Paprika Chicken with Sour Cream Gravy

I was jonesin’ for comfort food the other day, so I made some. It’s kind of hard to tell, but under that mound of gravy is a juicy, tender chicken breast. This paprika chicken with sour cream gravy has always been a favorite in our house! It’s not fru-fru but it’s definitely easy. And there are never any leftovers.

Paprika Chicken with Sour Cream Gravy

Butterfly Your Chicken For Best Results

Although the recipe for paprika chicken with sour cream gravy doesn’t call for it, I butterfly the chicken first. The chicken cooks more evenly when it is first butterflied. It also tends to cook quicker. And I think it looks better on the plate than one big, thick piece of chicken.

Also try my blackened chicken Alfredo and my delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole.

Paprika Chicken with Sour Cream Gravy
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4 from 1 vote

Paprika Chicken with Sour Cream Gravy

 This paprika chicken with sour cream gravy has always been a favorite in our house! It’s not fru-fru but it’s definitely easy. And there are never any leftovers.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, gravy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 442kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the seasonings in a large resealable baggie.
  • Add chicken breasts, one at a time, to the baggie, seal, and shake to coat.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Add chicken breasts and brown on each side, about 4 minutes per.
  • Add soup and green onions. Reduce heat to medium..
  • Cover and cook 10 minutes
  • Remove chicken to a plate.
  • Add the sour cream and whisk until well combined and heated through.
  • Add the chicken back in and heat through.
  • Serve garnished with more green onions.

Notes

You can also use chicken tenderloins.

Nutrition

Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 909mg | Potassium: 1001mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 797IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Tangy Broccoli Salad

There’s no reason to have a lame side with dinner. I admit it, I spend most of my time concentrating on the main dish, with the side dish being just that… a side thought. I’m working to change that, and this tangy broccoli salad is a great example.

Tangy Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Needs Help And Here It Is

As easy as this is to make, it really makes broccoli shine. I usually end up serving broccoli in some dish where it has been cooked until soft. But served raw with a great dressing is where it really shines.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

You can also make this tangy broccoli salad using cauliflower. Or get the best of both worlds and make my broccoli cauliflower salad! And my version of Martin’s broccoli salad is amazing too!

Tangy Broccoli Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Tangy Broccoli Salad

There’s no reason to have a lame side with dinner. I admit it, I spend most of my time concentrating on the main dish, with the side dish being just that… a side thought. I’m working to change that, and this tangy broccoli salad is a great example.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 -12
Calories 102kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the mayo, sugar and vinegar in a large bowl.
  • Crumble and stir in the bacon and the remaining ingredients.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 667mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1263IU | Vitamin C: 182mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Shredded Pork Sandwich

99 times out of a 100, if I’m going to make pulled or shredded pork I’m going to make it on my smoker. But, there are times here in Indiana when keeping the smoker going outside in 0 degree weather doesn’t appeal to me! That’s when I dig out this great recipe for making shredded pork sandwich in a Dutch oven. There’s the perfect combination of sweet, heat, and moist tender meat! There’s even a hint of smoke!

Shredded Pork Sandwich

A Great Alternative To Smoked Pork

If you have a smaller pork shoulder you can easily cut this recipe for a shredded pork sandwich in half. You’ll still get the same great results. These are great sandwiches. Not as great as the low-and-slow smoked goodness, but they are a mighty great substitute.

For something totally different, top your sandwich with my fire and ice salad. It’s crunchy and has some kick!

If I’m reaching for a bottled BBQ sauce, I often go for Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Shredded Pork Sandwich
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5 from 1 vote

Shredded Pork Sandwich

The perfect combination of sweet, heat, and moist tender meat! There’s even a hint of smoke!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pork, sandwich
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 6 hours
Servings 8
Calories 381kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the salt, black pepper, brown sugar, paprika and cayenne. Sprinkle over the pork shoulder and rub into the meat.
  • Wrap meat in plastic wrap or put into a resealable baggie or container and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 325 F.
  • Add apple juice, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke and garlic powder to a large Dutch oven and stir.
  • Add the meat to the Dutch oven. Place foil over the top to create a tight seal and cover with the lid.
  • Roast in the oven for 4 hours or until the meat shreds easily, basting with the liquid in the pan every hour.
  • Remove from oven and let stand for 30 minutes.
  • Shred pork with forks, discarding any large fatty pieces.
  • Serve over buns topped with slaw and, optionally, BBQ sauce.

Notes

You can use your favorite coleslaw recipe or grab some from the deli.

