HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.233

HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN
A quick and easy weeknight meal. The original recipe called for rice, but we prefer a good yaki soba noodle. We also like to use some butternut squash now and then or whatever veggies I have in the drawer that need used up. Enjoy and adapt this delicious and easy Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan to your liking!

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1/4 cup QUALITY teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup QUALITY honey
1/4 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup cooked rice or yaki soba noodles
1/2 cup chopped broccoli or diced butternut squash
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed then sliced
Sliced red onion

  • Preheat your oven to 400°.
  • Lightly spray baking sheet with non-stick baking spray.
  • In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and red pepper flakes.
  • Add the chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour.
  • Place the chicken, pineapple chunks, rice (if using), broccoli, butternut squash and red bell pepper on a large baking sheet.
  • Bake 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

NOTES:

  • For a spicier dish, add MORE red pepper flakes to the marinade. If using yaki soba noodles add them during the last 10 minutes.

CHICKEN SAUSAGE PARMESAN SOUP ~ BLOG 365.224

Don’t forget the crunch with homemade croutons! I adapted this recipe from Pampered Chef.

CHICKEN SAUSAGE PARMESAN SOUP serves 6

2 cups French bread cubes *
2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
3 tablespoons Pampered Chef Garlic & Herb Rub, divided
1½ cups homemade chicken stock
Parmesan rind from freezer, optional
3 green onions, diced
2 cups marinara sauce
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, undrained
2 links mild Italian sausage
2½ cups diced rotisserie chicken pieces
3 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
1/2 cup FRESH grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

  • Toss the bread cubes, oil and 1 tablespoon of the rub together.
  • Bake bread cubes, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until they begin to brown, stirring every few minutes.
  • Sprinkle with FINELY grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Remove from oven and let cool.
  • Remove casings from sausage and brown with onions in large sauce pan until cooked through and completely crumbled.
  • Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  • Stir in the stock, remaining tablespoon of Garlic Herb rub, marinara sauce, tomatoes and chicken, simmering for 15-20 minutes.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
  • Top the soup with half of the mozzarella and sprinkle with croutons.
  • Let stand, covered, for 2–3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Serve with remaining croutons.

NOTE:

  • I make my croutons out of croissant bread I buy at Costco.
  • I also use a frozen rind of Parmesan if making my marinara from scratch.

CHEESY CHICKEN CHILAQUILES ~ BLOG 365.219

This Mexican classic gets an update as a layered casserole.

CHEESY CHICKEN CHILAQUILES

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon Pampered Chef Southwestern Seasoning Mix or taco seasoning
1 tablespoon butter

1 3/4 cups salsa verde
3/4 cup homemade chicken broth
3/4 cup chopped FRESH cilantro
12 cups authentic restaurant-style tortilla chips (see notes) OR**
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup crumbled queso fresco (4 ounces)
Sour cream or crema (optional)

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Melt butter in stoneware baker for 2-3 minutes while you are preparing chicken.
  • Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces.
  • Combine chicken and seasoning; mix well.
  • Spread chicken evenly over bottom of stoneware baker.
  • Bake 10-15 minutes until cooked through, stirring to separate chicken occasionally. Drain WELL and set chicken aside.
  • Whisk salsa and broth together.
  • Arrange half of the tortilla chips over bottom of the baker, breaking chips; top with half each of the chicken, salsa mixture and Jack cheese.
  • Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the cilantro.
  • Repeat layers one time ending with Jack cheese.
  • Return to the oven covered for 10-15 minutes or until cheeses are melted and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cilantro and Cotija cheese.
  • Serve with sour cream, if desired.

NOTES:

  • Authentic Mexican restaurant-style tortilla chips are thicker than other types of chips and keep their texture in this casserole. I used 2-2 cup bags of Fresh Gourmet Tortilla Strips.

PEPPERONCINI CHICKEN & RICE ~ BLOG 365.217

This is a quick weeknight version of Mississippi Chicken that is normally done in the slow cooker. The rice is creamy, yet sweet and vinegary from the pepperoncinis. This is my favorite way of infusing a ton of flavor into rice. The rice makes a wonderful side dish even if you don’t make the chicken.

