Tag: CHICKEN

CHICKEN in BACON RANCH GRAVY ala SLOW COOKER

This is a wonderful fall or winter recipe!

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN with BACON GRAVY serves 4
adapted from Sarah Olson

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground pepper, to taste
4 sprigs FRESH thyme
2 bunches green onions, sliced thin
2-4 cloves garlic, minced
6-8 slices bacon, diced and cooked crisp
1 Pioneer country gravy packet dry mix DO NOT PREPARE PER PACKAGE
1 Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing packet dry mix DO NOT PREPARE PER PACKAGE
2 1/4 cups water
1 cup heavy cream

  • Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray.
  • Add the chicken to the slow cooker.
  • Generously salt and pepper the chicken breasts.
  • Add the garlic, green onions and bacon.
  • Lay thyme sprigs on top.
  • Whisk together the gravy mix and ranch dressing packets water until smooth.
  • Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
  • Remove the chicken and shred with 2 forks.
  • Stir heavy cream into gravy mixture until well blended.
  • Return chicken to gravy mixture and stir to coat well.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes.

 

CHEESY ARTICHOKE CHICKEN

CHEESY ARTICHOKE CHICKEN serves 2

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin (1/8 inch)
6 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained WELL and chopped small
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
2 green onions, sliced thin
4 thin slices Provolone cheese
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a small bowl combine artichoke heart pieces, parsley, garlic and green onions.
  • Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • Top each chicken breast with 2 cheese slices.
  • Top cheese with artichoke mixture and spread evenly.
  • Roll up chicken and secure with toothpicks.
  • In an ovenproof skillet heat avocado oil and turning frequently sear chicken bundles until golden.
  • Place skillet in preheated oven until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  • Let stand 5 minutes.
  • Slice into roulades and serve with pasta or mashed potatoes.

 

LEMON FIZZ CHICKEN

LEMON FIZZ CHICKEN serves 2
1/3 cup cooked white rice
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon creamy horseradish
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped chives
1 tablespoon QUALITY honey
3 tablespoons avocado oil, divided 2+1
2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
1/4 cup 7 UP
1 tablespoon Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 1/2 + 1 1/2
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if you like it a bit more spicy)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 + 2 tablespoons heavy cream

  • Whisk together lemon juice, honey, horseradish and chives until completely blended.
  • Generously salt and pepper both sides of chicken.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in skillet over medium high heat.
  • Dredge chicken in flour.
  • Saute’ chicken breasts until JUST golden on both sides, about 2 minutes per side based on thickness.
  • Transfer chicken to plate.
  • Deglaze pan with 7 UP, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Reduce heat.
  • Add 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, liquid aminos and red pepper flakes, whisking to blend.
  • Add honey mixture, blending again until smooth.
  • Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
  • Return chicken to pan, turning to coat. Cover and simmer on low until syrupy, about 5 minutes.
  • Add Parmesan cheese, cream and 1 1/2 tablespoons butter to warm rice, using fork to mix and fluff.
  • Plate rice, top with chicken and pour sauce over top.

 

TAHITIAN CHICKEN

TAHITIAN CHICKEN

1 pound chicken tenders
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup WONDRA flour
3/4 teaspoon season salt
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 cup peach preserves
1/4 cup Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce (A1 works to)
2 tablespoons Bragg’s amino acids
1 small onion, cut in half moon rings
1 red pepper, cut into strips
2-8 ounce cans water chestnuts
Prepared rice

  • Whisk together the Wondra flour and season salt.
  • Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Dredge chicken tenders in flour mixture.
  • Brown chicken pieces in butter 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper toweling.

 

  • In a small bowl whisk together the peach preserves, all purpose sauce and amino acids.
  • Add onion pieces and red pepper, tossing to coat.
  • Return chicken pieces to skillet.
  • Spoon sauce over top of chicken.
  • Cook covered over low heat for 15 minutes.
  • Add water chestnuts and cook 10 minutes more.
  • Serve over hot rice.

LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN

LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN
The lemon cream sauce mixed with fresh vegetables, garlic and Parmesan cheese team up perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken for a delectable savory meal that will have you coming back for second helpings!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tablespoon sweet paprika
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2+1
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small bunch green onions, sliced
10-12 button mushrooms, sliced thin
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 Tablespoons fresh chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
Juice of 1 lemon
Splash of dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Fresh ground salt and pepper, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper and paprika. Set aside.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-proof skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the chicken and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.
    While the chicken is resting melt remaining butter in the skillet.
  • Add onions and mushrooms, sautéing until soft and mushrooms are beginning to caramelize.
  • Add garlic and cook stirring frequently about 2 more minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, splash of wine and thyme. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Add in the spinach and parsley and simmer until the spinach and parsley have wilted and the sauce has slightly thickened.
  • Continue to cook the sauce about 5 minutes or so until the sauce thickens.
  • Once your sauce is to the desired thickness, return the chicken to the skillet.
  • Place in the oven and cook for about 20-25 minutes.
  • Remove the dish, cover and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
  • Serve with buttered noodles or over mashed potatoes.

