Sweeten Up Your 4th of July With These Patriotic Desserts
June 30, 2023
Posted: April 26, 2022 2:45 pm
Chicken is one of the most satisfying and versatile proteins on the planet. From soups to fried, roasted and diced, amateur and professional chefs alike choose chicken for its delicious addition to thousands of dishes. Chicken not only forms a vital part of culinary tradition, but it is also highly nutritious and fairly easy to prepare, provide you have the right recipe.
Unfortunately, many cooks get stuck in a rut when it comes to preparing chicken, choosing bland recipes and outdated cooking methods that leave your protein lackluster and a bit bland. Not to worry, dear chefs, we’ve got you covered. The following recipes will transform your chicken into a one-of-a-kind culinary experience worthy of praise from family and friends alike. Roll up those sleeves, wash those hands, and get ready to take a deep dive into baked, fried, roasted, and sauteed.
This amped-up version of a chicken sandwich will move you from “ho-hum” to “yum” in a single bite. It’s the little things that make all the difference in this sandwich, and you’re bound to please any crowd you give these to for a weekday lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Combine chicken with tomato ketchup, gherkins, chili sauce, Worcestershire, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well and sprinkle with oregano, chill overnight. While chicken is marinating, place avocado in a blender and add salt, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and chili sauce. Mix well.
Slice up onion, add to a heated pan with 2 Tbsp butter. Sautee till golden brown, then add red chili flakes and thyme. Mix well, let cool and set aside.
Heat oven to 350; place red pepper in an oven-safe dish. Roast 30 minutes or until pepper is fork-tender. Remove from oven and let cool. Cut into small chunks and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Slice multigrain loaf into halves, spread with avocado spread and layer lettuce leaves, chili onion, and red peppers. Top with chicken mixture and serve immediately.
What better way to start the day than with a filling and delicious breakfast! This savory, delicious omelet is perfect for those busy days when you don’t know how late lunch might be. Load up and enjoy the rest of the day’s activities on a satisfied stomach.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Saute garlic, onion and celery in olive oil. Add small pieces of chicken, green chilies and vegetable stock; saute them all together for about ten minutes. Add soy sauce and stir, reducing sauce and letting simmer for ten additional minutes for flavor.
In a separate pan, saute butter and garlic together till fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and vegetable stock; saute till mushrooms are tender. Add basil, salt, and pepper, heat through for an additional five minutes to allow flavors to blend.
In a third pan, heat olive oil and add egg whites. Cook for 3-5 minutes, then add chicken and mushroom filling, folding omelet in half and allowing to cook an additional 5 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with a small amount of cheddar cheese before serving.
Never underestimate the power of a comforting, delicious porridge as the star of a meal. This one is loaded with juicy pieces of chicken, wholesome oats, and tons of flavor. Serve with your favorite crusty bread for a complete and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Cut chicken breasts into small pieces. Heat oil in a large non-stick pan, add cumin seeds, bay leaves, ginger and garlic; saute for one minute. Add green chilies and chicken and mix well. Add oats, turmeric, red chili powder, pepper, and salt and mix well. Pour 2 cups of water over the entire mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook till chicken is done, about 15 minutes.
Add browned onions, butter, and lemon juice to a separate pan and mix well, blend in chopped coriander leaves. Heat through till simmering, then add 1/2 cup egg whites and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or till egg whites are thoroughly cooked. Transfer porridge to a serving bowl and garnish with browned onion mixture; serve hot.
Chinese takeout may be delicious, but it is laden with sodium, preservatives, and tons of calories that don’t need to make their way to your waistline. This version of Chinese orange chicken is easy enough to make at home, and you’ll pack on the flavor without packing on the pounds.
Ingredients:
Directions for orange sauce:
In a medium saucepan, add orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. Heat for 3 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to form a paste. Add to orange sauce and whisk together. Once the sauce is thicker, remove from heat and add orange zest.
Directions for chicken:
Place flour and cornstarch in a shallow pie plate. Add a pinch of salt and mix well. Whisk eggs in a shallow dish, then dip chicken pieces in egg mixture and dredge in flour mixture. Place on a plate. Heat 3 inches of oil in a frying pan over medium heat, heat to 350 degrees. Cook chicken pieces in small batches, turning often till they achieve a golden brown color. Place chicken on a paper towel-lined plate, repeat until all chicken is cooked.
Toss chicken with orange sauce and garnish with chopped green onion. Serve immediately over cooked white rice for a delicious and healthy version of your favorite takeout dish.
Cheesecake Factory lovers, unite. This delicious version of a classic pasta dish is as near-perfect as its close cousin found on the Factory’s restaurant menus across the country. Equal parts creamy, spicy, sassy, and comforting, it will fast become a favorite at your house, whether enjoying with family or entertaining large groups at your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Prepare water to boil your pasta. Add asparagus to the pasta water and boil for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Shock in cold water and set aside. Add pasta and cook for one minute less than recommended prep time and place into a colander with prepared asparagus.
In a separate bowl, add chicken, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let marinate while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Add butter to a large skillet and melt over medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion and cook till both are fork-tender. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Remove vegetables from heat and add olive oil to the pan. Add chicken, browning on all sides till no longer pink. Add honey and stir to coat chicken, then add vegetables back into the pan. Stir till all is combined. Add chili sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan, cook for 5 minutes. Add pasta, asparagus, and frozen green peas, heating again till all is heated through. Stir to coat all ingredients and garnish with cilantro and crushed tortilla chips for additional flavor.
With delicious savory dishes like these on your table, your guests might not have room for dessert. Add them to your recipe arsenal and delight in the new combinations of flavor and taste that will wow anyone you serve them to. Bon Apetit!
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