Chicken – Taste of Home https://www.tasteofhome.com Find Recipes, Appetizers, Desserts, Holiday Recipes & Healthy Cooking Tips Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:26:07 +0000 en-US hourly 6 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9 https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TOH_Pinterest_ProfilePhoto_RedBkg.png?resize=32,32 Chicken – Taste of Home https://www.tasteofhome.com 32 32 Chicken & Sausage Tortellini Alfredo Casserole https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-sausage-tortellini-alfredo-casserole/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:22:12 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-sausage-tortellini-alfredo-casserole/
Pesto pinwheel rolls top this golden-crusted casserole. With its spicy Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, plump cheese tortellini and velvety Alfredo sauce this dish makes a thoroughly satisfying meal. —Jeanne Holt, St. Paul, Minnesota
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 45 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jan. 17, 2024

Ingredients

  • 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
  • 1 can (14 ounces) water-packed quartered artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1 package (12 ounces) fully cooked Italian chicken sausage links, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • TOPPING:
  • 1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1/3 cup prepared pesto
  • 1/4 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
  • Torn fresh basil leaves, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook tortellini according to package directions, reducing cook time to 5 minutes. Drain; return to pot. Add Alfredo sauce, artichoke hearts, sausage, chicken, cheese and tomatoes; toss gently to combine.
  2. Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake, covered, 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, for topping, unroll crescent dough; press perforations to seal. Spread pesto on top. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with short side; pinch seam to seal. Using a serrated knife, cut crosswise into 8 slices.
  4. Arrange slices over casserole, cut side up. Bake, uncovered, until rolls are golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. If desired, top with torn basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 523 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1176mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.

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We Visited 10 Chicken Wing Restaurants to Find the Best Fast-Food Wings https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-chicken-wing-restaurants/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-chicken-wing-restaurants/#respond Thu, 11 Jan 2024 21:59:23 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?post_type=listicle&p=1944502 After sampling menu items from 10 chicken wing restaurants, we ranked each location. How does your favorite place measure up?

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WingStreet / Pizza Hut

10. WingStreet/Pizza Hut

While Pizza Hut is known for its pizza and breadsticks, the chain has teamed up with another franchise called WingStreet, and often you will see locations with both names on the sign. This allows the restaurants to expand their menu offerings.

Here you can buy both traditional and boneless wings with dry rub options including lemon pepper and Cajun style, or sauce options including garlic Parmesan, honey barbecue, buffalo mild, spicy garlic, sweet chili, buffalo medium and buffalo burnin’ hot. For this taste test, I went with the middle of the road option and ordered the buffalo medium.

Unfortunately, these wings ranked the lowest on our list. The buffalo sauce had a distinct tomato flavor and almost came across like a spicy pizza sauce. The wings themselves were decently crispy, but without any sort of breading. The sauce wasn’t what we were looking for, and the wings were almost drowning in it, so it was a bit too much.

Bottom Line: It’s nice that customers can pick up pizza and wings in one convenient location, but next time we might just stick with our favorite pizza order instead.

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Nacho Wings https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/nacho-wings-2/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 13:57:02 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/nacho-wings-2/
Total Time

Prep: 1 hour Bake: 10 min.

Makes

about 2 dozen

Updated: Jan. 09, 2024

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 package (14-1/2 ounces) nacho-flavored tortilla chips, crushed (about 4 cups), such as Doritos
  • 2-1/2 pounds chicken wingettes and drumettes
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • Pickled jalapeno slices, optional
  • Sour cream and guacamole

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place melted butter and chips in separate shallow bowls. Dip wings in butter, then in chips, patting to help coating adhere. Place in greased rimmed baking pans. Bake, uncovered, until juices run clear, 30-40 minutes.
  2. Layer half the wings in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, green chiles and 1/2 cup salsa. Repeat layers with remaining wings, shredded cheese, salsa, green onions and if desired, jalapeno slices.
  3. Bake until cheese is melted, 10-12 minutes. Serve with toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 192 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.

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How to Make Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders Just as Crispy as Your Favorite Fast Food Joint https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe/#respond Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:29:13 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1936455 Air-fryer chicken tenders cut the grease and the time it takes to fry regular tenders, making this a great weeknight dinner option. Pair with fries and sauce!

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A good chicken tender is defined by two factors: moist chicken and a crackled, crispy exterior that holds on to dipping sauce. In any shape and size, they’ll bring smiles to the entire tableespecially when paired with air-fryer french fries. Great for dinner, lunch or a snack, these air-fryer chicken tenders are low-calorie and have less fat thanks to the air fryer.

This is a quick recipe (just 30 minutes!) with little cleanup. Pick out your favorite French fry dip and let’s go!

Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders Ingredients

  • Chicken tenderloins: Using only the most tender part of the breast (sometimes called “the nugget”), you have a perfectly sized, moist piece of meat that requires no prep. If you buy extras and freeze them, use ’em up in these other chicken tenderloin recipes.
  • Panko bread crumbs: The gold standard of breadcrumbs, panko is made from crustless bread, resulting in large crisp flakes that fry beautifully.
  • Garlic powder: For a more evenly flavored coating, use garlic powder instead of minced garlic cloves.

Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ingredients

Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the air fryer

Set the air fryer to 400F and allow it to preheat as you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Chicken pieces layered with mixture

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper, set aside.

Set up three bowls. In the first bowl, combine the bread crumbs, garlic powder and paprika. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs really well until completely incorporated. Leave the third bowl empty.

Using your less dominant hand, dip a chicken tender into the egg wash, shake it off and then place into the bowl with the bread crumbs. Use your dominant hand to toss additional breadcrumbs from the bowl on top of the tender, and then lightly press them onto the chicken so they adhere. Place the chicken in the empty dish at the end and start again.

Editor’s Tip: By only using one hand to handle the raw chicken and egg, the other remains clean and able to toss the breadcrumbs easily.

Step 3: Fry the chicken

Chicken Tenders Frying in a black pan

Place the chicken in a single layer on a greased tray in the air-fryer basket. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray. Cook seven to eight minutes before flipping the tenders over and repeating on the other side. The goal is a golden brown coating and no pinkness left in the chicken. If you test a tender and find pinkness, return the tenders to the fryer for another one to two minutes per side.

Recipe Variations

  • Add cheese: Add Parmesan to the chicken breading for a cheesy, umami-rich way to elevate a simple tender.
  • Spice things up: Cajun chicken tenders give the nuggets a kick of heat when you’re looking for a little something extra. Simply add homemade cajun seasoning to the bread crumb mixture.
  • Get saucy: Finger-licking good tenders could always use some hot sauce to heat things up (these are our favorite hot sauce brands to stock up on). Air fry the chicken tenders as normal and then coat them in sauce. Serve with plenty of napkins!

How to Store Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders

To keep your chicken tenders crispy and fresh, layer them in airtight containers with paper towels between the layers. They’ll last four to five days in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the air fryer for two to three minutes per side to recrisp the breading.

How to Freeze Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders

Making a big batch of tenders makes the most sense, so you can always have them on hand for a snack or when a surprise guest shows up. To freeze, lay your tenders on a cookie sheet lined with parchment, uncovered, and then place in the freezer. When the tenders are completely frozen, which should take five to six hours, place them in a large resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag.

You don’t need to defrost your tenders when you’re ready to heat them up; simply turn your air fryer to 400, and once ready, place your tenders back into the air fryer in a single layer and cook for eight minutes. You don’t even need to flip them! Do not remove the tenders once the time expires; leave them in the basket for an additional five minutes to heat through.

Tips for Making Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

How can you make sure the air-fryer chicken tenders are crispy?

The key to crispy tenders is removing all moisture. The chicken should be dry before it goes into the egg, and your panko should also be dry. You can let the tenders dry out further by placing the plate with the raw, breaded tenders in front of a fan for five minutes. As long as the air-fryer is set to the right temperature, and you spray the basket and top of the tenders with cooking spray, they should get crispy.

What can you serve with air-fryer chicken tenders?

With chicken tenders, the name of the game is dipping sauce. You can lean into a homemade ranch dressing or barbecue sauce of any variety. And you could always try something different like a peanut butter dipping sauce. While it may sound simple, a really delicious homemade ketchup can be a surprisingly comforting choice too. Besides sauces, a crudits platter, air fried vegetables or even a french fry charcuterie board are great things to serve with chicken tenders.

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How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/honey-garlic-chicken/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/honey-garlic-chicken/#respond Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:27:46 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1931793 Minced garlic, soy sauce and honey turn regular old chicken into super flavorful honey garlic chicken just waiting to be plated over a bed of fluffy rice.

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The beauty of honey garlic chicken is that with minimal preparation, the result is an entree that looks like it came out of a restaurant kitchen. The tender chicken is so lightly breadedjust enough to give it some biteand then glazed with a deliciously sticky, sweet and garlicky sauce. Soy sauce and honey combine to form a deep umami flavor, with just a bit of acid from the rice vinegar. Perfect over a bed of rice or with quinoa and roasted vegetables, this dish will become a weekday staple.

What is honey garlic chicken?

Honey garlic chicken is exactly what you want to make when you’ve grown tired of boring, plain chicken. This recipe turns regular chicken breasts into a saucy, piquant dish using only the simplest ingredients. You get the sweetness from the honey and the minced garlic gives a nutty aftertaste.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

  • Chicken breasts: When cooked right, these tender, moist portions of the chicken provide a low-fat and flavorful protein.
  • Honey: Honey is just as good in savory applications as it is in sweets. Thick and full of flavor, it also provides some of the stickiness needed for the breading to hold on to the chicken. Here are the best honey brands to keep stocked in your pantry.
  • Soy sauce: A sweet and salty umami bomb in liquid form, soy sauce is a fermented garum made of soy beans. It gives dishes a salty, rich undertone.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives bite and sweet heat to the chicken.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe makes enough lip-smacking chicken for four people.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Directions

Step 1: Mix your dry ingredients

Start with a large, shallow dish at least the size of a dinner plate. To the bowl, add the flour, salt and pepper and then use a fork or whisk to blend it together.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Lay a piece of plastic wrap or parchment on a cutting board. Place each breast on the board in an even layer, and then top with another sheet of plastic wrap. Using a mallet, gently pound the chicken, starting from the middle and working your way to the outside. Continue until the breast is 1/2-inch thick.

Step 3: Flour the chicken

How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken Ft23 239243 Ec 111723 1 Ss Edit

Gently lay the chicken breasts in the flour mixture. Use your fingers to gently pat the chicken to allow the flour to adhere better.

Now flip the breasts over and repeat so that flour coats both sides. Lightly shake them to remove excess flour.

Step 4: Mix liquid ingredients

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In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar and garlic. Mix well with a fork or whisk.

