Spicy Frito Pie

Man oh man did this spicy Frito pie ever hit the spot. The weather took a weird turn for a few days and I needed something to warm me up. This dish did it. And oh was it ever so yummy. And very easy to make to boot. Usually, you might expect a Frito pie to be served as a casserole or even in a bag of Fritos. I kinda made mine more of a twist on nachos. No matter how you do it, the delicious meat sauce and cheese go great with crunchy salty corn chips.

Spicy Frito Pie

As Spicy As You Want It To Be

With just a few little changes, you can make this Frito pie mild or hot. First up, the taco seasoning. Easy enough to use a hot spice mix. Or not. I like to use my homemade version so I can change up the heat level depending on my mood for the day. For the tomatoes I used Rotel with habaneros. The hot stuff. Yeah baby. That got us going. And finally I added a few jalapeno slices just for good measure.

I like to heat and serve this dish using my fajita skillets. They’re great for keeping food hot and melting cheese. You can also make this dish on a plate. Just top the hot meat with the cheese. It’ll melt a bit and you don’t have to worry about using the oven. Up to you. It’ll be great either way.

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I’m kinda picky about my shredded cheese. I want it to be creamy. And I want it to melt nice and ooey gooey. That’s why I shred my own. The anti-caking agents used in the pre-shredded stuff prohibit good melting. It only takes a second (with the right tool) to shred it myself, and the results are worth it!

Frito lover like me? Try my Fritos crunch burgers!

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Also try my delicious cowboy pasta!

Spicy Frito Pie
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Frito Pie

This dish is sure to disappear in no time!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 456kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • Lightly brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go.
  • Sprinkle the beef with the taco seasoning and stir.
  • Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring, until the beef is done and the vegetables are soft. Drain any excess grease.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and add the tomatoes with their juices along with the Worcestershire, enchilada sauce and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a simmer, stirring, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add a layer of chips to each skillet and top with the meat mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake in the oven 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Be careful removing from the oven. The pans and their handles will be hot. Don't forget to use an oven mitt or glove.

Notes

Substitute pepper jack for the cheddar and add some jalapeno slices when serving for a more kicked-up version!

Nutrition

Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 814mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 779IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 253mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Campbell’s Soup Spicy Chicken Wings

Sometimes it’s kinda odd what makes us have a desire to make a dish. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, passing a few minutes scrolling thru Facebook. All of a sudden something caught my eye. Someone had posted a 1970s ad featuring a recipe for an easy chicken dish. My stomach told me that I needed to make it. So I did. And you know what? I loved these Campbell’s Soup spicy chicken wings! The sauce is great and tasty! This was the perfect comfort dish on a cold day!

Campbell's Soup Spicy Chicken Wings

A Classic

For some reason the idea of this Campbell’s Soup spicy chicken wings recipe called out to me. The food in the ad looked good and the people eating it looked happy. I wanted to be happy eating it too! And I was!

Saucy Wing Goodness

These wings do not come out crunchy but they do come out tasty. The skin isn’t completely bite-thru perfect, but it’s not bad. The sauce is really the star of the dish. The wings get happy in the sauce, making them yummy, moist and tender. The wings do have a good little spicy kick to them. I mean, it does say ‘spicy’ in the name, so you do expect a bit of heat!

This recipe makes a lot of food. More than plenty for a big dinner crowd. Just make plenty of rice. You might need a knife and a fork to eat them without making a big mess. Or make a mess. It’s ok.

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You can see the original Campbell’s soup ad where I found this recipe here.

Campbell's Soup Spicy Chicken Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Campbell’s Soup Spicy Chicken Wings

Easy and delicious.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken wings, stovetop
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 8
Calories 231kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 chicken wings  flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne more or less, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika more or less, to taste
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions chopped
  • 2 10 3/4 ounce Campbell's tomato soup
  • ½ soup can water
  • 2 medium green bell pepper chopped
  • hot cooked rice for serving

Instructions

  • Rinse the wings and pat dry. Place in a large bowl.
  • Combine the cayenne and paprika and sprinkle over the chicken. Make sure to get all of the pieces coated, lightly or heavily depending on your tastes.
  • Cover the bowl and transfer to the fridge for 1-4 hours.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
  • Working in batches if needed, brown the chicken pieces on each side. Remove to a plate.
  • Drain off some of the oil and fat and add the onions. Saute until just softening.
  • Stir in the soup and 1/2 soup can of water. Add the wings and stir. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occassionally.
  • Add the green bell pepper. Stir.
  • Cover and cook another 15-20 minutes or until pepper is softened and the wings are cooked, stirring often.
  • Remove from heat and serve over hot cooked rice.

