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Category: Poultry

Chicken, Pears and Arugula

Chicken, Pears and Arugula

Yield: 4

Adapted from: NY Times

In this hearty sheet-pan meal, thick pear wedges and chicken thighs seasoned with earthy, warming spices are roasted until soft and tender. During the last five minutes, crunchy sunflower seeds are scattered on the pan to sizzle in the pan juices, gaining a salty flavor that balances out the sweetness of the pears. A final topping of arugula soaks up any lingering juices and turns this into a full-on meal. Using firm, not-quite-ripe pears prevents them from becoming mushy and falling apart during the cooking process. Swap baby spinach for the arugula and sherry vinegar for the lemon juice, depending on what you have on hand. Serve any leftovers on a bed of fresh arugula, dressed with lemon and olive oil.

  • 6skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (2½ to 3 lb)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • ½tsp red-pepper flakes
  • 1tsp cumin
  • 1tsp coriander
  • 1TBS grated fresh ginger from a 2-inch piece
  • 3TBS olive oil
  • 2firm, semi-ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears, cored and quartered lengthwise
  • 2TBS raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
  • 2packed cups baby arugula
  • 1lemon, halved
  • ¼cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped (optional)

Heat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the center.

Pat the chicken dry and trim excess fat and skin.

Sprinkle all over with 2 tsp salt, and season with pepper.

In a small bowl, mix the red-pepper flakes, cumin, coriander, ginger and oil.

On a sheet pan, rub the chicken and pears all over with the mixture. Arrange chicken skin-side up and pears skin-side down. Cook until the chicken is cooked through (165°F at the thickest part) and the pears are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

During the last 5 minutes, add the sunflower seeds to the pan.

If there’s a lot of fat when finished cooking, tilt the pan and spoon it off until there’s a light coating on the surface of the pan.

Scatter the arugula on top and squeeze the juice of ½ lemon over the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with herbs, if using.

Cut the remaining lemon half in quarters and serve.

Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions

Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions

Yield: 4 Servings

Adapted from: Simply Recipes

Chicken fajitas are made even simpler and easier with this sheet pan recipe! A quick marinade makes the chicken tasty and tender. Serve it right from the pan for an easy Tex-Mex family favorite.

For the marinade:

  • ¼cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)
  • ¼cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 small orange)
  • 2TBS pickling juice, from a jar of pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • 1TBS ancho chili powder (or chili powder blend)
  • 2tsp dried oregano
  • 1tsp ground cumin
  • ¾tsp salt
  • 3TBS olive oil

For the chicken and vegetables:

  • 1large, red or yellow onion, cut into ¼-inch thick slices
  • 2large, sweet bell peppers (red, yellow or green, or a combination), cut into ¼-inch thick slices
  • 2skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 ¼ lb), cut into 1-inch strips
  • 8-12corn tortillas

For garnish:

  • 1avocado, sliced
  • handful of fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1lime, quartered
  • Cooked rice and/or beans

Preheat the oven to 450ºF:

Line and lightly oil a half-sheet pan.

Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, pickling juice, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt. Whisk in the olive oil. Pour half of the marinade into a separate bowl or cup and set aside.

Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat and set aside to marinate while the peppers and onions are roasting (about 15 minutes).

Cook the peppers and onions: In the center of a sheet pan, mound the onions and peppers. Drizzle the reserved half of the marinade over them and toss to coat.

Spread them in one layer and roast for about 15 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

Cook the chicken with the peppers and onions: Add the chicken strips to the pan with the softened vegetables, distributing them among the peppers and onions. Drizzle any excess marinade over the pan.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (at least 165ºF when measured with an instant read thermometer).

Broil the chicken and vegetables to char them: Set a rack 3 to 4 inches from the broiler and turn on the broiler. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are lightly charred.

Warm the tortillas: Wrap 1 to 3 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or until hot.

Wrap the warm tortillas in a napkin and set them on a plate.

Serve the fajitas: Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a warm platter. Bring the platter and the warm tortillas to the table for people to help themselves. Serve with lime wedges, cilantro, and avocado. If you like, you could serve it with rice and beans, too.

