There was a time when Chicken was relegated to the Sunday or holiday dinner table. (Think early- to middle-twentieth century.)
Now, it's an anytime meal. Check out these six chicken recipes, including Perfect Roast Chicken and Classic Chicken Pot Pie. Enjoy!
EASY KUNG PAO CHICKEN
This is from Pearl Han and Grace Han and adapted by Genevieve Ko in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Genevieve wrote, "Sweet, sour and a little spicy, this meal tastes like home — specifically the home of Pearl Han, a talented Taiwanese American cook who naturally streamlined dishes while raising three kids and managing a busy career. Her younger daughter, Grace Han, shared this recipe: “quick, easy and my mom’s favorite.” Dried chiles sizzle in oil first to impart heat to the whole dish, then chicken browns in a single layer — no high-heat stir-frying necessary — to create a tasty caramelized crust before the pieces are flipped together. Coated in a dead-simple kung pao sauce that delivers the dish’s signature salty tang, the chicken begs to be spooned over steamed rice. Serve with stir-fried vegetables as well for a complete meal."
Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in "The Irresistible Thrill of Kung Pao", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023351-easy-kung-pao-chicken.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Salt and ground black or Sichuan pepper
1-1/2 tablespoons Chinkiang (black) vinegar or balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup neutral oil, such as grapeseed
1/2 cup small dried red chiles (15 grams; see Tip)
Preparation
Mix the chicken, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a big pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. Let sit while you prepare the sauce.
Stir the vinegar, sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a small bowl.
Combine the oil and chiles in a wok or large nonstick skillet, and set over medium heat. When the chiles start to sizzle and brown, about 15 seconds, push them to one side of the pan. Add the chicken to the other side all at once and spread in a single, even layer. Cook, without moving the pieces, until the bottoms are dark golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. If the chiles start to blacken, put them on top of the chicken so that they don’t burn.
Using a large spatula, flip the chicken in portions. Cook just until the meat almost loses all of its pinkness, 1 to 2 minutes more. Stir the sauce and pour it into the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens and slicks the chicken evenly. Immediately transfer to a plate and serve hot.
Tip
The small dried red chiles typically used in kung pao dishes are available in Chinese markets. Any small dried red chiles work, though they do range in heat. For a similar spice level, use chiles de árbol.
ARROZE CHAUFA (FRIED RICE WITH CHICKEN AND BELL PEPPER)
This is from Ham El-Waylly in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ham wrote, "After laborers flocked from China to Peru in the mid-1800s, a blend of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine known as Chifa was born. This simple version of arroz chaufa (fried rice) focuses on chicken thighs and red bell pepper, but other varieties might embrace sliced hot dogs, shrimp or strips of meat. The key to this recipe, and other fried rice recipes, is keeping the cooking surface hot. This is easy to achieve when using a powerful wok burner in a professional kitchen, but at home, this means cooking things in smaller batches. If you need to serve more people, multiply the recipe as needed, but make sure to cook the rice in several batches to allow it to crisp rather than steam. (You can hold the prepared rice covered in foil in a warm oven.)"
Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 2 to 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024042-arroz-chaufa-fried-rice-with-chicken-and-bell-pepper. While you're there, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter (if you haven't already). Great stuff!
Ingredients
4 tablespoons neutral oil, like grapeseed
2 large eggs, beaten
Kosher salt
1 medium red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, roughly chopped
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green portions separated
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground white pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, plus more for seasoning
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Preparation
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil over high until shimmering. Add the eggs, season with a pinch of salt and cook until fully cooked, flipping over once halfway through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, roughly chop it into small pieces and set aside.
Return the pan to high heat and add another tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the bell pepper, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until lightly charred along the edges and softened, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons neutral oil. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Add the ginger, garlic and scallion whites; cook, frequently stirring, until fragrant and softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the cumin, white pepper, sugar and MSG (if using) and stir to combine.
Break up the cooled rice with your hands, so the grains are separate, then add to the pan. Stir frequently so all the ingredients are well incorporated and each grain of rice is coated in fat. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil along the outside perimeter of the pan and toss to combine. Cook, frequently stirring, until some of the rice starts to crisp and turn toasty, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the eggs, bell pepper and scallion greens to the rice; toss to combine.
Cook for another minute, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt, soy sauce and white pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
BBQ CHICKEN BURGERS WITH SLAW
This is from Rachael Ray of The Food Network show 30 Minute Meals.
Total: 30 min; Prep: 10 min; Cook: 20 min; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces
1 small red onion, 1/2 finely chopped, 1/2 thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, eyeball it
1 tablespoon hot sauce, eyeball it
1 1/4 pounds ground chicken
1 tablespoons grill seasoning (recommended: McCormick brand) a palm full
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons honey, eyeball it
1 lemon, juiced
3 rounded tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 cups shredded cabbage mix
Salt and pepper
4 cornmeal Kaiser rolls, split
Directions
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onions, garlic and tomato paste and sweat them for 5 minutes to soften and sweeten. Sprinkle in sugar and remove from heat. Cool in a bowl, 5 minutes. Add tomato paste mixture, Worcestershire, hot sauce to bowl and combine. Add chicken to the bowl then grill seasoning and combine the burgers well to evenly distribute the flavors and form 4 patties. Wash up.
Heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, a turn of the pan, in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 6 minutes on each side.
Combine the honey, lemon juice, and remaining extra-virgin olive oil in a bowl. Add relish, cabbage mix and sliced onions and season with salt and pepper. Toss the slaw to coat and reserve.
Serve burgers on bun bottoms topped with slaw and bun tops.
ALOHA CHICKEN BURGERS
This is from Chris McDaniel at AllRecipes. Chris wrote, "This tasty sandwich is like a luau on a bun!”
