COPYCAT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN with HOMEMADE MARINARA over PASTA ~ BLOG 365.301

COPYCAT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN with HOMEMADE MARINARA over MASHED POTATOES

Take this juicy marinaded Parmesan crusted chicken, add some homemade marinara and serve it over mashed potatoes or pasta for the PERFECT mouth watering meal.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons avocado oil
2 cups Marinara sauce OR Sunday Gravy
1/3 cup FINELY grated Parmesan cheese

MARINADE (see note)
1/3 cup avocado oil
1/3 cup QUALITY ranch dressing
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Whisk all marinade ingredients together until well-combined and uniform in consistency.
  • Use a meat tenderizer to pound chicken to about 1/2 inch thick. Note: It will plump up more when cooked.
  • Sprinkle each side of the chicken lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Add the chicken to a large freezer bag and add the marinade. Seal out the air and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight.
  • Heat 2-3 tablespoons of the avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes. Don’t move the chicken around much as it sizzles so it will  get a nice golden color.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep it warm.

PARMESAN CRUST
1/2 cup coarse grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup coarse grated Provolone cheese
6 tablespoons QUALITY Buttermilk Ranch dressing
4 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons powdered Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • Preheat the oven to a low broil – 450°
  • Combine Parmesan, Provolone, and ranch dressing, stirring to combine.
  • Microwave in 15 seconds increments, stirring in between, until melted.
  • Spread it over the top of the chicken.
  • 
Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, powdered Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs and spoon it on top of the cheese.
  • 
Broil for 3-4 minutes until the top begins to brown slightly. WATCH CLOSELY TO PREVENT BURNING!
  • Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta.
  • Spoon warm marinara over top.
  • Garnish with Parmesan cheese.


NOTE: You can shortcut the marinade by using Italian Salad Dressing.

PAPRIKA CORN
3 tablespoons butter
1 LARGE bag frozen corn, thawed and drained
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1-2 tablespoons QUALITY smoked paprika

  • Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add corn and season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sprinkle with Paprika to taste.
  • Cook 5-10 minutes, stirring regularly until heated through.

BAKED PINEAPPLE TERIYAKI CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.

BAKED PINEAPPLE TERIYAKI CHICKEN

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
FRESH ground salt and pepper to taste

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

MARINADE
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup pineapple juice
1 small pineapple, cored and sliced into rings
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • Whisk together the teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger and sesame oil.
  • Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken in a large ziplock bag. Marinade 2 hours.

 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°.
  • Lightly grease 9×13 baking dish.
  • Place chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Reserve marinade.
  • Arrange the pineapple slices around the chicken.
  • Sprinkle pineapple slices evenly with brown sugar and drizzle with a little pineapple juice.
  • Bake 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear and pineapple caramelizes.

2 teaspoons cornstarch
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Sliced green onions, for garnish

  • As the chicken is baking, transfer the remaining marinade to a small saucepan.
  • Whisk in the cornstarch and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glaze.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, brush the thickened glaze over the chicken and pineapple.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

NOTE:  If using canned pineapple rings be sure and drain them really well.

TERIYAKI GLAZED CORN

This recipe has a thick, buttery glaze that resembles salted caramel. This is NOT your average corn on the cob from summer BBQ’s.

1/8 cup Bragg’s liquid aminos
1/4 cup mirin
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons salted butter

  • Add the liquid aminos, mirin and sugar to a small pot and bring it to a simmer.

  • Reduce the heat to LOW and simmer, stirring regularly (DO NOT BURN) for 15 minutes or until the mixture is reduced to half and has thickened enough to leave a ribbon on your spoon. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
  • 
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter. 

  • Brush the glaze onto cooked corn on the cob and serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!


FRESH pineapple ring, FINELY diced

NOTE:  I like to use a thawed, well drained frozen corn in the winter that I heat in a skillet with a tablespoon of butter before adding the sauce. When using frozen corn I add a tablespoon of glaze to the pan with the pineapple last and cook 5 more minutes until heated through and well coated in glaze.

LOADED SEAFOOD CHOWDER ~ BLOG 365.70

It’s been super cold here and we’ve been craving stews and soups. So, I combined a couple of my favorite recipes to make this scrumptious thick and creamy chowder loaded with flavorful clams, crab, shrimp, veggies and potatoes and served with crusty sourdough bread ~ perfect for a cold winter’s night.

LOADED SEAFOOD CHOWDER
6.5 ounce minced clams
5 ounce whole baby clams
6 ounces white crab meat

6.5 ounce baby shrimp (FRESH works well also)
1 can Green Giant Shoepeg corn

1 cup homemade chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 medium potatoes)
1/2 teaspoon ground bay leaves
2 tablespoons FRESH minced Italian Leaf Parsley

4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 shallots, diced
4 green onions, FINELY sliced

3 ribs celery, FINELY diced
2 carrots, FINELY diced
1 SMALL red bell pepper, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1/2 cup AP flour
1 cup milk
1 cup half and half
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

  • Drain the clams, crab and shrimp, adding the juice from the cans to a large stock pot. Set the clams aside.