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 2114mg | Potassium: 686mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 224IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Doctored Baked Beans

There’s nothing wrong with a can of baked beans. Except I find them to be rather boring.  So, I took a recipe from Amy’s Cooking Adventures and bam! Great doctored baked beans from a can! This little bowl of happiness is much like the classic baked beans you might find at a picnic. And that’s ok. There’s nothing boring about it. It’s easy and great for a get-together.

Doctored Baked Beans

I always put jalapeno in my doctored baked beans. That might not be the best idea for your household. Substitute green bell pepper or even poblano if you want great flavor without the heat.

Also try my super-easy franks and beans.

Doctored Baked Beans
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4 from 1 vote

Doctored Baked Beans

There’s nothing wrong with a can of baked beans. Except I find them to be rather boring.  So, I took a recipe from Amy’s Cooking Adventures and bam! Great doctored baked beans from a can!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword baked beans
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 368kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat a skillet over high heat and cook the bacon until done.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Reduce the heat to medium high.
  • Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
  • Add the onion and jalapeno and saute until starting to soften.
  • Add the beans, ketchup and mustard.
  • Crumble in the bacon and stir.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge. Warm over medium heat and stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 368kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 1194mg | Potassium: 741mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 94IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Franks and Beans

Franks and beans were one of my favorites as a kid, though I called them hot dogs and not franks. I guess you could serve these as a side dish…. but, I wouldn’t. And some people call them beans and franks, but I think the hot dogs should get top billing!

Franks and Beans

Save The Hot Dogs!

I have two rules about this dish: first, you can’t have too many hot dogs, and second, save eating most of the hot dogs for last. Sad is the day when you get to the bottom of the bowl and all you have left are beans! I’ve been eating my franks and beans this way since I was a little kid. No way would I eat the hot dogs first.

Also make up a batch of my fire-eater campfire beans!

Franks and Beans
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4 from 1 vote

Franks and Beans

I have two rules about this dish: first, you can’t have too many hot dogs, and second, save eating most of the hot dogs for last.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, hot dogs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 386kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 F.
  • Spray an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine all but the hot dogs in a bowl. Pour into the baking dish.
  • Bake for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Add in the hot dogs.
  • Bake another 30 minutes.

Notes

You can substitute smoked sausage for the hot dogs.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 1295mg | Potassium: 904mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fiesta Corn

I was making our favorite tacos the other night when I decided I really wanted some sweet corn with them. Something to go with my easy jazzed-up refried beans. I found a bag of the best sweet corn in the freezer and made this great Fiesta corn side dish. If you’re not lucky enough to have good, locally-grown sweet corn, canned corn will do. But trust me… it’s not the same (but still good)!

Fiesta Corn

Fresh Corn Helps Shake The Winter Blues

Every summer I put up a huge batch of local fresh sweet corn for the winter. It takes a bit of work, but it is so worth it in the dead of winter. Specially when it’s used in something like this Fiesta corn. Nothing beats being able to have (almost) fresh corn when there’s a few feet of snow on the ground!

Serve this with my beef and bean burritos.

Fiesta Corn
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Fiesta Corn

One of my favorite corn dishes of all time.
Course Side
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword corn, Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 120kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup red bell pepper diced
  • ¾ cup green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cups sweet corn frozen , thawed (or 1 can sweet corn)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped (parsley also works just fine)

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the peppers and saute until just softened.
  • Add the corn, chili powder, and salt. Stir.
  • Heat through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.

Notes

Add a little diced jalapeno for a nice kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1261IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese

I think the title pretty much says it all. Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese. It’s all of your favorite things in one dish. Insanely gooey good stuff. Even without the pepperoni, this is crazy good macaroni and cheese. I didn’t use to think tomato and mac were a bad idea. A bad combination. But the tomato adds a nice flavor, a little juicy goodness, that’s not expected but needed!

Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese

Not The Same-Old Same-Old Dish

I would not be afraid to add more pepperoni the next time I make this pepperoni pizza mac and cheese. There’s no need to go half in on this. Plain old mac and cheese is pretty decadent to begin with and this is definitely not ‘plain old’.

Also try my skillet sausage mac and cheese.

Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese

I think the title pretty much says it all. Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese. It’s all of your favorite things in one dish. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, pepperoni, pizza
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 182kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain well.
  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour, and continue whisking for 3 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • While whisking, add in the milk. The mixture will thicken.
  • Add the oregano, basil and parsley and stir.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Remove pan from heat and stir in the cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella until melted.
  • Stir in the pepperoni and tomato and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Fold in the pasta.
  • Pour mixture into the baking dish and spread out evenly with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle top with the breadcrumbs.
  • Bake 20 minutes or until bubbling hot and browned on top.

Notes

You can also make this using elbow pasta.

