Buffalo Chicken Chili

1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
15 oz can white navy beans
14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup buffalo chicken wing sauce (Frank's Red Hot Wings Buffalo Sauce)
1 pkg dry Ranch dressing mix
1 cup frozen corn kernels (we like super sweet white frozen corn)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp freeze dried cilantro (I've used finely chopped fresh with success as well)
1/4 tsp (optional to add at end if needed)
4oz to 8oz of cream cheese, softened to room temperature (do not use low fat, result is a grainy soup)
Bleu cheese crumbles, optional

1. Cook chicken
2. Simmer all ingredients except cream cheese for 30 minutes. Or 4-6 hours on low in crockpot.
3. Remove from heat and add cream cheese in small chunks.
4. Whisk carefully until smooth and serve with bleu cheese crumbles

More in depth instructions:
I like to use my crockpot to cook my chicken with a little chicken broth. I put all remaning ingredients, except cream cheese, in a bowl to combine with chicken later. I just keep it in the fridge until I'm ready. Makes it fast and easy! However, this is originally all done in the crockpot & you can do it that way as well. Your chicken just needs to be cooked first. A word of caution, if you don't like the "heat" from the buffalo sauce, start with 2 tbsp and then add in 1 tsp increments at the end to your desired heat. I've found 1/4 cup is just right for me and my family. The recipe originally called for 1/2 cup and that is a hold-onto-your-seat level of hot for our family. So, test it out and see what works best for you.

Once my chicken is cooked and shredded, I pour the ingredients from the bowl into a 3.5 quart pot and add the chicken. I bring it to a boil over medium high heat, then turn temperature to low and simmer for 30 minutes. (Note: if you do this in the crockpot, you can cook it on low for 4-6 hours.) Remove from heat and add the cream cheese in small clumps using a fork. Allow cream cheese to warm up in soup, then carefully whisk until the cream cheese is melted down and smooth. I used to use an entire package of cream cheese, but I've since found that about 6 oz is right. Perfect amount of creamy and buffalo heat. If you're trying to cut calories, just use 4 oz. However, the cream cheese tempers the buffalo sauce "heat." If some of your family likes it hotter than others, simply place the bottle of hot sauce on the table to add additional "heat."

Recipe adapted from crockpotgourmet.net. My changes include: chicken broth reduced from 4 cups to 2 cups, not draining the beans or tomatoes, reduced cream cheese, and optional salt.

This recipe makes about 12 cups. Nutritional facts per serving: Calories-163, Fat (g) 5.1, Carbs (g) 12.3, Protein (g) 15.6.

I could not get a picture of this because we would always forget! My family loves it. I barely remembered to get a picture until the bowl was almost gone. It isn't a flattering picture but I promise the picture doesn't do it justice. The chili/soup is delicious and I always get rave reviews when I share it with family and friends! Hope you enjoy!!!

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Adapted from Point of Grace
3T olive oil
2 good sized garlic cloves, finely minced (I use a garlic press)
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
5 oz pkg frozen spinach (I used pict sweet)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
Just under 2 cans water
32 oz chicken broth
1 to 3 tsp chicken bouillon (add to taste)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Family size package (3lbs) of cheese or chicken tortellini, half cooked (we used the four cheese tortellini from Costco)
2 lbs chicken, cooked and diced (I cook mine in the oven or crockpot with some chicken broth and pepper)

Put olive oil in the bottom of a large soup/stock pan. Over medium heat, saute garlic, celery, carrots and onions until tender. (I used freezer carrots from the garden. They were perfect and so good!)

Add the half package of frozen spinach. Break up blocks of spinach as you cook. Continue to saute until spinach thaws, then heats up. Add cream of chicken soup and water (I use the leftover chicken juices from cooking and one tsp of chicken bouillon). Add chicken broth and bring to a low broil. Add chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper to taste. Don't over do it because all the flavors will merry nicely when the noodles and chicken are added, but you don't want it too bland either.

