Whole Roast Chicken

Everyone loves a traditional roast chicken dinner.  Roasting a whole chicken is easy and makes a beautiful presentation.  Learn how to prepare a bird that is crisp on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside.  Lemon, garlic and fresh herbs star in this family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 6 pound roasting chicken
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 2 lemons, zested
  • several sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme
  • 1 whole head of garlic
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 large onion
  • cooking spray

Preparation:

Wash and dry the lemons and herbs.  Zest both lemons, and cut in half.  Peel the garlic cloves and slowly warm them in the olive oil over lowest possible heat.  A simmer mat is great for this application.  Turn the cloves every 10 minutes until they are soft and lightly browned.

Leave the butter standing at room temperature until softened.  Mince half of the rosemary and thyme and add to the butter along with the lemon zest.

Preheat the oven to 425º.  Remove the giblets packet from the chicken.  Rinse the chicken, inside and out and pat dry.

Mist a large roasting pan with cooking spray and set the chicken breast side up.  Fit as many pieces of lemon as you can into the cavity of the chicken, along with the garlic cloves and remaining rosemary and thyme sprigs.

Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken, be sure to coat the wings and legs.  Tie the legs together.  Quarter the onion and tuck slices under the chicken, along with any extra pieces of lemon.

Roast uncovered for 1-1/2 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165º.

The skin should be nicely browned.  Let it rest 10 minutes before carving.

Can you see how moist the meat is?  We had a great dinner, with leftovers for several more meals.  The remnants went into the crock-pot for soup.

Not only was this a wonderful dinner, but you can see what a value the chicken was!  Many servings, nothing wasted.

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Cauliflower Pizza with BBQ Chicken

Years ago, before I even knew that I had Celiac disease I got into making pizza with a cauliflower crust.  We were trying to lose weight at the time, and I was experimenting with low carb recipes.

Today cauliflower pizza is back in our dinner rotation as a delicious gluten free, grain free option!

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Grated cauliflower has become so popular, you can find it in both the fresh and frozen food section of your market.  I still hand grate mine as it really doesn’t take that long, and you get the very best flavor and freshness.  If you have a food processor, that is another fast and easy option.

The cauliflower at the market this year have been huge.  This one is going to provide several meals for us.  I will roast florets for an easy side dish and grate the rest for pizzas and cauliflower cakes.

You will see in the preparation that I used a pizza stone for this recipe, but you can also use a regular pizza pan or a sheet pan.  Whichever you choose, you will need parchment paper for easy transfer of the pizza from pan, to oven to cutting board.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups grated cauliflower
  • 2 tbsp. Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 lb. Chicken tenders
  • ½ sweet onion
  • 2 strips bacon
  • Olive oil
  • Gluten free BBQ Sauce, home made or purchased
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan

Preparation:

Grate the cauliflower using a food processor or hand grater.  Add it to a large non-stick skillet with 2 tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper.  Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.  Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Beat the egg, Gruyere cheese and Italian seasoning.  Stir in the cooled cauliflower, mixing thoroughly.

Preheat the oven to 400° and line a pizza stone with parchment paper, cut to size.  Spoon the cauliflower mixture onto the parchment and spread it into an even ½” circle.  Use a spatula to smooth it out and neaten the edges.

Bake for 20 minutes at 400°, then broil for 3 minutes on high.  Here’s what it will look like.

Wipe the skillet clean and begin cooking the bacon.  Drain on paper towels and dice.  Cook the onions in the bacon fat, then push to the side and add the chicken with a little olive oil.  When the chicken has cooked through, drizzle lightly with BBQ sauce.

Brush the crust with olive oil, then lightly spread with BBQ sauce, about 4 tbsp.

Spread the chicken mixture over the crust in an even layer.

Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Broil 3 minutes on high, you should have a little nice browning around the edges but watch that it doesn’t burn.

Slide the pizza, parchment and all onto a cutting board.  Slice with a pizza cutter and use a narrow spatula to lift it off the parchment.

Notes: ♪♫ To keep the pizza from being too soggy, bake the crust by itself and add the toppings during the last few minutes of cooking.  Be sure that all toppings are completely cooked and drained ahead of time.