Time: 1 hr 20 minutes; Prep: 20 min; Cook Time: 30 min; Makes 2 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 slices thick cut bacon
2 large hamburger buns, split
1 tablespoon softened butter
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 slices pineapple
2 slices tomato
2 slices of iceberg lettuce
Directions
Place chicken breasts into a plastic zipper bag with soy sauce, seal the bag, and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes. While chicken is marinating, place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside. Spread cut sides of hamburger buns with butter.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Remove the chicken from the soy sauce, and discard the excess soy sauce. Place the chicken breasts onto the preheated grill, and grill until chicken shows good grill marks, is no longer pink inside, and the juices run clear, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
When chicken is almost done, brush each piece generously on both sides with teriyaki sauce to finish grilling. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt onto the chicken.
While chicken is grilling, spread the buns open on the grill and cook until toasted and showing grill lines, about 2 minutes. Set the buns aside.
To assemble, spread the grilled sides of each bun with mayonnaise, and top each bottom bun with a cooked chicken breast, 1-1/2 slices of bacon, a slice of pineapple, a slice from a head of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and the top bun.
Footnotes
Cook's Note:
If you don't want to grill, loosely roll up marinated chicken breast with teriyaki sauce in foil, and bake at 400 for 20 minutes. Then open foil, and melt cheese on top.
Tip
Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.
PERFECT ROAST CHICKEN
This is from Ina Garten on the Food Network. Prep Time: 20 minutes; Inactive Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs
1 lemon, halved
1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter, melted
1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
4 carrots cut into 2-inch chunks
1 bulb of fennel, tops removed, and cut into wedges
Olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove the chicken giblets. Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the onions, carrots, and fennel in a roasting pan. Toss with salt, pepper, 20 sprigs of thyme, and olive oil. Spread around the bottom of the roasting pan and place the chicken on top.
Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter and cover with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes. Slice the chicken onto a platter and serve it with the vegetables.
CLASSIC CHICKEN POT PIE
Is there anything more comforting, food-wise, than a good pot pie? Maybe not.
This is from Diana Rattray on the Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, "Our classic chicken pot pie is loaded with tender chunks of chicken and vegetables in a thick, creamy gravy. A double crust makes the chicken pie satisfying and filling—make a homemade, buttery crust from scratch or make it even easier with convenient store-bought refrigerated crusts. Whichever option you choose, you will fall in love with this comforting pot pie.
"Feel free to customize this pie to suit your family's tastes. Add some celery or potatoes to the pie or cut back on the vegetables and add extra chicken. Or replace the fresh chicken breasts with leftover cooked chicken or turkey. Fresh herbs are another excellent option. Fresh or dried thyme is called for, but you may want to use a mixture of herbs. Chives, sage, and rosemary are some great alternatives.
"Serve chicken pot pie with a salad or fresh vegetables on the side. Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers make an excellent side dish with the pie, or you might serve it with a mound of freshly made coleslaw. Or serve the chicken pie with a cooked vegetable, such as green beans with bacon, a simple dish of sautéed asparagus with lemon, or roasted Brussels sprouts."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 74 minutes; Cooling Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 104 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Yield: 1 pie
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/chicken-pot-pie-with-herbs-3053112.
Ingredients
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1-1/2 cups diced carrots
1/2 cup diced onion
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1-3/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 (9-inch) homemade or store-bought pie crusts, divided
1 large egg, optional
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 400 F.
Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, and chicken, and cook, stirring until the chicken is mostly cooked through and the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
Add the flour and continue stirring until the mixture is well combined, about 1 minute.
Add the chicken broth and cook, stirring frequently until well combined, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the cream, peas, parsley, and thyme. Add salt and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. Let the filling cool slightly.
Line a 9-inch pie plate with 1 sheet of pie crust.
Add the filling mixture, smoothing it out evenly in the dish.
Top with the remaining pie crust. Trim the pastry and crimp the edge as desired. Cut a few vents in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. If desired, mix the egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush the egg wash over the top crust.
Place the prepared pie on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown, and the filling begins bubbling up through the vents, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool the pie on a rack before slicing and serving, about 10 minutes.
Glass Bakeware Warning
Do not use glass bakeware when broiling, or when a recipe calls for adding liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Place a glass pie plate on an unheated baking sheet before placing the pie in the oven. Even if it states oven safe or heat resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.
Tips
To save time on baking day, prepare the filling and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When it's time to bake, gently heat the filling until warm, fill the crust, and bake as directed.
To avoid a soggy bottom, you may blind-bake or par-bake the untrimmed bottom crust. Fill, trim, and then top with the remaining crust. Tuck it under the trimmed bottom crust and crimp or flute as desired.
To keep the edges of your crust from getting too brown, cover with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
How to Make Ahead and Freeze Unbaked Pot Pie
To Freeze: Prepare the pot pie in a metal or foil pie pan, but do not add an egg wash. Wrap the pie tightly in foil and place it in the freezer.
To Bake From Frozen: Cover the frozen pie with a sheet of foil and bake at 400 F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil—apply an egg wash, if desired—and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
To Defrost, Then Bake: Place the frozen pie in the refrigerator and let it thaw for about 24 hours. Cover the pie with foil and bake it at 400 F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil—apply an egg wash, if desired—and continue to bake for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Recipe Variations
Swap out 1/2 cup of the diced carrots with diced or sliced celery.
Make the pie with leftover turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Swap about 1/4 to 1/3 of the chicken with diced ham for a chicken and ham pie.
If you aren't a fan of peas, use thawed frozen cut green beans instead.
How to Store and Freeze
To store leftover chicken pot pie, simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three to five days. You can also freeze cooked chicken pot pie for up to six months.
What temperature should chicken pot pie be cooked to?
Use a food thermometer to check that the filling is thoroughly cooked; it should register at least 165 F when inserted into the center of the pie. This goes for leftovers as well.
What is the difference between chicken pie and chicken pot pie?
While there's no definitive difference between the two terms, some believe a pot pie is made with a top crust, and some think a chicken pie is made with more chicken and fewer vegetables.
Showing posts with label Arroz Chaufa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arroz Chaufa. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Chicken - Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (because not everyone loves tacos). Today's double post deals with chicken, and includes Arroz Chaufa (Fried Rice With Chicken and Bell Pepper) and One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Penne. Enjoy!