In separate pot, bring 6 quarts of water and some salt to a low boil. Throw in noodles for about 1 minute. Using slotted spoon, remove noodles and put into soup mixture. Add chicken and stir. Remove from stove and allow to sit and warm up for a few minutes. It will warm up on its own if you had it at a nice low boil before you added the noodles. Don't leave it on the unit or you'll overcook the noodles. Serve and enjoy!

Note: I was actually surprised this recipe had cream of chicken soup as an ingredient. It is not an overriding flavor in the soup as it has plenty of liquids to dilute it. If you like gnocchi, this would be a fun soup to try with it instead of the tortellini.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This is an update from an older post. Each time I made this, I found I was making the same adjustments. It was time to update the blog to reflect that. I love this recipe and always have lots of compliments when I've taken it to people.

2 lbs chicken, cooked & cut up
I prefer to cook my chicken in the crockpot with 1 cup water & 2 tsp chicken bouillon & sprinkle with pepper.

Once chicken is cooked, in a large pot combine:
2 quarts chicken broth, I use Pacific organic chicken broth
1 quart water

1+ cup chicken juices leftover from crockpot (I usually use all that is leftover)
1/4 cup chicken soup base

1 large family size cream of chicken soup (26oz)
1 regular can cream of chicken soup (10 3/4 oz)

2 tsp dried minced onion
3+ carrots, grated

pinch of dried minced garlic

Dash of pepper
Very small dash of celery salt (my kids won't eat celery!)

1 24oz bag Reames frozen noodles (or use your own homemade noodles)

Start cooking the noodles in their own pot of water.Important: I usually sprinkle just a little bit of chicken bouillon in it to give them some flavor. Cook noodles until half done. These noodles take a bit to cook but I've fooled many people into thinking they're homemade... so it's worth the time to let them cook. (I've never mastered the whole homemade noodle thing, so I leave the work to Reames. However, my sister makes my mom's homemade noodle recipe all the time. Click here if you want authentic homemade noodles.) 

Meanwhile, put water, chicken bouillon granules, chicken soup base, cream of chicken soup, minced onion, and pinch of minced garlic in a large pot.I prefer to cook it on medium to help start the flavors to mix together. I use a whisk to make sure the soup mixes into the broth well. Once it is slightly boiling, grate carrots into the pot. These add great flavor and texture. And my kids eat the soup better if they are grated and not chopped. Plus, they cook faster that way. Allow the soup to continue a medium boil.

Once the noodles are almost done, throw them in the broth and let them finish cooking and absorb the flavor. The broth will also thicken from the starch of the noodles. Keep the soup at a rolling boil, being sure to stir often so the noodles aren't sticking to the bottom.Finally, add chicken. Add a dash of pepper for taste. I usually taste test along the way just to be sure it doesn't need a little more chicken soup base or bouillon. The cream of chicken soup usually does a great job of adding great flavor while still keeping the broth very chicken-noodle-like. I let it cook just a couple minutes past the noodles being done to be sure the chicken has absorbed lots of flavor from the broth.

After the noodles are done and it has passed a couple of taste tests, serve up with your favorite roll, breadsticks, or just a simple side salad! I promise you won't be disappointed. It's hard to mess this soup up.
It makes a big batch. Perfect for making some for your family & taking some to the neighbors or someone who just needs homemade chicken noodle soup in their life! :) This soup is also amazing served over homemade mashed potatoes! Oh heaven!!!

Chicken Pot Pie

I am reposting the recipe because it has been on the blog for over 2 years and I took some new pictures. Plus, I've found making individual pot pies rather than 1 big one helps them cook better.

Crust:
Click here for the recipe. I just used the dough from a previous batch and let them thaw all day to room temperature.

Roll out one crust and place it in the bottom of 9 inch pie dish. Roll out top crust and leave until your filling is done.