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Gluten Free Orange Chicken

Foodie friends, I’ve been craving Chinese food!  Unfortunately for me, many Asian dishes are made with soy sauce, so they are off limits on a gluten free diet.  I have been thinking about a lightened up, gluten free version of this classic dish for a while now and dinner was a hit!  The chicken is not fried, so it’s a bit healthier than the restaurant version.  Gluten free coconut aminos make it safe for me, and lower in sodium as well.  I served it over fried rice.

3-4 servings

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Ingredients:

For the marinade:

  • 12 oz. Boneless chicken breast
  • ½ cup frozen orange juice concentrate
  • 2 tbsp. coconut aminos
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp. Honey
  • ¼ tsp. Powdered ginger
  • 1 tsp. toasted Sesame oil
  • zest of 1 orange

For the sauce:

  • 1 tbsp. Olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp. Arrowroot starch
  • ¼ cup gluten free low sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup orange juice concentrate
  • 1 tsp. honey

For the garnish:

  • 1 tsp. Sesame seeds, toasted
  • scallion greens, sliced diagonal

Preparation:

Toast the sesame seeds and reserve for garnish.  I like to toast them in a small non-stick saucepan, so that they don’t fly all over the place!  As soon as they start to get a little color transfer them to a bowl.

Cut the chicken into 1” cubes and place in a bowl.  Whisk together the marinade ingredients (orange juice concentrate through orange zest) and pour over the chicken.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 1 hour.

Drain the chicken, reserving the marinade.  To make the sauce, heat the olive oil and minced garlic in a small non-stick saucepan.  Cook one minute until garlic is fragrant, then whisk in the remaining ingredients, arrowroot through honey.

Stream in the reserved marinade, whisking constantly to make a smooth sauce.  Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sauce is thick and bubbling.  Keep warm while you finish the dish.  Important: because the marinade has been in contact with raw meat, it must reach a full boil in order to be safe to eat.

In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tbsp. Olive oil and 1 tsp. Sesame oil.  Cook the chicken, turning to brown all sides.  Don’t crowd the pan, spread the chicken out so pieces don’t touch.  Brown in batches if needed.

Dip the chicken in the sauce, a few pieces at a time.

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the scallion greens and toasted sesame seeds.

I served it with fried rice.  Doesn’t that look delicious?  Once you taste it, you’ll want to add this Asian inspired dinner to your rotation.  And if you make a double batch, it will be just as good leftover!

Notes ♪♫ Using frozen orange juice concentrate along with orange zest gives the sauce a more intense citrus flavor and helps with thickening.  If using orange juice, you will need to adjust the amount of arrowroot starch in order for the sauce to reach the right consistency.

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Gluten Free Chicken Stir Fry

Stir fry meals are one of my weeknight favorites.  My go-to recipe is very forgiving, so you can change up the meat, veggies and noodles to suit your taste or use up what’s in your pantry.  Today I’m using boneless chicken breast which I always have on hand, along with fresh veggies and gluten free pasta twists.

4 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. boneless chicken breast, cubed
  • 2 tbsp. olive or canola oil, divided
  • 1 tbsp. sesame oil, divided
  • powdered ginger
  • garlic powder
  • 3/4 cup gluten free chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp. corn starch
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • gluten free soy sauce, to taste
  • 1 carrot, peeled and sliced diagonally
  • 1 celery stalk, sliced
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, thin sliced
  • 3 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup cauliflower, cut into 1/2″ dice
  • 1 head baby bok choy, chopped and leaves separated from stalks
  • 4 oz. gluten free pasta twists (I used Jovial)

Preparation:

Cut the chicken into 1″ cubes and place in a bowl with 1 tsp. sesame oil and 1 tsp. olive or canola oil.  Sprinkle with garlic powder and ginger.  Whisk together the chicken broth, mirin and corn starch.  Boil water for the pasta.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium low heat with 1 tbsp. olive or canola oil and add the cubed chicken, leaving space between pieces.  Don’t crowd the pan, do it in batches if needed.  Season with salt and pepper.  Turn the chicken to brown all sides, it doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point.

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While the chicken is browning wash the bowl or use a clean bowl.  Sprinkle the chicken with a little soy sauce and transfer into the clean bowl.  Wipe the skillet clean.

Add the remaining olive or canola oil to the skillet and begin cooking the vegetables.  Start with the carrots, as they take longest to cook and gradually add the other vegetables.  Save the tender bok choy leaves for last so they retain some texture and crunch.  Sprinkle with garlic powder and ginger, and drizzle with 1 tsp. sesame oil and a few shakes of soy sauce.