Notes

Also great served over pasta.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 376IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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The Best Cheese Enchiladas

There wasn’t any arguing. No nitpicking. Nobody was on the fence. We both agreed, these are the best cheese enchiladas we’ve ever made. The mole-inspired but-easier-to-make-than-mole sauce was the real winner. Such amazing deep flavor. A little kick. The perfect pairing with creamy, melted cheese. Each and every bite was fantastic. These are the most flavor-packed enchiladas we’ve made, had, seen, or even dreamed of!

The Best Cheese Enchiladas

The Tortillas

We went the flour tortilla route when we made these. Sure, you can use corn tortillas for the best cheese enchiladas. That’d be more authentic if that’s what you’re going for. Us, we’re flour folk. Corn tortillas need to be lightly fried before stuffing and rolling. Flour ones don’t. We prefer the taste and texture of the flour tortillas. They may not be quite as authentic, but then we weren’t going to open a Mexican restaurant this week anyway!

Make sure you use hand-shredded or grated cheeses in this or any dish that calls for it. It makes a huge difference in the final recipe.

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You’ll end up up with 10 enchiladas if you go with flour tortillas. That’ll feed a crowd. You’ll have 12 corn ones. They won’t last!

Also try my beef and bean burritos.

The Best Cheese Enchiladas
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5 from 1 vote

The Best Cheese Enchiladas

We went the flour tortilla route when we made these. You can use corn ones instead if you prefer.
Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword cheese, enchiladas
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 218kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour until smooth.
  • Add the chile powders, cocoa, oregano, garlic powder and cumin. Whisk well and continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes aromatic. This will take 5-7 minutes.
  • While whisking, slowly pour in the chicken stock. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the apple cider vinegar.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and remove from heat.
  • Combine all of the cheeses in a large bowl.
  • Spoon 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture onto the bottom of a 9" x 14" baking dish. Spread out evenly using the back of the spoon or a spatula.
  • Working one-at-a-time, spoon a scant 2/3 cup of cheese onto a tortilla. Roll up tightly, folding in the edges. Place in the baking dish with the seam-side down. I was able to fit 8 in a row in the dish, with another 2 alongside.
  • Spoon the remaining sauce over the tortillas and spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  • Bake until the cheese is bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Serve garnished with the pickled jalapenos and fresh cilantro.

Notes

You can substitute corn tortillas if you wish. If so, quickly fry (5 seconds per side) the tortillas in a skillet with 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.  Drain well then proceed to add cheese and roll.

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 529mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1008IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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The Best Meatloaf Recipes

I’m a huge fan of meatloaf. Meaty. Tender. Moist. Delicious. Sliced thin. Slicked thick. Anyway you do it, you can’t go wrong with meatloaf. These are what I consider to be the best meatloaf recipes.