GRANS BUTTER CRACKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE

This recipe is SOOOOOOO versatile.  You can add tons of flavor if you use a rotisserie chicken by choosing an Italian herb or lemon or BBQ, etc… My favorite grocery store carries rostisserie chickens by “parts” in a mesquite flavor that I REALLY like in this recipe. By “parts” I mean you can get all white meat or my favorite all dark.  It takes about 4 thighs and legs to make the chicken pieces for this casserole.

You can also change up your soup flavor cream of mushroom, cream of onion, cream of poblano or jalapeno, etc… You get the idea. I also “adjust” the vegetables to what I have on hand. Sometimes I add green beans or mushrooms or snap peas, etc… just until I have an even mixture of a nice protein to vegetable ratio that is still creamy.

GRANS BUTTER CRACKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE serves 4-6
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or chopped**
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 large carrots, thinly sliced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
6 ounces (2 sleeves) Ritz*** crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
4-6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl stir together the soup, sour cream and chicken.
  • Fold in peas and set aside.
  • In a hot skillet add 1 tablespoon of butter and avocado oil.
  • When melted add carrots, sautéing 3-5 minutes until beginning to soften.
  • Add green onions and saute’ a minute more.
  • Fold carrots and onions into chicken mixture.
  • Pour into prepared baking dish.
  • In a small bowl combine the melted butter, crushed crackers and paprika until the mixture looks like wet sand. Start with 4 tablespoons of butter and add more as necessary.
  • Spoon over casserole evenly.
  • Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  • Serve warm.
  • ENJOY!

NOTES

  • ** You can easily substitute 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and quite honestly these days that is my preferred way to make this recipe.
  • *** You can also use Kebbler Garlic butter crackers, Ritz are the preferred cracker.
  • This recipe freezes well also so I often make extra in these small foil bakers for easy weeknight prep.

GENERAL TSO CHICKEN

General Tso’s chicken is traditionally a sweet, deep-fried chicken dish that is served in Chinese restaurants. It is often seen as  General Tse’s chicken. The dish is named after Zuo Zongtang (Tso Tsung-t’ang), a Qing dynasty statesman and military leader.

This baked version of General Tso Chicken is baked for a lighter and much healthier version that actually tastes BETTER to us than the original version AND it is so much easier to prepare. The sauce is sweet and savory and best of all is poured right over the raw chicken for a one pan supper that tastes better than ANY restaurant quality meal.

GENERAL TSO CHICKEN Yield 4-6 servings

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins or  chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup Hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, finely minced fresh garlic
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add more for a spicier dish or omit for a mild dish)
¼ cup peanuts
Optional garnish: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Spray a medium (9×6 or 11×7) baking dish with cooking spray.
    Place chicken in the prepared dish. Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss to coat.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, brown sugar, Hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  • Pour sauce over chicken and stir to combine.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Stir, return to the oven for 5-10 more minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
  • Remove from oven, stir in peanuts. Season with additional salt and red pepper flakes, to taste.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.

NOTES:

1) Serve the General Tso Chicken over rice with plenty of extra sauce spooned over top. We love it with steamed broccoli!


2) If you’re just cooking for 2 the ingredients cut in half really well.  I like to prepare it in individual 5×5 Le Crueset baking dishes.

MISO GINGER CHICKEN

MISO GINGER CHICKEN
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon minced ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon miso paste
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
2 green onions, sliced
avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Wash and dry chicken breasts.
  • Heat pan over medium heat.
  • Add avocado oil.
  • Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • Sear chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
  • Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  • Add green onions, ginger and garlic, cooking until fragrant and beginning to soften.
  • Add liquid aminos, miso paste, honey, vinegar and sriracha, whisking to blend well.
  • Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Return chicken to sauce and turn to coat.
  • Serve over rice.

CRISPY SESAME CHICKEN THIGHS with SESAME CUCUMBER SALAD

CRISPY ASIAN CHICKEN THIGHS with SESAME CUCUMBER TOMATO SALAD – serves 2
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons cornstarch
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper
2 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos
2 teaspoons sesame oil
4 teaspoons sugar
2-4 teaspoons sriacha
Juice of 1 small lime
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter

  • Add cornstarch to a paper bag.
  • Add chicken pieces, shaking to coat well.
  • Whisk together the liquid aminos, sesame oil, sugar, lime juice and sriacha until well blended.
  • Heat pan over medium heat.
  • Add avocado oil and butter.
  • Add chicken pieces and cook until cooked through, crispy and golden on both sides. About 5 minutes per side.
  • Remove chicken and drain of excess fat on paper towels.
  • Add liquid mixture to hot pan and let bubble and start to thicken.
  • Add chicken pieces back into pan, turning to coat in the sauce.
  • Serve over rice with remaining sauce.
  • Top with sesame seeds.
  • Serve with salad.

