Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

*has some spiciness

-3 large chicken breasts (I put frozen ones in a pan, with some olive oil, covered it and cooked on medium for about 30 minutes, then on low for another 30 or so minutes)

    - seasoning: add minced onions, creole seasoning, paprika, cumin, kosher salt, & garlic powder 

-cook about 3-4 cups of rice

-when chicken is finished cooking, shred it and add 1/2 can red or green enchilada sauce (I used green, because I like it more)

   -also add: about 2 or so tablespoons of cream cheese and 1/2c-3/4c sour cream

-add cooked rice.. any amount you deem necessary. 

-mix in chopped spinach (about a handful) and remaining enchilada sauce from the can, and about 1 1/2c shredded cheese. 

-add to a baking dish. Add 1 small can of corn. Add shredded cheese. 

      -Sprinkle with dried parsley and fresh cilantro

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

serve with a side of  pinto beans and you're set with a delicious meal.

the kids will approve!

Couscous chicken skillet

Ingredients:

Israeli couscous

4 chicken breasts

salt & pepper

paprika

onion powder

garlic salt

creole seasoning

carrots

spinach

chicken broth

This is one of those experimental meals where you throw a bunch of stuff together and the result is amazing!!

start out by seasoning your chicken breasts (4 of them, if you're feeding a family of 6 (with 4 small children)) 

•   coat each side with: creole seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic salt, onion powder

cook in a pan on med-high until about half way cooked through on each side. remove from pan and set aside. 

add your couscous to the pan and chicken broth (ratio 1:1.25). add 1 cube of tomato bouillon, salt and pepper, 1 tsp ketchup and 1/2 c heavy cream.

add chicken and carrots. cover and simmer about 10-15 min. 
add chopped spinach towards the end.

This is a quick and easy weeknight meal!! The kids will even love it and it's healthy!  

Spanish Chicken & Rice

This quick and easy meal is delicious!!

to feed a family of 6 (4 small children + 2 adults), you will need:

5 chicken breasts

2-3 T oil

1/2 onion

3 cloves garlic

1 tsp cumin

1 large (19oz) can medium green enchilada sauce

1 3/4 c rice

1 3/4 c water

1/2 c cilantro

1/2 c spinach

paprika & saffron, salt & pepper

zucchini

cut chicken breasts to desired size. season with salt and pepper, and paprika.

add oil to pan and cook chicken to about 1/2 way done on med/high heat.

take chicken out of pan and set aside.

add onion, garlic, and cumin. cook a couple minutes.

add green sauce, rice, water, then chicken on top. cover bring to boil. then turn to low and simmer about 20 minutes.

add chopped zucchini, spinach, cilantro, and a few sprigs of saffron. cook another 5 minutes until done.

Spinach artichoke chicken lasagna

2 cups chicken (or turkey.. which I used in this one from leftover thanksgiving)
1/2-1 can marinated artichoke hearts (chopped)
1 pkg cream cheese
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c parmesan
1/2 c marinated sun dried tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 c milk, 1/2 c heavy cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp basil
1 c chopped fresh spinach
1/2 c -1 c ricotta cheese
parsley for topping
9 lasagna noodles (pre cooked or soaked)
1/2 c alfredo and 1/2c tomato sauce

I started by soaking in warm water the noodles in a pan
Then combine chicken, artichokes, about 1 c mozzarella cheese, parmesan, sun dried tomatoes, alfredo and tomato sauce.

beat softened cream cheese, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, basil, spinach, and ricotta in seperate bowl.

add about 1/3 or so of cheese mix to chicken mix and combine.
spread a small amount of cheese mix on bottom, then 3 noodles, then chicken mix, then top again with cheese mix, repeat ( sprinkle mozzarella cheese in between layers)

on the very top, finish with leftover cheese mix and sprinkle mozzarella cheese. sprinkle parsley and cover with foil.
 bake at 350 degrees for about 25 min.