Cashew Chicken

Cashew Chicken

Yield: 4 Servings

adapted from: recipecritic

Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is an easy weeknight meal with all the amazing flavors of the popular takeout dish. Tender chicken surrounded by crisp and tender veggies with crunchy cashews and an incredible sweet and savory sauce.

For the sauce:

  • 6TBS low sodium-soy sauce
  • 1TBS hoisin sauce
  • ¾TBS apple cider vinegar
  • 2TBS honey
  • 1tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ½tsp fresh minced ginger
  • 2cloves garlic minced
  • 2TBS cornstarch
  • ½cup water plus more as needed to thin out sauce

For the chicken and vegetables:

  • 2medium skinless boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • salt and pepper
  • cups broccoli florets
  • 1red bell pepper cut into chunks
  • ½green bell pepper cut into chunks (optional – for extra color)
  • ½red onion cut into narrow wedges (optional)
  • cup roasted unsalted cashews

Optional garnishes:

  • toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions


For the sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch and water until combined. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the chicken and vegetables:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or foil coated with cooking spray and set aside.

Season chicken with salt and pepper then drizzle spoonfuls of sauce over the chicken coating well on both sides. Reserve at least half of the sauce for later.

Cook in preheated oven for 8 minutes then remove the pan.

Arrange the broccoli florets, bell peppers, onions, and cashews in a single layer around the chicken. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper and drizzle spoonfuls of the sauce and toss everything to coat. Return to the oven and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Remove pan from oven and drizzle with remaining sauce.

Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

Thighs with Cauliflower, Carrots and Onions

Thighs with Cauliflower, Carrots and Onions

Yield: 4 to 6 Servings

Adapted from: Food52

This is a great, fairly simple, meal. I added carrots to the recipe. Would be great for a group.

  • cooking oil, for greasing
  • 1large head cauliflower 
  • 2onions
  • 4-6carrots, red, yellow or sweet
  • 5TBS olive oil, divided
  • Kosher salt and fresh pepper, to taste
  • 1TBS whole cumin seeds or ground cumin, see note above
  • 1TBS whole coriander seeds or ground coriander, see note above
  • 2tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼-½tsp cayenne, to suit your heat tolerance
  • 2cloves garlic, minced
  • 6-8boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 2 lbs.

Special Equipment:

  • Mortar and pestle or spice grinder

Prep:

Preheat the oven to 425ºF and position one rack in the center and another at the top.

Line and oil two half-sheet pans.

Spices:

If you have them, toast whole cumin and coriander seeds in a small skillet over medium-high heat until they turn light brown and smell fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Grind in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Add to a small bowl and mix with the smoked paprika and cayenne.

Peel and slice carrots into ¼-inch thick diagonal slices.

Peel and half onions. Either slice ¼-inch thick, or cut into ½-inch wedges.

Cut cauliflower into florets, large florets halved or quartered as necessary to bite sized pieces.
Place cauliflower florets, carrots and onion on a half-sheet pan. Season all over with a tsp of kosher salt and pepper to taste, and a large drizzle of olive oil.

Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the vegetables. Use your hands to toss the vegetables evenly with the oil and spice mix. Transfer pan to the top shelf of the oven and roast for about 15 minutes.

Chicken:

Place chicken thighs in a large bowl. Season generously all over with salt. Add sprinkle on the remaining spice mix, 1-2 TBS of oil, and minced garlic. Toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature while vegetables roast.

Roast:

After the 15 minute roast of the vegetables, remove the half-sheet pan and mix the vegetables. Return to the center rack of the oven.

Lay the chicken thighs on the second half-sheet pan. Roast for 15 minutes—if thighs are large, they may need 5 to 10 minutes more. Thighs should be 185ºF in center of thickest part. Remove the vegetable pan after the second 15 minutes and cover loosely with foil.

Remove the chicken pan from the oven, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

The chicken can be served as is, or cut into 1-inch pieces (best for a group), about the same size as the cauliflower. Return chicken to sheet pan or to a serving platter along with the vegetables  and any juice from the chicken pan. Toss everything together.

Meanwhile, stir together the yogurt sauce, warm up some bread, cut the lemons, etc.  Taste and adjust seasoning and squeeze a lemon over everything, if desired.

Note: The cauliflower does not freeze well. Should not be frozen!