PAN-SEARED RANCH CHICKEN
This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ali wrote, "In this recipe, America’s favorite salad dressing serves double-duty: as a creamy, herbaceous sauce and as a marinade. But don’t reach for bottled ranch. Instead, make your own brighter, tangier version using Greek yogurt. Unlike lemon or vinegar-based marinades, which can toughen meat, yogurt tenderizes even the leanest of chicken breasts. When the chicken is seared in a hot pan, the yogurt-mayo coating forms a flavorful, caramelized crust. (It also makes an excellent marinade for fish, pork, shrimp or sturdy vegetables.)"
Time: About 35 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020660-pan-seared-ranch-chicken. And while you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, now would be a good time to do so. If you're like me, you won't regret it.
Ingredients
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, or 1/2 teaspoon dried, plus more for serving
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or parsley (or 1/2 teaspoon dried), plus more for serving
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
1-1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Preparation
In a measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, dill and garlic powder; season with 1-1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper. Transfer half the ranch to a medium bowl.
Pat the chicken dry. If thickness varies greatly, pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then transfer the chicken to the medium bowl with the ranch and toss to coat. Let sit at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight. (Let it come to room temperature before cooking.)
Heat the oil in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high. Working in batches if necessary, cook the chicken (with the marinade still on it) until deeply caramelized on the outside, the chicken releases from the pan and its juices run clear, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Turn down the heat if the chicken is browning too quickly.
If the ranch in the measuring cup is too thick, add a little bit of water to loosen it. (You should be able to drizzle it easily.) Serve chicken with the ranch passed at the table and more herbs as desired.
SMASHED AVOCADO-CHICKEN BURGERS
This is from Yasmin Fahr in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Yasmin wrote, "These zippy chicken burgers are loaded with ginger, garlic, cilantro and scallions for fresh flavor and some textural crunch. The secret ingredient is a little mashed avocado that’s added to the ground chicken before cooking, which keeps the burgers tender and light. A citrusy soy mayonnaise is used both inside the patties and slathered on top. (Fish sauce could be used in place of the soy. Decrease the amount and adjust to taste.) Kewpie is a Japanese mayonnaise made with rice wine vinegar and egg yolks rather than distilled vinegar and whole eggs, but you can just as easily use your preferred mayonnaise. Fresh jalapeños offer a satisfying crunch when biting into the burger, though pickled ones could be used for extra acidity."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023132-smashed-avocado-chicken-burgers.
While you're at it, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Very helpful!
Ingredients
1/3 cup Kewpie or other mayonnaise
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 lime, cut into wedges
Kosher salt
1 packed cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped, plus more for serving
1/4 cup mashed, ripe Hass avocado (from about 1/2 avocado; slice the other half for serving) (see Tip)
2 scallions, light green and white parts only, thinly sliced
3 large garlic cloves, grated or minced
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, grated or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, according to taste
1 pound ground chicken, preferably dark meat
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola oil, or ghee
4 brioche or burger buns, lightly toasted
Butter lettuce or other tender lettuce, for serving
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a small serving bowl, combine the mayonnaise and soy sauce. Season with the juice of 1 lime wedge and salt as needed.
In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash and thoroughly combine the chopped cilantro, mashed avocado, scallions, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of the soy-lime mayonnaise. Add the chicken and gently combine. Form into 4 large balls.
Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat until very hot, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Add the neutral oil or ghee, then add the chicken meatballs, spacing them out in the pan. Use a metal spatula to press them until they form 1/2-inch-thick patties. Cook without moving for 3-1/2 to 4 minutes, until a deep golden crust has formed and they easily release from the pan. Flip the patties using the spatula and cook until done with a nice crust on the other side, about 3 minutes more. If the patties need more time, cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid scorching.
Squeeze a lime wedge over the patties and serve sandwiched between the buns topped with lettuce, a healthy slathering of the lime-mayonnaise, avocado slices, jalapeño slices if using, and cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve with the remaining lime wedges and mayonnaise on the side.
Tip
Resist the urge to add more than 1/4 cup mashed avocado to the ground chicken, as the burgers will get too soft and fall apart during cooking.
EASY CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
This is from Eating Well. It begins, "These easy Mexican enchiladas are filled with flavorful, shredded slow-cooked shredded chicken. Placed on a bed of fresh lettuce, this delicious recipe is sure to be the hit of any dinner occasion."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Additional Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/262838/easy-chicken-enchiladas/.
Ingredients
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (10.5 ounce) can reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mild salsa (lower sodium such as Newman's Own)
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups packaged baby lettuce mix
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas, warmed (see Tip)
1/2 cup shredded Mexican-style four-cheese blend
Directions
Place chicken breasts in a 1-1/2 quart slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine soup, salsa, chiles, chili powder and cumin; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
Remove chicken and place in a medium, shallow bowl. Using two forks, shred meat. Add half of the sauce from the slow cooker to the shredded chicken, tossing to coat.
Line a serving platter with the lettuce. Place about 1/3 cup of chicken mixture and about a teaspoon of the shredded cheese down the center of each tortilla and roll up. Arrange enchiladas on the prepared serving platter. Spoon remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Tips
Tip: To warm tortillas, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap tortillas tightly in foil. Bake about 10 minutes or until heated through.
SHEET-PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS WITH THE WORKS
This is from WW (formerly Weight Watchers), and begins, "Sheet-pan dinners are popular for a reason: They cook everything in one place and keep cleanup minimal. The pans can be surprisingly versatile too—here, we use one like a fajita skillet. The key to getting that signature sear on the seasoned veggies and meat? Heating the empty pan in the oven until it’s screaming-hot. This ensures the ingredients start sizzling the second they hit the surface."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Serves: 4; Difficulty: Easy; 9 points
View this online here.
Ingredients
4 sprays cooking spray
1 pound uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 large onions, yellow, sliced
2 medium red bell peppers, sliced
1 large poblano chile, sliced
2 Tbsp canola oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp paprika, smoked
8 tortillas (6-inch), low carb, high fiber tortilla wraps
1 cup pico de gallo
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 avocado, medium, thinly sliced (optional)
1 medium jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Directions
Place a large sheet pan in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, bell peppers, and chile. Drizzle with the oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and paprika and toss to coat.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and coat with cooking spray. Spread the chicken and vegetables into an even layer on the pan. Roast until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in foil. Place the tortillas in the oven to warm during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Divide the chicken and vegetables among the tortillas. Serve with the pico de gallo, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, jalapeño, and lime wedges (if using).