Chicken:
2 chicken breasts, thawed

Salt and pepper

Place chicken in glass baking dish and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Cover with foil. Bake chicken at 350 for about 40-45 minutes or until done. Cut up all veggies while chicken is cooking. After chicken is done, put chicken on cutting board to cool. After it is cooled, cut up into desired chunks. (Note: I've found that baking the chicken keeps it much more moist than boiling it. If you don't care, then just boil it or for even quicker cooking time, cook it in a George Foreman grill and sprinkle with the salt & pepper. This takes about 15 minutes but it's a little crisper on the edges.)

Filling:
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 Tbsp chicken soup base

1 cup potatoes, cubed to desired size
1/3 cup carrots, chopped to desired size

3 Tbsp celery, chopped into itty bitty pieces
A couple shakes of dried minced onion

Individual foil pie dishes

(Recipe makes 5)

Boil all veggies until they are still firm, but close to done. If needed, add more water if the veggies are absorbing a lot of the water. Add 3 Tbsp to 1/4 cup cream of chicken soup. Add more chicken soup base if needed to taste. Add salt -if needed- and pepper to taste. Stir in until blended, with a taste check afterward, of course! :) (If you want your pie more runny/juicy add a little extra soup/water.) Let cool slightly. Add in chicken and pour into pie dishes. I buy the foil individual pie dishes. They come in a pack of 6. I just reuse them and wash them in the dishwasher! Super easy. The pies cook better as individual rather than one big one.

Put top crust on top and flute the edges. With a sharp knife, cut about 4 slits in the center to let steam escape.

Bake at 425 for 15 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350 and cook for an additional 10 minutes or less... just until golden brown. (I got mine a little too golden this time... as you can see in the picture.) Maybe a little foil around the edges? I've done that for other pies, so I guess it would work for this, too.

Let set up for about 5 minutes and then serve.

Note: You could do other veggies if desired. I'm not a pea or green bean person so I opted for potatoes, celery, and carrots. If you do peas, cook them separately and throw them in at the end with the chicken. I guess you could do frozen veggies, but I've found that fresh tastes soooooo much better. It's worth all the effort to cut it all up and have it taste so yummy.

Crispy Southwest Chicken Burrito

I got the idea for our crispy burritos here. I tweaked it to fit our family. We've made them several times now & changed one thing here or there. And they've been amazing every time. Hope you enjoy them, too.

This recipe made 12 burritos total. We made up as many as we needed the first day and then used the leftover ingredients for more the next day.

Ingredients:

Chicken, cooked & shredded (instructions below)

1 can Mexican RoTel (it has lime & cilantro)

1/2 pkg Taco Bell taco seasoning

1 pkg Knorr Rice Sides Spanish Rice

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed well

Uncooked tortillas, as many as you need for your family

Shredded cheese

Sour Cream

1 can Green Chile Enchilada Sauce

-----

Directions.........

In crockpot:

2 lbs chicken (I use mine from frozen)

1 can Mexican RoTel

A little water to cover the bottom of the crockpot

Cook on high for 3 hours.

Do not drain the juices. Push the rotel into the crockpot and remove chicken. Shred chicken with forks and return to crockpot. I always add about a 1/2 pkt of Taco Bell taco seasoning and stir until all the chicken is coated. Put the lid on and let the crockpot "keep it warm."

On the stovetop:

Cook 1 pkt of Knorr Rice Sides Spanish Rice according to pkg directions. Let sit when it is done. It's okay if it cools off a little.

On the griddle:

Heat griddle to 400. Cook tortillas according to pkg directions. It is usually about 30 seconds on each side. Ours are from Costco and are Tortilla Land brand. I can cook 2 at a time on our griddle. Don't turn off the griddle. You're going to use it soon to "crisp" the burritos. Keep it at 400 degrees.

Now it is time to build the burrito. Place the tortilla on a plate. Starting at the bottom of the tortilla, add:

spoonful of rice

spoonful of chicken

few dollops of sour cream

spoonful of black beans

Sprinkle with shredded cheese

Carefully wrap it up and place seam side down on the griddle. Once that side is "crisped," rotate to the back side, and continue with the remaining 2 sides.

