Category: Main Dishes

Chicken Chorizo Patty Melt Sliders

If you want to see something disappear off the plate in mere seconds, make these chicken chorizo patty melt sliders. They are tender, juicy, spicy. And even though you could also make these into full-sized burger versions, they’re great as sliders. Make a slider party platter, half chicken sliders and half beef! The Mexican chorizo does add just a bit of a kick, a bit of spiciness. But I think you’ll be ok serving them to even the most spice-sensitive guests. If you’re worried about the the heat, substitute ground Italian sausage instead.

Chicken Chorizo Patty Melt Sliders

Great Party Treats

You could make the patties ahead of time and assemble these chicken chorizo patty melt sliders just in time to serve for a party. I topped these little yummy bites with our slow-cooker caramelized onions. I can make a big batch of caramelized onions in no time with almost no effort. Just keep them warm until time to assemble the sliders. You can serve them cold, and they’re still good, but they’re definitely better warmer.

I use this nifty little ole burger press to make these burgers. It’s the best thing ever for stuffing burgers with just about anything you can think of!

Cuisinart CSBP-200 Stuffed, 4-in-1 Burger Press
Cuisinart CSBP-200 Stuffed, 4-in-1 Burger Press

This recipe is based on a recipe from Sunny Anderson.

Chicken Chorizo Patty Melt Sliders
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5 from 1 vote

Chicken Chorizo Patty Melt Sliders

If you want to see something disappear off the plate in mere seconds, make these chicken chorizo patty melt sliders.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, sliders, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 223kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Sunny Anderson

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chorizo, garlic, oregano and salt. Form into 2-3 ounce patties.
  • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook the patties about 3 minutes per side until lightly charred and cooked through.
  • Form sandwiches by placing cheese on bun bottoms, followed by the patties and onions.
  • Serve with a little ketchup on the side for dipping.

Notes

Substitute any cheese you like!

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 157IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black
Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black

Italian Grinders

My goodness, these Italian grinders were good. They’re so easy to make. The key is the tasty homemade marinara sauce. And fresh mozzarella. And crunchy bread. Ok, it’s all good. The same approach works great substituting meatballs for the ground meats, but we really liked them the way they were. After browning the meats I pulsed them a few times in a food processor to get a great fine texture. Not overly processed. Don’t go crazy on it.

Italian Grinders

These Italian grinders reminded me a bit of the Sloppy Joes I remember from my childhood, only done Italian style, and well, quite a bit tastier. I wouldn’t be afraid to add a few pepperoncinis to them either. Or some giardiniera.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make the meat mixture. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also check out my Italian hoagies.

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Italian Grinders

My goodness, these Italian grinders were good. They’re so easy to make. The key is the tasty homemade marinara sauce. And fresh mozzarella. And crunchy bread.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Italian, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 1216kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Saveur

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain.
  • Season with salt and pepper as desired. (I like to pulse the meats in a food processor a few times to get a nice consistent texture with no clumps)
  • Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan.
  • Spoon about 1 cup of meat into each roll.
  • Top meat with about 1/3 cup of marinara sauce.
  • Top sandwiches with a few slices of cheese.
  • Transfer sandwiches to sheet pans and place under the broiler until cheese is melted and rolls start to brown.

Notes

Serve with plenty of napkins.

Nutrition

Calories: 1216kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 67g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 256mg | Sodium: 2390mg | Potassium: 983mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1164IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 632mg | Iron: 16mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

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“Cheater” Copycat KFC Twisters

I try to cook just about everything from scratch. But sometimes, that just doesn’t happen. But, even then I try to do something different. I could’ve just heated up some precooked frozen chicken strips, and had them with Ranch dressing and called it ‘good enough’. Or I could make these crazy good (no, really!) “cheater” copycat KFC Twisters. Heck, I’ve never had the real thing, but if they’re nearly as good as these homemade ones, I’d order some.

Cheater Copycat KFC Twisters

Choose your chicken

I made two different versions of these “cheater” copycat KFC Twisters: one with crispy chicken strips, and one with Buffalo chicken strips (my favorite). You can make other variations by dunking the strips into your favorite sauces. BBQ, Nashville hot chicken, garlic Parmesan…. You name it. Any sauce you like for dunking chicken nuggets or slathered on BBQ will work here

Yummy sauce

There’s nothing fancy going on here, but these were tasty. The Twister sauce is pretty darned good, and would make a great sauce for sandwiches or burgers. And the sauce is also mighty easy to make.