While you stir fry the veggies, cook the pasta according to package directions.

To finish the dish, return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta, remaining tsp. of sesame oil and a few more shakes of soy sauce.  Combine and cook 2 more minutes to heat the chicken through.

Pour the chicken broth mixture over everything and use 2 spatulas to turn and coat evenly.  Continue stirring and tossing as the liquid thickens.  Transfer to a serving platter.

 

Notes: ♪♫  You can substitute beef, pork or shrimp for the chicken.  Use rice, gluten free Asian noodles or other pasta shape in place of the pasta twists.  Veggie combinations are endless, zucchini and sugar snap peas are spring favorites!  Be sure your soy sauce is gluten free, my favorite brand is Kikkoman.

 

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Asian Chicken and Cabbage

With St. Paddy’s Day right around the corner you probably have cabbage in the fridge for your Corned Beef Dinner.  If so, be sure and save a chunk for this Asian inspired stir fry!  Fiber rich cabbage and whole grain brown rice make this a very healthy and diet friendly dish, and most of the ingredients are naturally gluten free (see notes).  Prepping veggies and rice the night before saves time and you will have a delicious meal on the table in minutes.

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Serves 4

The Lazy Gastronome

Ingredients:

 Rice:

 Stir Fry

  • 16 oz. boneless chicken breast, cut into 1″ cubes
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • salt and red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced thin
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4-5 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil

Whisk together

Whisk together

 Garnish

 Preparation:

Brown rice is the perfect accompaniment to this stir fry.  I prefer brown rice for its flavor, texture and nutrition.  It does take longer to cook, (about 45 minutes) but it’s worth it.  Give the rice a 10 minute head start so it will be ready as you finish the dish.  Cook 1 cup brown rice in 1 cup water and 1 cup chicken stock.  Season to taste with salt and red pepper flakes.  (Note: If using a rice cooker, follow the given instructions for ratio of rice to liquid.)

Toast the sesame seeds, watching carefully that they don’t burn.

Next, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium and coat with 1 tbsp. butter and 1 tbsp. olive oil.  Brown the diced chicken on all sides, about 5 minutes.  It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this step, just get some color on the outside.  Season with salt and red pepper flakes.

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet, set aside and keep warm.  Wipe the skillet clean.  Add 2 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. sesame oil to the skillet.  Add the onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic, stir fry 5 minutes.  Return the chicken to the skillet.

Add all of the cabbage.  It looks like a lot but it will cook down.  Toss well.

Drizzle in the soy sauce mixture and toss well to combine.  Cover and cook 5 minutes more.

The cabbage should be wilted but still retain a little crunch.  Whisk the corn starch and chicken stock and add to the skillet.  Stir and toss until the liquid thickens.

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the toasted sesame seeds.  Serve with brown rice.

I actually like this dish more than the corned beef dinner.  My family gave it a big thumbs up and yours will too.  Please comment, like and share!

Notes: ♪♫ Most of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free.  Always check labels carefully and be sure that you are purchasing gluten free soy sauce and chicken broth.

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Gluten Free BBQ Chicken Potato Skin Appetizers

This is a great appetizer to make for game day or a casual get together.  The recipe is somewhat labor intensive, but if you plan ahead like I did you can cut the prep time.

I used small round baby potatoes (also called new potatoes) that are perfect for bite sized finger food.  They are uniform in size, important when you want everything to finish cooking at the same time.  They come in red and yellow which makes a nice presentation.

Servings: 20

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Ingredients:

  • 10 small round potatoes about 2″ diameter
  • 1/2 sweet onion, cut into small dice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. gluten free BBQ seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded chicken (I used 2 leg quarters)
  • gluten free BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 4 slices of gluten free bacon, cut into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1 bunch of scallions, sliced

Preparation:

The day before I made Crock-Pot Rotisserie Chicken, so we had chicken for dinner that night and reserved the rest for the appetizer.

I shredded and refrigerated the meat from 2 leg quarters.  If you already have chicken leftovers this is a great way to use them up!

Brush the potatoes with olive oil and roast them at 400º for about 1 hour or until they are easily pierced with a fork.

While the potatoes are in the oven, cook the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels.

Cook the onions and garlic in the bacon fat, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and lightly browned.

Remove the potatoes from the oven and when they are cool enough to handle, cut them in half and scoop out the centers with a spoon.  Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with BBQ seasoning, then return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes.