Step 5: Sear the chicken

How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken Ft23 239243 Ec 111723 2 Ss Edit

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter starts to bubble and smells slightly nutty, add the chicken (you may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your skillet). Cook the chicken until the skin turns brown, which you can check with a pair of tongs by just pulling up a corner of the chicken to check. Once it has browned, flip the chicken over and allow the second side to brown.

Step 6: Add the sauce and simmer

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Reduce the heat to medium low, and pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure to scrape all of it out of the bowl. Flip the chicken over, so the sauced side is now on the bottom, and then leave the chicken to simmer, uncovered, until no longer pink. This should take six to 10 minutes. Keep checking the chicken so it doesn’t overcook, and don’t allow the sauce to go over a simmer. Serve immediately.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Variations

  • Make it a stir-fry: Honey chicken stir-fry takes the recipe above and adds vegetables to it, resulting in a delicious one-bowl meal.
  • Swap the meat: If you want to mix things up, change out the chicken for pork and try honey garlic ribs.
  • Use the sauce to dress a salad or slaw: Use any leftover sauce in a salad or slaw you pair with the chicken. The flavors will blend well with crisp leafy greens.

How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator. To save servings for the next day or two, you can add leftovers to an air-tight container or zip-top bag. When ready to serve again, reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts at a time, until heated all the way through.

Honey Garlic Chicken Tips

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How do I prevent the chicken from being dry or overcooked?

Flattening the chicken to an even thickness will ensure even cooking without it getting tough or dry.The sauce infuses the meat with moisture. The key is to keep the skillet at medium heat, not high, and to ensure that as soon as the meat is no longer pink, you pull it off the stove.

Can I use thighs to make honey garlic chicken?

While you can use skinless, boneless thighs to make this recipe, the texture of the finished product will be slightly different (but still delicious). Dark meat is often more moist than white meat, but takes slightly longer to cook. Still, it should only take a minute or two longer, so keep an eye on the progress of the dish as it simmers.

What sides work well with honey garlic chicken?

Consider grains like rice, quinoa or couscous. Fluffy grains will soak up all the sauce and turn this dish into a warm, comforting meal. The addition of roasted vegetables will take this from a simple dish to a colorful, complete meal. Steamed or roasted broccoli or sauteed carrots or asparagus will all go magnificently with this chicken bowl. For a healthier version, consider spaghetti squash for a slightly sweet, earthy bite that will pair well with your honey garlic sauce.

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We Tried Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili, and We May Never Go Back to Beef https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/ina-garten-chicken-chili/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/ina-garten-chicken-chili/#respond Thu, 30 Nov 2023 23:37:26 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1933670 This nontraditional Ina Garten chicken chili recipe is equal parts healthy and hearty.

The post We Tried Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili, and We May Never Go Back to Beef appeared first on Taste of Home.

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When you want a classic, hearty chili recipe, something like Joanna Gaines’ chili may come to mind. However, if you’re looking to lighten things up and try a chili recipe that’s a little nontraditional, may we suggest you head to the Hamptons and cozy up to a bowl of Ina Garten chicken chili? Or, at least, pretend your kitchen is in the Hamptons for now.

Like our other unique chili recipes, this one veers from the typical kidney beans and ground beef. Instead, Ina’s version is loaded with tender roasted chicken, studded with bountiful amounts of red and yellow bell peppers and bathed in a rich tomato base. This chili is perfect for those wanting to cut back on red meat and are on team “no beans” when it comes to making chili from scratch.

With Ina Garten’s track record for delicious recipes (hello, beef bourguignon), we couldn’t resist putting her recipe to the test.

Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili Recipe

Styled Ina Garten Chicken Chili Lauren Habermehl For Toh

This recipe makes six servings.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chopped yellow onions (about 3 medium onions)
  • 1/8 cup good olive oil, plus extra for chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded and large-diced
  • 2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded and large-diced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for chicken
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
  • 4 split chicken breasts, bone-in, skin on
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • For serving: chopped onions, tortilla chips, grated cheddar or sour cream

Directions

Step 1: Saute and season

Saute Vegetables For Ina Garten Chicken Chili Lauren Habermehl For Toh

In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-low heat, cook the onions for 10 to 15 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for one additional minute, then toss in the bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Add the tomatoes

Add Sauce To Vegetables For Ina Garten Chicken Chili Lauren Habermehl For Toh

Next, in a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse the tomatoes six to eight times, so a few chunks remain (you may also crush the tomatoes by hand). Add them to the pot along with the basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Editor’s Tip: Believe it or not, not all canned tomatoes are created equal. For the best Ina Garten chicken chili ever (and the best Ina Garten lasagna), splurge on some high-quality canned tomatoes. The chili will turn out richer, thicker and more flavorful.

Step 3: Roast the chicken

Prep Chicken For Ina Garten Chicken Chili Lauren Habermehl For Toh

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and place them on a sheet pan. Season generously with salt and pepper, then roast the chicken breasts until just cooked (about 35 to 40 minutes). Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Editor’s Tip: This is one instance where you don’t have to cook the chicken completely to 165since it will finish cooking in the soup.

Step 4: Chop and combine

Add Chicken For Ina Garten Chicken Chili Lauren Habermehl For Toh

Remove the chicken meat from the bones and skin and roughly cut it into bite-sized chunks. Stir the chicken into the chili and continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes. Serve hot with the toppings of your choice, and enjoy!

Here’s What We Thought

Overhead Ina Garten Chicken Chili Lauren Habermehl For Toh

What a crowd-pleasing recipe! Ina Garten chicken chili is hearty without being heavy and subtly spiced, so it will even please those at your table who prefer a mild chili recipe. While it may not be traditional chili, this recipe will have its own spot in our recipe rotation all season long.

Tips for Making the Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

Styled Bowl Of Ina Garten Chicken Chili Lauren Habermehl For Toh

While this Ina Garten chicken chili recipe is delicious as is,it is also super adaptable to modifications. Here are just a few options for substitutions:

  • Quicker chicken: If you’re in a pinch for time, you can prepare the chicken in a few different ways that are both faster and equally flavorful. One option is to poach boneless skinless chicken breasts, which only take around 15 minutes to cook. Alternatively, you could opt for a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred the light and dark meat into the soup during the final step.
  • Spicier chili: If you’re someone who wants a little fire in their bowl of chili, you can play around with the spiciness of this recipe very easily. Try swapping two of the bell peppers for poblano peppers, or amp up the heat further by tossing in a diced jalapeno pepper or chopped chipotle chili in adobo sauce to the pot. A few extra teaspoons of chili pepper or cayenne pepper is also a great way to add some additional kick.
  • Add beans: While this recipe leans toward a Texas-style chili without beans, if you prefer a chicken chili with beans, you could certainly add them to this recipe. Pinto, kidney or black beans would all be fantastic in this recipe.

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How to Make Baked Panko Chicken Tenders https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/panko-chicken-tenders/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/panko-chicken-tenders/#respond Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:44:39 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1912910 Crispy, savory baked panko chicken tenders are simple to make at home and don't require any deep-frying. Simply prep your breading and bake.

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My favorite foods to cook are my back pocket recipes. You know the onesthe quick pasta dish you eat once (or twice) a week, the omelet you could cook with your eyes closed. These panko chicken tenders deserve to join the club. They’re super simple. Kids and adults love them. And they’re so versatile; serve them alongside french fries or a salad.

What makes bread crumbs stick to chicken?

Crispy chicken is often relegated to restaurant fare for one reason: It can be tricky to keep those bread crumbs on, and thus getting the full crunch experience. The trick to breading chicken at home? First, start with dry chicken; pat the cutlets dry with paper towels if necessary. Then, coat the chicken with eggs before dredging with the crumbs. This protein-rich coating forms a kind of gel that helps the crumbs adhere.

Ingredients for Panko Chicken Tenders

  • Panko: Panko are Japanese-style bread crumbs made from steamed, crustless bread. Panko are flaky and fluffy. They absorb less oil than classic bread crumbs, resulting in lighter, crispier fried foods.
  • Egg: As explained above, coating the chicken with egg encourages the bread crumbs to stick to (and stay on) the chicken during cooking.
  • Chicken tenders: Chicken tenders (also known as chicken cutlets) are pre-sliced boneless chicken breasts. The thinness of the cut is key; you want the chicken to cook through in the time it takes for the breadcrumbs to crisp and brown. Too-thick chicken cuts (like whole breasts) will be raw inside when the crumbs are done. If you can’t find tenders at the store, you may slice boneless chicken breasts yourself.

Panko Chicken Tenders Recipe

Panko Chicken Tenders Ft23 274722 Jr 1108 2 Tmb Studio

This quick and easy dinner recipe comes to us courtesy of Taste of Home staffer Maggie Knoebel. It yields four servings; scale up if needed.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins

Directions

Step 1: Toast the panko crumbs

In a small skillet, heat the panko over medium heat. Stir consistently, so no crumbs scorch. Toast until the panko is golden brown and crisp, about three minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Stir together the egg binder

Preheat the oven to 400F, and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and mustard. You’ll be dipping the chicken into this bowl, so choose one that’s wide enough to fit the biggest pieces.

Step 3: Season the panko

In another shallow bowl, toss the toasted and cooled panko with seasonings.

Test Kitchen Tip: Using warm panko crumbs will spoil the adhesion of the crumbs to the chicken, yielding less-crispy tenders.

Step 4: Dredge the chicken

Set up your dipping station: first the chicken, then the egg bowl and finally the panko bowl. One tender at a time, dip the chicken in the egg mixture, flipping it over to coat. Then dredge through the crumb mix. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining chicken strips, being careful not to crowd the chicken strips on the pan. If the chicken pieces are touching, the crumb coating will not brown and crisp! Use a second baking sheet if necessary.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the chicken until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 10 to 13 minutes.

Test Kitchen Tip: If the crumbs are getting too dark before the chicken cooks, tent the pan with foil. Remove for the final moments of cooking to allow the crumbs to crisp back up.

Recipe Variations

  • Seasoned panko chicken: Add your favorite spices and dried herbs to the bread crumbs. Slant toward Indian flavorings with curry powder or garam masala. Make it Middle Eastern with ras el hanout. For Italian-style, try an herb mix. You truly can’t go wrong!
  • Air-fryer chicken: Panko chicken is deliciously crisp in the air fryer. Follow the recipe through Step 4, then cook in an air fryer at 400 for seven to eight minutes.
  • Gluten-free breaded chicken: While gluten-free panko may be available in some specialty stores, they’re not essential. Swap standard gluten-free bread crumbs, store-bought or homemade.

How to Store Panko Chicken Tenders

Store chicken tenders tightly sealed in an airtight container in the fridge for three or four days. The real trick is how to reheat them so the panko crust becomes crisp again. We suggest heating in the toaster oven or on a hot cast iron panthe dry heat will refresh the breading.