Why is it cheating?

So why do I refer to these as ‘cheater’? Because I used precooked chicken. If I’d made the chicken from scratch, they’d be the real deal. Nothing wrong with the un-real deal, though, sometimes.

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

If you prefer to skip the wrap and just make the chicken strips, you’ll want to serve them up with my copycat Chick-fil-A dipping sauce.

Cheater Copycat KFC Twisters
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4 from 1 vote

Cheater Copycat KFC Twisters

Heck, I’ve never had the real thing, but if they’re nearly as good as these homemade ones, I’d order some.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken fingers, crispy, wraps
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 197kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the KFC Twisters

  • frozen chicken strips
  • 4 tortillas 10 inch
  • Twister sauce see below
  • green leaf lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato chopped

For the Twister Sauce

Instructions

For the KFC Twisters

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Place chicken on a baking sheet and cook 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, warm the tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Spread a 3″ wide strip of sauce across the middle of each tortilla, starting 1″ from the left edge and ending at the right edge.
  • Add the lettuce, tomato, and chicken over the center of the tortilla, over the sauce, still leaving the leftmost 1" edge empty.
  • Fold the left edge over and then roll up the tortilla. The right edge will remain open. Serve seam-side down so it doesn’t unrolled.

For the Twister Sauce

  • Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

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Derby Hot Dog

I’m borderline addicted to food trucks. Which also means I love watching Eat Street, the show about food trucks that airs on the Cooking Channel. Host James Cunningham travels around North America visiting all of the great trucks. What a dream job that would be. An episode aired the other day on Dougie Doug, a truck in Vancouver. Every hot dog on the menu looked absolutely scrumptious, so I decided to make a few of them here at home. I started with the delicious Derby hot dog. Topped with Swiss, grilled mushrooms, onion, jalapeno and BBQ sauce, this is one mighty fine dog.

Derby Hot Dog

Go To A Bakery For The Best Buns

A great Derby hot dog needs a great bun, so I’ve ditched the grocery store offerings and have been ordering fresh buns from our local bakery, Taylor’s Bakery. The buns are so fantastic. Soft, tasty, with a wonderful bread aroma. They barely cost more than the ones in the store that just can’t even compare at all in quality or flavor.

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

Also try my seriously-yummy French Connection dogs.

Derby Dog
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5 from 1 vote

Derby Hot Dog

Topped with Swiss, grilled mushrooms, onion, jalapeno and BBQ sauce, this is one mighty fine dog.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 340kcal
Author From a menu item at Dougie Dogs

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook dogs as desired.
  • Since you're going to also grill the mushrooms, might as well grill the dogs too!
  • Warm buns.
  • Grill mushrooms until starting to get tender.
  • Serve dogs on buns.
  • Top with mushrooms and cheese.
  • Place under the broiler or on the grill over indirect heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
  • Add onion, jalapeno and BBQ sauce.

Notes

Serve with plenty of napkins.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 366mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Cedar-Planked Beef Sliders

Grilling salmon on cedar planks is a pretty common thing. I’m not sure why I never thought about cooking burgers on them too, though. Bobby Flay thought about it. That means I had to make them too. These cedar-planked beef sliders were amazingly good. They’re the perfect two-bite, hand-held burgers. You’ll want to make extra because they definitely disappear fast.

Cedar-Planked Beef Sliders

A Different Kind Of Burger

The cedar adds just a bit of a twist to the burgers. They smell absolutely fantastic when cooking. The cedar flavor in the meat isn’t overwhelming. It’s there, though. It’s definitely something different and it adds a bit of a ‘wow’ factor to your cookout. The slider buns were also browned over the cedar for a little extra cedar flavor.

I served these delicious cedar-planked beef sliders with oven-baked fries and Crispers that were tossed in garlic oil and fresh choppy parsley.

I use this nifty little ole burger press to make these burgers. It’s the best thing ever for stuffing burgers with just about anything you can think of!

