Tag / Chicken

by susanb181

New Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken and vegetables cooking in delicious tomato sauce

Chicken and vegetables cooking in delicious tomato sauce

cooking the vegetable and chicken in the sauce

cooking the vegetables and chicken in the sauce

The weather has been very cold and dreary even here in Santa Cruz; (although nothing as cold and dreary as in the MidWest and East Coast)–I am very sorry for those who’ve experienced such cruel temperatures and conditions. When an old friend we hadn’t seen for a few years told us that he was coming for a visit I was looking forward to sharing a meal with him. I know he has a reputation as a “foodie”–someone who knows and enjoys good food. He has a pretty sophisticated palette, but also appreciates good home cooking. I wanted to make something delicious and very tasty, “comfort food” for this weather, as well as a recipe that can be made in advance so I can spend as much time as possible with our friend. This Chicken Cacciatore fits the bill!  Not only is it very delicious and satisfying, it can be made in advance. This recipe even makes enough sauce to freeze for future use. What’s new about this Chicken Cacciatore is the addition of extra vegetables, including zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms as well, of course, the traditional tomatoes, onions and garlic.

Be the way, after dinner, our friend told his wife (who was unable to come) that it was so delicious and asked for this recipe. Now you, too, can please your  family and foodie friends!

 

New Chicken Cacciatore

 

Ingredients (Serves 3-4)

  • 1 3-4 lb. chicken, cut up, or 3-4 whole legs (cut apart drumsticks and thighs)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1-2 carrots, sliced in 1/2″ rounds
  • 1 lb zucchini, sliced in 1/2″ rounds
  • 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms (I usually use Cremini but have a new find–Pompioni, an Italian type I sometimes get from my organic market)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes, cut up and juice reserved
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry red wine or water (I use only the wine–but up to you of course)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or Xylitol)
  • Hot cooked pasta
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
    • TO DO:
    • Dust chicken with flour. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, brown chicken on all sides in oil and butter over medium-high heat. Remove chicken to platter.
    • In the same skillet, cook and stir the onion, carrots, zucchini and mushrooms for 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, wine, herbs, garlic and sugar/Xylitol.
    • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
    • Return chicken to skillet. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until chicken is tender. Serve over pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
      Freeze option: Cool chicken mixture. Freeze in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight.
    • Heat through slowly in a covered skillet until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165°, stirring occasionally.
    • Or just freeze the excess sauce to use for future delicious meals–also good with pork chops or sausages.
      • Serve with whole grain pasta, grated cheese and a green salad, with a vinagrette dressing, as I often recommend. (Check out the delicious salads on my blog; such as the link here:
        • ENJOY!
          • Nutrition Facts: 4-1/2 ounce-weight: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.

 

 

 

by susanb181

Greek Chicken a la Crete

chicken with olives artichokes mushrooms

chicken with olives artichokes mushrooms

 

Chicken is such a versatile meat; we enjoy it in many of its iterations from simple roast to this delicious Greek- inspired version chock full of flavor (and healthy veggies).

You can buy pre-cut chicken pieces or buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself. I like doing it that way as it’s fresher and less expensive. Plus I skin my chickens before cooking as well.

Something I learned is not to rinse chicken in advance of cooking- it just spreads any bacteria. Cooking itself kills whatever is on the poultry. Do clean your knives  (or kitchen scissors, cleavers, etc.) and boards thoroughly with hot water and detergent.

Greek Chicken

INGREDIENTS (for 2-4; 2 with leftovers)

  • 1 chicken, cut into pieces (I like organic “smart” chicken)
  • 1/3 cup olives – green and Kalamata mixed
  • 1 package frozen or 1 large (13 oz.) can artichoke hearts
  • 3/4 lb cremini mushrooms, chopped or sliced
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Lemon juice
  • 1tsp dried or 2 Tbsp. fresh minced Oregano or Thyme
  • Salt free seasoning/pepper to taste

TO DO: preheat oven to 375 degrees

1. Spread olive oil over chicken pieces in 9×13 baking dish (I use glass, but Corning Ware, ceramic or metal are all good- your choice)

2. Mix  garlic, artichokes, mushrooms and add to chicken.

3. Pour wine and lemon juice over chicken and vegetables.

4. Place olives around chicken/veggies. (artistically of course !  (<*

5. Sprinkle herbs, spices and seasonings on top to taste.

6. Cover with aluminum foil- bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes longer (stick a knife in joint of a chicken leg- if juice runs clear you’re done)

Serve with whole grains or brown rice and a Greek salad; (recipe to come soon–please follow!)