How to Freeze Panko Chicken Tenders

Panko chicken tenders freeze well! Lay the tenders on a sheet pan and freeze until solid, then pop them into a resealable freezer bag. When ready to eat, remove as many as needed and thaw gently in the fridge.

You may also freeze uncooked tenders using the same method. Follow the recipe through Step 4, and then freeze the tenders on a sheet pan before transferring to a freezer bag; you’ll likely lose a few crumbs, but that’s OK. Thaw completely before baking.

Chicken tenders will keep up to six months in the freezer.

Panko Chicken Tenders Tips

Panko Chicken Tenders Ft23 274722 Jr 1108 1 Tmb Studio

What do you serve with panko chicken tenders?

With panko chicken tenders, the sky is the limit! Serve the crispy chicken with potatoes and your favorite vegetable side dish. Serve as a tasty protein on a big salad. Serve with fries and ketchup for a cafeteria throwback recipe. Serve with green beans and corn in the summer, and with polenta and braised broccoli rabe in winter. Eat hot chicken tenders on a hoagie roll with some tomato sauce and peppery arugula, or serve cold with ranch dressing and plenty of crispy iceberg.

How can you make sure the chicken tenders are crispy?

First, make sure to start with dry chicken before proceeding through the egg and bread crumb steps (3 and 4, above). Don’t skimp on the egg coating, and pat the bread crumbs on if needed to help them adhere. Use a large enough baking sheet (or two) that the tenders will not be crowded together during cooking (which can cause steam, the enemy of crisp!). Finally, be sure to let the oven completely preheat before baking.

What if I don’t have panko?

When it comes to crispy vs. crunchy tenders, you want to aim for a good crisp coating. You can use regular bread crumbs to achieve this, though they may be denser and crunchier.

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How to Make Sesame Chicken Just Like Your Favorite Take-Out Order https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/sesame-chicken-recipe/ Tue, 07 Nov 2023 20:59:21 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1894233 Plated with rice and crunchy, stir-fried vegetables, this sesame chicken recipe makes homemade Chinese dishes taste just like they do in the restaurants.

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Making a sesame chicken recipe at home is an easy way to bring a somewhat boring cut of chicken to life. The ingredients are relatively simple and will make for juicy, flavorful chicken you can pair with all your other take-out must-haves. Start with an appetizer of crispy baked wontons or potstickers, prep sushi rice or lo mein noodles to serve with the chicken and pair with a refreshing side of spinach almond salad.

What is sesame chicken?

Sesame chicken is a simple chicken dish made of cubed chicken breasts cooked in a sweet sauce and topped with sesame seeds. It’s most similar to General Tso’s chicken. The difference is that General Tso’s has a bit more heat from hoisin sauce and red pepper flakes, and it’s often made with chicken thighs rather than chicken breast.

How to Make Sesame Chicken

sesame chicken ingredients

This recipe from Taste of Home Community Cook Cori Cooper makes four servings.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup canola oil, divided
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • Hot cooked rice
  • Thinly sliced green onions, optional

Directions

Step 1: Create the sauce

making sauce for sesame chicken

In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients until blended. Set aside.

Step 2: Coat the chicken

breading chicken in egg and flour

Place the eggs and cornstarch in separate, shallow bowls. Dip the chicken in the eggs, a few pieces at a time. Then dredge through the cornstarch. Toss to coat, and shake off the excess.

Step 3: Stir fry

chicken frying in blue pan

In a wok (or a large skillet), heat two tablespoons canola oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken; stir-fry until no longer pink, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the pan. Repeat with the remaining two tablespoons oil and final batch of chicken.

Step 4: Mix in the sauce

chicken coated in sesame chicken sauce in a blue pan

Stir the sauce mixture and add it to the pan. Bring to a boil, cook and stir until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan and heat through. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with rice and garnish with green onions, if desired.

Tips for Making Sesame Chicken

sesame chicken

How to tell when the chicken is done

Because cubed chicken is much smaller than whole chicken breasts, it will not take as long to cook. After cooking for 4 to 5 minutes, you can cut into one of the cubes to see if it is no longer pink inside. The juices should run clear rather than red or pink. If there is still a pink tint or pink juices, continue cooking.

How do you make sesame chicken spicier?

Chili oil or chili sauce are two Asian sauces that will add heat to your sesame chicken recipe. You can add the oil as you cook the chicken or top the sesame chicken with chili sauce after plating over a bed of rice.

Can you make sesame chicken without a wok?

You can absolutely make sesame chicken without a wok. The rounded bowl-shape of a wok makes stir-frying a bit easier because you can toss meat or veggies without fear that they’ll land all over the stovetop. If you don’t have a wok, use a large skillet with a high lip, if possible. Cook as normal.

How to store sesame chicken

Store sesame chicken in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat, place back in a skillet and heat through. If needed, make a little extra sauce to toss with the chicken while it reheats.

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How to Make Chicken Taquitos https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/taquitos/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/taquitos/#respond Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:50:24 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1918871 A step by step guide on how to make chicken taquitos.

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Taquitos are a perfect snack: a savory cheesy filling wrapped in a crispy shell. But they’re not just for the taqueriathey’re a delicious snack or meal to make at home as well. What’s more, you don’t even need to fry anything for these Test Kitchen-approved chicken taquitos. Just bake and enjoy!

Key Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients for these tasty snacks.

  • Cooked chicken: This recipe is made even simpler by using cooked chicken. Buy a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery, or use your leftovers from earlier in the week.
  • Monterey Jack cheese: This is my personal favorite cheese to use for taquitos, though the pre-shredded Mexican blend also works well.
  • Green chiles: Green chiles are beloved for a reasonso don’t skip out on this key ingredient! Buy a jar from the store to have on hand for anything from egg bake to taco night.
  • Corn tortillas: 6-inch corn tortillas work best for taquitos. Warm them up ahead of time to prevent cracking when you roll them up.

Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
  • 12 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
  • Optional: Lettuce, sour cream, guacamole and salsa

Directions

Step 1: Make filling

Preheat the oven to 400F. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the canola oil, then add the chopped onion. Stir for a couple of minutes until tender. Add garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder and cayenne, and continue to cook a minute longer, letting the spices bloom.

Add the shredded chicken, cheese and chiles. Mix everything together until the cheese is almost melted.

Step 2: Fill taquitos

Set aside the chicken filling and wipe your skillet clean. Over medium heat, use a small splash of oil and heat tortillas one at a time for about 5 seconds per side.

Set up a rolling station with your warmed tortillas, filling, toothpicks and a greased baking sheet. Place 2 tablespoons of chicken filling over the lower third of each tortilla. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks, then place them on the baking sheet seam side down.

Step 3: Bake and serve

Bake until lightly browned, 7-9 minutes. Discard toothpicks. Serve with optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, guacamole or additional cheese.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Taquitos

  • If chicken isn’t your thing, try it with shredded pork or beef.
  • Taquitos are a great way to use leftover meat. Shred your leftover roast chicken, ribsor tender pressure-cooker beef.
  • Looking for a vegetarian option? Switch up the chicken for beans, roasted potatoes or vegetables.
  • Bake your taquitos in the air fryer for an option that’s just as crispy and tasty!

How to Store Chicken Taquitos

Store taquitos in the fridge for up to 5 days, and reheat by crisping up in the oven or toaster oven.

You can also freeze them for an easy dinner! Cook them off then let them cool down completely. Store in an air-tight ziplock bag. When you’re ready to use them, reheat directly from frozen in the oven or toaster oven.

Tips for Making Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Taquitos served with sauces

Can you deep-fry taquitos?

You can definitely deep-fry taquitos! Preheat your oil to 375. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes, turning often. Drain them on paper towels and enjoy immediately.

How can you keep chicken taquitos from falling apart?

The best way to keep taquitos from falling apart is to warm your tortillas before rolling them. Then work with them immediately while still warm. If cold, the tortillas will likely crack when you try to roll them.

What do you serve with chicken taquitos?

Serve your taquitos with toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado, salsa and cheese. You can also make it a full meal by serving them with refried beans and rice.

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I Made Giada De Laurentiis’ Chicken Piccata, and I’ll Never Make It Another Way Again https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/giada-de-laurentiis-chicken-piccata/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/giada-de-laurentiis-chicken-piccata/#respond Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:14:22 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1918880 Learn how to make Giada De Laurentiis' Chicken Piccata, a simple everyday Italian recipe ready in around 30 minutes.

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Giada De Laurentiis is the queen of easy, everyday Italian cooking. From comfort food favorites like her crispy sheet pan lasagna to her dreamy, soft-baked lemon ricotta cookies, we’ve never tried a recipe from her we didn’t like. Which is why we knew we had to put her 5-star chicken piccata recipe to the test.

Made in a single skillet, ready in around 30 minutes (like this one-pot sausage and basil pasta), and dripping in a beautifully indulgent lemon butter sauce with capers, it’s hard to imagine this dish will be anything less than delicious.

What does piccata mean?

The origin of the word piccata is debated. Some sources claim it is derived from the French word piquant or piquancy, meaning tart or zesty. Meanwhile, other sources attribute the term to the Italian adjective piccato, which means “pounded until flat.” Both accurately describe this beloved dishin which thin, butterflied chicken breasts are dredged in flour, pan-fried, and finished in a delectable lemon butter sauce.

Don’t miss all of our piccata-inspired recipes.

What do you serve with chicken piccata?

Chicken piccata can be served with an array of side dishes. Popular choices include buttery mashed potatoes, angel hair pasta or crisp salad with Italian vinaigrette.

Giada De Laurentiis’ Chicken Piccata Recipe

Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Piccata Served in a Plate and A Portrait of Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and cut in half
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • All-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Dredge

Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Then, dredge the chicken lightly in flour and shake off any excess. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted and the oil starts to sizzle, add 2 pieces of chicken to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes per side, then remove and transfer to a plate once deeply golden on both sides.

Add an additional 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot and melted, cook the remaining 2 pieces of chicken in the same way. Remove promptly to the plate with the other browned chicken.

Step 3: Finish the sauce

Add the lemon juice, chicken stock and capers to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any cooked-on bits (the fond) from the bottom of the pan. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired, then return the chicken (with its juices) to the pan.

Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it finishes cooking. Remove chicken to a serving platter. Then finish by melting the final 2 tablespoons of butter into the sauce and whisk vigorously until the sauce looks glossy and velvety.

Step 4: Serve

Pour the finished sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.

Here’s What I Thought

Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Piccata Served in a Plate

Holy yum! If you’re looking for a restaurant-style chicken piccata recipe that can be on your table quickly with minimal effort, look no further. We followed Giada De Laurentiis’ chicken piccata recipe to a T, and the resulting dish was absolute perfection. The chicken was tender and juicy, and the satisfyingly rich butter sauce was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of bright lemon flavor. Buensimo!