  • Add chicken broth, diced potatoes and bay leaves to the pot. The liquid should JUST cover the potatoes. Bring pot to a simmer 5-6 minutes until the potatoes are barely fork tender.

  • Remove 1 cup of broth and set aside.

  • In a second pot, heat the butter and avocado oil over medium heat until the butter is melted.
  • Add the onions, celery, bell peppers and garlic, cooking 4-5 minutes until tender.

  • Whisk flour into reserved broth until smooth.
  • Gradually whisk the milk and half and half into the flour and broth mixture.
  • Whisk milk mixture back into the pot. Bring mixture to a simmer, cooking 5-7 minutes until thickened.

  • Gently stir the creamy mixture into the potato pot.
  • Season to taste with the FRESH ground sea salt, pepper, vinegar, and reserved clams and shrimp. Simmer 5 more minutes.

  • Serve with crusty bread.

NOTE: I often use champagne vinegar for a bit of a flavor change.

BAKED SWEET CORN DIP ~ BLOG 365.42

Dive into a delightful fusion of sweet corn and melted mozzarella with a hint of a spicy zing, rounded off with the subtle sweetness of sugar and a pinch of classic seasoning. SUPER easy and ready in just 12 minutes! A truly gourmet dish without all the fuss and preparation!

The original recipe was called Korean Cheese corn and inspired by the smells and tastes of a trip to Seoul by That Oven Feeling. This dish was evidently a staple of street cooking. I have since adapted it to my own family.

The recipe called for Kewpie mayo and the author claimed once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back, but alas, I am just not a fan. 🙁 I do promise that even with the changes I’ve made there is still a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, cheesy and umami.

BAKED SWEET CORN DIP

15.25 ounce can QUALITY sweet corn, WELL drained
15.25 ounce can SMALL white beans, rinsed and WELL drained

3/4-1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus 1/4 cup more for garnishing
3-4 tablespoons DUKE’S mayonnaise
2-3 tablespoons Frank’s Original hot sauce *SEE NOTES
1/2 teaspoon sugar
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Pinch of minced cilantro, for garnish
Scoopable corn chips or veggie sticks for dipping

  • Adjust the oven’s baking rack to the position second from the top.
  • Preheat the oven to a temperature of 450°.
  • Lightly grease a small (5-6 inch) cast iron skillet.
  • In a small mixing bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
  • In a medium mixing bowl toss together the corn and cheese.
  • Fold the mayonnaise mixture into the corn and cheese until well mixed.
  • Spread the mixture into your prepared cast iron.
  • Garnish with your additional cheese.
  • Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is beginning to get golden.
  • When you remove it from the oven garnish with the minced cilantro.
  • Cool for a few minutes before serving.

NOTES:

  • Recipes are just guidelines; the real flavor is in your unique creativity!
  • You can use FROZEN corn, but it MUST be thawed and thoroughly drained!!!
  • You can use Frank’s Chile Lime Hot Sauce or the Hot Honey sauce for a nice flavor change-up.
  • This recipe EASILY doubles into a 10 inch cast iron for a crowd.
  • When doubling I often add more white beans and white shoepeg corn to the sweet corn for a nice medley. These trade out ounce for ounce quite well.
  • This recipe EASILY adapts to other flavor combinations! Any meltable cheese (cheddar, Gouda, Guyere cheese is GREAT!
  • Hubby likes it when I change out the original Frank’s for BBQ sauce or even for a creamy homemade salsa for a flavor that work’s great too!
  • If you’re not a cilantro fan, try parsley, chives, thyme or even rosemary.

SWEET CORN TOMALITOS ~ BLOG 366.166

SWEET CORN TOMALITOS

Sweet Corn Tomalitos, a Chevy’s copycat recipe tastes just like the scoop of corn bread cake served along with their entrees.
  
6 tablespoons butter, softened)
1/2 cup masa harina (Mexican corn flour)
1/4 cup water
14 ounces QUALITY canned cream style corn
1/3 cup corn meal
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons WHOLE milk
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon QUALITY baking powder

  • Preheat oven to 350°.

  • In a medium bowl beat butter until creamy.
  • Add the corn flour and water, beating JUST until well mixed.
  • Add corn mixture into the butter mixture.

  • Add corn meal, sugar, milk, salt and baking powder, stirring to combine well.

  • Pour batter into an ungreased 8×8-inch baking pan.
  • Smooth batter and cover with aluminum foil.
  • Place pan in a 9×13 inch baking dish that is filled 1/3 of the way with water. Pretend you’re baking a cheesecake 🙂
  • Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until JUST set.
  • Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
  • Use an ice cream scoop or dough scoop for easy removal from pan.