Serving size: 2 filled tortillas
ARROZE CHAUFA (FRIED RICE WITH CHICKEN AND BELL PEPPER)
This is from Ham El-Waylly in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ham wrote, "After laborers flocked from China to Peru in the mid-1800s, a blend of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine known as Chifa was born. This simple version of arroz chaufa (fried rice) focuses on chicken thighs and red bell pepper, but other varieties might embrace sliced hot dogs, shrimp or strips of meat. The key to this recipe, and other fried rice recipes, is keeping the cooking surface hot. This is easy to achieve when using a powerful wok burner in a professional kitchen, but at home, this means cooking things in smaller batches. If you need to serve more people, multiply the recipe as needed, but make sure to cook the rice in several batches to allow it to crisp rather than steam. (You can hold the prepared rice covered in foil in a warm oven.)"
Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 2 to 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024042-arroz-chaufa-fried-rice-with-chicken-and-bell-pepper. While you're there, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter (if you haven't already). Great stuff!
Ingredients
4 tablespoons neutral oil, like grapeseed
2 large eggs, beaten
Kosher salt
1 medium red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, roughly chopped
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green portions separated
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground white pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, plus more for seasoning
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Preparation
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil over high until shimmering. Add the eggs, season with a pinch of salt and cook until fully cooked, flipping over once halfway through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, roughly chop it into small pieces and set aside.
Return the pan to high heat and add another tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the bell pepper, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until lightly charred along the edges and softened, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons neutral oil. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Add the ginger, garlic and scallion whites; cook, frequently stirring, until fragrant and softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the cumin, white pepper, sugar and MSG (if using) and stir to combine.
Break up the cooled rice with your hands, so the grains are separate, then add to the pan. Stir frequently so all the ingredients are well incorporated and each grain of rice is coated in fat. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil along the outside perimeter of the pan and toss to combine. Cook, frequently stirring, until some of the rice starts to crisp and turn toasty, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the eggs, bell pepper and scallion greens to the rice; toss to combine.
Cook for another minute, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt, soy sauce and white pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
ONE-POT CHICKEN ALFREDO PENNE
This is from Pillsbury, and begins, "We love it when a recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and only 20 minutes to come together. But wait, there’s more—you only need one pot to make this simple pasta dish! All of that good news—plus the rich, creamy cheese sauce combined with pasta, peas and rotisserie chicken—make this a meal everyone in the family will applaud for when you bring it to the table."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 lb uncooked penne pasta
1 box (9 oz) frozen sweet peas
2 cups shredded or pulled deli rotisserie chicken
1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In nonstick 5-quart Dutch oven, heat evaporated milk, 4 cups hot water and the pasta to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook 7 minutes, stirring frequently; do not drain. Meanwhile, microwave peas as directed on box; drain peas.
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in chicken and Alfredo sauce. Cook 3 minutes longer, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat; stir in peas and cheese.
Tips from the Pillsbury Kitchens
tip 1
Tired of chicken? Substitute chopped ham or cooked shrimp for a delicious twist.
tip 2
A 5-oz bag of baby spinach makes a nice substitution for the peas. Just stir it in with the cheese. Keep stirring until the heat from the pasta wilts the greens.
tip 3
Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable canned cow’s milk-based product where more than 50% of the water has been removed. This makes it thicker and creamier than fresh milk, which is why it’s great for making the alfredo sauce in this pasta dish. You can often find evaporated milk in the baking aisle at the grocery store.
PAN-SEARED RANCH CHICKEN
This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ali wrote, "In this recipe, America’s favorite salad dressing serves double-duty: as a creamy, herbaceous sauce and as a marinade. But don’t reach for bottled ranch. Instead, make your own brighter, tangier version using Greek yogurt. Unlike lemon or vinegar-based marinades, which can toughen meat, yogurt tenderizes even the leanest of chicken breasts. When the chicken is seared in a hot pan, the yogurt-mayo coating forms a flavorful, caramelized crust. (It also makes an excellent marinade for fish, pork, shrimp or sturdy vegetables.)"
Time: About 35 minutes; Yield: 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020660-pan-seared-ranch-chicken. And while you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, now would be a good time to do so. If you're like me, you won't regret it.
Ingredients
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, or 1/2 teaspoon dried, plus more for serving
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or parsley (or 1/2 teaspoon dried), plus more for serving
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
1-1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Preparation
In a measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, dill and garlic powder; season with 1-1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper. Transfer half the ranch to a medium bowl.
Pat the chicken dry. If thickness varies greatly, pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then transfer the chicken to the medium bowl with the ranch and toss to coat. Let sit at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight. (Let it come to room temperature before cooking.)
Heat the oil in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high. Working in batches if necessary, cook the chicken (with the marinade still on it) until deeply caramelized on the outside, the chicken releases from the pan and its juices run clear, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Turn down the heat if the chicken is browning too quickly.
If the ranch in the measuring cup is too thick, add a little bit of water to loosen it. (You should be able to drizzle it easily.) Serve chicken with the ranch passed at the table and more herbs as desired.
SMASHED AVOCADO-CHICKEN BURGERS
This is from Yasmin Fahr in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Yasmin wrote, "These zippy chicken burgers are loaded with ginger, garlic, cilantro and scallions for fresh flavor and some textural crunch. The secret ingredient is a little mashed avocado that’s added to the ground chicken before cooking, which keeps the burgers tender and light. A citrusy soy mayonnaise is used both inside the patties and slathered on top. (Fish sauce could be used in place of the soy. Decrease the amount and adjust to taste.) Kewpie is a Japanese mayonnaise made with rice wine vinegar and egg yolks rather than distilled vinegar and whole eggs, but you can just as easily use your preferred mayonnaise. Fresh jalapeños offer a satisfying crunch when biting into the burger, though pickled ones could be used for extra acidity."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023132-smashed-avocado-chicken-burgers.