Cuisinart CSBP-200 Stuffed, 4-in-1 Burger Press
Cuisinart CSBP-200 Stuffed, 4-in-1 Burger Press

Cooking on cedar planks can really change the ordinary into something special, which is why I do it often. Check out my other cedar plank recipes: creamy mashed potatoes, Cajun mashed potatoes, Twinkies, chorizo portabellos, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, shrimp and grits and spicy grilled shrimp.

Cedar-Planked Beef Sliders
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5 from 1 vote

Cedar-Planked Beef Sliders

The cedar adds just a bit of a twist to the burgers. They smell absolutely fantastic when cooking. The cedar flavor in the meat isn’t overwhelming. It’s there, though. It’s definitely something different and it adds a bit of a ‘wow’ factor to your cookout. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, cedar plank, sliders
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 446kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Bobby Flay

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Soak the cedar plank in water for 2 hours.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  • Place plank over direct heat for 2 minutes. Flip and heat another 2 minutes. Brush top of plank with olive oil and place over indirect heat.
  • Place burgers over direct heat and cook for 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 minutes.
  • Transfer burgers to plank. Add cheese and cook until done, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile toast the buns as desired.
  • Slather buns with burger sauce. Add patties and serve.

Notes

Toast your buns on a plank for extra flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 179mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Hawaiian BBQ Meatball Fried Rice

This is what happens when you’re sitting around, dreaming about food. You start by dreaming about appetizers, like maybe some awesome Hawaiian BBQ meatballs. You know, the old party standby. Yummy. Then, your thoughts (I’m blaming the pineapple in the meatball sauce) turn to Hawaiian fried rice. Next thing you know, you’ve got Hawaiian BBQ meatball fried rice, and let me tell you, it’s good. Asian meets… uh… Well, meatballs, I guess! It’s different in a very good way.

Hawaiian BBQ Meatball Fried Rice

A Great Taste Sensation

I loved the sweetness of the pineapple, the tangy bite from the BBQ sauce, and the bite from the vegetables. This Hawaiian BBQ meatball fried rice came out really good. Not bad for just sitting around, dreaming! Who knows what I might dream up next. Sometimes the ideas are really good, like this one. Others, well, they aren’t so good. Those are the ones that don’t end up on this blog so you actually never get to see them. Consider yourself lucky!

I used frozen, pre-cooked meatballs for this dish. You can use homemade instead. Just cook them first, of course.

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

Sweet Baby Ray's Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT
Sweet Baby Ray’s Varierty Pack, 1 Original Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Hickory and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Sweet N Spicy Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, Honey Barbecue Sauce, 18 OZ, 1CT

My vegetable and meatball soup is a bit different, too.

Hawaiian BBQ Meatball Fried Rice
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4 from 1 vote

Hawaiian BBQ Meatball Fried Rice

This is what happens when you’re sitting around, dreaming about food. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried rice, meatballs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 357kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Hawaiian meatballs

For the Hawaiian fried rice

Instructions

For the Hawaiian meatballs

  • Place all ingredients into a medium pot over medium heat.
  • Stir and heat thoroughly.

For the Hawaiian fried rice

  • Heat a teaspoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the bell pepper and white parts of the green onions and cook until the peppers start to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook another minute.
  • Remove mixture to a plate.
  • Add another teaspoon of oil to the pan.
  • Add rice and warm through, stirring often.
  • Push rice to the side of the skillet and add the 3 eggs.
  • Cook, scrambling, until done.
  • Stir in to the rice.
  • Add green parts of the green onions and pineapple chunks and stir.
  • Add in the red pepper mixture and stir.
  • Serve rice with meatballs and sauce.

Notes

I like a lightly smoky BBQ sauce, but not one that is overly sweet since the pineapple is sweet.

Nutrition

Calories: 357kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 701IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Fried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

I had some fried chicken leftover in the fridge. I’m completely ok with chowing down on cold leftover chicken. But I’m even more ok with chopping it up and using it in fried chicken salad sandwiches. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers, and the perfect sandwich for a picnic.

Fried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

This Is One Great Chicken Salad

This is an incredible version of chicken salad. I love the buttermilk in the mayonnaise. The mustard adds a bit of kick. But all the flavors in the sauce mixture do not overpower the chicken. You can still tell that there’s fried chicken in there. It’s a great twist.