I can do quite a few burritos at a time on the griddle. I just build the other burritos while the others are "crisping."

Serve hot with green chile sauce on the side. We use a spoon and drizzle it on!

I couldn't get a good picture of a cross section of these and didn't think about it until they had cooled off. But this gives you an idea....

Cream Cheese Chicken and Vegetable Soup

I found this recipe at Mel's Kitchen Cafe while I was looking at her cornbread recipe. (Also very yummy!) The soup has cream cheese in it and I said to myself...."If it has cream cheese in it, it can't be bad." ;) In short, my family LOVED it. It makes a good size batch and I barely had 1 bowl leftover. It was nice that I always have all the ingredients on hand. It will definitely be going on our list of favorite soups.

2 TBSP butter
2 TBSP minced onions (can use yellow onion, but I prefer dry minced)

2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 stalks celery, finely diced
1/2 cup diced carrots (I used my ones I freeze each fall)
3 cups chicken broth
2-3 potatoes (Mel suggests leaving the peels on the reds if you use them)

1 cup milk
4 tablespoons flour
1 (8 oz. package) cream cheese (light can be used)
About 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced (I seasoned with salt & pepper also)

Salt and pepper (I had to add about 1 tsp+ after it was all done)

In a large pot, melt the butter and add the onion, garlic, celery and carrots. Saute, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes, until the veggies are slightly tender and the onions are translucent. Add the chicken broth and potatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. In a liquid measuring cup, vigorously whisk the flour and milk together until smooth. Whisk the mixture into the soup, stirring quickly, and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until the soup begins to thicken slightly. Stir often to ensure the soup doesn’t burn. Soften the cream cheese in the microwave until it is very soft/melty. I usually place the unwrapped cream cheese on a plate and microwave it for one minute at 30% power. I like it really, really soft so it doesn’t leave lumps in the soup. Add the cream cheese to the soup in small tablespoon-size pieces. Let the pieces sit in the soup and warm through then whisk or stir the soup until the cream cheese melts and mixes in well. Add the cooked chicken and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Chicken Stir Fry

Courtesy of Allrecipes.com
This recipe is very yummy and passed onto me from my Sister-in-Law Amy.

I don't do this recipe exactly like the website since it was too much for my family, so here is my version and you can put in the vegetables that you prefer. You could do this with a frozen bag of veggies... but fresh is SO much better!

Chicken and marinade
2 medium-large boneless skinless chicken breast halves
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Other Ingredients
3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
1 1/2-2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 c snow peas
10 asparagus with 2-3 inches of bottoms cut off
1/4 c onion sliced (I do mine big enough to find them and take them out for the kids)
1/4-1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Directions

1.Cut chicken into 1/2-in. strips; place in a resealable plastic bag or bowl with lid. Add cornstarch and toss to coat. Combine soy sauce, ginger and garlic powder; add to bag (or bowl) and mix/shake well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2.In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil; stir-fry chicken on a medium heat until no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes. Remove and keep warm. Don't be alarmed if the bottom is coated with the cornstarch and marinade... it will come off later and coat the veggies.

Add remaining oil; on medium heat, stir- fry broccoli, asparagus, carrots and onion for 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender then add the pea pods because they cook faster than the other veggies. Mix water and bouillon and add to the veggies (this softens the buildup on the bottom of the pan and it thickens and coats the food). Reduce heat to medium low or low heat. Return chicken to pan. Mix the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic again with the cornstarch and pour over the chicken and veggies. Cook and stir until thickened and well coated. You can put the lid on to help your veggies to cook through a little bit more, you don't want them to be too limp, but not too crunchy either.