1
Jalapeno Cheddar Meatloaf
Jalapeno Cheddar Meatloaf
Deliciously moist with a nice spicy kick!
Check out this recipe
2
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
The stuffing adds the best flavor to the meatloaf.
Check out this recipe
3
Cedar Plank Meatloaf
Cedar-Plank Meatloaf
Oh my goodness. I was already a card-carrying meatloaf addict before cedar-plank meatloaf came into my life. Now, my meatloaf obsession is completely out of control.
Check out this recipe
4
Mexican Meatloaf
Mexican Meatloaf
This Mexican meatloaf takes meatloaf to a new spicy, flavor-packed place. There’s absolutely nothing boring about it, that’s for sure, from the tender moist meat mixture, packed with vegetables, to the spicy smoky tomato salsa topping. Is it just as great the next day? Oh, it’s even better!
Check out this recipe
5
Barbecue Meatloaf
Barbecue Meatloaf
You never, ever have to tell me twice that dinner is ready if it involves meatloaf. I’ve never had a meatloaf that I didn’t like. And I’ve had a few that I absolutely loved, like this barbecue meatloaf.
Check out this recipe
6
Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This is great meatloaf. It has the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s not crazy different than what grandma would make. It’s old school and it’s incredibly great. Great on a plate sliced or on bread as a meatloaf sandwich. You can’t beat it.
Check out this recipe
7
Easy Creole Meatloaf
Easy Creole Meatloaf
This easy Creole meatloaf hit the spot and it definitely did not break my meatloaf rule. Great flavor. Moist. And just a hint of spiciness.
Check out this recipe
8
Smoked Habanero Meatloaf
Smoked Habanero Meatloaf
This smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite. The meat comes out tender, with a nice smokey flavor (though you can make it in the oven and still have a fantastic dish).
Check out this recipe
9
Smoked Italian Meatloaf
Smoked Italian Meatloaf
When I saw this idea for a smoked Italian meatloaf I was all over it in a heartbeat. It’s a combination of what I consider a fairly traditional meat mixture infused with Italian flavors, but then comes the tasty cool part. It’s stuffed with prosciutto, arugula, and provolone cheese! Mama mia!
Check out this recipe
10
Cajun Meatloaf
Cajun Meatloaf
This Cajun meatloaf is unbelievably tender and tasty. The vegetable mixture is amazing, keeping the meatloaf moist and adding some crunchy to boot.
Check out this recipe
11
Smoked Habanero Meatloaf Version 2.0
Deluxe Smoked Habanero Meatloaf
This smoked habanero meatloaf is by far my favorite. The meat comes out tender, with a nice smoky flavor (though you can make it in the oven and still have a fantastic dish). And of course, there’s a kick.
Check out this recipe
12
Pepper Jack Meat Loaf
Pepper Jack Meatloaf
I was all over this cheesy pepper jack meatloaf recipe when I came across. It's like a Juicy Lucy burger but in meatloaf form.
Check out this recipe
13
Meatloaf TV Dinner Part 1 - The smoked meatloaf
Meatloaf TV Dinner Part 1: The smoked meatloaf
Fantastic meatloaf. Absolutely the best meatloaf you’ll ever eat.
Check out this recipe
14
Mini Habanero Meatloaves on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Mini Habanero Meatloaves on the Char-Broil Big Easy
These crazy-good mini habanero meatloaves cooked on the Char-Broil Big Easy cook in almost no time at all, which is a good thing because you’ll want to get to eating them as soon as possible. 
Check out this recipe
15
Spicy Hot Meat Loaf using a Grill
Spicy Hot Meatloaf using a Grill
Delicious grilled meatloaf with a nice kick.
Check out this recipe
16
Meatloaf Smash Burgers
Meatloaf Smash Burgers
Flavor-packed juicy smash burgers!
Check out this recipe
17
All-American Meatloaf on the Char-Broil Big Easy
All-American Meatloaf on the Char-Broil Big Easy
These all-American meatloaves are fantastic. And so unbelievably easy. From making the meat mixture to cooking them, they are about as hassle-free as you can get.
Check out this recipe
18
BBQ Meatloaf Sandwiches
BBQ Meatloaf Sandwiches
As much as I do love meatloaf, for me the best meatloaf is on a sandwich like on these BBQ meatloaf sandwiches.
Check out this recipe
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Key West Peel-and-Eat Shrimp

Beer and peel-and-eat shrimp. One of life’s simplest pleasures. Nothing beats whiling the time away with an ice cold beer and a big ole bucket of tasty, perfectly cooked shrimp. No worries. No rush. Just keep eatin’ and sippin’. These Key West peel-and-eat shrimp were the perfect way to spend my afternoon. Nice big shrimp. Seasoned my way, which means plenty of Old Bay. And a delicious dipping sauce on the side. Good times and good eats!

Key West Peel-and-Eat Shrimp

Try Something Different

If you usually find yourself dipping your Key West peel-and-eat shrimp in cocktail sauce or butter, I really urge you to try the mayonnaise-based dipping sauce in this recipe. It’s got a little mustard tang to it. It’s nice and creamy. And for just a bit of heat, it’s sprinkled with red pepper flake. It’s different in a very good way.

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Also try my Parrot Bay coconut shrimp.

