Category: Main Dishes

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.

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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.

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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.

Need something spicier? Try my spicy chicken fillet sandwich.

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Also try my low-carb gumbo.

Gumbo
Print Pin
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.

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Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

I can now throw away the old recipe I had for making slow cooker French dip sandwiches. You know the one. Beef, French onion soup, beef broth and beer and that’s it. I thought that was pretty good in fact. But there’s better and this is it. This version takes that concept to new places. The combination of soy sauce, red wine vinegar and spices really gives these sandwiches a rich fantastic flavor. It is totally unlike the flavor of any dip sandwich I’d had or made before. Of course the meat is fall apart tender, but it’s tasty through-and-through. And the dipping sauce? Straw-worthy.

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

Save The Bun! Save The Bun!

I put fresh mozzarella slices on the bottom slices of bread before piling them high with the moist meat when I made this slow cooker French dip sandwich. The cheese helps keep the bread from getting too soggy. That may seem odd since you’re going to end up dipping the sandwich anyways. But you don’t want the entire thing to just fall apart. The cheese helps prevent that.

My rule with a messy sandwich has always been: once you pick it up, don’t set it down. Then you won’t have any ‘problems’. And remember, the ‘messier the better’ rule applies here. So pile it high and dunk it deep!

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I love sandwiches topped with tender slow-cooked beef. Try my spicy Italian and beef debris po boy sandwiches too.

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

I can now throw away the old recipe I had for making slow cooker French dip sandwiches. This version takes that concept to new places.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, crockpot, sandwich, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 2863kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the Creole Contessa

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shredded beef

For the sandwiches

Instructions

For the shredded beef

  • Brown the roast in a large pot or Dutch oven if desired.
  • Place remaining beef ingredients into a slow cooker set to high and stir to combine.
  • Add the beef, cover, and cook 5 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender.
  • Remove beef (careful as it will crumble) and shred completely. Return to slow cooker for 30 more minutes.

For the sandwiches

  • Slather rolls with mayo.
  • Add cheese.
  • Top with meat and peppers and serve with a bowl of additional slow cooker juices for dipping.

Notes

Serve with plenty of napkins.

Nutrition

Calories: 2863kcal | Carbohydrates: 242g | Protein: 71g | Fat: 180g | Saturated Fat: 96g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 2230mg | Potassium: 1658mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 142g | Vitamin A: 310IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 14mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Copycat McDonald’s McRib Sandwich

Now, it has been a long time since I’ve had a McDonald’s McRib sandwich. Years. Decades, actually. But, boy did I eat a lot of them in my younger years. So I was happy to run across this copycat McDonald’s McRib sandwich that really brings back (food) memories.

These copycat McRib sandwiches come out very tender, and very tasty. The great taste is thanks to a fantastic sauce. The sauce is so good that I doubled the ingredients to make a bigger batch, enough to serve over boneless wings (awesome!) later. Even if you don’t make these sandwiches, make the sauce. It’s the boss.

Copycat McDonald's McRib Sandwich

The Perfect Smokiness

The addition of chipotle peppers to the sauce is what gives it that fantastic smoky flavor, with just a little kick. Real McRib sandwiches are also topped with chopped onion, which I omitted because I felt that there was enough onion in the sauce. This copycat McDonald’s McRib sandwich was deeelish!

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And yes, you need to make some McDonald’s fries to go with your McRib!

Don’t have time to make this recipe? Try my quick fix version instead!

Copycat McDonald's McRib Sandwich
Print Pin
3 from 2 votes

Copycat McDonald’s McRib Sandwich

This copycat McDonald's McRib sandwich comes out very tender, and very tasty. The great taste is thanks to a fantastic sauce.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, ribs, sandwich
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 755kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Jeff Mauro

Equipment

Ingredients

For the sauce (which is great on anything!)

For the sandwich

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepot over medium heat.
  • Add the onions and saute until soft, about 4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir.
  • Bring to a simmer and continue simmering until the sauce is thick, 15-20 minutes.
  • I prefer the sauce to be chunky, so I used the sauce as it was at this point. If you want a less chunky version, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer (after cooling) to a blender to puree.

For the sandwiches

  • Preheat a large skillet or Griddler to medium-high heat.
  • Form the pork into thin rectangular patties that are the size of the buns. Season with salt.
  • Cook 3-5 minutes on one side then flip and cook until pork reaches 165 F.
  • Brush pork with sauce and flip. Brush other side with sauce. Cook another 2-3 minutes or until the sauce sets up.
  • Meanwhile, combine butter and garlic salt and brush onto insides of the rolls. Place rolls butter side up under broil for a minute or two to get a little brown.
  • Serve pork patties on rolls topped with dill pickle slices and onion, if using.