Serve over rice. *I like it with Brown Rice which you will need to start before you begin cooking the chicken since it takes 45 minutes to cook brown rice*

Note: I have tried it with bell peppers before and it was good, but I like this combo of veggies the best of all the ways I have tried it! The asparagus really is quite good for those of you that are hesitant... my kids LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Surprisingly enough! ;)

Firehouse BBQ Grilled Chicken

I first saw this recipe on Real Mom Kitchen's blog. She found it on Picky Palate. My family loves this chicken. I had to reduce the Frank's hot sauce to 2 tbsp for my small children. (Three tbsp to 1/4 cup is just right for my husband and I.) After making it several times, I realized I hadn't posted it to our recipe blog. And since this blog is used as a portable recipe box for family and friends, it needs to be on here. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

14+ thawed boneless skinless chicken tenders (you can use breasts, they just take longer to cook)
2 Tbsp - 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce

3/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
4 Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Place all ingredients in a large Ziploc bag and marinate for one to two hours.If you are not grilling these outside, HI broil works great, too. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Place cooling racks over the foil. Place chicken across the racks. DISCARD the marinade!Broil chicken for about 5 or 6 minutes on each side, turn over and repeat. The tenders cook fast so this can be done in about 10 minutes.Super simple. Super fast. My kind of dinner!

Quickie BBQ Chicken Pizza

I realize this is hardly a recipe. But we've enjoyed making them so much I figured I might as well post them on the blog.

This is a great recipe to use left over chicken. Plus, it is a nice for a quick lunch for the kids or a snack after school. I think they'd even be okay for a casual appetizer with friends.

Chicken, cooked and shredded
BBQ Sauce
Grated cheese
Tortillas (these were the small size)

Cook chicken. Shred it. Pour BBQ sauce over it until it has the desired amount. Place tortillas on a rack and place under HI broil for 1 minute (or a little less) on each side. This helps them to dry out a little bit so the chicken doesn't make them dough.

Remove from oven and spread chicken over the tortilla. Sprinkle cheese over top.Broil on HI for about 2 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and entirely melted.
Cut into triangles and serve!

Tuscan Chicken

from Joni

1 lb boneless skinless chicken cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cans italian stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 can red kidney beans
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 jar sliced mushrooms
1 med green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
6 oz thin spaghetti, broken in half

Add all ingredients except pasta. Put in crockpot on low 4 hours or until veggies are tender.

Stir in noodles. Cook on high 10 min, stir. Cover and cook 35 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Teriyaki Rice Bowls

One night my husband and I wanted something different for dinner. I suggested teriyaki. He suggested steak and this is what we came up with. He did a great job cooking the meat. I think it might be his job from now on! ;) I'll stick with the rice on this one. It's hard to screw up rice!

This teriyaki sauce is so versatile. We use it for chicken. We use it for beef. But one night I wanted a rice bowl. It hadn't crossed my mind to use it for the beef for that! It was super simple and way yummy! And it could just have easily had chicken if you're not a beef person.

Teriyaki Sauce (click for recipe)

2 lbs steak cut up into pieces

Veggies (we did just carrots this time but next time we'll do carrots, broccoli, onions, peppers, asparagus, and snow peas)

Long Grain Rice

Cook steak in a small enough pan so that the juices don't cook out. Add veggies and allow them to get soft and cooked in the meat juices. Add teriyaki sauce and cook until sauce is about half cooked out (gone into the steak and veggies).

Cook rice as desired. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Note: You can marinate the meat in half of the sauce (reserving the other half for when you cook it). For me, it worked to just cook it all in the pan together. But if you want a more subdued teriyaki flavor, marinate it, taste the meat when it is cooked and decide if you want to add the remaining reserved sauce. Don't worry, the sauce keeps well in the fridge for awhile.

Pioneer Woman's Homemade Chicken Strips

This is a "copycat recipe" for sure. I love Pioneer Woman's recipes and have made many of them. I haven't posted all of the ones I've used, but I use this blog as my portable recipe box..... So this recipe must be on here! They were so good. So easy. And a super hit!