While you're at it, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Burgers". Very helpful!
Ingredients
1/3 cup Kewpie or other mayonnaise
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 lime, cut into wedges
Kosher salt
1 packed cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped, plus more for serving
1/4 cup mashed, ripe Hass avocado (from about 1/2 avocado; slice the other half for serving) (see Tip)
2 scallions, light green and white parts only, thinly sliced
3 large garlic cloves, grated or minced
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, grated or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, according to taste
1 pound ground chicken, preferably dark meat
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola oil, or ghee
4 brioche or burger buns, lightly toasted
Butter lettuce or other tender lettuce, for serving
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for serving (optional)
Preparation
In a small serving bowl, combine the mayonnaise and soy sauce. Season with the juice of 1 lime wedge and salt as needed.
In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash and thoroughly combine the chopped cilantro, mashed avocado, scallions, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of the soy-lime mayonnaise. Add the chicken and gently combine. Form into 4 large balls.
Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat until very hot, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Add the neutral oil or ghee, then add the chicken meatballs, spacing them out in the pan. Use a metal spatula to press them until they form 1/2-inch-thick patties. Cook without moving for 3-1/2 to 4 minutes, until a deep golden crust has formed and they easily release from the pan. Flip the patties using the spatula and cook until done with a nice crust on the other side, about 3 minutes more. If the patties need more time, cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid scorching.
Squeeze a lime wedge over the patties and serve sandwiched between the buns topped with lettuce, a healthy slathering of the lime-mayonnaise, avocado slices, jalapeño slices if using, and cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve with the remaining lime wedges and mayonnaise on the side.
Tip
Resist the urge to add more than 1/4 cup mashed avocado to the ground chicken, as the burgers will get too soft and fall apart during cooking.
EASY CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
This is from Eating Well. It begins, "These easy Mexican enchiladas are filled with flavorful, shredded slow-cooked shredded chicken. Placed on a bed of fresh lettuce, this delicious recipe is sure to be the hit of any dinner occasion."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Additional Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/262838/easy-chicken-enchiladas/.
Ingredients
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (10.5 ounce) can reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mild salsa (lower sodium such as Newman's Own)
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups packaged baby lettuce mix
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas, warmed (see Tip)
1/2 cup shredded Mexican-style four-cheese blend
Directions
Place chicken breasts in a 1-1/2 quart slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine soup, salsa, chiles, chili powder and cumin; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
Remove chicken and place in a medium, shallow bowl. Using two forks, shred meat. Add half of the sauce from the slow cooker to the shredded chicken, tossing to coat.
Line a serving platter with the lettuce. Place about 1/3 cup of chicken mixture and about a teaspoon of the shredded cheese down the center of each tortilla and roll up. Arrange enchiladas on the prepared serving platter. Spoon remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Tips
Tip: To warm tortillas, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap tortillas tightly in foil. Bake about 10 minutes or until heated through.
SHEET-PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS WITH THE WORKS
This is from WW (formerly Weight Watchers), and begins, "Sheet-pan dinners are popular for a reason: They cook everything in one place and keep cleanup minimal. The pans can be surprisingly versatile too—here, we use one like a fajita skillet. The key to getting that signature sear on the seasoned veggies and meat? Heating the empty pan in the oven until it’s screaming-hot. This ensures the ingredients start sizzling the second they hit the surface."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Serves: 4; Difficulty: Easy; 9 points
View this online here.
Ingredients
4 sprays cooking spray
1 pound uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 large onions, yellow, sliced
2 medium red bell peppers, sliced
1 large poblano chile, sliced
2 Tbsp canola oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp paprika, smoked
8 tortillas (6-inch), low carb, high fiber tortilla wraps
1 cup pico de gallo
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 avocado, medium, thinly sliced (optional)
1 medium jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Directions
Place a large sheet pan in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, bell peppers, and chile. Drizzle with the oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and paprika and toss to coat.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and coat with cooking spray. Spread the chicken and vegetables into an even layer on the pan. Roast until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in foil. Place the tortillas in the oven to warm during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Divide the chicken and vegetables among the tortillas. Serve with the pico de gallo, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, jalapeño, and lime wedges (if using).
Serving size: 2 filled tortillas
ARROZE CHAUFA (FRIED RICE WITH CHICKEN AND BELL PEPPER)
This is from Ham El-Waylly in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ham wrote, "After laborers flocked from China to Peru in the mid-1800s, a blend of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine known as Chifa was born. This simple version of arroz chaufa (fried rice) focuses on chicken thighs and red bell pepper, but other varieties might embrace sliced hot dogs, shrimp or strips of meat. The key to this recipe, and other fried rice recipes, is keeping the cooking surface hot. This is easy to achieve when using a powerful wok burner in a professional kitchen, but at home, this means cooking things in smaller batches. If you need to serve more people, multiply the recipe as needed, but make sure to cook the rice in several batches to allow it to crisp rather than steam. (You can hold the prepared rice covered in foil in a warm oven.)"
Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 2 to 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024042-arroz-chaufa-fried-rice-with-chicken-and-bell-pepper. While you're there, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter (if you haven't already). Great stuff!
Ingredients
4 tablespoons neutral oil, like grapeseed
2 large eggs, beaten
Kosher salt
1 medium red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, roughly chopped
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green portions separated
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground white pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, plus more for seasoning
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Preparation
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil over high until shimmering. Add the eggs, season with a pinch of salt and cook until fully cooked, flipping over once halfway through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, roughly chop it into small pieces and set aside.
Return the pan to high heat and add another tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the bell pepper, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until lightly charred along the edges and softened, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons neutral oil. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Add the ginger, garlic and scallion whites; cook, frequently stirring, until fragrant and softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the cumin, white pepper, sugar and MSG (if using) and stir to combine.
Break up the cooled rice with your hands, so the grains are separate, then add to the pan. Stir frequently so all the ingredients are well incorporated and each grain of rice is coated in fat. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil along the outside perimeter of the pan and toss to combine. Cook, frequently stirring, until some of the rice starts to crisp and turn toasty, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the eggs, bell pepper and scallion greens to the rice; toss to combine.