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How to Make Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chicken-satay-recipe/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chicken-satay-recipe/#respond Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:47:49 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1905734 This easy chicken satay recipe will make grilling a breeze. Get your skewers and tastebuds ready for a flavor-packed treat!

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One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is experiment with different cuisines. If you too like to take culinary journeys right from your kitchen, dive into this chicken satay recipe complete with a creamy, peppery peanut sauce for dipping.

Satay is considered one of the national dishes of Indonesia, and it’s also popular in Thai cuisine. It usually consists of skewered, marinated meat that is served with a side of peanut sauce. Though it has many ingredients, the recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Make sure you check your pantry for skewers before you fire up your grill!

Also try these quick and easy to make traditional Thai recipes, perfect for your dinner meals.

Chicken Satay Recipe

This recipe from Taste of Home contributor Sue Gronholz of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin makes eight servings. Allow 15 minutes of prep time, plus marinating, then about five minutes of cook time.

Ingredients

All Ingredients to make Chicken Satay With Peanut Sauce Shot From Above

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper

Peanut butter sauce:

  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup canned coconut milk
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root

Directions

Step 1: Prepare chicken

Cutting Chicken into Pieces on Cutting Board with Knife

Start by flattening the chicken breast, ideally to 1/4-inch thick, with a meat tenderizer. Then, cut the chicken into 1-inch wide strips, lengthwise.

Step 2: Make the marinade

In a large shallow, dish combine the coconut milk, garlic, brown sugar, coriander, turmeric, cumin, salt and white pepper.

Step 3: Marinate the chicken

Once the marinade ingredients are mixed, add the chicken to the bowl, coating the breasts on both sides. Then, refrigerate the chicken for at least eight hours or overnight.

Step 4: Prepare the sauce

Using a small bowl, whisk all the sauce ingredients together until everything is evenly blended. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 5: Soak wooden skewers

If you’re sticking to traditional wooden skewers (not metal) for your satay, soak them in water for thirty minutes before using them. This minimizes any fire risks.

Step 6: Cook the chicken

Roasting Chicken Satay on Grill

Remove the chicken from the marinade, and discard the marinade. Then, thread two chicken strips on a skewer. Grill the prepared skewers on an uncovered grill over medium-hot heat until the chicken juices run clear. This should take about two to three minutes for each side.

Step 7: Serve the chicken satay

Plate your cooked chicken skewers and serve the peanut sauce on the side. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use your favorite greens as a base for your skewers before you plate them.

Tips for Making Chicken Satay

Chicken Satay With Peanut Sauce

How else can you cook chicken satay?

You can also make chicken satay on your stovetop or in the oven. For the stovetop, you’ll want to use one to two tablespoons of oil and cook your skewers on medium-hot heat in a large nonstick skillet. Do this in batches so your skewers cook evenly.

For the oven, preheat to 350F, and place the marinated skewers on a baking sheet. Allow them to bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. The best way to tell if your chicken is cooked for both methods is to make sure your chicken has an internal temp of 165use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

What do you serve with chicken satay?

You can serve chicken satay with just the peanut sauce or add a couple of quick side dishes. I personally like to add a fresh cucumber salad for a little crunch in my meal. You can also add a side of sticky rice or coconut rice to go along with your satay.

How should you store leftover chicken satay?

You may be able to store your chicken satay for up to four days in the fridge. Keep the satay and peanut sauce in separate airtight containers to ensure they stay fresher longer and so the strong peanut sauce doesn’t seep into the light chicken. I suggest reheating your chicken satay in an oven at 350. Keep an eye on it and serve when warm. If you heat it for too long, you risk the satay drying out. As for the sauce, you can heat it in a saucepan, stirring as you go to prevent any lumps.

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How to Make General Tso’s Chicken https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/general-tsos-chicken/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:41:06 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1902012 Fried and then coated in a sticky sauce, this General Tso's chicken recipe is an easy way to make your favorite takeout order at home.

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Put down the takeout menu and pick up your whisk. If General Tso’s chicken is your go-to order at Chinese restaurants, this recipe is for you. The Chinese American dish is comforting, filling and easy to recreate at home.

Here’s how to make a homemade version of General Tso’s chicken with chicken thighs and a flavorful sauce.

What Is General Tso’s Chicken?

Less tangy than orange chicken and less spicy than kung pao chicken, General Tso’s chicken is a sweet and lightly spicy dish made of fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky sauce. It falls somewhere between the tangy, caramelized, thick sauce of orange chicken and the peanut-y, peppery heat of kung pao.

Our General Tso’s chicken recipe uses reduced-sodium soy sauce and reduced-sodium chicken broth to make the sauce. If you want a saltier dish, swap for regular chicken broth and soy sauce. For less salt, use unsalted chicken broth.

General Tso’s Chicken Recipe

This recipe from our Taste of Home Test Kitchen makes three servings.

Ingredients

A Cutting Board With Ingredients on It

  • 1 tablespoon, plus 1/4 cup cornstarch, divided
  • 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1: Make the sauce

A Hand Whisking Ingredients in a Bowl

In a small bowl, whisk the chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch until smooth. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Fry the chicken

A Person Holding a Metal Strainer With Food in It

In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 375F. Place 1/4 cup of cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Add the chicken, a few pieces at a time, and toss to coat. Shake off the excess cornstarch.

Fry the chicken pieces, a few at a time, until golden brown, two to three minutes on each side. Drain the chicken on paper towels and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the aromatics

In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Give the broth mixture from step one a quick stir, and then add it to the skillet. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about two minutes.

Step 4: Combine the chicken and sauce

A Pan of General Tso's Chicken with a Wooden Spoon

Add the chicken to the skillet and toss it gently in the sauce until it’s coated.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips for Making General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso's Chicken Recipe

What’s the best chicken to use for General Tso’s chicken?

We use chicken thighs in our General Tso’s chicken recipe. Chicken thighs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, so they’re juicer and more flavorful. If you only have chicken breasts on hand, you can use them for General’s Tso’s chicken, but the dish might be drier.

How do you make the chicken crispy for General Tso’s chicken?

General Tso’s chicken should be crispy rather than crunchy, and never soggy. To help keep it crispy, make sure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. And serve the chicken right awayif it sits, the coating can make it soggy.

What should you serve with General Tso’s chicken?

Like many Chinese chicken recipes, General Tso’s chicken goes well with a scoop of white rice that can soak up some of the sauce. We also like it with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, baby corn, water chestnuts and carrots.

How do you store General Tso’s chicken?

To store General Tso’s chicken, let the chicken cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. If you plated it with vegetables and rice, store the veggies and rice separately.

Reheat General Tso’s chicken in the oven instead of the microwave, which can make it mushy.

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How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-creamy-pesto-chicken/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:20:53 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1915530 Our pesto chicken recipe uses heavy whipping cream to make a rich and savory pesto sauce you'll want to slurp up. 

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No matter the recipe, prepared pesto packs a lot of flavor for a single ingredient. That’s why we love to use it in so many pesto recipes, like creamy pesto chicken. This chicken dinner is quick and easy to make, and easy to customize with extra vegetables or more cheese.

Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Chicken

  • Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought pesto for this chicken dish, or prepare our go-to homemade pesto recipe.
  • Chicken breasts: We pound our chicken breasts down to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness so they cook evenly.
  • Heavy whipping cream: This recipe wouldn’t be creamy without the heavy whipping cream! It cooks with the pesto for a creamy sauce and helps soften the tomatoes.
  • Grape tomatoes: Tomatoes add little bursts of bright flavor and color.
  • Parmesan cheese: Shredded Parm is the perfect salty finishing touch for pesto chicken. We recommend 1/8 cup per serving, though in practice we often don’t measure it out exactly.

Pesto Chicken Recipe

This recipe from our Taste of Home Test Kitchen takes 30 minutes and makes four servings.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Pounding the chicken breast

Cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

Browning chicken breast in skillet

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides, then remove them from the pan and keep them warm.

Step 3: Make the pesto cream sauce

Pesto Sauce with cream, cherry tomatoes, garlic and olive oil in pan

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook and stir until fragrant, about one minute. Stir in the halved grape tomatoes, heavy whipping cream and pesto. Bring the sauce to a boil, and then reduce the heat.

Step 4: Finish cooking the chicken

Chicken breast in pan with pesto sauce

Return the browned chicken to the pan. Cover, and cook until a thermometer inserted into the chicken reads 165F, about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add the cheese

When the chicken is cooked, sprinkle Parmesan on top of each piece. Serve the dish hot.

Pesto Chicken Recipe Variations

  • Vegetables: Add vegetables to your creamy pesto chicken. Broccoli florets, red pepper strips or zucchini slices go well with the flavors of the dish.
  • More cheese: Combine the shredded Parmesan with shredded mozzarella, or layer a thin slice of fresh mozzarella on top of the finished chicken breasts.
  • Add crunch: After adding the cheese, sprinkle on crispy prosciutto for a salty crunch.

How to Store Creamy Pesto Chicken

Keep leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and eat it within two days. Reheat the chicken slowly on the stovetop. You can use the microwave, but we prefer reheating pesto dishes on the stovetop for more controlyou don’t want to overheat pesto.

If you want to make this pesto chicken recipe for a future dinner, wrap it and then freeze it for up to four months.

What Do You Serve with Pesto Chicken?

Cooked Creamy Pesto Chicken on serving dish on dining table

This creamy pesto chicken is a saucy dish, so it goes well with pasta or bread. We like it with long, wide noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine, or a basket of fresh garlic bread. Orzo or rice work, too. Put more vegetables on the table with aside salad or roasted veggie.

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How to Make Smothered Chicken https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-smothered-chicken/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:03:24 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1914299 Who can resist a generous helping of smothered chicken? This is comfort food at its finest.

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For many, home tastes like a plate of smothered chicken with all the sides. This meal, besides being wonderfully decadent and delicious, is an essential part of the soul food recipes canon.

We have generations of talented Black chefs and cooks to thank for this cuisine. Soul food was borne of the ingenuity and skill of enslaved peoples brought to the United States from across Africa. Despite finding themselves in unforgiving surroundings with unfamiliar ingredients, these folks took inspiration from their own heirloom recipes and blended it with what foods were available.

Smothered Chicken Recipe

This recipe makes four servings.

Ingredients

Smothered Chicken Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1-1/2 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup canola oil

For the gravy:

  • 2-1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 1/3 cup half-and-half

Directions

Step 1: Coat the chicken

Coating the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Reserve 4 tablespoons of this mixture for the gravy.

Coat the chicken a piece or two at a time in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

Next, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. For this recipe, our Test Kitchen recommends canola oil, but you can also use these other oils with a high smoke point.

Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan and brown on both sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the gravy

Whisking the gravy in pan

Reserve 3 tablespoons of the drippings from the pan (you can discard the rest). This will form the base of the gravy.