Oopa! Enjoy! www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Best Chicken Curry with Vegetables and Condiments

 

healthy-chicken-curry-condiments

Condiment ingredients; Cucumbers (with yoghurt), cashews, tomatoes and onions, bananas (also with yoghurt) and avocado

healthy-chicken-curry-with-vegetables

The final Chicken Curry

diabetes-friendly-chicken-curry cooking-healthy-chicken-curry

This is a variation of an an authentic Indian recipe taught to me years ago by a lovely Indian woman when I lived in Toronto.

This version adds veggies including carrots, mushrooms and spinach. The condiments are as I learned, with the optional addition of avocado.

I recently cooked it for friends in FL, and it was a big hit! Yes, we also had Basmati rice–again, Rick was limited to 1/2 cup.

The prep is somewhat time consuming, including the condiments, but they are essential to the experience– don’t skip them!

Chicken Curry with Vegetables and Condiments 

INGREDIENTS (this is for 2-4; 2 with leftovers–increase if you’re feeding a larger group)

  • 1 chicken breast, 2 whole legs/thighs; deboned and chopped into 1″ pieces; (I buy them with bones and skin and chop and remove the skin myself as it’s cheaper, but you can buy the skinned, boneless – definitely faster)
  • 1 large onion chopped into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1-2 carrots, chopped  into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/2-3/4 cup mushrooms (we use Cremini), chopped into 1/2″ pieces
  • 2-4 Tbsp. Safflower or other high heat oil
  • 1-3 Tbsp curry powder to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Tabasco or red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup Coconut cream* or plain full fat yoghurt (if dairy is not a problem)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2-3 tsp. lime juice (juice of 1/2 lime)
  • Condiments:
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1/3 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 bananas, chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted or raw unsalted cashews
  • 2-3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup plain yoghurt
  • optional: 1 avocado, sliced; squeeze of lime

TO DO: note: have 3 (4 if serving avocado) medium bowls and 1 small one for serving condiments

Curry:

1. Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in large saucepan or electric skillet.

2. Add the curry powder and brown for 5 minutes, sprinkling with water if it seems to be burning (this is important as it brings out the flavor). Add the chicken pieces and brown 5 minutes per side, mixing them in the curry powder. Put aside.

3. Heat 1-2 Tbs oil, add the onions and saute for 5 minutes; add carrots and mushrooms, and saute for another 5-6 minutes.

4. Add the spinach and cook 2-3 minutes; add the chicken back in the pan, and add the coconut cream or yoghurt, and water, and Tabasco. Stir all gently together.

5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Taste- add more curry powder and Tabasco/red pepper to taste.

6. Squeeze lime in and mix.

Serve with condiments, and whole wheat Nan bread, papadums and rice as you like; other grains, or not, per your dietary restrictions.

Condiments (serve each in a separate bowl):

1. Mix chopped cucumber and yoghurt to cover, sprinkle with paprika or red pepper for color.

2. Mix chopped bananas and yoghurt to cover, sprinkle with nutmeg.

3. Mix chopped tomatoes with about 1/3 cup chopped onion and red wine vinegar.

4. Squeeze lime on sliced avocado; (these are not a traditional condiment).

5. Raw or roasted cashews (serve in small bowl; I like glass for these)

I also like lemon/mango pickle (found in Asian markets)–they are very pungent, but I like the taste with the curry.

*Coconut cream can be found in Asian markets, and is low in carbs.

Enjoy!

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Moroccan Chicken and Vegetables

healthy-moroccan-chicken-vegetables

Moroccan chicken and veggies

 

This is my version of a recipe I originally saw in Sunset Magazine. I made the Sunset-as-was recipe first and found it somewhat boring. I now add a more intense spice flavor, with cumin, cinnamon and turmeric; spices that also are supposed to help with blood pressure, plus we like the taste.

This dish is a two- step process, as you brown the chicken first, but still quite easy and very satisfying. I serve it over brown rice to sop up the juices. (Rick only eats 1/2 cup, but enjoys every grain!)