Cook for another minute, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt, soy sauce and white pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
ONE-POT CHICKEN ALFREDO PENNE
This is from Pillsbury, and begins, "We love it when a recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and only 20 minutes to come together. But wait, there’s more—you only need one pot to make this simple pasta dish! All of that good news—plus the rich, creamy cheese sauce combined with pasta, peas and rotisserie chicken—make this a meal everyone in the family will applaud for when you bring it to the table."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 8 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 lb uncooked penne pasta
1 box (9 oz) frozen sweet peas
2 cups shredded or pulled deli rotisserie chicken
1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In nonstick 5-quart Dutch oven, heat evaporated milk, 4 cups hot water and the pasta to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook 7 minutes, stirring frequently; do not drain. Meanwhile, microwave peas as directed on box; drain peas.
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in chicken and Alfredo sauce. Cook 3 minutes longer, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat; stir in peas and cheese.
Tips from the Pillsbury Kitchens
tip 1
Tired of chicken? Substitute chopped ham or cooked shrimp for a delicious twist.
tip 2
A 5-oz bag of baby spinach makes a nice substitution for the peas. Just stir it in with the cheese. Keep stirring until the heat from the pasta wilts the greens.
tip 3
Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable canned cow’s milk-based product where more than 50% of the water has been removed. This makes it thicker and creamier than fresh milk, which is why it’s great for making the alfredo sauce in this pasta dish. You can often find evaporated milk in the baking aisle at the grocery store.
Monday, August 7, 2023
Chicken - Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's double post deals with chicken, and includes Arroz Chaufa (Fried Rice With Chicken and Bell Pepper) and Stovetop Barbecue Chicken. Enjoy!
EASY CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
This is from Eating Well. It begins, "These easy Mexican enchiladas are filled with flavorful, shredded slow-cooked shredded chicken. Placed on a bed of fresh lettuce, this delicious recipe is sure to be the hit of any dinner occasion."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Additional Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/262838/easy-chicken-enchiladas/.
Ingredients
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (10.5 ounce) can reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mild salsa (lower sodium such as Newman's Own)
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups packaged baby lettuce mix
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas, warmed (see Tip)
1/2 cup shredded Mexican-style four-cheese blend
Directions
Place chicken breasts in a 1-1/2 quart slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine soup, salsa, chiles, chili powder and cumin; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
Remove chicken and place in a medium, shallow bowl. Using two forks, shred meat. Add half of the sauce from the slow cooker to the shredded chicken, tossing to coat.
Line a serving platter with the lettuce. Place about 1/3 cup of chicken mixture and about a teaspoon of the shredded cheese down the center of each tortilla and roll up. Arrange enchiladas on the prepared serving platter. Spoon remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Tips
Tip: To warm tortillas, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap tortillas tightly in foil. Bake about 10 minutes or until heated through.
SLOW-COOKER ARROZ CON POLLO (CHICKEN & RICE)
This is from Eating Well, and begins, "This one-pot chicken dinner, inspired by the traditional dish of Spain and Latin America, comes together easily in the crock pot. The instant brown rice is added near the end, to keep it from overcooking."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Additional Time: 6 hours; Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes; Servings: 8; Yield: 10 cups
To view this online, go to https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/269113/slow-cooker-arroz-con-pollo-chicken-rice/.
Ingredients
3 large red, orange, and/or yellow bell peppers, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can no-sodium-added tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can no-sodium-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon saffron or 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 cups instant brown rice, such as Minute Rice
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped green olives with pimientos
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (Optional)
Directions
Combine bell peppers, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, cumin, and saffron (or turmeric) in a 6-qt. slow cooker. Nestle chicken into the mixture until submerged. Cover and cook on Low for 5-1/2 hours.
Stir in rice, peas, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes more.
Using 2 forks, shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon olives and garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Tips
Equipment: 6-qt. slow cooker
STOVETOP BARBECUE CHICKEN
This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ali wrote, "Nothing compares to live fire, but even if you don’t have a grill, you can make chicken that’s burnished and sticky with barbecue sauce. To achieve a similar smokiness on the stovetop, paint boneless, skinless chicken with some barbecue sauce and sear it so the sugars in the sauce caramelize and char. The sauce here leans tangy and spicy, but adjust it as you like. Once the chicken is cooked, let the sauce bubble until glossy enough to slather onto the chicken. Since that only took 30 minutes, consider your sides: perhaps a green goddess slaw, potato chips or pickles. (If you’d like to use bone-in chicken, try this oven method.)"
Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 3 to 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024169-stovetop-barbecue-chicken. While you're at it, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, if you haven't already.
Ingredients
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire or soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
1-1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Preparation
In a large bowl, stir together the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne.
Pat the chicken dry and pound to an even ½-inch thickness, if necessary. Season all over with salt and pepper, then add to the bowl of barbecue sauce and turn to coat. (You can marinate the chicken, covered and refrigerated, up to 2 hours ahead.)
Melt the butter in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium heat. Shake the chicken to remove excess sauce, then add to the skillet. Cook until cooked through and charred in spots, 6 to 8 minutes per side. (Some sauce might collect and brown in the pan; that’s OK.) Meanwhile, stir 1/4 cup of water into the remaining bowl of sauce, scraping the sides to get every bit.
Transfer the chicken to a plate, pour the sauce into the pan and scrape any browned bits off the skillet. Boil until the sauce is thick and glossy, 2 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the chicken and any juices from the plate and turn to coat. If you find the sauce is too thin to coat the chicken, simmer it over medium-low. If it’s too thick to coat the chicken, add a tablespoon of water.
SHEET-PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS WITH THE WORKS
This is from WW (formerly Weight Watchers), and begins, "Sheet-pan dinners are popular for a reason: They cook everything in one place and keep cleanup minimal. The pans can be surprisingly versatile too—here, we use one like a fajita skillet. The key to getting that signature sear on the seasoned veggies and meat? Heating the empty pan in the oven until it’s screaming-hot. This ensures the ingredients start sizzling the second they hit the surface."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Serves: 4; Difficulty: Easy; 9 points
View this online here.