In the pan, whisk together the drippings and reserved flour mixture until blended. Then gradually whisk in the broth and bouillon. As you stir, loosen up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. These bits are called fond and are full of flavor that will make your gravy taste ultra-rich.

Whisk in the seasonings and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4: Finish cooking the chicken

stiring in the half-and-half to chicken gravy

Next, return the chicken to the pan and heat until the gravy begins to boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 13 to 15 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the chicken reads 165F.

The last step is to stir in the half-and-half to make the sauce velvety. All that’s left is to serve! Don’t feel like cooking? Visit these soul food restaurants to soothe your soul.

Smothered Chicken FAQs

Cooked smothered chicken in pan

How do you thicken (or thin) gravy?

If you find that your gravy isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, you can add flour or cornstarch to give it more body. Thicken gravy with cornstarch by combining the starch with a bit of water. Then whisk in this slurry. You can thicken gravy by whisking in flour on its own. Be sure to whisk well to break up any lumps.

If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of broth. This will help loosen the sauce up.

And if you encounter any other issues, here are all our best ways to fix gravy.

What should you serve with smothered chicken?

You’ll definitely want to enjoy plenty of the creamy gravy that accompanies this chicken. To make the most of it, serve smothered chicken over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. You can also serve smothered chicken with biscuitsbe sure to sop up every bit of that sauce!

Complete the meal with some green veggies like broccoli, green beans or collard greens.

Can you use other cuts of chicken?

You can certainly use other cuts of chicken to make this recipe. Bone-in chicken breasts or drumsticks could also be used. You could even opt for boneless chicken thighs or breasts.

When you opt for a different cut of chicken, cooking times will vary. Be sure to cook until the internal temperature hits 165F.

More Smothered Chicken Recipes
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How to Make Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/oven-fried-chicken-breast/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/oven-fried-chicken-breast/#respond Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:58:22 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1910032 Crispy and flavorful chicken from the oven is so versatile: make it for a weeknight meal or special dinner with friends.

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This fried chicken doesn’t come from a pan of hot oilit’s made in your oven! A delicious dish to add to your dinner repertoire, oven-fried chicken breasts are a cinch to make once you know the tricks to adding lots of flavor and getting that crispy, browned coating on the outside. Using the oven instead of deep-frying means a lot less mess in the kitchen, too.

No matter what the cut, cook chicken the right way with our in-depth guideon how to cook chicken.

Key Ingredients for Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts

Chicken

Our favorite cut for oven-fried chicken is boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin cutlets. They bake through in no time with a generous ratio of crispy coating to meat. The breading technique can also be used for other cuts like thighs or bone-in breastsjust adjust the baking time accordingly as these cuts will take longer to cook through.

Avoid raw chicken cross-contamination during prep.

Flour

Flour is a crucial ingredient for breaded, oven-fried chicken. As the first ingredient to coat the raw chicken, flour absorbs excess moisture on the exterior of the meat while creating the best surface for the liquid breading step that comes next. All-purpose flour blended with cornstarch is our choice here, but other flours like rice, chickpea, quinoa and semolina can be substituted.

Buttermilk

Thick and tangy buttermilk is a favorite for marinating bone-in chicken pieces, but in this recipe it’s a flavorful part of the breading. A blend of buttermilk and egg coats and clings to the chicken after flouring; when the bread crumbs are added, that buttermilk mixture holds them in place.

Bread Crumbs

For the best texture on oven-fried chicken, go with panko bread crumbs which are more widely available in grocery stores now than they were a decade ago. They’re lighter than traditional varieties, with large, flaky crumbs that stay crunchy after baking.

Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts Recipe

Ingredients for Oven Fried Chicken Breast on a cloth on blue surface

The recipe makes 4-6 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Raw chicken breasts, one with a knife slicing through on white cutting board on a blue surface

Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Melt the butter together with the oil (in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stove.) Use a brush to spread the butter-oil over the foil or parchment paper.

Slice each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets: place your hand on top of the flat piece of chicken on a cutting board, and position the knife blade parallel to your hand. Slice carefully through the chicken breast to create two halves of equal thickness (or as close as you can!). Thinner cutlets that have a relatively uniform thickness will cook through more evenly and at the same rate. If there are any areas of the chicken that seem too thick, use a rolling pin or other heavy object to pound the meat and make it thinner.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Three chicken breast cutlets with seasoning on white cutting board on blue surface

Stir together the salt, curry powder, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and smoked paprika in a small dish. Sprinkle some of the spice mixture over each chicken breast cutlet, and then rub the spices into the meat with your fingers. Flip the cutlets over and repeat on the other side with the rest of the seasoning.

Step 3: Coat the chicken

Breaded chicken breast next to plate of breadcrumbs on white cutting board on blue surface

Get the three coatings ready: Pour the flour and cornstarch onto a large plate and stir them together with a fork. Hold this aside. Combine the buttermilk and egg in a large, shallow bowl, whisking them well until the mixture is smooth. Hold it aside. Finally, pour the panko bread crumbs onto another large plate. Have these three dishes ready in a work area next to the seasoned chicken breasts and the prepared baking sheet.

First dredge a chicken cutlet with the flour-cornstarch mixture on both sides, tapping off the excess. Next, dip the chicken into the buttermilk-egg mixture to coat both sides. Finally, press the chicken into the panko bread crumbs until the whole surface is coated; press them firmly to make sure they stick. Place the breaded cutlet on the baking sheet. Repeat these steps with the rest of the cutlets.

Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet with space between each piece: this is important because crowding the chicken will create steam and prevent the breading from crisping up. You can always use two baking sheets if necessary.

Step 4: Bake

Baking sheet with baked breaded chicken breast cutlets on blue surface

Place the baking sheet in the heated oven and bake the chicken for 15 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken breasts over using tongs or two forksmove them carefully so that you don’t accidentally tear off the breading. Bake the chicken for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is baked through (to an internal temperature of 165) and the breading is crispy and browned. The time it takes for the chicken to cook through will depend on how thick the cutlets are, with thinner cutlets finishing more quickly.

Let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes. (This makes it easier to move the chicken without the breading falling off.) Serve the oven-fried chicken breasts right away while they’re warm.

Editor’s Tip: Whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1/2 cup ketchup and a pinch of cayenne pepper to make a simple, homemade version of Mayochupto serve with these oven-baked chicken breasts.

How to Store Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts

Have these oven-fried cutlets waiting in the fridge or freezer for an easy meal down the road. After baking, allow the chicken to cool completely. Stack the breaded cutlets with pieces of wax paper (or butter wrappers!) between each one in a resealable bag or storage dish. Keep them in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

To reheat the oven-fried chicken, first allow frozen cutlets to thaw in the fridge. Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet brushed with melted butter or coated with nonstick spray. Bake the cutlets at 350 for about 10 minutes, flipping them over once during baking, until they’re heated through.

You can also reheat the chicken in an air fryer: choose the reheat setting and air-fry the cutlets at 350 for 5-10 minutes. Check them every few minutes to make sure they don’t burn.

What to Serve with Oven-Fried Chicken Breasts

Oven Fried Chicken Breast

It’s hard to think of a side dish that wouldn’t go well with these crispy chicken breasts! Some of our favorites include veggie sides like coleslaw, collard greens and steamed broccoli. This fried chicken also pairs well with mac and cheese, cooked rice and fluffy biscuits served with butter. And don’t forget the saucy sides, like the homemade Mayochup in the recipe above. Ranch dressing, a spoonful of bottled chili crisp, barbecue sauce or a few drops of hot sauce are natural choices, too.

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The Best Buttermilk Chicken Tenders https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/buttermilk-chicken-tenders/ Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:54:03 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1903913 These buttermilk chicken tenders are the food of your childhood dreams. 

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Chicken tenders are one of the most common items to appear on kids’ menus when you’re out to eat, no matter if you’re at Culver’s or the best steakhouse in your state. However, I’d argue that chicken tenders shouldn’t always be labeled a kid’s food. Yes, they might seem simplebut with a few choice ingredients like buttermilk, they can be taken from standard to super. Adults and children alike will love these buttermilk chicken tenders.

How to Make Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

This recipe from Genise Krause from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin serves 6 and takes 35 minutes to make from start to finish.

Ingredients

The Best Buttermilk Chicken Tenders ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Whisk the egg and buttermilk

In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, it might be worth a trip to the store. However, if you’re really in a pinch, you could make homemade buttermilk with milk and vinegar, lemon juice or cream of tartar.

Step 2: Prepare the breading

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, pepper, salt and paprika.

Step 3: Bread the chicken tenderloins

The Best Buttermilk Chicken Tenders step 3: bread the chicken

Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, and then the flour mixture.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re having troubles, here are some reasons why the breading keeps falling off your chicken.

Step 4: Fry the chicken tenders

The Best Buttermilk Chicken Tenders step 4: fry the chicken

In an electric skillet, heat the oil to 375F. Fry the chicken, a few pieces at a time, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until no longer pink. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Don’t fry too many tenders at once, and make sure you let the oil come back to temperature after you’ve been frying for a little bit. If the temperature of the oil is any lower, it could result in oily chicken tenders.

Editor’s Tip: Keep the fried buttermilk chicken tenders in a 250 oven to keep them warm while you finish frying the rest of them.

Tips for Making Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

The Best Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Can you use different cuts of chicken to make buttermilk chicken tenders?

The reason they’re called chicken “tenders” is because they’re made with the tenderloin, which is a muscle found underneath each chicken breast. If you can’t find chicken tenderloins at the store, you can use cut up chicken breast to make chicken strips instead.

What are some variations of this buttermilk fried chicken recipe?

Instead of mixing the buttermilk with the egg, you can marinate the chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk for a few hours. The acid in the buttermilk will help break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in juicy and tender meat. If you go this route, you can also add a little hot sauce to the buttermilk to add some heat to each tender.

Another way to make this recipe your own is to add more spices to the breading. Try smoked paprika instead of regular paprikait’ll make a world of difference. Or find your favorite combination of spices, using anything from onion powder and oregano to white pepper and mustard powder. Cayenne pepper would also work nicely for those who like a little spice.

What can you serve with buttermilk chicken tenders?

Serve your buttermilk chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, whether it’s honey mustard, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, ranch or even copycat Chick-fil-A sauce.

Round out the meal with side dishes for fried chicken such as coleslaw, french fries, potato salad, macaroni salad or steamed veggies.

How do you store buttermilk chicken tenders?

They’ll last in the fridge for three to four days in an airtight container in the fridge. You can freeze them toojust make sure you know how to reheat fried chicken properly to maximize crunch and juiciness just as much the second time around.