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.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Don’t have leftover fried chicken on hand? Any cooked chicken will do just fine in this salad. Want a spicier chicken salad? Try my spicy chicken salad sandwiches or my fried chicken breast sandwiches. And one of my all-time favorites, Big Daddy’s Kick’n chicken salad is a must-make too!

Fried Chicken Salad Sandwiches
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5 from 1 vote

Fried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

I had some fried chicken leftover in the fridge. I’m completely ok with chowing down on cold leftover chicken. But I’m even more ok with chopping it up and using it in fried chicken salad sandwiches. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, chicken salad, deep-fried, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 675kcal
Author Based on a recipe Damaris Phillips

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, Italian seasoning, cayenne and lemon in a large bowl.
  • Add in the chicken, parsley, celery and green onions.
  • Stir gently to combine and coat with the dressing ingredients.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Serve chicken salad on croissants.

Notes

You can substitute whole grain mustard for the Creole mustard or use the classic yellow mustard instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 675kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 807mg | Potassium: 382mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1245IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich

I was watching an old Food Network show the other day. Bobby Flay was visiting this great little place in Nashville, Tennessee, that was famous for Nashville-style fried chicken. I drooled through the entire episode. The fried chicken looked fantastic. Done right, in cast iron over gas and made it Nashville-style by adding a bunch of cayenne pepper. You just knew it was good (and perhaps painful for some). I decided to take the same approach to a sandwich and make a fried chicken breast sandwich.

Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich

Make It Hot

I fried up a couple of coated chicken breasts. By themselves they were absolutely outstanding. Crunchy outside, moist and flavorful inside. I made one Nashville-style and realized I had made the perfect fried chicken breast sandwich. Seriously kicked up chicken on a bun with cooling lettuce, tomato and mayo.

If I’m cooking for a crowd, I’ll break out my big deep fryer. But, if it’s just the two of us, I’ll fire up my Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size for both of us. It fries everything perfectly. And as an added bonus, it doesn’t use a lot of oil, which saves me money.

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.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Can’t take the heat? Tone it down or just make it ‘normal’, but you won’t be disappointed either way.

Also try my fried chicken salad sandwiches.

Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich

I fried up a couple of coated chicken breasts. By themselves they were absolutely outstanding. Crunchy outside, moist and flavorful inside. I made one Nashville-style and realized I had made the perfect fried chicken breast sandwich.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, deep-fried, sandwich
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 630kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Bon Appetit

Equipment

Ingredients

To make it Nashville-Style Hot

For the sandwiches

Instructions

  • Toss the chicken breasts with black pepper and 2 tablespoons of the salt. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.
  • Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce together in a large bowl.
  • Whisk the flour and remaining 4 teaspoons of salt in another large bowl.
  • Heat 2″ of oil to 325 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Working in batches, dredge chicken in flour.
  • Shake off excess then dip into the buttermilk mixture.
  • Shake off excess then dip again into the flour mixture.
  • Shake off excess then fry until golden brown on both sides, 10-12 minutes.
  • Transfer to a rack or paper towel-lined plate to cool.

To make it Nashville-Style Hot

  • Whisk cayenne, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a medium bowl.
  • Carefully whisk in 1 cup of the deep fryer oil.
  • Brush mixture onto both sides of the cooked chicken breasts.

For the sandwiches

  • Slather buns with mayo. Add tomatoes, chicken, lettuce, and pickles.

Notes

Don’t have buttermilk? Just use whole milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 630kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 2360mg | Potassium: 706mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1931IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 15mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Copycat Cin Chili

I’m a huge fan of Cin Chili Texas-style chili mix. It has a tremendous southwestern flavor with just enough kick, but not so much as to scare anyone off. Whenever I’m in Cincinnati I swing by Jungle Jim’s and grab a few packs of mix. But, sadly, sometimes I can’t make it to Jungle Jim’s. So I searched around and came across this copycat Cin Chili recipe. This mix makes downright good chili. It’s mighty close to the original. Close enough. There’s nothing but good flavor in this chili.

Copycat Cin Chili

Beans. Yes I Added Them. Don’t Hate Me.

I add beans to my chili. I know, I know. Texas chili supposedly doesn’t contain beans (or ‘filler’ as some refer to it). If I was serving this chili over hot dogs I’d probably leave the beans out.