Key West Peel-and-Eat Shrimp
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5 from 1 vote

Key West Peel-and-Eat Shrimp

Perfectly-cook, delicious shrimp ready in no time!
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword shrimp boil
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 190kcal

Ingredients

For the shrimp

  • 2 ½ cups lager-style beer preferably Landshark Lager
  • 2 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning plus more for serving, if desired
  • 2 medium lemons halved, divided
  • 1 ½ pounds shrimp medium or large, deveined, shells on
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, for garnish

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

For the dipping sauce

  • Combine all but the pepper flake in a small bowl.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Serve sprinkled with the red pepper flake for a little color and kick.

For the shrimp

  • Add beer, Old Bay and two of the lemon halves to a large pot over high heat.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Add the shrimp, making sure they are as submersed as possible.
  • Cover and turn off the heat.
  • Let shrimp sit in the liquid for 5 minutes. Shrimp should be opaque and firm to the touch.
  • Drain the shrimp in a colander and transfer to a serving platter.
  • Serve shrimp garnished with parsley, sprinkled with Old Bay (if desired), the two remaining lemon halves and the dipping sauce.

Notes

Also great dipped in cocktail sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 126IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Easy Battered Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Why yes, there are other ways of making a tenderloin sandwich. More often than not, you’ll find them tossed in a flour coating. Even some cornmeal. Well, my easy battered pork tenderloin sandwich isn’t that. This sandwich is more about channeling my addiction to fried fish (and in particular, fish and chips) but using pork. A wonderfully light crunchy coating covers a thin, moist, tasty pork loin. All in a convenient sandwich format with some of my favorite toppings: red onion and mayonnaise….

Easy Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

… or sometimes I’ll add lettuce, tomato, pickle and ketchup to my easy battered pork tenderloin sandwich…

Easy Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

The Onion Adds A Nice Crunch

This is a sweeter sandwich than what you might consider traditional. That’s why I like the addition of red onion. That onion ‘bite’ is a good contrast. And in my opinion you absolutely have to have dill pickle chips. And they have to be cold, too. I love that crunch and the vinegar hit. Each bite is perfect. Nope, not traditional but mighty darned good in its own right.

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Deep-Fryer Time!

I used my Fry Daddy deep-fryer to make these sandwiches. It’s perfect for the two of us. It doesn’t use much oil, either. Now, the downside is that it is small. And the pork tenderloin tends to ‘grow’ in the hot oil. That batter gets bigger. Crunchier. Things got a little crowded but I was able to do two-at-a-time in the fryer. If I was going to make more than two of them at a time I’d use a larger deep-fryer or a Dutch oven on the stovetop.

You’ll want to drain the pork chops a little after they get out of that hot oil. I like to put them on a wire rack for a few minutes. I think it does a better job of draining them does paper towels.

Also try my beer battered shrimp and fries.

Easy Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Battered Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Note the usual sandwich. Just as tasty as the classic. If not more!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pork, sandwich
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 375kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pound the chops out nice and big, to about 1/4" thickness. Trim off any excess fat if desired.
  • Combine the batter mix and beer per package instructions.
  • Heat oil to 350 F.
  • Working in batches if needed, dip the chops into the wet batter mix. Shake off excess if desired. I personally like mine heavily battered.
  • Transfer to the hot oil and fry until done, flipping once, about 4 minutes per side. Chops will be golden brown and cooked to at least 155 F.
  • Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly.
  • Toast the buns if desired.
  • Add pork tenderloin to the buns. Top with remaining ingredients.
  • Devour.

Notes

I love my sandwich slathered with plenty of mayo!

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 315mg | Potassium: 753mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 584IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Spicy Italian Flatbread Pizza

I’m always up for a good flatbread pizza. Usually that means a store-bought crust, a tomato-based sauce, cheese and traditional pizza toppings. Like Italian sausage. Or pepperoni. You know, the ‘regular’ things. This time I stepped out of my comfort zone and made a spicy Italian flatbread pizza. It was different (for me) and absolutely delicious. I loved the change from my ‘usual’ and would definitely make this again. And again.

Spicy Italian Flatbread Pizza

Salami Is Good

I used a genoa salami for my spicy Italian flatbread pizza. You don’t want a hard salami. You want one that is more pepperoni-like. Great flavor but not hard to chew if you know what I mean. You don’t have to get the expensive stuff either. Sandwich meat salami is perfect.