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Raspberry Chipotle Chicken Pinwheels https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/raspberry-chipotle-chicken-pinwheels/ Sat, 12 Aug 2023 10:52:09 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/raspberry-chipotle-chicken-pinwheels/
I love the flavor profile of raspberry and chipotle together, so I came up with these delicious puff pastry appetizers for a get-together. They were a hit! These pinwheels also make a fantastic dinner served alongside a simple salad with balsamic dressing. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min.

Makes

3 dozen

Updated: Oct. 04, 2023

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped, seeds removed
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 package (17 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 12 slices deli chicken
  • 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, spinach, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, green onions and cinnamon.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold puff pastry. Spread cream cheese mixture to within 1/2 in. of edges. Layer 6 slices of roast chicken over mixture. Roll up jelly-roll style; pinch ends to seal. Cut crosswise into eighteen 1/2-inch slices. Place cut side down on greased baking sheets. Repeat with second sheet of puff pastry.
  3. Bake 20-25 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt raspberry jam. Drizzle jam over warm pastries. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

1 pinwheel: 106 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

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Chicken Skillet Supper https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-skillet-supper/ Fri, 11 Aug 2023 11:15:17 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-skillet-supper/
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

2 servings

Updated: Aug. 13, 2023

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (7 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 2 tablespoons salsa
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Hot cooked pasta

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, stir-fry chicken in oil until no longer pink. Add onion and green pepper; cook until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, corn, salsa and cumin. Bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pasta.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 299 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.

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How to Make Japanese Fried Chicken (aka Karaage Chicken) https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/japanese-fried-chicken/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/japanese-fried-chicken/#respond Thu, 10 Aug 2023 13:41:28 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1904933 Japanese fried chicken has a slightly sweet yet totally savory flavor thanks to such Asian ingredients as mirin, soy sauce and sake.

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The most satisfying part of fried chicken is the fact that it’s finger-lickin’ good, and this Asian twist on a classic Southern dish is no exception. Japanese fried chicken has a slightly sweet yet totally savory flavor because of the sake, soy sauce and mirin used in the marinadethree of the essential Japanese ingredients you need in your kitchen. Plus, the chicken is coated with cornstarch before being double-fried for a next-level crunch.

Among all the Japanese chicken recipes we’ve tried, this might be our very favorite.

What Is Karaage?

Japanese fried chicken is also known as chicken karaagethis is the name of the cooking technique in which chicken, meat or fish is coated and then deep-fried in oil. While traditional fried chicken uses flour, karaage uses cornstarch. Karaage often involves a two-step deep-frying method, which helps get the skin crispy and brown quickly without risking overcooking the meat inside (read: it’ll still be tender and juicy when you bite in).

While this might remind you of chicken katsu, there are a couple of differences: Katsu is coated in panko bread crumbs instead of cornstarch and the cut of chicken typically used is boneless, skinless chicken breasts vs. skin-on thighs.

Japanese Fried Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon sake
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • Kewpie mayonnaise, optional

Directions

Step 1: Debone and prepare chicken

Remove bones from chicken, leaving the skin on. Cut chicken into 1-1/2-inch pieces. In a shallow dish, combine sake, soy sauce, mirin and ginger. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drain chicken, discarding the marinade.

Step 2: Fry the thighs

In a deep fryer or electric skillet, heat 2 in. oil to 325F. Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. Add chicken, a few pieces at a time, and toss to coat; shake off excess. Fry chicken, a few pieces at a time, just until golden brown, about 1-1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Learn how to make the best fried chicken thighs.

Step 3: Fry them again

Increase the heat of the oil to 350. Use a metal fine mesh strainer to remove any fried bits from oil. Fry the chicken thighs again, a few pieces at a time, until dark golden brown, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. If desired, serve with mayonnaise.

Tips for Making Japanese Fried Chicken

Japanese Fried Chicken with cucumber and lemon

What kind of oil is best for making Japanese fried chicken?

Always use oils with a high smoke pointthe temperature at which oil will burn and produce smoke, negatively impacting the flavorwhen frying. Your best bets include vegetable, sunflower or peanut oil.

What can you use instead of cornstarch?

Pure cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so most everyone should be able to cook with this ingredient. However, if you don’t have cornstarch on-hand and are craving Japanese fried chicken, you can substitute it with potato starch, rice flour or even all-purpose flour.

How can you replace mirin in this karaage recipe?

Mirin is a sweetened Japanese rice wine that’s similar to sake but has more sugar and a lower alcohol content. If you can’t find it or have run out, try substituting with sake, a dry sherry, rice vinegar or a dry white wine instead.

How can you make sure the Japanese fried chicken is juicy?

The simple act of frying it twice should do the trick, but it’s also important to keep an eye on the temperate of your fry oil. If the temperature is too high, your chicken thighs will burn on the outside before the meat inside is cooked through. During your first fry, the goal is to cook the chicken most of the way through; the second fry is just to crisp up the skin. Finally, make sure the chicken pieces are cut into equal sizes, so they cook evenly.

How can you keep the chicken warm while you double fry?

While the chicken thighs rest between the two frys, they will continue to cook all the way through. There’s nothing special you need to do to protect them in between steps.

What do you serve with Japanese fried chicken?

Serve karaage with a bowl of rice and fresh-sliced cucumber for a little brightness, then garnish with Kewpie mayo. If you can’t find Kewpie mayo in the grocery store, it’s easy enough to make your own Japanese mayo, which is creamier, richer and slightly more sweet in flavor than regular mayonnaise.

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Chicken Tenderloin vs. Breast: What’s the Difference? https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chicken-tenderloin-vs-breast/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chicken-tenderloin-vs-breast/#respond Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:55:23 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1903221 Which is better, chicken tenderloin vs. breast? Chicken breasts are larger and more dense, while the smaller tenderloin is juicier with a slightly richer flavor

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Chicken Tenderloin Vs. Breast What's The Difference

If you’ve ever carved a chicken, you may have noticed that the chicken breast doesn’t come off in a single piece. Nestled underneath the breast is a small strip of meat that some say tastes juicier and more flavorful than the rest of the white meat. You can enjoy both when working with a whole chicken, but you won’t get the option when shopping for chicken parts at the grocery store. So which is best for your favorite chicken recipe, chicken tenderloin vs. breast?

What Are Chicken Breasts?

The chicken breast is a large cut of lean meat from the underside of a chicken. Each chicken yields two boneless skinless chicken breasts, and the average chicken breast weighs between six and ten ounces. If you can find it, the whole bone-in, skin-on chicken breast features both breasts in one large roast, with the meat being separated by the breastbone (just like on a whole chicken).

What Are Chicken Tenderloins?

Chicken tenderloins are small strips of meat about two inches wide and six inches long. The tenderloins are located underneath the chicken breast along the breastbone, andlike the breasteach chicken contains two tenderloins. The tenderloin is significantly smaller and weighs only two ounces on average. It’s also thinner than the chicken breast, so it tends to cook more quickly.

When shopping for chicken tenderloins, be sure the package actually contains the word “tenderloin.” Packaging labeled as chicken “strips” or “tenders” may be chicken breasts cut down into smaller sizes.

Differences Between Chicken Breasts and Tenderloins

Nutrition

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about the nutritional differences between chicken breasts and tenderloins. Some sources say that the tenderloins have more fat and calories than the breasts, which have more protein. However, when we compared two Tyson Chicken nutrition labels, we found the variance negligible. Each 112-gram (approximately 4-ounce) serving of chicken breasts contains 110 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of carbohydrates, 65 milligrams of cholesterol and 23 grams of protein. The same serving of chicken breast tenderloins contains the same calorie and carbohydrate content, along with 0.5 grams of fat, 55 milligrams of cholesterol and 26 grams of protein.

The amount of sodium in chicken breasts and chicken tenderloins depends largely on the brand. Some chicken is injected with a saltwater solution during processing, so it’s best to compare the nutrition labels when you’re at the grocery store if you have concerns about sodium intake.

Price

The price of chicken depends on menu factors, such as market supply, demand and one’s region within the United States. According to USDA National Retail Report on Chicken, boneless skinless chicken breasts can range from $3.33 to $7.99 per pound, with organic options available between $5.99 to $10.99 per pound. Chicken breast tenders range from $3.99 to $6.99, with organic options between $8.49 to $9.99.

In our experience, chicken tenderloins typically cost more than chicken breasts, likely because each chicken only contains two small tenderloin pieces compared to the larger, more substantial breast meat. Depending on your recipe, the added cost may be worth it when it comes to the convenience factor, though. The tenderloins are already sized into bite-sized strips, whereas the chicken breast requires more effort to slice into smaller pieces.

Flavor and Texture

Chicken breasts and tenderloins are white meat chicken, so they both have a lean profile and a mild flavor that pairs well with several cuisines and spice profiles. We find that chicken tenderloin tastes slightly richer and has a more tender texture that doesn’t eat as dense or chewy as a chicken breast. Both cuts can lead to drying out when overcooked, but the tenderloin muscle’s anatomical position means it doesn’t receive as much work as the breast, so it retains more moisture as it cooks.

Cooking Methods & Recipes

In general, you can cook chicken breasts and tenderloins using similar methods. Like all poultry, cook each cut to a minimum internal temperature of 165F.

Chicken breasts are fantastic for baking, grilling, sauteing and poaching (our favorite way to prepare breasts for shredded chicken recipes). They’re also a fantastic choice for low-and-slow cooking methods like the slow cooker or for simmering in soups, stews and braised dishes. Because the breasts are larger than chicken tenderloins, they take longer to cook and they can benefit from a brine or marinade to keep the meat juicy as it cooks.

Chicken Breast Recipes
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Chicken tenderloins cook quickly, so they’re fantastic on the grill or in stir-fry recipes. This is also the ideal cut to use when making breaded chicken like homemade chicken tenders, nuggets, tenders and strips. Because chicken tenderloins are smaller and thinner, they don’t need to be marinated as long as breasts. It’s also essential to pay close attention to cooking times so they don’t overcook and dry out.

Chicken Tenderloin Recipes
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How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/sweet-and-sour-chicken-recipe/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:07:54 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1903641 In just under an hour, you can have a takeout-quality meal on the table and ready to eat.

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You usually order sweet and sour chicken when you want something quick and low maintenance. Maybe you had a late night, maybe you want to stay in, or maybe a craving hit and you couldn’t let go of the idea of sinking your teeth into some fried chicken goodness. Whatever the reason, some part of you thought, “I can’t make it better than takeout.” But what if you could?

What Is Sweet and Sour Chicken?

Sweet and sour chicken comes from China. The name comes from the combination of sugar and vinegar in the sauce. However, unlike the Westernized version of the dish that made it to the States, typically sweet and sour sauce is just used as a dip for various meats. While the sauce still has that same sweet and sour base, the food that has made its way into our hearts is a fried chicken and rice dish.