This copycat Cin chili is super easy to make. I whisk each spice mix in small bowls so I just add them in when needed. In no time at all I’m enjoying great chili.

Amazon Fresh - Beef Broth, Carton, 32 oz
Amazon Fresh – Beef Broth, Carton, 32 oz

Also try my copycat of the chili from Wendy’s.

Copycat Cin Chili
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Cin Chili

This mix makes downright good chili. It’s mighty close to the original. Close enough. There’s nothing but good flavor in this chili.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, chili, copycat
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 356kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Spice mix #1

Spice mix #2

Spice mix #3

Instructions

  • Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large pot.
  • Add meat and brown. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in the beef broth and tomato sauce.
  • Stir in spice mix #1. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in spice mix #2. Add beans if using. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If chili gets too thick add a little water.
  • Stir in spice mix #3. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve garnished with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Make it at least once the way it’s written. Then you can play with the ingredients after that. This is a delicious chili. If you can get the original, then get it. If you can’t, make this copycat!

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 438mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1724IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Gumbo

I love a good gumbo. I’ve made several variations in the past. I came across this version from Chef Frank Brigtsen, and I just had to make it (a few times now, actually). It takes a lot of time, but it is by far the best gumbo I’ve ever had. You could shortcut some of the process (say, by using rotisserie chicken or store-bought chicken broth), but I don’t think you’ll be as happy with the end result.

This gumbo is worth every minute it takes to make. It is absolutely incredible, with the most unbelievable richest flavor.

Gumbo

This Is A Bowl Of Joy

I admit, I used more andouille than the original recipe called for because I’m addicted to it. If you want to shave a little time off the recipe see my notes below for using precooked chicken or store-bought roux.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this gumbo and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my low-carb gumbo.

Gumbo
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5 from 1 vote

Gumbo

This gumbo is worth every minute it takes to make. It is absolutely incredible, with the most unbelievable richest flavor.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword gumbo
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings 12
Calories 1200kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the Washington Post

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Place the sausage slices onto baking pans and bake until they are starting to brown on the edges, 30-45 minutes.
  • Remove from oven.
  • Heat the olive oil in a very large pot over medium high heat.
  • Add in 3 cups of the onion, 2 cups of the celery, and 1 1/2 cups of the peppers. Also add the bay leaf.
  • Cook until the onions start to brown, 15-20 minutes.
  • Add the remaining onion, celery and bell pepper.
  • Reduce heat to medium and cook another 2-3 minutes or until the onion you just added starts to turn clear.
  • Stir in the garlic, salt, thyme, black and white pepper, cayenne, and file.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook another 3-4 minutes.
  • Add in the chicken stock and sausage.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally and skimming off any oil off of the surface.
  • If you are using precooked chicken, skip down to step #13.
  • Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil over medium high heat.
  • Combine 2 cups of the flour and 4 teaspoons of Creole seasoning in a shallow bowl.
  • Season the chicken with Creole seasoning.
  • Working in batches, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and fry until brown and crispy, about 5 minutes per side.
  • Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
  • Add the chicken to the pot and continue simmering another 45 minutes or until the chicken is done and is starting to fall off of the bone.
  • Remove the chicken pieces and let cool.
  • Remove the skin.
  • Remove the meat from the bones and shred.
  • If you are using store bought roux, skip to step #16.
  • Once the oil from frying the chicken has cooled slightly, pour the oil through a sieve.
  • You need just over 3/4 cups of oil to make a roux.
  • Heat the frying pan and add the oil back in.
  • Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the flour.
  • Bring to a simmer, and stir constantly for 15-20 minutes or until the roux is the color of brown chocolate.
  • Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
  • Bring pot back to a boil and skim off any oil.
  • Slowly add the roux to the pot, stirring constantly.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer another 30 minutes.
  • Serve over cooked rice.

Notes

First note: You can substitute rotisserie chicken, but if you have the time, frying the chicken fresh makes a world of difference.
Second note: You can skip making your own roux and add 3/4-1 cup of store-bought roux. I recommend making your own, but it does take time and you definitely don’t want to burn it if you do.

Nutrition

Calories: 1200kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 97g | Saturated Fat: 66g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 1547mg | Potassium: 766mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1197IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red
Lodge ASAHH41 Silicone Assist Handle Holder, Red