The Crunchier The Better

I like my flatbread pizzas to be crunchy. That’s a big reason I like them so much. It’s easy to get them nice and crunchy, too. I like to pre-bake my crust a few minutes to get the crunchy going. Then I add my toppings and continue baking it until nicely golden brown.

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Also try my garlic Parmesan pizza rolls.

Spicy Italian Flat Bread Pizza
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Italian Flatbread Pizza

Different and absolutely delicious.
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword flatbread, pizza
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 730kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Brush top of flatbread with the oil.
  • Bake the flatbread a few minutes without any toppings to get it a little browned.
  • Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the pizza. Add onion, salami, artichoke hearts and cheese. Sprinkle with the red pepper flake.
  • Bake directly on the oven rack for 8-9 minutes or until the pizza is golden brown and crunchy.
  • Remove and slice and serve!

Notes

Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 730kcal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 1948mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 432IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 420mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Spicy Chicken Fillet Sandwich

Sometimes I’m just hankerin’ for a good, spicy, crunchy, moist, juicy chicken sandwich. The fried kind. Nothing fancy. But nothing wimpy, either. My spicy chicken fillet sandwich is a take on the sandwich you could get at Wendy’s. Heck, you might still be able to get it. I dunno. I haven’t been to a Wendy’s in years. And now, suddenly, I am hankerin’ for a Wendy’s burger. But first, back to this delicious sandwich! The chicken has a great kick. It’s not overly spicy, but it’ll make you sit up and notice.

Spicy Chicken Fillet Sandwich

Simple Is Good. Very Good.

There’s nothing complicated going on with this spicy chicken fillet sandwich. The secret to its great flavor is in the seasoning mix. It is fantastic. I’ve used it on other dishes too, from wings to pork chops. Make extra and keep it on hand for seasoning darned near anything.

Thin Is Good. Very Good.

Make sure you get your chicken fillets nice and thin. And try and get them the same thickness throughout. You don’t want some parts to be more (or less) cooked than others. You want them nice and consistent.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

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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.

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Also try my hot honey fried chicken sandwich.

Spicy Chicken Fillet Sandwich
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Spicy Chicken Fillet Sandwich

A good, spicy, crunchy, moist, juicy chicken sandwich.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken sandwiches, deep-fried
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 433kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pound the chicken fillets out until about 3/8" thick. They should be slightly larger than the buns. Trim off any excess fat.
  • Heat 2-3" of oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350 F.
  • Combine the hot sauce and water in a shallow bowl or pie plate.
  • Combine the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder, paprika and garlic powder in another shallow bowl or pie plate.
  • Working with one fillet at a time, coat each piece with the flour. Get the mixture on both sides.
  • Shake off any excess flour then dredge the chicken on both sides in the hot sauce mixture.
  • Return the chicken to the flour mixture and again coat on both sides.
  • Shake off any excess then transfer to the hot oil.
  • Fry 8-112 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate or rack to drain
  • Toast buns as desired.
  • Divide the mayonnaise between the tops of the buns.
  • On bottom buns place chicken followed by tomato and lettuce.
  • Add top bun and serve.

Notes

Add a few slices of dill pickle too!

Nutrition

Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 2467mg | Potassium: 635mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1159IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Slow Cooker Italian Subs

These slow cooker Italian subs were one of the best things we’ve made. Almost Sloppy Joe-like, they are packed with deliciousness. Each and every bite. Not too much sauce, either. Like a Sloppy Joe you want a little mess, but you don’t want to drown in sauce. I wouldn’t hesitate to make these again and again.

Slow Cooker Italian Subs

Texture Your Way

I prefer to use bulk sausage in these slow cooker Italian subs. After I brown and drain it, I let it cool slightly then put it into my food processor. I pulse a few times to get the sausage pieces all the same size. I don’t go crazy pulsing it, I still want the texture of the sausage crumbles. I just don’t want big bites of it. You can make it however you like!

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Also try my quick-and-easy cold cut sandwich.

