Tag: chicken

Whole Roast Chicken

Everyone loves a traditional roast chicken dinner.  It’s a great option for a casual get together, or even on a holiday when a turkey is just too large.

Don’t be intimidated by roasting a whole chicken, it’s easy and makes a beautiful presentation.  In this post, I’ll show you how to prepare a bird that is golden brown on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside.  Lemon, garlic and fresh herbs really bring out the flavor.

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Ingredients:

  • 4-6 lb. 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 to taste
  • 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
  • cooking spray

Preparation:

Wash and dry the lemons and herbs.  Zest both lemons and cut in half (Need a zester?).

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 softened.

Mince half of the rosemary and thyme and add to the butter along with the lemon zest.  Mash it together with a fork.

-Preheat the oven to 425º.  Remove the giblets packet from the chicken.

-Rinse the chicken, inside and out and pat dry.  Mist a roasting pan or casserole 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.  Season with salt and pepper.

-Tie the legs together.  Quarter the onion and tuck slices under the chicken, along with any extra pieces of lemon.

Roast uncovered for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165º.  (A 4 lb. chicken will cook in just over an hour but allow a full hour and a half for a 6 lb. bird.)

The skin should be nicely browned.  Be sure to let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes ♪♫ I got a whole chicken (4 lb.) for just $4.00!  From that little chicken I had a great dinner, with leftovers.  The carcass and wings went into the stock pot for a big pot of soup that I shared with a neighbor, so nothing was wasted.  With today’s prices I’d say that’s quite a value!

Originally posted 02/23/2020       Rephotographed 03/11/2025

 

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Spicy Brick Chicken

Here’s a recipe that I haven’t made in many years.  Why I don’t know, because it is truly delicious!  The spicy marinade, along with the cooking technique are what give this chicken its gorgeous color and juicy meat.

The preparation begins with splitting the chicken down the middle (but not all the way through) and opening it up flat.  In culinary terms, this method is referred to as “spatchcocking” the chicken.  Then, after a few hours in the fridge with a spicy marinade, the chicken is cooked skin side down in a heavy skillet, weighed down with a brick to ensure continuous contact with the surface of the pan.  The finished dish is incredible!

Now, if you can purchase a chicken and have it split or “spatchcocked” right at the meat counter that’s great.  But if not, don’t worry!  The technique is quite simple, and you can do it yourself with a good pair of kitchen shears.

I used a stainless-steel braising pan for this recipe.  A cast iron skillet or Dutch oven would be ideal, if you have one and can lift the pan in and out of the oven (add a brick to that and it’s pretty heavy!).  Either way, you need a pan that can go from stovetop to oven.

Note ♪ DO NOT use a nonstick pan!

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Ingredients:

  •     5 lb. whole chicken, spatchcocked
  •     2 tbsp. peppercorns
  •     2 tbsp. coriander seeds
  •     1 tbsp. fennel seeds
  •     1 tsp. paprika
  •     1/4 tsp. cayenne
  •     1 tsp. cumin
  •     1 tsp. turmeric
  •     1 tsp. salt
  •     1/4 cup olive oil + 2 tbsp. divided
  •     1 tbsp. butter
  •     zest and juice of 1 lemon

 Preparation:

If you have shied away from spatchcocking a chicken, or have always had it done by the butcher, don’t worry!  It’s not hard and I did mine right in the sink.  All you need to do is turn the chicken breast side down and use a good pair of kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone.  Remove the backbone and discard.  Turn the chicken over and give it a sharp rap in the center to break the breastbone so that it lays flat.  Yes, that’s it!

Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat dry.  Place it in a rectangular glass baking dish.

To make the marinade, toast the whole peppercorns, coriander seed and fennel seed in a hot skillet for 2 minutes, just until fragrant.  Grind in a coffee grinder.  Transfer to a small bowl with the paprika, cayenne, cumin, turmeric and salt.  Whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice and zest.