CHILI LIME SALMON with PAN ROASTED STREET CORN

CHILI LIME SALMON with PAN ROASTED STREET CORN serves 4
These flavors blend together so well to create a Cajun fajita mix with crispy roasted peppers that mix with the street corn spice edge to have a party in your mouth all while being completely healthy.

CHILI LIME SALMON
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (or juice of 2 limes)
1/4 cup fresh finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons water
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to your preference of spice)
1 teaspoon ground Cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons FRESH ground sea salt
1 tablespoon QUALITY honey
4 salmon fillets of even sizes
1/2 pound mini sweet peppers, de-seeded and cut into rings
1 small Vidalia onion, cut into wedges

  • Preheat oven to broil.
  • Arrange oven shelf about 6 inches below broiler.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with non-stick spray; set aside.
Whisk together the lime juice, minced parsley, avocado oil, water, garlic, chilli flakes, cumin and salt until well blended.
  • Add the honey and whisk again until the honey is well blended with the rest of the ingredients.
  • Toss peppers and onions with half of the honey mixture.
  • Arrange the salmon fillets on baking sheet.
  • With a slotted spoon remove peppers and onions arranging around the salmon fillets in a single layer.
  • Pour the honey mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
  • Broil about 10 minutes until the peppers are just beginning to char at the edges and the salmon is cooked to your liking.
  • Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lime wedges and remaining honey sauce for added flavor.

While salmon pan is broiling, prepare corn. BUT, BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE SALMON TO AVOID BURNING.

PAN ROASTED STREET CORN
4 whole Corn Cobs, husked and kernels cut from the cob
2 tablespoons Butter, softened
4 tablespoons Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Bragg’s liquid aminos
1 pinch Cayenne
1 pinch each FRESH ground Sea Salt and Black Pepper
1/2 cup crumbled Cotija Cheese
1 bunch Cilantro, chopped

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat melt butter.
  • Add corn kernels, sautéing until beginning to caramelize.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, liquid aminos, cayenne, salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle mayo mixture over corn kernels, stirring to coat.
  • Cook 2-3 minutes more.
  • Sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro.
  • Serve immediately.

CHICKEN with CHARRED POBLANO CREAMED CORN & BACON

CHICKEN with CHARRED POBLANO CREAMED CORN & BACON – serves 4
4 chicken legs **
2 tablespoons avocado oil
6 slices bacon, diced
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, chopped
4 LARGE cloves garlic
1 cup whole milk
4 sprigs FRESH thyme, reserve 1 sprig to chop small
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lime
1 Poblano pepper
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon chopped basil leaves
1/4 cup sour cream

  • Broil pepper to blister.
  • Place pepper in a sealed ziploc bag for 5-10 minutes to loosen skin.
  • Remove skin and seeds.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper. (Dredge with egg wash and Wonder if using skinless, boneless pieces)
  • Brown chicken pieces until golden and JUST cooked through.
  • Remove chicken to drain off excess fat. Keep warm.
  • Add bacon to pan and cook until crisp.
  • Remove bacon with slotted spoon.
  • Add onion and garlic cooking 2-3 minutes.
  • Add corn.
  • Add milk and 3 of the thyme sprigs and bring to a SLOW boil, immediately reducing to a simmer.
  • Add chicken pieces, cover and simmer 30 minutes if using bone in, 10-15 if using skinless boneless pieces.
  • Add corn and cook another 15-20 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
  • Plate creamed corn, and top with chicken.
  • Drizzle with lemon juice and sauce before serving.
  • Garnish with thyme leaves and crisp bacon.

NOTE:** This recipe can be made with boneless skinless thighs for easy eating, BUT having the skin that gets crispy and golden does add a layer of flavor and texture that makes a GREAT presentation. When I use skinless, boneless chicken I dredge the chicken in an egg wash and Wonder flour to give the illusion of a crusty skin.

SWEET CORN SOUP

Chilis restaurant USE TO have a sweet corn soup that was fantastic! Then, they took it off the menu and I was forced to try and recreate it! I am very happy with the results. Today I made a grilled turkey and cheese with caramelized red onions – YUMMY!

SWEET CORN SOUP
Safflower oil
7 ears sweet white corn, kernels removed
1 large leeks, whites only, chopped
1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Juice of 1 lime

  • In a large stock pot saute’ the corn, onion and leeks until translucent. 5 minutes or so.
  • Add sugar and cook a few minutes more.
  • Add stock and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes or so.
  • Add heavy cream and simmer 15 minutes more.
  • Whisk together water and cornstarch until well blended.
  • Add lime juice, salt, pepper and cornstarch mixture until well blended.
  • Puree and strain.
  • Enjoy.

Linking up to FULL Plate Thursday.