Here are more Asian recipes we love.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

This sweet and sour chicken recipe from Lori Burtenshaw of Terreton, Idaho makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sherry or reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup cornstarch, divided
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

Sauce:

  • 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups hot cooked rice
  • Optional: bell pepper

Directions

Step 1: Season the chicken

In a large shallow dish, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sherry, salt, garlic powder and ginger. Add the chicken. Turn the chicken to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the sauce

Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice and setting the pineapple aside. Add enough water to the juice to measure 1 cup. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, sugar and pineapple juice mixture until smooth. Stir in vinegar, ketchup and remaining soy sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Drain the chicken, discarding the marinade. Place the remaining cornstarch in a large shallow dish. Add the chicken, a few pieces at a time, and turn to coat.

In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken. Cook and stir until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm.

Step 4: Finish the sauce

Stir pineapple juice mixture and add it to the pan. Bring to a boil and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the chicken and reserved pineapple and make sure it’s heated through. Serve with rice.

Tips for Making Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet And Sour Chicken with rice bowl and chopsticks

How can you add heat to sweet and sour chicken?

Do you want a little less sweet in your sweet and sour sauce? You can add red pepper flakes for spice. Or you can even chop some red peppers into the dish.

How can you thicken the sauce?

The sauce thickens even more as it cools. But if your sauce is still watery, adding equal parts cornstarch and water will thicken the sauce. If the reverse problem occurs, and your sauce becomes too thick, add water to thin it out.

What else can you put in sweet and sour chicken?

The meal is already delicious on its own, but you can add veggies like green peppers and onion to your sweet and sour chicken. These enhance the flavor and add a bit of kick. Even more unconventional choices like mushrooms, carrots and baby corn can take well to the sauce.

How should you store leftover sweet and sour chicken?

Sweet and sour chicken is best served fresh, so it doesn’t lose any crispiness. But if you have leftovers, they should be stored in an airtight container. They’ll last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze the chicken up to 3 months.

Reheat leftover sweet and sour chicken in the oven at 350 for 15-20 minutes or in the air fryer at 350 for 3-4 minutes.

More Chinese Chicken Recipes to Try
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How to Make Orange Chicken https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/orange-chicken-recipe/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/orange-chicken-recipe/#respond Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:16:24 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1902626 This easy-to-make recipe for Orange Chicken combines fried chicken pieces with a delectable sweet and spicy sauce.

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What are your favorite Chinese restaurant indulgences? One of the very best is an order of sticky-sweet orange chicken: fried chicken pieces coated in a rich sauce and served over rice. Well, there’s some fantastic news for fans of this dishit’s easy to whip up at home and tastes even better than take out.

Don’t miss all of our Chinese restaurant favorites that are delicious and homemade.

What Is Orange Chicken?

This staple of sit-down and takeout Chinese restaurant menus has tender pieces of fried chicken that are tossed in a sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes for a little heat. The sauce also has brown sugar which makes it thick and sticky enough to cover every last bite of chicken. Diced scallions and sesame seeds add more flavor, color and crunchy texture to the dish.

It may surprise you to learn that orange chicken is actually not an authentic Chinese dish. The restaurant chain Panda Express takes credit for inventing this entree back in 1987. It’s adapted from another favorite, sticky-sweet Chinese restaurant itemGeneral Tso’s Chicken.

Orange Chicken Recipe

ingredients for Orange Chicken on a white wood table

This recipe makes enough to feed about six people, and is ready in roughly 40 minutes once all the ingredients are prepared and gathered.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breast, sliced into 1-1/2-in. pieces
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce:

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons diced scallions
  • 2 medium cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (blended with 2 tablespoons cold water)

Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup diced scallions
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white, black or a mixture)

Directions

Step 1: Coat the chicken

coating chicken in breading

Have the boneless chicken pieces ready to go along with a plate to hold them once they’re coated. Whisk the egg together with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Working in batches, coat the chicken pieces first in the egg mixture and then in the flour mixture. Transfer the coated chicken pieces to the plate.

Step 2: Heat the oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan or Dutch oven to a depth of 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat; use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and heat the oil to 350F.

Step 3: Fry the chicken

heating oil on the stove to fry the chicken

Line a tray or plate with paper towels. Add four to five pieces of chicken to the hot oil and fry them for 4-5 minutes, using tongs or a metal spatula or skimmer to turn the pieces. Once they’re lightly browned on the outside, remove them to the paper towel-lined tray. (Cut into one of the pieces to make sure they’ve cooked through.) Check the temperature of the oil between batches to make sure it stays at 350.

Continue until all of the chicken is fried; cover them with a kitchen towel and hold them aside.

Step 4: Make the sauce

sauce for orange chicken

Pour the orange juice, zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, lemon juice, diced scallions, minced garlic, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper into a large skillet. Whisk everything together over medium-high heat until the sauce reaches a simmer. Continue simmering for about five minutes, stirring the sauce often. Pour in the cornstarch blended with cold water, and simmer for 2-3 minutes longer until the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Combine the chicken and sauce

skillet with Orange Chicken

Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, and toss everything together to completely coat the meat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is thick and sticky.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the hot orange chicken and sauce over white or fried rice in shallow bowls. Garnish each dish with diced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Editor’s Tip: For a nuttier flavor and some crunch, the sesame seeds can first be briefly toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat, until they’re fragrant and just beginning to brown.

How to Store Orange Chicken

We highly doubt there’ll be any orange chicken left uneatenit’s just so good. However, if you do have some leftovers, seal them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The chicken will soak up the sauce and will still be delicious when gently reheated on the stove or in a microwave.

Tips for Making Orange Chicken

How can you tell when the chicken is done?

The easiest way to be sure is to fry a test piece of chicken; when it’s browned on the outside, remove it and cut it in half. There should be no pink left in the middle. Keep your oil at 350F, checking the temperature between each batch, to ensure that the chicken pieces cook through in the time they take to brown.

Can you make this orange chicken recipe gluten-free?

This orange chicken recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just substitute a general-purpose, gluten-free flour blend for regular flour in the coating for the chicken. Soy sauce and rice wine vinegar often contain gluten, so look for those specifically labeled as gluten-free.

Can you bake orange chicken instead of frying it?

Yes: once the chicken pieces are coated in the flour-cornstarch mixture, arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush or spray the pieces with a little vegetable oil. Bake them at 375 for 15-20 minutes, flipping them over about halfway through the bake time, until they’re cooked through.

Can you make orange chicken ahead of time?

Orange chicken tastes the best when served immediately after cooking. However, the sauce can be made in advance to help save time making the final dish. Prepare the sauce ingredients, except for the cornstarch and water, and simmer them together as directed. Let the sauce cool, then store it in a sealed dish in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to make the recipe, heat the sauce back up on the stovetop and add in the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken it.

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The Best Places to Order Chicken Online https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/buy-chicken-online/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:01:55 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?post_type=listicle&p=1900853 There are so many good reasons to buy chicken online, but which poultry is worth the premium price? We tested 10 services to find the best-of-the-best chicken delivery.

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Porter Road Whole Chicken

Best Overall

Porter Road

Porter Road was founded by two chefs who found themselves aggravated by how difficult it was to source high-quality meat for their restaurant kitchens. The pair stepped out from behind the stove to open a butcher shop in Nashville in 2010, partnering with small, local farms raising the most flavorful meat and poultry in the region. A smashing success, Porter Road began selling its meat online in 2017 to make the best meat in the business available to everyone, no matter where they live. They offer the following cuts of chicken:

  • Whole chicken
  • Ground chicken
  • Boneless skinless breasts
  • Split breasts
  • Drumsticks
  • Bone-in thighs
  • Wings

Sourced from farms in Kentucky and Tennessee, Porter Road’s poultry is pasture-raised, feeding on a diet of fresh grass and wild bugs. The difference in quality compared to factory-farmed chicken is immediately evident. In our testing, we found the chicken breasts are tender and juicy, with a flavor that supermarket chicken simply can’t touch. It would be a shame to cover up this chicken with overly potent marinades or robust sauceskeep things simple, and you shall be handsomely rewarded.

Pros

  • Outstandingly flavorful
  • Responsibly raised
  • Supports a small American farm
  • Pasture-raised
  • Free of hormones and antibiotics

Cons

  • Cost significantly more than conventional supermarket chicken

Shop Now

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Greek Chicken Meat Loaf https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/greek-chicken-meat-loaf/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:46:52 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/greek-chicken-meat-loaf/
I love this recipe. It's so easy to put together and lighter than most other meat loaves. —Maria Romaine, West Babylon, New York
Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1 hour + standing

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Sep. 13, 2023

Ingredients

  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 9 ingredients. Reserve 1 tablespoon feta for topping. Add remaining feta to spinach mixture. Add chicken; mix lightly but thoroughly. Transfer to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan.
  2. Bake until a thermometer reads 165°, 60-70 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with green onion and remaining 1 tablespoon feta.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 263 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat.

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How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/bacon-wrapped-chicken-breast/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/bacon-wrapped-chicken-breast/#respond Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:49:53 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1897629 Take a break from your usual chicken recipe by making these bacon-wrapped chicken breasts.

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Looking for a new way to serve chicken for dinner? These bacon-wrapped chicken breasts are the answer! Perfectly juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crackly bacon is the protein duo of our dreams. Pull up this recipe for your next dinner party or romantic night in!

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe

Everyone knows you can’t go wrong with bacon-wrapped recipes; this one with chicken breasts is no different. Follow along with our recipe below!

Ingredients

How To Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
  • 8 bacon strips

Directions

Step 1: Create spice rub

Preheat oven to 375F. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Step 2: Prepare chicken

Place chicken on a cutting board, plate or sheet pan. Sprinkle half of the spice rub on top of the chicken and rub over evenly.

Editor’s Tip: Before adding spice mix, take a paper towel and blot each chicken so it’s dry. This helps the spice rub not clump together with the excess moisture. That being said, do not wash your chicken.

Step 3: Wrap chicken with bacon

How To Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Wrap each chicken with two strips of good quality bacon, tucking bacon ends under chicken. Take your time so it’s wrapped evenly to avoid unevenly cooked meat. Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken in remaining spice mix, pressing mixture into the meat to adhere.

Step 4: Bake and serve!

Fit a wire rack over an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Place bacon-wrapped chicken on the rack and put in the oven. Bake until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165F and bacon is crisp, about 30-35 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: When you’re done cooking, save the leftover bacon grease to use as cooking oil (and extra flavoring!) for other recipes.

How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

Bacon-wrapped chicken is an excellent entree, but it shouldn’t stand alone. Serve it over Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes and get some color on the plate with Roasted Green Beans with Lemon and Walnuts. This cozy meal will pair well with a hearty glass of pinot noir or floral Lambrusco.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

Once the bacon-wrapped chicken is fully cooked and has come to room temperature, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat the chicken, we recommend using the stovetop. Simply place a pan over medium heat and add just enough water or chicken broth to cover the bottom. Slice the bacon-wrapped chicken into strips and add to the pan when the liquid starts to simmer. Lower the heat and stir the chicken until it’s warmed through.