Notes

The sauce is great for dipping nuggets or on wings!

Nutrition

Calories: 755kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1635mg | Potassium: 1014mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 446IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Lentil Soup with Smoked Turkey

I love smoked turkey wings. They have an incredible flavor (and they smell so insanely good too). You can smoke your own, or grab a pack or two of already-smoked wings from your grocery store. In ours, the smoked turkey wings can be found near the smoked hocks in the meat department. The smoked turkey adds just the right something to this Lentil soup. The soup could stand on its own without it, it’s just that good, but add in the turkey and oh yes, soup happiness!

Lentil Soup with Smoked Turkey

Very Freezable For Later Enjoyment

I made an extra big batch of this lentil soup with smoked turkey and froze some in single serve containers. It’s the perfect winter-time lunch.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this soup 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!

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Also try my smoked turkey and file gumbo pot pie.

Lentil Soup with Smoked Turkey
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Lentil Soup with Smoked Turkey

The smoked turkey adds just the right something to this Lentil soup. The soup could stand on its own without it, it’s just that good, but add in the turkey and oh yes, soup happiness!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword smoked, soup, turkey
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 290kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Food and Wine magazine

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ribs celery chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled, chopped
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 16 ounce petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup lentils
  • ¾ pound smoked turkey wing the entire thing, not cut up or skin removed
  • 4 small red potatoes peeled, sliced 1/4″ thick
  • ¼ cup parsley chopped
  • kosher salt
  • ground black pepper
  • Parmesan cheese freshly grated, optional, for serving

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium high heat.
  • Add the celery, carrots and onion and cook until starting to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, lentils, smoked turkey and 2 quarts of water.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
  • Let simmer for about an hour, until the lentils are tender.
  • Add the potatoes and continue simmering until tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the turkey wing from the pot.
  • Let cool until you can handle it, then remove the meat from the bones and shred or chop slightly.
  • Return the meat to the pot.
  • Stir in parsley and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

You can make this same recipe using store-bought rotisserie chicken, too!

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 1060mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3699IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Brisket with Cajun Brown Gravy

This slow-cooked brisket with Cajun brown gravy came out absolutely fantastic. Sure, it’s tender and juicy, but it’s the flavor… perfectly meaty with the sweetness from the onions and peppers and a kick from jalapeno. And there’s plenty of Cajun-flavored gravy for sopping, so bring some bread to the party. This is comfort food at its best.

Brisket with Cajun Brown Gravy

Enjoy Life. Add Crunch.

I really, really liked this brisket with Cajun brown gravy over Texas toast, topped with crispy onion rings. The crunch of the rings contrasted well with the tender beef, while the bread got all covered in gravy and, man, it was good. You could also use French fried onions or nice and crispy French fries.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this brisket 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!

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Also try my slow cooker BBQ beef.

Inspired by a recipe from Louisiana Kitchen and Culture magazine.

Brisket with Cajun Brown Gravy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Brisket with Cajun Brown Gravy

This slow-cooked brisket with Cajun brown gravy came out absolutely fantastic. Sure, it’s tender and juicy, but it’s the flavor… perfectly meaty with the sweetness from the onions and peppers and a kick from jalapeno.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword brisket, gravy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 550kcal
Author From Louisiana Kitchen and Culture magazine

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown the brisket on all sides in a Dutch oven. Remove.
  • Heat 1/4 cup oil in Dutch over medium heat.
  • Gradually whisk in the flour. Keep whisking until smooth, adding more oil if needed.
  • Cook roux 15-20 minutes or until dark brown, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. Do not burn.
  • Meanwhile, warm the beef broth.
  • Slowly (WARNING: Be very careful! The roux will be very hot and the broth will boil when added. Keep your hands and face away from over the pot) pour the broth into the roux while whisking vigorously to break up any clumps.
  • Bring to boil, reduce to medium low and simmer 20 minutes, skimming away any foam or fat.
  • Scrape bottom to loosen any settled roux.
  • Pour into slow cooker. Set heat on low.
  • Heat 3 additional tablespoons of oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high.
  • Add the onion. Saute 15 minutes.
  • Deglaze with 1-2 tablespoons of water if bottom of pot becomes too brown.
  • Add garlic, bell pepper, jalapenos, and Cajun seasoning. Saute 3 minutes. Pour into slow cooker with broth mix.
  • Add bay leaves, cover and simmer on low for 4-5 hours or until meat starts to fall apart
  • Remove meat to a cutting board and chop as desired. Return to cooker and keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

