. Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
  • In a large skillet melt the butter.
  • Add green beans, stirring and cooking 5 minutes until green beans start to soften.
  • Add sage leaves and garlic.
  • Season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, cooking 5-6 minutes until sage leaves are crispy and butter is browning. Reserve a couple sage leaves for garnish.
  • Add chicken pieces, stirring to combine and heating through.
  • Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Pecorino and pasta, tossing to coat well.
  • Gradually add enough of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
  • Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
  • Serve immediately with a garnish of reserved sage leaves, FRESH ground black pepper and Parmesan cheese.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ BUTTERMILK CHICKEN CORN PASTA ~ BLOG 365.106B

I saw a recipe in a Bon appetit magazine for BUTTERMILK CORN PASTA that called for buttermilk powder. It also called for FRESH corn on the cob that just can’t be found at this time of year easily. I really wanted to make the recipe so I substituted a few ingredients to create this version.

Their recipe called for boiling 3 corn cobs to create a corn water that the pasta is then cooked al dente in. The corn water is the secret ingredient aka liquid gold flavor.

BUTTERMILK CHICKEN CORN PASTA

2-12 ounce packages or 3 cans fire roasted corn
FRESH ground sea salt, to taste
12 ounces of your favorite small pasta
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
1 SMALL jalapeno, thinly sliced or diced
1/4 cup basil chiffonades
1 1/2-2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
½ teaspoon Ancho chile powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup Mexican sour cream
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
½ cup cotija cheese, plus more for topping

  • Add 1 bag of corn to 4 cups of salted water.
  • Bring to SLOW boil and boil 10 minutes.
  • Puree corn with an immersion blender into the water.
  • Using a mesh colander strain the corn water into another pan and bring to a boil.
  • Add pasta and cook al dente (1 minute less than package directions).
  • Drain, reserving 2 cups of corn water. Set pasta aside.
  • Melt butter in a deep pan over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about one minute.
  • Add the corn, salt and spices cooking and stirring occasionally 4-5 minutes, until the corn has completely thawed and is tender.
  • Stir in chicken pieces.
  • Whisk together the sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice and 1 cup of the reserved corn pasta water. Stir, adding more pasta water as necessary, until a creamy sauce forms.
  • Stir in the cotija cheese.
  • Serve immediately.

NOTE:

  • Taco seasoning to taste is a great substitute for the individual seasonings.
  • If using canned corn, drain first and use corn “juice” in pasta water.