1 pkg chicken strips (I used tenderloins and cut them into strips)

Buttermilk (can use egg, milk, cream)

1 1/2 cup flour

2 1/2 tsp Lawry's seasoning salt

Vegetable oil

In a frying pan or skillet, pour enough oil so there is about 1 inch of oil. Preheat on medium heat.

If using tenders or strips, place them in a bowl with desired liquid (buttermilk, cream, milk, or egg). If using tenderloins or breasts, cut them into thin strips and proceed in the same step. Allow chicken to sit in liquid for at least 20 minutes. I didn't have buttermilk on hand (which is what Pioneer Woman suggests), but the cream worked well for me, too.

In a bowl, mix flour and seasoning. Carefully drizzle about 1/4+ cup of liquid, while gently stirring with a fork. This will create little crumbles of crunchy goodness later.

When oil is sufficiently hot, take a pieces at a time out of the liquid and roll chicken around in the flour mixture.Place carefully into oil. Cook until brown on each side. They don't take long at all.As each strip gets done, place on paper towl to cool.

Serve as an appetizer, main dish, on salad, in a wrap, or just for a snack!

Egg Rolls

I got this recipe here and made a few modifications to my liking.
I have been using square wonton wrappers lately to make mini egg rolls, but the instructions are the same for full size egg rolls.

Egg Rolls

Ingredients:
Chinese egg-roll wrappers (or if you want to do mini egg rolls get the square shaped wonton wraps)
1 very large chicken breast cooked and finely chopped (you could also use Ground pork or shrimp)
1/2 c. carrots shredded
1/2 head of Cabbage shredded (or Nappa Cabbage-Chinese cabbage)
1/3 c chopped green onions
1 egg
Chinese bun noodles (or bean thread; they are in the oriental section)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp each salt/pepper
Pure Canola Oil

Soak the bun noodles in warm water in a seperate bowl for about 15 minutes or until they are soft. (I only used a tiny section of the package and I actually cut the little sectioned one in half and use the other half the next time.)

Shred the cabbage and grate the carrots; set aside. In a tablespoon of oil, fry the chicken and onion in a large saucepan for a few minutes and add in the carrots and cabbage, mixing well. Heat on medium for about 8-10 minutes or until the cabbage is cooked down. Remove from heat and set aside in a large bowl to cool.

Remove bun noodles from water and drain. Using your hands, mix the noodles into the cooled cabbage mixture, making sure to mix all ingredients well. Add one beaten egg, 1 T. sugar, 1 t. salt, and 1 t. pepper and 2 t. minced garlic, 1 T. Soy sauce. Mix well with hands.

Heat oil in a pan on medium heat (about 1/2 inch deep with oil) **I use the same pan for the oil as I did to cook the chicken and cabbage mixture**

Have a small cup of water for dipping your fingers in to seal the wraps.
Take an egg roll wrap and put a small amount of cabbage mixture in the middle. Fold in side corners and fold up bottom corner. Wet the seams a little and the top corner.

Squeeze it a little as you roll it towards the top and fold over the last flap. Wet the seam again to make sure that it is sealed and carefully place it in the heated oil.Use tongs to pick up the egg roll and flip it over. When the egg rolls are done take them out and place on a plate or cookie sheet covered with paper towels to soak up remaining grease.
They taste WONDERFUL with Sweet 'n Sour sauce! Find the recipe here!!

NOTE: You can prepare all of them then put them in the oil, but I do it as I go. I use a gas stove so often I turn the heat off if the oil is getting too hot and over cooking the outer shell, and turn it back on when it stops cooking it enough... Annoying I know but oil is tempermental! Make sure you get all sides cooked!

You can cook them in a deep fryer, but I find it is harder to get all sides cooked evenly and I also think that they are more greasy that way.

Mini egg rolls: about 22-25 egg rolls

Full size egg rolls: about 11-14 egg rolls.

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups

MMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!! This was Olive Garden worthy!!! (in my opinion!!)

I sort of mixed things up on a Lasagna Roll Up recipe... I had the Idea from the Chicken Lasagna... but it really is nothing like it! Try it and you will see!! I found the recipe for the Alfredo sauce here on foodnetwork.com and the way to cook the chicken also... from there it just became what it is.