Macadamia nut chicken

Macadamia nut chicken with white cheddar mashed potatoes, green beans and pineapple-papaya marmalade (similar to Kona Grill Restaurant)

cut white potatoes and boil w/ chopped onions, salt, & white pepper

heat oil in pan and depending on how thick your chicken breasts are.. I sliced them in thirds (cutting lengthwise, so the breasts are thinner)

salt & pepper both sides of chicken

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

prepare in 3 seperate dishes

1st: flour

2nd: 3 eggs and 1/2c milk

3rd: 2c panko bread crumbs and 1/4c chopped macadamia nuts

(chop your macadamia nuts in food processor)

Meanwhile.. cook your green beans

take your chicken breasts and dip both sides in flour, egg wash, and then bread crumb mix

place in hot oil

cook until golden brown

place in oven for about 16 min

make your sauce!!

add 2 c heavy cream, 1/4c soy sauce to boil

mix 2 Tbsp cornstarch and 2 Tbsp water until thick; add to cream sauce

turn heat down on sauce and simmer; add a dash of sugar

drain your potatoes and add to pan with butter, sour cream, cream, white pepper, & salt: mix with a mixer. Add shredded white cheddar and stir w/ a spoon (heat turned off)

in another pan.. heat equal part pineapple and papaya chunks w/ a dash of sugar

blend when softened

Now take a bit of the chicken and scoop up some mashed potatoes and the marmalade all together.. it is legit!

Pad See Ew

sorry for the tiny photo

flat rice noodle (dry or fresh..if dry follow instructions for stir fry)
brocolli
chinese cabbage
1 egg
chicken
garlic
sweet soy sauce & light soy sauce
sugar
salt & pepper
onion (dry or fresh)

prep your noodles first
  Then, start with some olive oil, a small handful of chopped onion and fry your chicken (sliced) on med heat. sprinkle salt & pepper;  add about 1 T garlic, minced
 Add more oil (you can remove chicken if you'd like and add it back later)
 When about 3/4 done, crack one egg in middle of the pan and scramble.
 Add brocolli, sliced at an angle
 Add chinese cabbage, sliced at an angle about 1/2 in wide
 Add noodles and mix. Then add about 2 T sweet soy sauce and 2T light soy sauce.
 Add about 1 T sugar. mix

Authentic Pad See Ew Thai

Chicken Marsala

ok I realize that a lot of my recipes have asparagus w/ it ..it's just so good!

Chicken Marsala w/ pasta

There are 2 ways this recipe can be put together:

1/2 tsp taragon

1/2 c marsala wine (or chicken broth)

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

1/4 c water

1/4 tsp garlic powder

blend ingredients and marinade w/ chicken for 3-5 hours

bake for 30 min 350 degrees

in a saucepan combine:

1/4 c marsala wine (chicken broth)

1/4 c beef broth

pinch of sugar

about 1 c heavy cream

1/2 tsp taragon

1/4 tsp salt & pepper

2 tbsp lemon juice

pour over chicken & enjoy

Now.. you could do that or you could

saute some onions and garlic in a pan and add your chicken w/ all the above ingredients and cook on med low for about 1 1/2 hrs or so..

then pour over noodles and done

if the sauce isn't thick enough you can add some alfredo sauce and still tastes great :)

also I added some white cheddar cheese.. super yum
(thanks to Roma for this recipe)

Chicken Chow Mein

cook chicken w/ garlic & onions & olive oil on med low heat for about an hour
add a dash of white wine vinegar & soy sauce & water
season w/ paprika, ginger, salt & pepper

add broccoli and carrots near the end, let simmer for a few minutes

cook noodles for about a minute, then add to chicken

add bamboo shoots and edamame

mix all ingredients and add more soy sauce & oyster sauce as desired..mix

Chicken Florentine

preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic, onions, olive oil or butter, and a squirt of lemon juice

add about 1Tbsp parmesan cheese, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, about 1Tbsp cream cheese, 1 can half & half, sprinkle italian seasonings, & a handful of chopped fresh spinach

simmer until evenly blended.. add 1/2 sauce to a baking dish

add cut up chicken breast pieces.. sprinkle w/ salt & pepper

add the rest of the sauce

sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese

bake for about 30 minutes

(serve w/ rice & julienned carrots)

Coconut Thai Chicken

Start off with some olive oil and minced garlic.. sauté

add white wine vinegar (just a dash)

add marinated chicken

Marinade:

dash of: soy sauce, paprika, cumin, salt, & pepper

add some water & coconut milk..simmer for a few minutes to boil

reduce heat and add carrots & snap peas

cover & simmer

close to the end add tomatoes, purple, & yellow or white onion

sprinkle with parsley & serve w/ rice

Garlic Bread Chicken

chicken breast pieces

mix:

butter

garlic

salt & pepper

parsley

basil

shallots

green onion

laughing cow cheese triangle

shredded mozzarella

dice cherry tomatoes

coat chicken with mix in greased baking dish

bake 350 degrees for 20-30 min

covered w/ foil.. remove foil for last 5 min

Chicken & Gravy

just pulled this one together and turned out well enough to post!