Chicken Madeira

Chicken Madeira

Yield: 2

Jean-Pierre

Explore the rich and flavorful world of Chicken Madeira, inspired by a classic Cheesecake Factory dish. This version enhances the original with deeper flavors and a more refined technique, perfect for impressing at dinner. This recipe combines succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, and asparagus in a luscious Madeira wine sauce, all served over creamy mashed potatoes.

For the chicken:

  • 1lb chicken breast, sliced horizontally into 2 thinner cutlets
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2TBS clarified butter, or garlic olive oil for frying
  • mozzarella cheese sliced, for topping
  • ½cup beef stock
  • 1bunch asparagus ends trimmed and peeled and poached until cooked through

For the sauce:

  • 1TBS clarified butter or extra virgin olive oil
  • 1large shallot, finely chopped
  • 8oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 1TBS garlic, minced
  • 2tsp freshly chopped tarragon or thyme
  • 4oz madeira wine
  • 8oz beef stock
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1TBS corn starch diluted into 2 TBS water optional
  • 1TBS parsley, chopped, for finishing
  • 1TBS butter, to enrich the sauce


Prepare the chicken:

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.

In a frying pan, heat clarified butter over medium heat. Add chicken, and fry until golden-brown on one side, flip on other side, top with mozzarella cheese.

Add the asparagus and ½ cup beef stock to the pan and finish in oven until cheese is melted and bubbly. It should not take more than 10 to 15 minutes.

Prepare the sauce:

In a reduction pan, heat the olive oil, and sauté shallots until light golden-brown. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper to help release the water. and cook them until their moisture evaporates.

Stir in garlic and tarragon and cook until fragrant.

Deglaze with ½ cup Madeira wine, and 1 cup beef stock and simmer to desired thickness.

If the sauce is too thin, you may use a little corn starch diluted in water to bring to the consistency you like.

Finish with parsley and swirl in butter off the heat for a glossy sauce.

Cook the asparagus:

Blanch asparagus in boiling water until tender, then shock in ice water to stop the cooking process. This method preserves the bright green color and ensures the asparagus is tender yet crisp.

Assemble the dish:

Place a generous serving of mashed potatoes on each plate. Arrange chicken cutlets on top or beside the potatoes. Ladle the Madeira mushroom sauce over the chicken. Serve asparagus alongside the chicken and potatoes.

Chicken Snow Peas

Chicken Snow Peas

Yield: 2 to 3 Servings
Adapted from Sue & Gambo

A very simple clean tasting stir fry made with snow peas and chicken with a delightful white sauce. 😊 😊

Chicken & Marinade:

  • ½lb chicken
  • ½tsp salt
  • pinch white pepper (optional, substitute black)
  • 1tsp of sesame oil
  • 1egg white
  • 2TBS of corn starch
  • 2-3TBS of oil, divided

Vegetables:

  • 2cups of pea pods, strings removed
  • 1cup of white onion, sliced
  • 1tsp minced garlic
  • 1tsp minced ginger

Sauce:

  • 1TBS Shaoxing cooking wine
  • 1cup of stock
  • 1TBS of oyster sauce
  • 1tsp of sugar
  • ½tsp sesame oil

Slurry

  • 1TBS of corn starch
  • 2TBS of water


Prep:

Slice up the chicken into small strips.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl, add salt, white pepper, sesame oil, egg white and mix.  Add 1½-2 tablespoons cornstarch, mix. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil, mix.

Make the sauce:
In another small bowl, add Shaoxing cooking wine, ½ cup of stock, 1 TBS oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Mix well.

Make a slurry:
Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl

Stir Fry:
Heat a wok over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and when oil is smoking, reduce heat to medium. Add chicken and cook until chicken is fully cooked through. Remove, drain and set the chicken aside.

Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the white onions to the wok, stir fry for 30 seconds, add minced ginger, minced garlic and stir-fry for 15-30 seconds.

Next add all the pea pods. Stir fry for 30 seconds.

Add sauce mix and bring to a boil. Mix well. Cook for about 30 seconds.

To thicken the sauce, slowly add slurry and bring to a boil. Add more and return to a boil until it’s the right thickness.

Return the chicken to the wok and stir fry for 20 to 30 seconds to heat through.

Serve.