Now rub the chicken all over with the spice mixture.  Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Wrap the brick in aluminum foil.

Preheat the oven to 400º.  Heat your stainless-steel pan or Dutch oven on the stovetop and add the remaining 2 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tbsp. butter.  Place the chicken in the pan skin side down and cover immediately with the brick.  Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes to develop a crust.

Transfer to the oven and continue cooking for 45 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the chicken.  Use a thermometer to check for doneness, 160-165º

Carefully remove the brick, turn the chicken, skin side up onto a serving platter and bring it to the table for a gorgeous presentation!

Look at the color!  Beautifully browned and the meat is so moist!  The marinade is so aromatic, and I know you are going to love the flavor.

Notes ♪♫ Now you know why I keep a brick in my kitchen cupboard!  Yes, it is an unusual accessory to have in the kitchen but now that I’ve shown you how I used it in this recipe you may want to pick one up on your next trip to the hardware store or home improvement center!

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Gluten Free Chicken Marsala

This restaurant classic gets a gluten free makeover with just two ingredient swaps!  I can’t remember the last time I made Chicken Marsala.  It’s definitely been on my recipe bucket list though, so on my last trip to the liquor store I picked up a bottle of dry marsala wine.

I was able to get thin sliced chicken breast for this recipe, lucky me, a real time saver!  Each slice weighed about 6 oz.  If you can’t find this, just use a whole breast and cut into 1/2″ slices.

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Ingredients:

  • thin sliced chicken breast, about 6 oz. per serving
  • olive oil
  • white rice flour
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1/4 cup shallots, sliced
  • 8 oz. package button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 tbsp. fresh minced sage leaves
  • 1/2 cup dry marsala wine (not cooking wine!)
  • 1/3 cup gluten free chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz. gluten free penne (I used Barilla)
  • Italian parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Once you slice the mushrooms and shallots, this meal comes together quickly, so be sure to have all your ingredients laid out and at the ready.

Heat a large pot of salted water for the pasta.  Dredge the chicken breast in the rice flour, shaking off the excess.

Coat a large nonstick skillet or sauteuse pan, with olive oil, and begin browning the chicken.  Season with salt and pepper.

When the chicken is cooked through (check with a thermometer), remove to a plate.  Cook the pasta to several minutes less than the package directions (it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Add the butter to the pan and stir in the shallots.  Cook for 30 seconds then add the mushrooms and sage.  Season with salt and pepper.

Add the marsala wine to the pan and simmer to reduce by half.

Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and return to a simmer.

Add the chicken back to the pan, along with the pasta.  Toss well and continue cooking for several minutes to warm the chicken through and finish cooking the pasta.

Serve in bowls and garnish with Italian parsley.

Notes ♪♫ Be sure to use REAL marsala wine, not cooking wine.  I picked up a bottle of Nando dry marsala for under $10 and it was excellent in this recipe.  I’m sure I’ll use the rest of it, because this meal was a definite do-over!

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Gluten Free Chicken Mushroom Ragu with Fusilli

Gluten Free Chicken Mushroom Ragu with Fusilli

Like many Italian recipes handed down from one generation to the next, this one has the magical ability to transform simple ingredients from the pantry into the perfect comfort food meal.  I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pre-sliced mushrooms to simplify the prep.  In fact, if you buy some diced onions in the produce section, you can put away the cutting board.  How’s that for simple?

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I was featured at the senior salon pit stop

4 Servings:

Ingredients:

  • 1 carton gluten free chicken broth (you won’t need the whole thing)
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • olive oil
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp. Tuscan seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 sprig of rosemary
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup white wine (not cooking wine)
  • 8 oz. package white button mushrooms, sliced
  • 6 oz. gluten free fusilli pasta
  • Italian parsley for garnish
  • grated Parmigiano Reggiano for serving

Preparation:

Add 1 tbsp. olive oil to a deep nonstick skillet over medium low heat.  Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook several minutes per side.  It does not have to be cooked through at this point.