Saute shallots & garlic with olive oil

add chicken bouillon (about 1/2 cube), and water.. let come to semi boil.

add chicken breast pieces seasoned (season salt, italian spices, paprika, & parsley)

cook on med covered

remove chicken

gravy.. add dash of white wine vinegar & worstechire & 1 Tbsp flour.. wisk until combined

bring to boil and stir until thickened

add chicken back to sauce and serve :)

Rissoles

3 c water
3 c flour
1 cube butter (1/2 c)
pinch salt

in a pan, heat water, salt and butter until melted. add flour slowly. let cool
sprinkle dough with flour and knead
stretch dough to 1/8in
cut into circles (with a cup or cookie cutter)
stuff with chicken and fold dough over; pinch edges to close.
roll in egg wash and bread crumbs
heat oil on med-high and fry until golden brown.. enjoy

Chicken filling:
saute onions, salt, and garlic in butter
add chicken pieces and cook on low-med covered.
let cool and shred

Chicken Stroganoff

This recipe is not an exact one. I have yet to make exact measurements of things..

-Cut about 1/4-1/2 white onion in small pieces, saute with about 1 tbsp garlic in pan and 1 tbsp olive oil.
-Cut up about 4 chicken breasts in pieces and season: chicken seasoning or season salt, salt (only if you didn't use season salt) & pepper
-Saute chicken on high for 30 seconds. turn down heat to medium-low; cover and let simmer.
-When chicken is about 3/4 done, add about 2 cups or so (depending on how much sauce you want) of heavy whipping cream, 1 tomato bouillon cube, and a small squirt of ketchup.
- let simmer covered for remainder of time, until done.
(if you don't have whipping cream or even want to add a tiny bit of alfredo sauce, it works too. also tomato sauce or some petite diced tomatoes with or instead of ketchup I have also done...sometimes I like to change it up a bit)
-when done, I sometimes like to add some fresh chopped parsley on top

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe I came up with on the spot and I liked the outcome, so I hope others will be able to replicate. Again, I need to get better at taking a picture of the food before I have already started eating it..but I guess that means it was too good to wait..haha

I started with leftover chicken stroganoff: which is a recipe coming soon: otherwise, cook some chicken and about 1 cup  heavy whipping cream and about 1 tbsp ketchup or tomato bouillon.

in a pan, add:
1 can (14oz) chicken broth/stock
a handful or 1 cup of chopped baby carrots
2 handfuls or 2 cups of frozen corn
1-2 cups water
a couple dashes of cumin, terragon, chopped dry bay leaves, savory, salt & pepper
a few squirts of lime and lemon juice
a few thin slices of anaheim chili pepper and jalapeno pepper (depending on how spicy you want it)
1 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup white onion slices
1-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 stalk of celery cut in big pieces for flavor
chopped chicken (stroganoff style)

bring to a boil and then cover and simmer for 30 min on low

add 1 green onion, chopped
serve with a dollup of sour cream, shredded cheese and tortilla chips!

Peruvian Pollo Saltado

I was super excited for this recipe I came up with.. I crave it often! we go to Rincon..I think that's what it's called (some Mom & Pop Peruvian restuarant  with our friends and it delicious! just wanted to try out my own little version of what they make.. so here you go)

Ingredients:
1-2 tbsps minced garlic
1/4 of red onion cut in wedges
1/4 of white onion cut in wedges
1/4 cup of diced green onions
2 tbsps chopped cilantro
4 potatoes
3 large chicken breasts cut in small slices/pieces/strips..whatever you want
cumin
paprika
soy sauce
black pepper
white wine vinegar
peanut, vegetable oil, or olive oil ( I used olive oil)
red & green bell peppers (opt) or sliced baby carrots (what I used)
1-2 tomatoes

in a ziploc bag.. put chicken (cut up) in with a few tablespoons of soy sauce, a few dashes of cumin and paprika. marinade in fridge for 15 minutes or so. In a wok or deep pan, heat oil, a few tablespoons to coat bottom and cook marinated chicken (work in small batches to cook evenly). reserve cooked chicken in bowl. meanwhile, cut up potatoes into french fries and fry in oil (vegetable oil preferably) until golden brown. drain and set aside.

add about a tablespoon of oil (olive oil) in same pan used for chicken and add garlic until golden brown. add the onions and (opt you can add red/green bell peppers.. I opted out, since I don't like them and just added sliced baby carrots..even better!) stir and fry for a few seconds. add a few splashes of soy sauce and white wine vinegar. add a few pinches of cumin and stir. then add the sliced tomatoes and add a few pinches of paprika, stir. return chicken to pan and toss gently. add chopped cilantro and then the french fries. stir gently and serve with white rice (which I am assuming everyone can make..if not, let me know and I will post..thanks!)