Slow Cooker Italian Subs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Italian Subs

I prefer to use bulk sausage in these slow cooker Italian subs. After I brown and drain it, I let it cool slightly then put it into my small food processor.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, Italian, sandwich, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 571kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Italian bulk sausage bulk, or use links and remove the sausage from the casings first
  • 2 large onions sliced
  • 28 ounces spaghetti sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 medium green bell peppers sliced
  • ½ pound mushrooms sliced
  • kosher salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 sub rolls for serving

Instructions

  • Crumble sausage into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until browned. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Note: After the sausage has cooled I like to chop it finer using either a knife or a food processor pulsed a few times. This is optional but I prefer the smaller sausage bites.
  • Lightly spray a slow cooker with non-stick spray.
  • Add the sausage and onion.
  • Pour in the spaghetti sauce. Note: I pour the sauce over the back of a large spoon so it doesn't splatter.
  • Sprinkle with the oregano.
  • Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
  • Add bell pepper and mushrooms.
  • Cover and cook another 2 hours or until peppers are tender.
  • Stir, season with salt and pepper and stir again.
  • Serve on toasted rolls.

Notes

Make sure you have plenty of napkins!

Nutrition

Calories: 571kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1538mg | Potassium: 814mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 636IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 13mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Spicy Reuben

Oh it might look like a pretty normal Reuben sandwich. Tender corned beef. Kraut. Cheese. And a little sauce. Well, looks can be deceiving. This spicy Reuben is not your standard classic sandwich. With just a few ingredients, boring kraut is brought to a whole new level of taste. And Russian dressing? None of that here. Or Thousand Island, for that matter. The sauce has a fantastic kick and so many flavors you’ll want extra!

Spicy Reuben

This Isn’t Your Usual Sandwich

Any good corned beef will work just fine on your spicy Reuben. I just happened to use some that I had slow cooked for about 8 hours. It was tender and juicy and packed with flavor. It was so tender that I was able to get away with slicing it thick. Nothing makes me sadder quicker than tough corned beef!

I grew up on Reuben sandwiches. I think it was the second kind of sandwich I was ever introduced to, after bologna. Oddly, I loved them even as a kid. That seems a bit strange to me now. Reubens aren’t ‘plain’ sandwiches. I don’t remember many kids bragging about how great the Reuben was they had for lunch. Or how the kraut was crunchy.

Oh, The Pepperoncini!

Pepperoncini adds such wonderful flavor to this sandwich. Or peperoncini. Same peppers. Different spellings. Doesn’t change how great they are no matter how you spell them. I used ‘regular’ ones. You can get ‘spicy’ ones and take this sandwich up even higher on the heat scale.

I like to buy my pepperoncini peppers whole. You can get them sliced too. But I liked them whole because no matter how I end up using them, I can always cut, chop or dice them. Or leave them whole. My call.

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I like to use my slow cooker Guinness corned beef on this sandwich.

Spicy Reuben
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Reuben

Oh it might look like a pretty normal Reuben sandwich. Tender corned beef. Kraut. Cheese and a little sauce. Well, looks can be deceiving. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword sandwich, spicy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 3348kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the kraut

  • 15 ounces kraut drained
  • 6 peperoncini finely chopped
  • 1 cup beer a dark ale works best

For the sauce

For the sandwich

  • 8 slices rye bread dark rye is best
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pound corned beef sliced
  • 8 slices hot cheese such as pepperjack

Instructions

For the kraut

  • Add kraut, pepperoncini and beer to a medium pot over medium high heat.
  • Bring to a simmer and continue simmering until the beer is reduced by half.
  • Pour into a strainer and remove and any excess liquid.

For the sauce

  • Combine all ingredients.

For the sandwich

  • Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon of the spicy sauce on other side.
  • Place bread butter side down in skillet on medium heat or a heated pannini press.
  • Top with kraut and spread out evenly.
  • Add a cheese slice and corned beef slices.
  • Add another cheese slice and remaining bread, sauce side down.
  • Press down with spatula and cook until the bread is crisp and the cheese begins to melt. Flip and cook other side.
  • Slice in half and serve.

Notes

Also great on pumpernickel bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 3348kcal | Carbohydrates: 191g | Protein: 143g | Fat: 214g | Saturated Fat: 70g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 450mg | Sodium: 15865mg | Potassium: 3230mg | Fiber: 36g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 2227IU | Vitamin C: 290mg | Calcium: 1749mg | Iron: 24mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sale
Mueller Pro-Series All-in-One, 12 Blade Mandoline…
  • Meal Prep MVP – A practical and innovative way to…
  • 12 Diverse Blades – With nine interchangeable…
OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring…
  • Set includes: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup
  • Magnetic handles keep Cups together for storage…