SALAD
1 large cucumber, halved, seeded and sliced into half moons
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
3 green onions, sliced thin (whites only – save green tops for rice)
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper

  • In a large bowl toss together the cucumber pieces, scallion whites and tomatoes.
  • Whisk together the vinegar, oil, sugar, salt and pepper.
  • Pour dressing over and toss again.

LEMON CHICKEN COSTOLETTA

Chicken Costoletta a Cheesecake Factory Copycat ala made from scratch. When they serve this to you in the restaurant the sauce is almost non-existent on the plate.  The sauce is a mandatory flavor ingredient- don’t scrimp. I use sauce on the mashed potatoes also. From what I can find, the term “costeletta” translates into “cutlet”.  This recipe is versatile and can be changed up from the lemon to apricot, peach or even plum easily. Use your imagination. 😀
LEMON CHICKEN COSTOLETTA
4 thin chicken steaks or flattened tenderloin breasts
1/2 cup flour
2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 lemon, zested (save lemon for juicing into sauce)
1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated
1/4 cup avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter
  • Set up three bowls for dredging. In one, place the flour. In the second, add the eggs. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, lemon zest and cheese.
  • Coat each piece of chicken first in the flour, then the eggs letting the excess drip off before dipping into the , and the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat and add the oil and butter.
  • Once butter is melted and hot, add the chicken to the pan and fry on both sides until cooked through; approximately 3-5 minutes per side depending on the thickness. DO NOT CROWD PAN. You may need to do this in two batches.
  • Remove chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • Set aside.
SAUCE
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken stock
Juice of 1 Lemon
1 tablespoon butter
  •  Melt the oil in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat.
  • Add the garlic sauteing 1-2 minutes.
  • Whisk in the flour until golden.
  • Whisk in the milk, heavy cream, chicken stock and lemon juice.
  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the butter and pour desired amount of sauce over the chicken and mashed potatoes.

TEX MEX CHICKEN PINWHEELS

TEX MEX CHICKEN PINWHEELS
2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated jack cheese
1 can shopped corn, drained well
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained well
1 can ROTEL original tomatoes, drained well
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp
6 10 inch burritos
Salsa for serving

  • In a large mixing bowl combine the cream cheese and sour cream with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and blend again.
  • Fold in grated cheese until well blended.
  • Fold in vegetable mix, chicken pieces and crumbled bacon.
  • Divide mixture among the tortillas, spreading it out evenly and short of the far edge.
  • Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours.
  • Remove from the refrigerator and slice into rounds.
  • Serve with Salsa.

CORNFLAKE CRUSTED CHICKEN SLIDERS with BUTTERMILK SLAW

CORNFLAKE CRUSTED CHICKEN SLIDERS with BUTTERMILK SLAW

BUTTERMILK SLAW
3 tablespoons buttermilk
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons finely sliced chives
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 to 4 turns freshly ground black pepper
Pinch cayenne
1/2 head cabbage, cored and finely sliced

  • In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chives, sugar, salt, pepper and cayenne.
  • Whisk together until fully incorporated.
  • Cover and refrigerate.

GARLIC BUTTER
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Stir in the parsley, then transfer the mixture to a small bowl and set aside.

CHICKEN SLIDERS
3 cups canola oil
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons granulated onion
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 cups cornflakes, crushed
24 ounces chicken tenders (twelve 2-ounce tenders)
12 slider buns, split
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced thin
1 small red onion, sliced thin

  • Heat the canola oil in a deep cast-iron skillet until it reaches 350°.
  • Combine the buttermilk and Sriracha in a medium mixing bowl and mix well.
  • In another medium bowl, mix together the flour, granulated garlic, granulated onion, salt and pepper.
  • Place the cornflakes in a third bowl.
  • Dredge the chicken tenders in the seasoned flour, lightly pressing down on the tenders to give them a more even shape.
  • Remove the chicken from the flour with your left hand and lightly dip them in the Sriracha buttermilk.
  • Shake off excess buttermilk and, with your right hand, roll the tenders in the cornflake crumbs, pressing the crumbs into the tenders until they are completely breaded.
  • Set the breaded tenders on baking sheet as you go.
  • In two batches, fry the tenders until golden brown on both sides, 6 to 7 minutes. When done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain.
  • Brush the slider buns on both sides with garlic butter.
  • Toast the buns, buttered-side down, in a large saute pan over medium heat until golden brown, 30 to 45 seconds.

ASSEMBLY

  • Layer the bottom buns with a slice of red onion, a slice of tomato and a chicken tender.
  • Top with buttermilk slaw and cover with the bun top.
  • Arrange the finished sliders on a serving platter and serve immediately.