Remove the chicken to a plate and sprinkle with Tuscan seasoning.  Add the onions to the pan.  Cook for several minutes then add the tomato paste in the center.  Let it toast for a minute then stir into the onions.

Stir in the white wine, bay leaf, rosemary and cloves.  Simmer 5 minutes to reduce by half.

Add the chicken back to the pan with about 1 cup of chicken broth.  Cover and cook for 25 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the pan and shred or cut into pieces.  Add all of the mushrooms to the pan with about 3/4 cup more chicken broth.

Bring to a simmer and add back the chicken.  Cook for an additional 15 minutes.  While the ragu finishes, boil water for pasta.

To serve, drain the cooked pasta and toss with the ragu.  Sprinkle with cheese and Italian parsley.  Serve it right in the pan, with extra cheese for the table.

Notes ♪♫ I used Rummo Gluten Free Fusilli in this dish.  I noticed it at Whole Foods and picked it up there but it’s available on Amazon as well.  The corkscrew shape is perfect for this dish, and it cooked up perfectly to al dente.

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Gluten Free Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Using simple ingredients from the pantry, this plate full of happiness is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!  Other than the pasta, the ingredients are naturally gluten free.  A fast easy dinner to enjoy any night of the week!

Dinner for two

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

This is one of those recipes that goes very quickly once you begin, so you want to have all of your ingredients at the ready.  Heat a pot of salted water for the pasta.  Mince the garlic and grate the cheese.

Heat a deep skillet with 1 tbsp. of the olive oil and add the chicken.  Sprinkle it with Italian seasoning and paprika.  Cook for 1 minute each side (longer if you have thicker slices) and remove to a plate.

By now the pasta water should be ready, cook the pasta to a few minutes less than the package directions, it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Next add the sun-dried tomatoes to the pan with their oil.  Cook until they begin to sizzle, then remove and rough chop them or use kitchen shears to julienne.

Return the sun-dried tomatoes to the pan with the minced garlic and 1 tbsp. tomato paste.

Cook for 1 minute, stir it all together and return the chicken to the pan.

Top it with the Gruyere cheese and pour in the half and half.  Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and stir to combine.

Drain the pasta and add to the pan, toss well and cook for one more minute.

Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with the remaining tbsp. of olive oil and garnish with Italian parsley.

Mmm, mmm, mmm.  This was SO good!  Sometimes I even amaze myself.

Notes ♪♫ For this dish, use sun-dried tomatoes in oil.  The oil in the jar is infused with flavor and gives the entire dish a beautiful color.

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Gluten Free Chicken Orzo Casserole

Look at the beautiful colors in this casserole!  Would you believe it’s gluten free?  It absolutely is!  I love that we can enjoy popular orzo dishes like this one, made with gluten free Orzo pasta from DeLallo.

But what I especially love about this recipe is that it uses healthy fresh ingredients, like boneless, skinless chicken thighs, peeled and seeded butternut squash, and bagged baby spinach.  The prep work is a snap!

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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups butternut squash, cut into small cubes
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 5
  • 1 cup uncooked gluten free Orzo pasta, (I used DeLallo)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 5 oz. bag baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup white wine, divided use
  • 2 cups gluten free chicken broth, divided use
  • 2 tbsp. heavy cream
  • olive oil
  • Italian seasoning (I like this one)
  • paprika
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • cooking spray
  • fresh Italian parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Cut the butternut squash into small cubes.  Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.  Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with cooking spray.  Spread the squash cubes in an even layer, bake at 425º for 20 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and paprika.

Heat a nonstick skillet with olive oil and add the chicken.  Cook 7 minutes per side, turning once.  Toward the end of cooking add 1/4 cup white wine to the pan and cook several minutes more until mostly evaporated.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.  Set up a pot of salted water for the gluten free orzo and cook according to package directions.