Ingredients
4 sprays cooking spray
1 pound uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 large onions, yellow, sliced
2 medium red bell peppers, sliced
1 large poblano chile, sliced
2 Tbsp canola oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp paprika, smoked
8 tortillas (6-inch), low carb, high fiber tortilla wraps
1 cup pico de gallo
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 avocado, medium, thinly sliced (optional)
1 medium jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Directions
Place a large sheet pan in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, bell peppers, and chile. Drizzle with the oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and paprika and toss to coat.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and coat with cooking spray. Spread the chicken and vegetables into an even layer on the pan. Roast until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in foil. Place the tortillas in the oven to warm during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Divide the chicken and vegetables among the tortillas. Serve with the pico de gallo, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, jalapeño, and lime wedges (if using).
Serving size: 2 filled tortillas
ARROZE CHAUFA (FRIED RICE WITH CHICKEN AND BELL PEPPER)
This is from Ham El-Waylly in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ham wrote, "After laborers flocked from China to Peru in the mid-1800s, a blend of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine known as Chifa was born. This simple version of arroz chaufa (fried rice) focuses on chicken thighs and red bell pepper, but other varieties might embrace sliced hot dogs, shrimp or strips of meat. The key to this recipe, and other fried rice recipes, is keeping the cooking surface hot. This is easy to achieve when using a powerful wok burner in a professional kitchen, but at home, this means cooking things in smaller batches. If you need to serve more people, multiply the recipe as needed, but make sure to cook the rice in several batches to allow it to crisp rather than steam. (You can hold the prepared rice covered in foil in a warm oven.)"
Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 2 to 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024042-arroz-chaufa-fried-rice-with-chicken-and-bell-pepper. While you're there, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter (if you haven't already). Great stuff!
Ingredients
4 tablespoons neutral oil, like grapeseed
2 large eggs, beaten
Kosher salt
1 medium red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, roughly chopped
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green portions separated
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground white pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, plus more for seasoning
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Preparation
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil over high until shimmering. Add the eggs, season with a pinch of salt and cook until fully cooked, flipping over once halfway through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, roughly chop it into small pieces and set aside.
Return the pan to high heat and add another tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the bell pepper, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until lightly charred along the edges and softened, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons neutral oil. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Add the ginger, garlic and scallion whites; cook, frequently stirring, until fragrant and softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the cumin, white pepper, sugar and MSG (if using) and stir to combine.
Break up the cooled rice with your hands, so the grains are separate, then add to the pan. Stir frequently so all the ingredients are well incorporated and each grain of rice is coated in fat. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil along the outside perimeter of the pan and toss to combine. Cook, frequently stirring, until some of the rice starts to crisp and turn toasty, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the eggs, bell pepper and scallion greens to the rice; toss to combine.
Cook for another minute, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt, soy sauce and white pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN
This is from WW (formerly Weight Watchers), and begins, "This easy, all-in-one meal hits all the right sweet and savory notes. A little convenient-and-delicious jarred teriyaki sauce pulls together the pineapple, red bell pepper, and onion, and turns them into a family-friendly veggie side plus a saucy accompaniment for the chicken. Leftovers make a great lunch on top of some brown rice."
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Serves: 4; Difficulty: Easy; 1 point
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 sprays Cooking spray
22-1/2 oz. uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts (but you'll need to start with four 7-ounce skin-on bone-in split chicken breasts)
1 tsp table salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
1-1/2 cups pineapple, fresh chunks
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges
1/3 cup reduced sodium teriyaki sauce
2 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped (or to taste)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper; place on one side of prepared baking sheet.
Combine the pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion on the other side and toss with teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with black pepper. Roast until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender and browned, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and more salt, if desired.
Serving size: 1 chicken breast (skin discarded) and 1/2 cup pineapple and vegetables
EASY CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
This is from Eating Well. It begins, "These easy Mexican enchiladas are filled with flavorful, shredded slow-cooked shredded chicken. Placed on a bed of fresh lettuce, this delicious recipe is sure to be the hit of any dinner occasion."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Additional Time: 4 hours; Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/262838/easy-chicken-enchiladas/.
Ingredients
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (10.5 ounce) can reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mild salsa (lower sodium such as Newman's Own)
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups packaged baby lettuce mix
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas, warmed (see Tip)
1/2 cup shredded Mexican-style four-cheese blend
Directions
Place chicken breasts in a 1-1/2 quart slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine soup, salsa, chiles, chili powder and cumin; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
Remove chicken and place in a medium, shallow bowl. Using two forks, shred meat. Add half of the sauce from the slow cooker to the shredded chicken, tossing to coat.
Line a serving platter with the lettuce. Place about 1/3 cup of chicken mixture and about a teaspoon of the shredded cheese down the center of each tortilla and roll up. Arrange enchiladas on the prepared serving platter. Spoon remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Tips
Tip: To warm tortillas, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap tortillas tightly in foil. Bake about 10 minutes or until heated through.
SLOW-COOKER ARROZ CON POLLO (CHICKEN & RICE)
This is from Eating Well, and begins, "This one-pot chicken dinner, inspired by the traditional dish of Spain and Latin America, comes together easily in the crock pot. The instant brown rice is added near the end, to keep it from overcooking."
Prep Time: 30 minutes; Additional Time: 6 hours; Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes; Servings: 8; Yield: 10 cups
To view this online, go to https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/269113/slow-cooker-arroz-con-pollo-chicken-rice/.
Ingredients
3 large red, orange, and/or yellow bell peppers, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can no-sodium-added tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can no-sodium-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon saffron or 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 cups instant brown rice, such as Minute Rice
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped green olives with pimientos
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (Optional)
Directions
Combine bell peppers, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, cumin, and saffron (or turmeric) in a 6-qt. slow cooker. Nestle chicken into the mixture until submerged. Cover and cook on Low for 5-1/2 hours.
Stir in rice, peas, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes more.