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 308mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 521IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 214mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Tater Tot Nachos

I’m not sure I’m ever going to make traditional nachos (with tortilla chips) again. I’m addicted to tater tots, and making them into nachos pretty much has me in love with them even more. I didn’t even think that was possible. Get crazy with the toppings. Just make sure you crisp up the taters before adding the toppings, and don’t drown them in sauces that make the taters soggy (booo!). I used Crispy Crowns instead of tater tots when I made these nachos. Crispy Crowns get crispier. And they’re flat, so they have a nice little spot for the toppings to settle on.

Tater Tot Nachos

I Love Tater Tots

There’s a restaurant just north of Indianapolis, in Westfield, named the Local Eatery & Pub that makes totally outstanding tater tots. They are major league crunchy on the outside, and smooth and creamy inside. I can’t recommend them enough!

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Also try my tater tot casserole.

Tater Tot Nachos
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5 from 1 vote

Tater Tot Nachos

I’m not sure I’m ever going to make traditional nachos (with tortilla chips) again. I’m addicted to tater tots, and making them into nachos pretty much has me in love with them even more. I didn’t even think that was possible.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nachos, tater tots
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 236kcal

Ingredients

Suggested toppings

  • ¼ cup Southwestern Sauce
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ can chili without beans heated. You can use chili with beans instead
  • 2 tablespoons red onion minced
  • ½ tomato seeded and chopped

Instructions

  • Heat potatoes per package instructions. Make sure you get them good and crispy.
  • Add your desired toppings.

Notes

Best served immediately. You don’t want the tots to get soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 531mg | Potassium: 368mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 264IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Italian Sausage Sandwiches

These Italian sausage sandwiches are my go-to, big event, messy, eat-too-much-of-them sandwiches. I’ve always made them on-the-fly. I’d grab a little of this. And I’d  grab a little of that and throw it all into the pot. This year I decided to finally write them down. Because they rock.

Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Deliciously Messy

Eating these Italian sausage sandwiches requires paper towels. And maybe even bibs. I’ve always said that the messier the sandwich, the better. Same philosophy goes for burgers and hot dogs. If there’s not something dripping down your arms, in your lap or on your shirt, it’s not messy enough.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Also try my other version of Italian sausage sandwich. Oh, and yeah, I use Johnsonville brand sausages on my sammies!

Italian Sausage Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Italian Sausage Sandwiches

These Italian sausage sandwiches are my go-to, big event, messy, eat-too-much-of-them sandwiches.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Italian, sandwich, sausage
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 331kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sausages and brown on all sides.
  • Remove to a plate.
  • Add in the peppers and onion and saute for 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add the mushrooms and cook until just starting to get tender.
  • Add the tomato sauce and paste. Stir well.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Add in the sugar, Italian seasoning, and hot sauce, to taste. Stir well.
  • Add the sausages and any juices back to the pot.
  • Cook, simmering for at least an hour.
  • Lightly toast the buns.
  • Serve sausages in buns topped with plenty of sauce, topped with cheese.
  • Place under the broiler for a minute or two to brown.

Notes

Serve with plenty of napkins!

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 1198mg | Potassium: 873mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1691IU | Vitamin C: 66mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 13mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bacon Chicken and Rice

This recipe for bacon chicken rice came from the The Sweet Potato Queens’ Big-Ass Cookbook (and Financial Planner), with modifications. We listened to the an audiobook version a few years ago on a road trip. They are a riot. I’m not sure which is better, though. The podcast or this dish. This is comfort food defined. Nothing fancy. But plenty of great flavor.

Bacon Chicken and Rice

Great For A Crowd

The chicken comes out really tender, and the sauce over rice is great! Bacon chicken and rice is perfect for a crowd. Or keep it all to yourself. It’s almost a meal-in-a-dish recipe. A good green vegetable on the side and you’ve got a great dinner. Perfect for a cold winter’s night, that’s for sure!

You can leave out the rice and make my delicious copycat Rice-A-Roni instead.

Bacony Chicken and Rice
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5 from 1 vote

Bacon Chicken and Rice

The chicken comes out really tender, and the sauce over rice is great!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, chicken, rice
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 818kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300 F.
  • Spray a 9″ x 11″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Cover bottom of the baking dish with the bacon.
  • Spread rice over bacon.
  • Place chicken over rice and season with salt, pepper, paprika and Cajun seasoning.
  • In a bowl, combine the soup, water, garlic salt, nutmeg, parsley and oregano. Pour over chicken and spread out evenly.
  • Cover pan with foil and bake for 2 hours. Check that the rice is done and serve.

Notes

You can use chicken breasts instead of the thighs.

Nutrition

Calories: 818kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 200mg | Sodium: 1571mg | Potassium: 555mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 504IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.