In the skillet, add 1 tbsp. of olive oil, the minced garlic and pinch of red pepper flakes.  Cook just until fragrant (30 seconds) then add 1/4 cup of white wine.  Add the baby spinach and simmer until wilted.  (It looks like a lot of spinach, but don’t be afraid to add it all, it will cook down to nothing!)

Add the roasted butternut squash back to the pan.

When cooked, drain and rinse the orzo under warm water to remove some of the starch.  Use a fork to break up the orzo if it seems to be sticking together.  Gradually add it to the skillet with the spinach mixture.  Add a pinch of salt, or to taste.

Stir in 1 cup gluten free chicken broth and 2 tbsp. heavy cream.

Simmer several minutes to reduce the liquid slightly, then transfer the mixture to a casserole dish that has been coated with cooking spray.  Arrange the chicken thighs in the casserole, cover with foil and bake 20 minutes at 350º.

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh Italian parsley.

Notes ♪♫ Some recipes add the uncooked orzo pasta right into a casserole, but for gluten free pasta I always recommend cooking it separately.  Since some gluten free pasta can be quite gummy, you are able to rinse off some of the starch before adding to your dish.

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Chicken, Sausage and Rice Casserole

Whenever I make this flavorful casserole for a family dinner it gets rave reviews!  Chicken drumsticks and Italian sausage come together with ingredients straight from the pantry, and you can use any veggies you have on hand!  It’s easy and economical too.  You can do most of the prep a day ahead and bake the next day.  And that bacon breadcrumb topping- wow!  It really gives this dish an extra punch of flavor, texture and crunch!

4-6 Servings

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Ingredients:

Preparation:

Brown rice takes about 50 minutes to cook, so start that first.  Simmer 3/4 cup rice in 1-3/4 cups chicken broth and 1/4 tsp. seasoning of choice.

For the topping, coarsely chop the bacon, cook and drain on paper towels, reserving the fat in the pan.

Crumble the bacon, or place in an electric chopper and pulse a few times to make bacon bits.

Add 1/3 cup of gluten free breadcrumbs to the skillet with the bacon fat and stir over low heat.  Add back the crumbled bacon and stir well to combine.  Set aside to cool, then mix with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for topping.

I love Aleia’s Gluten Free Breadcrumbs and I use this brand almost exclusively in my recipes.  I promise, your family won’t even know they are gluten free!

In the same skillet, brown the chicken on all sides in a little olive oil.  Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Place browned chicken in a braising pan or Dutch oven, add ¼ cup white wine and 1/4 cup chicken broth.  Cover and simmer 30 minutes.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, remove meat from the bones and sprinkle with paprika.  Strain the liquid from the pan and reserve for later.

Slice the sausage and brown in olive oil.  You can use store bought sausage or check out my recipe for homemade sausage patties!  If using purchased sausage, always check labels for gluten containing ingredients.

Pulse the cooked sausage a few times in the chopper and set aside.

Wipe the braising pan or Dutch oven clean.  Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil and add the veggies.  Season and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add back the sausage and stir well.

Now add the chicken and cooked rice.  Measure the reserved liquid and add enough chicken broth to equal 1-1/2 cups.  Combine with 1/4 cup milk and pour over the chicken and rice mixture.

Tip: Prepare the meal up to this point a day ahead.  Cover and refrigerate.  

Preheat the oven to 350º.  You can bake the casserole in the same pan, or transfer to a pretty casserole dish for a nicer presentation.  Note, if you made the casserole in the advance, take it out of the refrigerator and leave on the counter for at least 30 minutes (don’t place a refrigerated glass baking dish directly into a hot oven, it may shatter).

Spread the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole and bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

The liquid will bubble and thicken to create a nice sauce.  I like to finish it off under the broiler, 3 minutes on low.  Watch that it doesn’t burn!

Let it rest a few minutes to set up, then garnish with fresh herbs (or dried herbs) and bring it right to the table.