The Chicken:
2 large *thaw* chicken breasts sliced (fajita style)

2 *fresh* cloves garlic, minced

1 T Olive Oil

1 1/2 C. FRESH Spinach leaves

Heat oil in pan with garlic until the aroma builds... Do not burn or over brown. Cook until chicken is fully cooked then add the Spinach and stir until the leaves are wilted into it.

The Sauce:

4T Butter

1 clove fresh garlic, minced

2T flour

2 C Cream

1/2 C. milk

1C Fresh grated parmesan

In a medium sauce pan heat butter and garlic and add flour once butter is melted and aroma of garlic is building. Add the Cream and milk and stir then add the parmesan and bring to a boil and continue to stir frequently over a medium low heat as it boils and thickens. (I added a dash of pepper to it as well)

The Pasta/Filling:

24 oz (1LB 8oz) cottage cheese

1 egg

1/4 C Parmesan cheese

Mozzarella cheese

Parsley

salt and pepper

9 lasagna noodles cooked al dente

Mix the cottage cheese, egg, parmesan, mozzarella, and a dash of salt and pepper and Parsley til it looks good. Spoon on the cooked noodles and roll up and place in 9X13 pan with a little sauce spread on the bottom. **You will have left over filling but only 9 rollups fit in the pan**

Mix some sauce into the chicken... just enough to spoon on top of each roll up (you will have left over sauce I still had about a 1/2 cup or just a little more left over) and then top with a little more parmesan and mozzarella cheese and diced tomatoes for color (I added the tomatoes after the picture was taken)

Cook in oven at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Until Cheese is starting to golden and sauce is bubbling.

Let sit for 10 minutes after removal from the oven. Serve and Enjoy!

Parmesan Chicken

adapted from the Lion House cookbook

I have a couple of recipes for Parmesan Chicken and this one is our family favorite. It's easy to throw together and it tastes great every time. Also, if I don't want to make a lot, it is easy to store the remaining crumb mixture in the fridge for another day.

1 cup finely crushed corn flakes (I do this in a ziploc bag with rolling pin)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (the powdered stuff)
1 pkg dry Ranch dressing mix
Milk
4 large chicken breasts, I cut mine in half so they are thinner
Olive Oil

Combine corn flake crumbs, parmesan, and Ranch dressing mix. I prefer to do this on large plate. I find it is easier to coat the chicken that way. Also, if it doesn't look like there's enough parmesan, go ahead and sprinkle some more in. A half cup is not a cut and dry measurement. (Note: if you are making this for fewer people, just put part of the mixture you're not using in a ziploc bag in the fridge to use another day! It stays good for quite awhile.)

Preheat oil in a pan on the stove. Olive oil should not be above medium heat. (If you do it on medium, it should brown perfectly and be slow cooked to tender perfection!) Dip chicken in milk and then coat well with crumb mixture. Put in pan and brown well on each side. Depending on time and desire, you can either cook these half way and finish in the oven (at 375 for 25 minutes) or you can cook them fully on the stove. I kind of like it on the stovetop because they stay crisp. My family also prefers to serve them over the noodles and sauce rather than pouring the sauce over the chicken and baking it. We just use whatever sauce and noodles we have on hand. We're not gourmet when it comes to that kind of stuff. :)

Serve with desired vegetable and, of course, breadsticks. I'll be posting the recipe for the breadsticks soon. They're so delectable and fluffy. You'll be reaching for more, I promise.