Mix the reserved chicken, onions, garlic and 6 tbsp. BBQ sauce together in a bowl.

Spoon some of the chicken mixture into each potato skin, top each with another tbsp. of BBQ sauce, then sprinkle with Gruyere cheese, bacon and scallions.

You can prepare ahead up to this point, just cover and refrigerate.  Before serving, bake uncovered at 350º for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and the cheese has melted.  Drizzle with more BBQ sauce and serve hot.

Serve with more BBQ sauce for dipping.

Big on flavor, this appetizer will appeal to everyone, not just those who are gluten free.  Make a double batch, everyone will want a taste or two!

Notes: ♪♫   Wondering if your BBQ Sauce is gluten free?  I love Stubbs BBQ Sauce because not only is it gluten free but also it contains no high fructose corn syrup.  Their Smokey Mesquite is my favorite flavor.  Want to learn how to make a simple, homemade Gluten Free BBQ Sauce?  Check out my recipe here.

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Crock-Pot Rotisserie Chicken

Deliciously seasoned, falling off the bone tender chicken, just like the Rotisserie Chicken you buy at the market made right in your own kitchen!  This unbelievably simple recipe will give you the same moist flavorful chicken that everyone loves.  I used a 6-quart Crock-Pot to make this meal.  I had a family pack of 8 chicken leg quarters and not only was it very economical, but I also ended up with 2 cups of chicken stock that I have frozen for making soup next month.  There are only 4 basic steps to the recipe.  Make the rub, prep the vegetables, cook in the crock-pot for 8 hours, then finish in the oven.  It doesn’t get any easier than this and you can plan it around your workday.  Wouldn’t you like to come home to this?

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Ingredients:

  • 6 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 tsp. paprika
  • 2 tsp. onion powder
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. thyme
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. ground fennel
  • 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp. dehydrated bell pepper
  • 8 chicken leg quarters
  • 1 large, sweet onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • cooking spray

Preparation:

Rinse the chicken, trim any excess skin and pat dry.  Whisk together the first 10 ingredients to make the rub and liberally coat both sides of the chicken.  Leave a little aside for finishing.

Mist the crock-pot with cooking spray.  Chop the onion, carrot and celery and place it in the bottom.  Do not add liquid, the vegetables should hold the chicken up above any liquid that forms during cooking.

Arrange the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables.  I was able to fit all 8 leg quarters in my 6-quart crock-pot.

Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, then reduce heat to low for 6 more hours.  It can go a little longer if you are running late.  About halfway through, rotate the chicken in the crock-pot.  Remove the chicken and spoon out some of the excess liquid.  Then place the pieces that were on top in first, and the rest on top.  If you like, you can strain the liquid and reserve it for soup stock as I did.  After 8 hours preheat the oven to 350º.  Arrange the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, sprinkle with more seasoning and finish in the oven for 30 minutes.

That last 30 minutes in the oven is the magic!  The most tender, juicy chicken you will ever have at home.  Gluten free!

Notes ♪♫ Most single ingredient seasonings are gluten free, but always check your ingredient labels, especially for seasoning blends!

 

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BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

I love unique kitchen gadgets like this one.  It holds up to 17 chicken drumsticks at one time!  I wasn’t even thinking about gluten when I bought it, but it does have the advantage of holding the drumsticks upright so that they never touch the grill surface.  The chicken is coated with a dry rub and suspended vertically in the drumstick holder.  For this “off heat” method of grilling, we light only one side of the grill, and the drumsticks are cooked on the opposite side.  Since they are upright, the drumsticks do not need to be turned.  With only 3 ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare and the chicken comes out moist and delicious every time.  I made 8 drumsticks but you can double the recipe for a larger family.

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Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 3 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp. gluten free BBQ rub

Preparation:

Whisk together the brown sugar and BBQ seasoning.  Rub the chicken all over with the seasoning mixture and place in the drumstick holder.

Light one side of the grill, and remove the grate from the opposite side.  Place the chicken on the side opposite the flame.  Cover and grill for 1 hour.

Toward the end of the cook time, I grilled a little zucchini to go with dinner.

Just a few minutes to give the zucchini some grill marks.  It’s that easy.

Dinner is ready.  A side of rice and you have an easy summer meal.

Notes ♪♫  As always, check your ingredients for hidden gluten.  I used Creole seasoning combined with brown sugar in this recipe.

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