Notes ♪♫ Remember, you can substitute any veggies you like in this recipe.  Once I went out on a limb and used eggplant.  Surprise, the reaction ranged from “I loved it” to “I didn’t even know it was in there”! Try broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus or zucchini.  Use what you have on hand, use what you like!

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

It’s time to spice up your life with a bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup!  The inspiration for this recipe came from a local restaurant but unfortunately, I cannot order it anymore as all their soups contain gluten.  That makes me sad, because most of the ingredients in Chicken Tortilla Soup are naturally gluten free. 

I made mine with big chunks of chicken, beans and veggies.  I love the heat from garlic, jalapeno, chili flakes and cumin (could this soup cure the common cold?).  If you don’t already have Chipotle chili and cumin in your spice rack it’s time for a run to the grocery store! 

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The soup is thick and hearty on its own, no flour is needed.  It needs no adornment other than a sprinkle of gluten free tortilla strips, if you can’t find them locally order here!    

Ingredients: 

  • 2 chicken leg quarters 
  • Salt and pepper, to taste 
  • Olive oil 
  • water to cover
  • 2 bay leaves 
  • 1 onion, diced 
  • 2 carrots, sliced 
  • heaping tbsp. minced garlic
  • heaping tbsp. minced jalapeno
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste 
  • 14 oz. can fire roasted tomatoes 
  • 1/2 tsp. Chipotle chili 
  • 1/2 tsp. Cumin 
  • 1/2 tsp. Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic granules
  • 1/2 tsp. onion granules 
  • salt, to taste 
  • 1 cup canned black beans 
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn 
  • Gluten free tortilla strips 

Preparation: 

Heat a deep skillet over medium low, add a little olive oil and brown the chicken on both sides.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add bay leaves and water to cover.  Simmer for 90 minutes on low. 

Transfer the chicken to a plate and remove meat from the bones.  Refrigerate meat until the soup is ready.  Reserve the liquid.

In a clean stock pot, add 1 tbsp. olive oil with the onions and carrots, and cook for 2-3 minutes over low heat.  Add the garlic and jalapeno and cook for 30 seconds.  Make a spot in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste.

Toast for 2 minutes, then strain the reserved chicken broth into the pot.  Add the fire roasted tomatoes, and all of the seasoning. 

Cover and simmer 1 hour, then add the black beans and corn.  Simmer 30 minutes longer.  Taste and add salt if needed. 

Stir in the reserved chicken, heat through and serve.

Garnish each bowl with tortilla strips.

Notes: ♪♫ I love soup season!  I could eat soup every day and I have a great selection of soups and stews on the blog that will keep you warm through the winter months.  All gluten free and delicious!  Check out all my Gluten Free Soups, Stews and Chowders here!

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Gluten Free Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein, that most popular of takeout meals was my first introduction to Chinese American cuisine.

As a kid, my “go-to” takeout order was a combination dinner of Chow Mein, fried rice and an egg roll.  I ordered it every time!  While I have recreated many of my favorite takeout recipes, I can’t even remember the last time I had Chicken Chow Mein.  So why has this one remained on the back burner?

The noodles. 

How could I replicate the crunchy, restaurant style fried noodles that go with Chow Mein?  Traditional Chow Mein noodles are made with wheat.  And while I am a big believer in make from scratch, I just didn’t want to make my own noodles.

Then I discovered this!

I found these Gluten Free Chow Mein Noodles on Amazon, and they were spot on!  Get yours here!

For the connoisseurs out there, this is the East Coast version of Chow Mein, where the stir-fry is served over crispy fried noodles.