Chicken & Stuffing

This is a re-post of a very old post. I finally remembered to take a picture. It isn't a fancy dish, but it is fast and easy to make. And never disappoints for flavor. It is always one I know my kids will eat. :)

from Amy

3-4 chicken breasts or 8+ tenderloins
Cheese , grated
1-2 cans of cream of chicken soup (depending on how saucy you want it)
1 box stuffing (I use stovetop)
salt and pepper

Bake chicken breasts (or the tenderloins) in casserole dish for about 45 minutes at 350. Remove from pan and cut up in strips or cubes, whichever you prefer. You can do them as whole (if you did tenderloins) or cut them up. I find it is easier to have them cut up a bit for my younger kids. Pour out any juices from dish, and place chicken back in casserole dish. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cover with a layer of cheese,Then cover with soup (undiluted). I usually use two cans or one large family size can depending on how much chicken I used. I like it more saucy. But others might not.Mix dressing as directed on the box (but don't cook it)......and put on top of soup in dish.Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Serve with desired vegetables.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I got this from Real Mom Kitchen who got it from Blogger Buffet. But as with most recipes, you get it and tweak it and make it your own. And how could I resist this recipe when it's all done in the crockpot!? I'm all for something else doing all the hard work.

1 can of black beans, drained
1 can of corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups El Pato Enchilada Sauce
1 can cream chicken soup
2 cups milk
1 Tbsp minced onions
1 Tbsp green chiles (more if you want it more spicy)
3 boneless chicken breasts

Just a note about the enchilada sauce... El Pato is good stuff. I think it is the best brand I've used. And I've tried a lot. It sure made a difference in this soup.

Pour enchilada sauce into the crock pot. Add soup and milk and whisk until smooth. Add chicken. Pour black beans, tomatoes, and corn over top. Cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours on high. Remove chicken and shred it with two forks. Put it back in and stir it all together. (The original recipe calls for 6 to 8 hours on low. However, I forgot to put it together in the morning, so I did it on high and it was still worked out really well.)

Serve with fritos, shredded cheese, and sour cream on top! Avocado might be a good addition as well. I can never get my kids to eat them so I don't even bother. All in all it was a great dish. One we'll definitely be serving again. It made quite a bit for my family of 4. So we froze some and shared some with the neighbors.

Variation: This recipe was a little too spicy for my little kids. So if you are sensitive to some spice, reduce the enchilada sauce to 1 1/2 cups and add 1 small tomato sauce. And if you want it even more mild, you could exclude the chiles, too. However, I thought it was just right for my taste. The sour cream really made it perfect. My husband ate 3 bowls, which is impressive. I think it is a new favorite!

Variation 2: Don't put in the El Pato. Don't put in the chiles. Instead, Use 1 14oz can enchilada sauce (Old El Paso). At the end, drain the juice of 1 can of Original RoTel into a bowl. Pour the contents of the can into the soup. Let simmer for a few minutes and do a taste test. If it is the right "heat," then serve it. If you want it hotter, add the juices as well. This was a great variation! I think we like it best!!!

Chicken Broccoli Bake

from Emily

1 10 oz package frozen broccoli (chopped)
4 chicken breasts cooked and chopped into bite size
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cups cooked rice
2 cups grated cheese

Cook and drain broccoli. Mix sour cream, soup, and lemon juice mix together and add to chicken and broccoli and rice and put in 9x13 buttered pan. Cover with cheese and bake 30 minutes at 350.

Note:I accidentally mixed the cheese into the soup mix and didn't top it with the cheese... it was pretty good that way too.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Kabobs

My husband's creation---No veggies, just meat!

2 or 3 chicken breasts, cubed

Bacon slices, cut in half for wrapping

Skewers

Marinade:

2 tsp McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
1/4 cup olive oil

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 shakes of dried minced onions

Make marinade. Put cut up chicken in it and let marinate for several hours. (We did 4 hours.) Wrap half piece of bacon around each piece of chicken and place on skewer. About 4-5 per skewer works well. Don't leave spaces between or the stick will burn through on the grill. (A lesson learned very quickly!) Grill until chicken and bacon are done. Some veggies between the meat would have been great, too. Cherry tomatoes, green peppers, onions, carrots, potatoes, etc. My husband agreed. Next time! These were good and had great flavor. However, definitely NOT lo-fat. :)