Orange Roasted Crock Pot Chicken

This meal is so nice for Sundays! you can stick it in the crock pot and it's done when you get home!

Cut up your chicken into pieces.. about 3 pieces per chicken breast.
add to crock pot.
then add your spices: salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and savory.
add about a 1/2 c of chicken broth and fresh squeezed orange juice..or you can also add orange slices!
diced onion: about 1/2 of a white onion
then add your glaze:
in a pan, add: 3 tbsp butter, 3tbsp dijon mustard, 3 tbsp honey, about 1 tbsp of apricot jam..or in my case I used pepper jelly (deliciously made by a local vendor), and about 3tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice. let boil for a couple minutes and simmer for a few more.

plug in your crock pot and about 3-4 hours later you have dinner!

opt.. you can also bake this dish: just bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes

Chicken Mango Quesadilla

This recipe makes a big difference using fresh homemade tortillas, like I have here.. but those are few and far between, so others will work as well. also, the salsa is homemade, just check out the salsa recipe!

Cut your chicken breast into pieces. On a pan, add olive oil, onion, garlic, and about a tbsp of honey, let sizzle for a minute or so.

add your chicken pieces to the pan. add salt, pepper, chicken seasoning, and chicken broth (about 1/2 c). when halfway done, add a couple pinches of brown sugar...(unusual, but delicious I promise)

Cover chicken on med heat and cook until done. (meanwhile, prepare your salsa and cut up a mango into small pieces).

In a different pan, add oil or pam on med-high heat. Soften about a tbsp of cream cheese. Spread the cream cheese onto a tortilla, then add to the hot pan. Next, add your cheeses (I used a mix of mozzarella and cheddar). Then, add your cooked chicken. Let heat up for a couple minutes, then add mango pieces. cover with another tortilla (or fold tortilla in half). cook until tortilla is crispy on both sides.

Garnish with sour cream and fresh salsa (guacamole is good too!)

Thai Chicken with Edemame

This meal was a total experiment, but worthy for posting :)
here are your ingredients:
soy sauce
oyster sauce
black vinegar
white wine vinegar
olive oil
dijon mustard
sesame seed oil
teriyaki sauce
garlic
onion
heavy cream
spiracha sauce (hot chili sauce)
paprika
brown sugar
honey
edemame
pine nuts (opt)
black sesame seeds (opt)
Cut white onion and garlic, sauté.

Add cut up chicken (I used 2 large chicken breasts). season with salt, pepper, and paprika (very light)

add water (about 1 cup) and cook covered on med-high heat

in a seperate pan, add equal parts soy sauce, oyster sauce, black vinegar, white wine vinegar, brown sugar (about a tsp), honey (about 1/2 tbsp), spiracha sauce (add anywhere from a tsp on.. depending on your liking to heat), and olive oil. stir until boiling on high heat.

reduce heat, add dijon mustard (about 1 tbsp) and stir until mixed well.

add to chicken and add about 1/4 c heavy cream and a few splashes of teriyaki sauce. Next, add edemame, pine nuts, and black sesame seeds. Stir and simmer covered on med heat until done.

(I didn't use pine nuts this time, but thought it would be a nice addition to the dish)

also.. the black sesame seeds in the chicken could look kinda funny.. (like bugs in your food).. so you could just add it to the cooked rice onto your dish :)

This dish goes well with calrose rice (short grain).. yum!

Breaded Fried Chicken

This recipe is one that comes along because you don't have one of the ingredients, after you have already prepared everything else; so then you have to compromise:
and then it turns out great!
Ok, so this is breaded chicken, but different :)

Instead of using egg wash, I used:

heavy cream (about 1/2 c)

butter (about 1/2 - 1 tbsp)

sour cream (about 1-2 tbsp)
mayonnaise (about 1-2 tbsp)
(everything is estimated, because I just eyeballed everything)
Mix all your ingredients and add to a shallow dish. Add bread crumbs to a different shallow dish, along with Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper
dip your chicken into the crumbs, then the creamy mix..making sure well coated, then crumbs again. Add to hot oil on pan. Fry until golden brown and flip chicken.
When you drain your chicken..put a cooling rack upside down onto paper towel and add chicken to cooling rack to drain.

These are super yummy and crispy and the chicken is very tender!