Using 2 forks, shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon olives and garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Tips
Equipment: 6-qt. slow cooker
STOVETOP BARBECUE CHICKEN
This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ali wrote, "Nothing compares to live fire, but even if you don’t have a grill, you can make chicken that’s burnished and sticky with barbecue sauce. To achieve a similar smokiness on the stovetop, paint boneless, skinless chicken with some barbecue sauce and sear it so the sugars in the sauce caramelize and char. The sauce here leans tangy and spicy, but adjust it as you like. Once the chicken is cooked, let the sauce bubble until glossy enough to slather onto the chicken. Since that only took 30 minutes, consider your sides: perhaps a green goddess slaw, potato chips or pickles. (If you’d like to use bone-in chicken, try this oven method.)"
Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 3 to 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024169-stovetop-barbecue-chicken. While you're at it, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, if you haven't already.
Ingredients
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire or soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
1-1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Preparation
In a large bowl, stir together the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne.
Pat the chicken dry and pound to an even ½-inch thickness, if necessary. Season all over with salt and pepper, then add to the bowl of barbecue sauce and turn to coat. (You can marinate the chicken, covered and refrigerated, up to 2 hours ahead.)
Melt the butter in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium heat. Shake the chicken to remove excess sauce, then add to the skillet. Cook until cooked through and charred in spots, 6 to 8 minutes per side. (Some sauce might collect and brown in the pan; that’s OK.) Meanwhile, stir 1/4 cup of water into the remaining bowl of sauce, scraping the sides to get every bit.
Transfer the chicken to a plate, pour the sauce into the pan and scrape any browned bits off the skillet. Boil until the sauce is thick and glossy, 2 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the chicken and any juices from the plate and turn to coat. If you find the sauce is too thin to coat the chicken, simmer it over medium-low. If it’s too thick to coat the chicken, add a tablespoon of water.
SHEET-PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS WITH THE WORKS
This is from WW (formerly Weight Watchers), and begins, "Sheet-pan dinners are popular for a reason: They cook everything in one place and keep cleanup minimal. The pans can be surprisingly versatile too—here, we use one like a fajita skillet. The key to getting that signature sear on the seasoned veggies and meat? Heating the empty pan in the oven until it’s screaming-hot. This ensures the ingredients start sizzling the second they hit the surface."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Serves: 4; Difficulty: Easy; 9 points
View this online here.
Ingredients
4 sprays cooking spray
1 pound uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 large onions, yellow, sliced
2 medium red bell peppers, sliced
1 large poblano chile, sliced
2 Tbsp canola oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp paprika, smoked
8 tortillas (6-inch), low carb, high fiber tortilla wraps
1 cup pico de gallo
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 avocado, medium, thinly sliced (optional)
1 medium jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Directions
Place a large sheet pan in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, onion, bell peppers, and chile. Drizzle with the oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and paprika and toss to coat.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and coat with cooking spray. Spread the chicken and vegetables into an even layer on the pan. Roast until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in foil. Place the tortillas in the oven to warm during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Divide the chicken and vegetables among the tortillas. Serve with the pico de gallo, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, jalapeño, and lime wedges (if using).
Serving size: 2 filled tortillas
ARROZE CHAUFA (FRIED RICE WITH CHICKEN AND BELL PEPPER)
This is from Ham El-Waylly in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Ham wrote, "After laborers flocked from China to Peru in the mid-1800s, a blend of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine known as Chifa was born. This simple version of arroz chaufa (fried rice) focuses on chicken thighs and red bell pepper, but other varieties might embrace sliced hot dogs, shrimp or strips of meat. The key to this recipe, and other fried rice recipes, is keeping the cooking surface hot. This is easy to achieve when using a powerful wok burner in a professional kitchen, but at home, this means cooking things in smaller batches. If you need to serve more people, multiply the recipe as needed, but make sure to cook the rice in several batches to allow it to crisp rather than steam. (You can hold the prepared rice covered in foil in a warm oven.)"
Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 2 to 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024042-arroz-chaufa-fried-rice-with-chicken-and-bell-pepper. While you're there, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter (if you haven't already). Great stuff!
Ingredients
4 tablespoons neutral oil, like grapeseed
2 large eggs, beaten
Kosher salt
1 medium red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, roughly chopped
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green portions separated
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground white pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, plus more for seasoning
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Preparation
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil over high until shimmering. Add the eggs, season with a pinch of salt and cook until fully cooked, flipping over once halfway through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, roughly chop it into small pieces and set aside.
Return the pan to high heat and add another tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the bell pepper, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until lightly charred along the edges and softened, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
Return the pan to high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons neutral oil. Add the chicken, season with a pinch of salt and cook, frequently stirring, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Add the ginger, garlic and scallion whites; cook, frequently stirring, until fragrant and softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the cumin, white pepper, sugar and MSG (if using) and stir to combine.
Break up the cooled rice with your hands, so the grains are separate, then add to the pan. Stir frequently so all the ingredients are well incorporated and each grain of rice is coated in fat. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil along the outside perimeter of the pan and toss to combine. Cook, frequently stirring, until some of the rice starts to crisp and turn toasty, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the eggs, bell pepper and scallion greens to the rice; toss to combine.
Cook for another minute, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt, soy sauce and white pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN
This is from WW (formerly Weight Watchers), and begins, "This easy, all-in-one meal hits all the right sweet and savory notes. A little convenient-and-delicious jarred teriyaki sauce pulls together the pineapple, red bell pepper, and onion, and turns them into a family-friendly veggie side plus a saucy accompaniment for the chicken. Leftovers make a great lunch on top of some brown rice."
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Serves: 4; Difficulty: Easy; 1 point
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 sprays Cooking spray
22-1/2 oz. uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts (but you'll need to start with four 7-ounce skin-on bone-in split chicken breasts)
1 tsp table salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
1-1/2 cups pineapple, fresh chunks
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges
1/3 cup reduced sodium teriyaki sauce
2 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped (or to taste)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper; place on one side of prepared baking sheet.
Combine the pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion on the other side and toss with teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with black pepper. Roast until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender and browned, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and more salt, if desired.
Serving size: 1 chicken breast (skin discarded) and 1/2 cup pineapple and vegetables
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