PEPPERONCINI CHICKEN & RICE adapted from delish.com

4 (6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded evenly thin
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
FRESH ground sea salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 LARGE shallot, chopped 
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup long-grain Jasmine rice, rinsed
1/2 cup pepperoncini liquid from jar
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncinis

  • Melt avocado oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet.
  • Season chicken pieces all over with garlic powder, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Add chicken pieces to skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Add remaining butter to pan and stir until melted.
  • Add onion and garlic, cooking and stirring 5-6 minutes until onions are softened and beginning to caramelize.
  • Add rice, stirring 1-2 minutes until warmed.
  • Add pepperoncini liquid and sauté a 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid is evaporated.
  • Add broth, half-and-half, oregano and red pepper.
  • Return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring often, until rice is tender and cooked through. 
  • Transfer chicken to platter.
  • Stir in mozzarella and pepperoncinis until cheese is melted.
  • Return chicken to skillet and serve immediately.

MORTON’S CHICKEN CHRISTOPHER ~ BLOG 365.212

MORTON’S CHICKEN CHRISTOPHER adapted

Buttery rich garlic sauce over crispy tender boneless chicken makes this the PERFECT recipe that’s as delicious for company as it is a weeknight family dinner.

SCRUMPTIOUS is the only word necessary to describe this recipe. I’ve only slightly adapted their original recipe to our likes.

CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless thin cut chicken breasts
1/2 cup WONDRA flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 LARGE eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup FINE breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons avocado oil

  • Generously season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

  • Dredge chicken in flour, followed by beaten eggs and then bread crumbs.
Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • When butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts to the pan, cooking 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken and set it aside, keeping it warm.

SAUCE
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup thin sliced green onions
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup homemade chicken broth
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish

  • 
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.
  • Add the sliced green onions, minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, simmering 2–3 minutes.
  • Add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Place the cooked chicken breasts on a serving platter and pour the garlic butter sauce over the top.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Serve immediately over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce.

FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BAKE ~ BLOG 365.210

FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BAKE – Yield 6 servings

French onion soup in chicken form – YUMMY! Complete with some cheesy toast on top.

1 LARGE onion, sliced thin
¼ cup homemade chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
2 + 2 teaspoons Pampered Chef 3 onion dip mix 
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated and divided
½ teaspoon FINELY chopped lemon thyme leaves
6 slices French bread
Chopped parsley, optional

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.
  • Place the onion slices, broth, 2 tablespoons butter and pepper in baking dish.
  • Cover and bake for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized.
  • Season the chicken with 2 teaspoons of the dip mix.
  • Stir the remaining dip mix into the caramelized onions.
  • Place the chicken on top of the onions.
  • Top with 1/2 cup of the cheese.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Combine the remaining butter with the thyme.
  • Spread onto the bread slices and place them on baking sheet.
  • Top with the remaining grated cheese.
  • During the last 8-10 minutes of cooking, place the baking sheet with the toast on top of the chicken’s baking dish.
  • Cook until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Top the chicken with parsley, if desired and serve immediately.

NOTE: In a pinch you can substitute 1.3 ounce Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix, but it’s not my favorite option.

 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU PLANS & RECIPES week 30 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.209

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Good morning friends!! I am trying to get around and visit more, but I honestly have almost no spare time with everything going on. I certainly expect things to change after this sale is over!

Things are coming together for the estate sale FINALLY! Friends & Family day is a soft open on Thursday and then we are going to streamline the sale with just Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week and Friday and Saturday next week. We will be listing a few things on Craig’s list and Facebook Marketplace trying to sell EVERYTHING with nothing left over.

I have kept up with my Eagle’s duties and now with the BBQ ThrowDown (I’m still waiting to hear the scholarship totals) behind us, I can actually breathe a little better. We do have the Blackberry Festival coming up, but that will be a piece of cake by comparison and is literally the weekend before we go away so it will be a fun intro to our trip. My only duties for the festival are helping a girlfriend with one of the breakfast items she’ll be serving at her bar and grill. I’ll talk more on that next week as we are still perfecting the recipe, but I promise you it will be awesome!!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

This week will be pretty boring weather wise and that’s just okay by me! Highs this week will be between 82° and 89° with lows between 56° and 59° making it almost perfect weather with cool evenings and mornings with just a few hours of actual heat in the afternoons.