Tips for Making Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

How To Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts

We want you to get this recipe right on the first try, even when substitutions are made! Here are a few tips to follow when making bacon-wrapped chicken.

Can you use different cuts of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken to make bacon-wrapped chicken! Try using thighs, wings, tenderloins or drumsticks.

Can you use different types of bacon?

Yes, you can technically use different cuts of bacon; but keep in mind that thinner cuts of bacon should not be cooked as long as a chicken breast, and not all bacon can wrap around larger pieces of meat.

How can you tell when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done cooking when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165. Try not to cook the chicken too far past that as you run the risk of drying it out. Another way to test the chicken’s doneness is by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken and ensuring the color is no longer pink.

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Pesto Chicken Bake https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pesto-chicken-bake/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:45:37 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pesto-chicken-bake/
Serve this easy pesto chicken bake on busy weeknights. Browning the chicken adds more flavor and color, and it gives the chicken a jump-start on cooking, but you can skip that step and add 5-7 minutes to the bake time if you are in a rush. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Bake: 20 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jul. 15, 2023

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/4 cup prepared pesto
  • 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 slices
  • 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
  • Sliced fresh basil leaves, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish.
  2. Top with pesto, cheese and tomatoes. Bake until a thermometer reads 165°, 15-18 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with basil.
Pesto Chicken Bake Tips

Can you use homemade pesto to make pesto chicken bake?

If you're someone that loves recipes with pesto, you probably already know the best store-bought pestos and have a favorite brand. However, if you prefer homemade pesto, that would work in this recipe, too.

What do you serve with pesto chicken bake?

This pesto chicken bake would be great with a pasta side dish, like fettuccini or tortellini, and a crisp green side salad with a balsamic or Italian vinaigrette.

How do you store leftover pesto chicken bake?

Store leftover pesto chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 chicken breast half: 441 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.

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Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/crispy-baked-chicken-thighs/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:41:26 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/crispy-baked-chicken-thighs/
Easy and economical, this meal is one your whole family will enjoy. To save even more time, add potatoes or other vegetables to the pan to roast along with the chicken. —Michelle Miller, Bend, Oregon
Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Bake: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Nov. 21, 2023

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2-1/4 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425º. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Place chicken in 15x10x1-in. baking pan; drizzle with oil. Combine remaining ingredients; rub over chicken.
  2. Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 170°-175°, 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 chicken thigh: 269 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.

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How to Make Chicken Spaghetti https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chicken-spaghetti-recipe/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chicken-spaghetti-recipe/#respond Mon, 12 Jun 2023 22:38:13 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1893029 This easy chicken spaghetti casserole is creamy, hearty and packed with savory flavor.

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No one can resist a second helping of chicken spaghetti! This easy casserole pairs spaghetti, chicken and cream of mushroom soup for a satisfying entree. Honestly, what can’t you do with a can of cream of mushroom soup?

To make it a meal, whip up a side salad or a simple vegetable like green beans amandine. You’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour.

How to Make Chicken Spaghetti, Step by Step

Ingredients

Chicken Spaghetti ingredients laid out on marble surface

  • 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
  • 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
  • 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Editor’s Tip: Experiment with other types of pasta, like bucatinia spaghetti-like noodle with a hole running through it.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti

Preheat the oven to 350F. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain the spaghetti, reserving about two cups of the pasta water so you can mix some into the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the aromatics

Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion; cook and stir until the onion is translucent and beginning to soften, six to eight minutes. Add the garlic; cook and stir one minute longer.

Editor’s Tip: Love mushrooms? You can add some fresh sliced button or cremini mushrooms to the mix when you put the onions in the pan.

Step 3: Make a roux

Whisk the flour into the garlic and onion mixture until blended. Slowly add the milk, whisking as you go. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until thickened, about two minutes.

Step 4: Build the casserole

How To Make Chicken Spaghetti

Into your roux, stir the chicken soup, pimentos, cream cheese, 3/4 cup shredded cheese and pepper. Add the spaghetti and toss to coat. If needed, add a little of your reserved pasta water until the sauce has a creamy consistency.

Editor’s Tip: For extra zing, whisk in a squeeze of lemon juice or a couple teaspoons of tomato paste.

Step 5: Bake the chicken spaghetti casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup shredded cheese.

Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake until the cheese is bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes.

If you have fresh herbs, sprinkle minced oregano, basil or sage over each portion before serving.

Editor’s Tip: You can bake the casserole in the Dutch oven. However, because it’s not greased like the baking dish would be, you might notice a little sticking.

What to Serve with Chicken Spaghetti

Because chicken spaghetti is super creamy, a light, refreshing side dish is a great move. Think cucumbers, tomatoes, crisp salads or lightly sauteed veggies. For more ideas, consult our full list of sides to go with casseroles.

How to Freeze Chicken Spaghetti

You can freeze leftover chicken spaghetti, but both the noodles and dairy products will undergo some textural changes in the cold.

For best results, plan ahead and freeze part of the casserole before baking. Just scoop your prepared casserole into a smaller baking dish than the one recommended in the recipe, and put the rest in a greased freezer-and-oven-safe container to cook later. Once tonight’s portion is in the oven, cover the remaining casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze.

Another option? Aluminum foil pans can be a great buy if you love having lots of frozen homemade dinner options available.

If you do freeze the casserole, it’s a good idea to let it thaw in the fridge before cooking so that everything heats evenly.

Easy Sides That Go with Any Meal
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How to Make One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/creamy-tuscan-chicken/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/creamy-tuscan-chicken/#respond Wed, 17 May 2023 21:09:04 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1886384 This creamy Tuscan chicken is so good, seconds are a must.

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When it comes to weeknight dinners, you want a recipe that comes together quickly and doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients. This creamy Tuscan chicken will have the whole table raving. It’s a flavorful one-pot meal, made by simmering chicken breasts in a creamy Parmesan sauceand bonus points, you’ll get to pack in some greens as well!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

How To Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, optional
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, halved & sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 3/4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/3 cup julienned soft sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)

Directions

Step 1: Season chicken

On a clean cutting board, use a sharp knife to halve your chicken breasts horizontally, so you have 4 thinner chicken breasts.

Sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt and pepper. If desired, dredge chicken in flour, shaking off any excess flour before searing.

Step 2: Sear chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on one side, resisting the urge to move it around! Once you can move it easily and it’s browned, flip and sear the other side.

For the best sear, make sure your chicken has been out of the fridge for at least 1/2 hour before cooking.

Step 3: Make the creamy sauce

How To Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter. Add onion and cook for a few minutes until tender. Then add garlic and cook for one more minute.

Add broth, stirring to loosen browned bits from the pan. Bring to a boil, then stir in cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Reduce to a simmer and cook over medium-low heat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Return chicken to the pan. Add spinach, tomatoes and the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Cover pan and cook around 15 minutes, until a thermometer inserted in the chicken reads 165F. Serve while still warm. If you enjoyed this recipe, then you must try delicious creamy garlic chicken.

Tips for Creamy Tuscan Chicken

How To Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken

What do you eat with creamy Tuscan chicken?

This goes great with all the delicious carbohydrates. Serve it over rice, any pasta shape or even mashed potatoes. You can also enjoy it with a green salad or slice of crusty bread.

What else can you put in creamy Tuscan chicken?

This dish is delicious as-is, but you can always change things up a bit. It would go great with extra vegetables, like seared mushrooms or fresh tomatoes. And you can always substitute a different leafy green for the spinach, such as kale or chard.

How do you store creamy Tuscan chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and use it within a week. Freezing this dish is possible but it could affect the creamy texture, so eat it before you have to freeze it!

More Creamy Chicken Dinner Recipes
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We Tried the Viral Chicken Cobbler Recipe—and It’s Ridiculously Good https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chicken-cobbler/ Tue, 16 May 2023 21:44:25 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?p=1885570 The creator of this chicken cobbler—one most viral recipes on the internet—has just published his first cookbook, and people are once again raving about this savory cobbler.

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If you know us, you know we’re big fans of viral recipes. But very few recipes have been seen, cooked and enjoyed by more people than Matthew Bounds’ chicken cobbler recipe. More than 34 million have watched Bounds (aka @yourbarefootneighbor) make his easy and surprisingly tasty one-pan dish that’s sort of like a chicken pot pie and sort of like a savory cobbler. “I called it chicken cobbler as a joke, and it stuck,” he says in his latest video on the recipe.

Now that Bounds has just published his southern-tinged cookbook, Come Fix You a Plate, the viral chicken cobbler recipe is making the rounds again in a big way. If you’ve never tried it beforeand are a fan of chicken pot pie or casseroles in generalyou’ll probably love this. Everyone else does!

Here’s What I Thought of the Chicken Cobbler

Fork Chicken Cobbler Jason Wilson Toh

Matthew Bounds’ Chicken Cobbler recipe is a super easy, casserole-style, one-pan dish. It calls for low-lift ingredients such as rotisserie chicken, frozen vegetables,cream of chicken soup and biscuit mix, but the end result is more than the sum of its parts. This is definitely not light fare, but once you start eating it, it’s hard to stop.

The only somewhat tricky ingredient is the very specific call for Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, but it’s worth seeking out and definitely brings something to the recipe. Bounds calls for 45 minutes of baking, but with my oven, I found I needed to let it cook a little longer.

I like the way the original recipe turned out, but I would suggest adding more seasoning, such as sauteed garlic or garlic powder, to the chicken and vegetable layer. Additionally, I would serve this with a generous hit of cracked black pepper.

How to Make Chicken Cobbler

Ingredients

  • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 12 ounce bag of frozen peas and carrots
  • Salt and pepper
  • Sauteed garlic or garlic powder (optional)
  • 2 cups Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 stick salted butter

Directions

Overhead Chicken Cobbler Jason Wilson Toh

Step 1: Turn on the heat and melt

Heat oven to 350F. Place butter in a 9-by-13-inch pan and pop the pan in the oven to melt the butter as it heats.

Step 2: Layer the chicken and vegetables

Once butter is melted, add the chicken and spread into an even layer. Next, layer the frozen vegetables over the top. Season with salt and pepper, garlic if desired, and any other spices or herbs.

Step 3: Pour the liquids

Mix together the milk and biscuit mix along with the seasoning packet that comes with Red Lobster Cheddar Bay mix. Pour that milk-biscuit mix over the chicken and vegetables as a layerdo not mix together. Next, whisk together the chicken stock and cream of chicken soup, then pour over the top as another layer. Do not mix that either.

Step 4: Bake it, rest it and serve

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. It is going to look runny, but let it sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken to a gravy consistency. Serve with cracked black pepper.

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