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Ingredients:

Veggies

  • 1/2 sweet onion, cut into 1/4″ slices
  • 6 celery stalks, cut into 1/4″ slices
  • 1 carrot, coarsely grated
  • 1/2 head of green cabbage, shredded
  • 2 cups bean sprouts

Marinade

  • 1 tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup gluten free chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp. gluten free oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp. gluten free soy sauce (tamari)
  • 2 tsp. corn starch
  • 1 tsp. sugar

Chicken

  • 1 lb. boneless chicken breast
  • olive oil
  • sesame oil
  • gluten free chow mein noodles

Preparation:

Let’s break down the recipe into four easy steps.  Ready?

  1. Prep the veggies
  2. Marinate the chicken
  3. Make the sauce
  4. Stir fry the chicken and veggies

First, prep the veggies.  I used a mandoline to slice the onion, cabbage and celery.  A coarse grater was perfect for shredding the carrot.

Next mix together the marinade ingredients.  I used an electric chopper to mince the garlic and ginger.

Slice the chicken breast into thin strips and toss with the marinade.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Whisk together the sauce ingredients.

Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. sesame oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium low heat.  Add the chicken and quickly brown on all sides.  It does not have to be cooked through.

Remove the chicken to a bowl and keep warm.  Wipe the skillet clean and add another tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. sesame oil.

Add the onion first and stir fry until translucent.

Add the carrot and celery.  Continue cooking for several minutes.

Add the cabbage and toss well to combine.  Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.

Add back the chicken and stir into the veggies.  Make a well in the center and pour in the sauce.

Add the bean sprouts and continue tossing and stirring as the liquid thickens.

Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle a few noodles over the top!

Serve over Chow Mein noodles with a side of white rice.

Notes ♪♫ My gluten eating family loved this meal!  The Chow Mein noodles are the bomb, and they are great with salads too!  I will definitely be adding this meal to our dinner rotation.

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Split Chicken Breasts over Rice Stuffing

Split Chicken Breasts come out moist and delicious baked over a bed of colorful rice stuffing.  This deconstructed recipe is the easy way to serve Split Chicken Breast without the hassle of stuffing each piece!  Apple and bacon give the stuffing a sweet and savory flavor profile.

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Here are some tips for making this dinner a success.  Use a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer.  Partially cook the chicken before adding the stuffing to the dish.  Drain the baking dish halfway through to remove some of the fat before adding the stuffing.  Choose a firm, short grain rice that will stand up to a longer cook time.

Some of my favorite seasoning blends for chicken are McCormick Montreal Chicken Seasoning, Shallot and Herb Seasoning and Tuscan Seasoning.  Use one or a combination as I have.  These blends are versatile and can be used in so many other dishes like pasta, potatoes and eggs.

This is a great family meal, perfect for casual entertaining!

3 Servings

Ingredients:

For the rice:

For the stuffing:

  • 1/2 cup onion, small dice
  • 1/2 cup apple, small dice
  • 1/2 cup celery, small dice
  • 2 strips bacon, cut into 1/2″ pieces
  • olive oil
  • sage
  • thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the chicken:

Preparation:

Rinse the chicken and pat dry.  Brush with olive oil and season.  Coat a 9×13″ baking dish with cooking spray and arrange the chicken in a single layer.  Bake at 350º for 45 minutes.

While the chicken bakes cook the rice.  I cooked 1 cup rice in 2 cups water and 3/4 tsp. seasoned salt.

To make the stuffing, begin cooking the diced bacon in a stainless-steel skillet until crisp.  Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits and drain on paper towel, leaving any remaining bacon fat in the skillet.  Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the onion, celery and apple until crisp tender. Season with sage and thyme then add back the bacon bits.

Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the stuffing and stir well to combine.

When the chicken has baked for 45 minutes, remove from the baking dish and drain any liquid.  Spread the rice and stuffing mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish and add 1/2 cup chicken broth.  Return the chicken to the baking dish and finish baking 45 minutes longer.

If you like a crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of the cook time.

Notes ♪♫ I got this wonderful Italian tri-color rice at a local shop and have also purchased it on Amazon.  If Amazon is out of stock, try Rice Select Royal Blend for something similar.

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