ON MY MIND

Honestly? I have too much on my mind, but I’m choosing to trust that things will work out just the way they are supposed to! I’m trying VERY hard NOT to overthink anything or worry too much.

I do know that we have an anniversary coming up and we are NOT going to postpone the few days we had planned at the coast no matter what comes up. We have already postponed EVERYTHING the past several months during my step dad’s illness and we need a break so we can breathe better!!!!

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was quite productive yesterday and did 4 loads of laundry as well as cleaned window tracks and blinds as well as vacuumed so I will be working in the garage today trying to finish pricing and organizing things for the estate sale.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I literally only need a few things and will work them into my Eagle’s and OFFYCE shopping on Tuesday.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS No real projects other than the estate sale, but will be going to the coast in 3 weeks. 😊
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING this is a category I NEED to get serious about soon. I’m running out of menu plans 😂
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • We did watch a Gerard Butler movie that was pretty good. It’s a few years old, but I’d never heard of it, PLANE. We also watched STAR TREK INSURRECTION and that was pretty good too.

READING TIME

I’m trying to finish THE GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley, but keep falling asleep 2 paragraphs in 🙂

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

7/28 MONDAY
7/29 TUESDAY
7/30 WEDNESDAY
7/31 THURSDAY
8/1 FRIDAY
8/2 SATURDAY
8/3 SUNDAY
DINNER
BURRITO BAKE 
BRISKET in a  BISCUIT with JALAPENO BLACKBERRY JAM 
 TUSCAN HERB CHICKEN
 FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BAKE
 CHICKEN CHILAQUILES
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
PEPPERONCINI CHICKEN & RICE
DESSERT
 
MAGIC BLONDIES
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My tomatoes are going crazy!!!! And they are sooooooo sweet this year. This was last night’s haul and the haul from the day before was just as good. The little Sugar Rush grape tomatoes are the ones we snack on while watching TV at night.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BAKE
  • MORTON’S CHICKEN CHRISTOPHER

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.198

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN adapted from Molly Yeh

BRINE
3 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons kosher salt 
FRESHLY ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon sugar 
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne 
3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced 
3 sprigs fresh thyme 
3 1/2-pounds chicken pieces (all thighs or a mixture of legs, thighs and breasts works really well)

  • Combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, sugar, cayenne, garlic and thyme in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag or tupperware container.
  • Add the chicken pieces, turning to coat well.
  • Squeeze out the excess air, then seal and refrigerate overnight.
  • When you’re ready to fry the chicken, remove from the refrigerator and return to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

FRYING
Neutral oil, for frying
2 1/2 cups AP flour 
1/2 cup cornstarch 
1 tablespoon sweet paprika  
2 teaspoons baking powder 
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne 

FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup buttermilk 

  • Heat 2 to 3 inches peanut oil in a medium Dutch oven or large cast-iron skillet to 350°.
  • Set racks on two rimmed baking sheets and keep one next to the stove.
  • Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, baking powder, garlic powder, salt and cayenne in a large bowl.
  • Remove the chicken from the brine one piece at a time and dredge well in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
  • Set the chicken skin-side up on a rack.
  • When the oil reaches 350°, lightly dredge the thighs and legs again.
  • Continue to fry the chicken 4 more minutes, making sure the oil maintains at around 330°.
  • Turn and continue to fry 4-6 minutes more until both sides are crisp and deep golden and the interior of a thigh reads 165°. The chicken will take 10-12 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken to the second rack to drain.
  • Return the oil temperature to 350°.
  • Lightly dredge the breast pieces again and fry as you did the thighs, turning halfway through, 10 to 12 minutes in all. Drain on the rack with the other pieces.
  • Transfer to a serving platter.

