Let’s see… what’s for dinner? It needs to be inexpensive, something I already have on hand, fun to cook and delicious. I know, how about chicken?!
That’s right! Gone are the days of boring, dry chicken. I’m leading the charge to restore this good ol’ bird’s reputation. Remember grandma’s succulent fried chicken that disappeared from the platter just as fast as little hands could grab? Or how about those dreamy, creamy casseroles of our childhood, covered with a toasted, buttery bread crumbs? Well fear not, chicken connoisseurs! Those great recipes are alive and well, and you can have them whipped up and on YOUR table in no time.
Now, if we’re talking chicken basics, then you can bet your biscuits that good seasoning is key. Miss Belle South of Spring City, TN has pinched her spices to create a wonderful no-fail spice rub that she uses to prepare her favorite deli-style rotisserie chicken.
“I make up this seasoning mix in bulk and store in a mason jar,” explains Belle. “It is also good on oven baked potatoes wedges and seasoning pork roast or chops.”
Don’t have a rotisserie at home to cook your chicken? Don’t let that stop you. This chicken is just as Blue Ribbon worthy when baked in an oven or grilled!
Fellow Tennessee gal, Leah Stacey had her eye on a different kind of prize when she began making her delectable fried chicken recipe.
“This chicken promises to “catch a man”, laughs Leah. “If he doesn’t take the bait then he isn’t worth having!”
Well, her Man Catching Fried Chicken had US at hello. Simple ingredients + solid technique = a match made in heaven. Buttermilk, seasoned flour, eggs and baking powder make for a powerhouse combo and some very memorable chicken, indeed. This is a wonderful cooking method to have in your apron pocket, and can be used to coat and fry other goodies as well. Just be prepared to make plenty.
Wendy Gardner of Buena Park, CA has found her own unique way of capturing mouthwatering fried chicken flavor without the hassle of actually frying the chicken. She starts by dipping the chicken in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and mustard, then she coats it in crispy, crunchy French fried onions! Pop it in the oven and you have a knock-out “fried” chicken dish in no time flat.
“This is my husband’s favorite chicken dish and it’s so easy to fix! I usually serve it with a salad and chicken stuffing or mashed potatoes.”
This dish has fast become a favorite with Wendy’s family and now with mine as well!.
Now, if you’re looking for a little bit lighter lunchtime fare, look no further than Stacey Vadas‘ take on classic chicken salad. No boring lunchbox sandwiches here! In fact, Stacey livens up her Fabulous Chicken Salad with a few shots of coleslaw dressing, Granny Smith apple and her secret weapon: curry powder! The unlikely pairing of flavors combines into a sweet and kicky chicken salad that will be the talk of your table. And since there’s one entire half of an apple included in the dish, we declare it health food! (But, um, don’t quote me on that…)
All your chicken creativity has my wheels turning. The flavor combinations are endless, and chicken has never seemed like a better menu choice. This wonderful “foundation food” can be seasoned, cooked and served in countless ways and to almost anyone’s taste. Boring be gone – I’ve got cooking to do!