By the way, we like leftovers, so we make more than what the two of us eat in one meal; if you do too, this recipe serves 3-4. Of course, you can make amounts as you like.

As usual, we also have a green salad with a vinaigrette. My parents were European so I still carry on the habit of eating my salad after the main course, which is even more delicious as I think I enjoy the tastiness more as a “finish” to my meal.

Note: This dish could be made with leftover turkey from your holiday meal. Even simpler; just cook the vegetables, add chunks or slices of turkey, spices, lemon, and heat for 5-10 minutes. Just thought of it as I’m making a turkey for our families’ get together Thanksgiving.

Enjoy! And happy holidays!

Moroccan Chicken and Vegetables

INGREDIENTS

  • 6-8 chicken thighs (I skin and defat them before cooking); also don’t rinse them as it’s been found to spread any bacteria that may be on them. Cooking kills the bacteria.
  • 3-4 peppers, sliced or julienned (I don’t like green, so I use red, orange and yellow- plus they look pretty)
  • 3-4 carrots, sliced in 1/2 ” rounds
  • 2 med or 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
  • flour for dusting chicken
  • 1/2-1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2-1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • salt free seasoning, pepper; or use salt if you can
  • 1-2 Tbsp juice plus grated rind (yellow only as the white is bitter)
  • 3/4–1 cup white wine
  • ground red pepper or cayenne to taste and dust on top before serving (or use paprika)

TO DO:

1. Shake chicken thighs in a bag with flour and salt/salt free seasoning and pepper

2. Heat olive oil in large skillet; add chicken thighs in single layer. Brown on one side for 5 minutes; turn and brown second side 5 minutes.

3. In Dutch oven, sauté peppers, onions and carrots in 1-2 Tbsp olive oil. Add 1/2 of the wine. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Add chicken on top of vegetables.

5. Add rest of wine to skillet. Scrape chicken drippings in skillet and add mix to Dutch oven.

6. Add spices and lemon juice/rind.

7. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes; (check meat for doneness– meat should not be red or pink).

Serve over brown, wild rice or other whole grain of your choice, and a crisp green salad with a tart, lemony vinaigrette.

www.type2delicious.com

by susanb181

Rick’s Chicken Salad

healthy-chicken-salad

Chicken salad on our old wooden plates!

We enjoy cooking together, and I admit that Rick is a much better chopper! One of our favorite lunch foods is chicken salad; it’s a great use for leftover chicken as everyone knows, right? Also it’s low in carbs and has a good combo of protein and veggies in our version. (The amount of chicken I’m giving is based on leftover roast chicken; you can start fresh and cook your own chicken if you prefer.)

Rick’s Chicken Salad

INGREDIENTS:

  • Approx. 2 cups of cooked chicken shredded; (we use the whole leftover chicken breast as we both prefer dark meat so usually the breast is left over)
  • carrots diced (last time we used 2 carrots)
  • celery, diced (3 stalks)
  • 1/3 red onion, diced
  • 6-7 roasted or raw almonds, chopped fine
  • 3-4 Tbsps. light mayonnaise
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Mustard (last time, whole seed Dijon)
  • 1Tbsp. Pickle relish
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Lemon pepper (salt free) to taste
  • Dash of Cayenne pepper (or drop in Siracha- our new found favorite)
  • Optional; 3-4 Tbsp. apple, skin on, diced; your choice; (we are lucky to have an apple tree and use those when in season or get what’s featured at the Farmer’s Market)

A Variation: Susan’s Chicken Salad Sauce (a bit more Indian/Mediterranean spice mix)

First mix the sauce:

  • 3-4 Tbsp. light mayonnaise or 1/4 cup light mayo and 1/4 cup Greek plain yogurt (if dairy is not a problem)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (more or less, depending on your taste – lemon to me is a necessity)
  • 1 tsp. White wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. mustard any type you like (Dijon or whole seed; I also like Snug Harbor * mustard)
  • 1/4 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. curry powder and/or turmeric
  • Salt-free spice mix like Mrs. Dash’s
  • Ground pepper to taste
    *www.snugharborcompany.com

As I’ve said before, use the amounts you like, but these proportions work well.
Combine all ingredients into a bowl, and mix well.
Serve on lettuce leaves and/or whole grain toast; depending on your carb situation.

We really like eating our lunch al fresco under the apple tree in the back yard.

Enjoy!!