 

GREEN PEA CASSEROLE ~ BLOG 365.177

This makes a wonderful side dish. I have been known to add rotisserie chicken pieces and serve it at a church social or potluck dinner.

GREEN PEA CASSEROLE

2 – 10 ounce bags frozen peas, thawed (5 cups)
1 LARGE celery rib, diced
1/2 cup DUKE’s mayonnaise
1/2 Vidalia onion, chopped
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 – 6 ounce stuffing mix packet (I like Mrs Cubbisons)

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a large bowl mix everything except the stuffing mix all together.
  • Transfer to a greased 11×7-in baking dish.
  • Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions.
  • Spread over pea mixture.
  • Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes until lightly browned.

PAN FRIED CHICKEN IN SHERRY MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE ~ BLOG 365.149

This is one of my favorite ways to serve a quick and easy pan fried chicken. It’s sweet, savory and elegant when need be.

PAN FRIED CHICKEN in SHERRY MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, flattened to 1/4 inch
1/4 cup WONDRA flour
3 + 1 tablespoons butter
1 LARGE clove garlic, FINELY minced
2 tablespoons FINELY sliced green onions
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup dry sherry
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon FRESH minced tarragon
1/4 teaspoon paprika

  • Season chicken breasts with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge chicken breasts in flour.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add chicken and sear 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Remove chicken and keep warm.
  • Add additional butter and when melted add, garlic, onions and mushrooms. Saute 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in cream and sherry until well blended. Simmer 10 minutes until reduced 25% and starting to thicken.
  • Add paprika, tarragon and adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Plate chicken, ladle sauce over and serve immediately.

SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.140

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is made of everything addicting and delicious! This chicken has it all ~ bacon, ooey gooey cheese, cream cheese and flavored with ranch dressing seasoning mix.

SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 ounce packet ranch seasoning mix
16 ounces cream cheese, cut into quarters
8 slices bacon, diced, cooked and crumbled
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions

  • LIGHTLY spray sloow cooker insert with non stick spray.
  • Add the chicken to the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle over the ranch seasoning mix.
  • Place the cream cheese on top of the chicken.

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours WITHOUT opening the lid during the cooking time.

  • Shred the chicken with 2 forks.
  • Stir the cooked cream cheese into the shredded chicken.
  • Add the bacon pieces.
  • Spread out into an even layer.
  • Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.
  • Reduce to warm, top with green onions and cover for 10 more minutes to allow the cheddar cheese to melt.
  • 
Serve over rice or baked potatoes, on a sandwich roll or even over a salad.

NOTE: Use a spicy ranch packet or pepperoncinis or 1 SMALL diced jalapeno for added spice. Lipton Soup makes a Savory Herb version that is also a great substitute for the Hidden Valley Ranch.

SALSA VERDE CHICKEN CASSEROLE ~ BLOG 365.121

SALSA VERDE CHICKEN CASSEROLE
1 tablespoon butter
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Hatch chile seasoning
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup chunky salsa
3/4 cup salsa verde
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup FRESH chopped cilantro
2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese
2 green onions, sliced thin
1 small mini red pepper, diced
1 can Green Giant Mexican corn, drained well
8 corn tortillas
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS – avocado slices, sliced green onions, FRESH chopped cilantro, sour cream or guacamole

  • Melt butter in a medium skillet.
  • Season chicken breasts on both sides with the Hatch chile season and FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sear chicken on both sides 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
  • Shred chicken into small pieces.
  • Combine chunky salsa and salsa verde until well blended.
  • In a mixing bowl combine chicken pieces, corn, 3/4 cup salsa mix, green onions and pepper pieces with the sour cream.
  • Spread 1/4 cup of the salsa mixture on the bottom of an 8 inch greased baking dish.
  • Layer half the tortillas on top of salsa.
  • Spread half the chicken mixture over the tortillas followed by half the cheese.
  • Repeat layers ending with remaining salsa and a couple pepper rings for color.
  • Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
  • Serve with additional toppings.

NOTE: This recipe converts well to a dip or “loose” casserole that I often serve over tortilla chips. I find the leftovers keep better that way.