Add a minced jalapeno or two to the onions while they cook for a nice little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 169mg | Sodium: 1098mg | Potassium: 1133mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 421IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Sweet and Savory Turkey Panini

We made an awesome Cajun-injected turkey breast on our Char-Broil Big Easy for Christmas this year. Since it was just the two of us we ended up with quite a bit of leftover turkey meat. The last time we had extra turkey we made the most outstandingly good chipotle turkey salad sandwiches. This time, we made a sweet and savory turkey panini that was beyond fantastic. Maple bacon, crispy fried shallots, cheese, and chipotle mayonnaise. A little heat, a little crunch, a whole lot of flavor.

Sweet and Savory Turkey Panini

Oh, The Chipotle Mayonnaise!

After making a sweet and savory turkey panini you’ll want to put chipotle mayonnaise on every sandwich you ever make. And you’ll want to top them with fried shallots. Trust me. It happened to me. I went on a fried shallot kick like the world has never seen! They’re like onion rings but so much better. The cayenne pepper really goes well against the sweetness of the shallots.

I made this sandwich on my Cuisinart Griddler. It is a sandwich-cooking beast of a kitchen tool. I use mine often, for a heck of a lot more than sandwiches, too. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, it doesn’t matter. It can handle it.

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My toasted Italian sandwich, also made using a Griddler, is also fantastic.

Sweet and Savory Turkey Panini
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sweet and Savory Turkey Panini

Maple bacon, crispy fried shallots, cheese, and chipotle mayonnaise. A little heat, a little crunch, a whole lot of flavor.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword sandwich, turkey
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 926kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Aaran McCargo Jr

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Line a baking sheet pan with foil and add bacon. Do not overlap (use a second baking sheet if you need to). Bake 10 minutes, flip and bake another 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness) until starting to crisp. Remove and place bacon on a paper-towel lined plate. Cover to keep warm.
  • Add enough oil to a small Dutch oven or pot to have 2″ of oil. Heat to 375 F.
  • Combine the flour, cayenne and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl.
  • Add the shallots and toss to coat well.
  • Working in batches, shake off excess flour mixture and add shallots to the hot oil.
  • Fry 2-3 minutes per side until crispy golden. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
  • Whisk together the mayo, chipotles, adobo sauce, cilantro, lemon and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Cut bread loaf in half horizontally.
  • Slather bread with chipotle mayonnaise on both cut sides.
  • Add cheese, bacon, shallots, turkey to bottom bread piece and cover with top piece. Cut into 8 sandwiches.
  • Brush tops of sandwiches with melted butter.
  • Preheat a large skillet, Griddler, or panini press.
  • Working in batches, cook sandwiches 3-4 minutes until bread starts to crisp. If cooking in a skillet cover sandwich with another skillet to press down on it while cooking.

Notes

You can make these using thick-cut turkey sandwich meat, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 926kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 1378mg | Potassium: 728mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 734IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 285mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Smoked Turkey and File Gumbo Pot Pie

I’m a huge fan of gumbo. Taking the time to make a great roux really pays off with fantastic flavor. It’s my go-to comfort food during cooler times. Not that a good stew isn’t great when it’s cold out, but a gumbo is what a stew wants to grow up to be. This smoked turkey and file gumbo pot pie turns gumbo into an all-in-one-dish pot pie. The biscuits were crazy good. In fact, I was quite proud of myself. They came out great. Usually anything I bake from scratch is uh… er…well, let’s just say you don’t see many pictures of anything I’ve baked on this site.

Smoked Turkey and File Gumbo Pot Pie

Smoked Turkey Deliciousness

I found smoked turkey wings in the meat case at our grocery store near the hams and smoked ham hocks. Smoked turkey legs also work in this smoked turkey and file gumbo pot pie.

You can still make this dish without smoked turkey. It’s a great way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make the 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!

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Also try my lentil soup with smoked turkey or my Creole-style bean soup.

Smoked Turkey and File Gumbo Pot Pie
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Turkey and File Gumbo Pot Pie

This smoked turkey and file gumbo pot pie turns gumbo into a all-in-one-dish pot pie. The biscuits were crazy good.
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword gumbo, pot pie, smoked, turkey
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 7
Calories 822kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Vince Camillo

Equipment

Ingredients

For the biscuit rounds

For the smoked turkey and file gumbo

Instructions

For the biscuit rounds

  • Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together in a large bowl.
  • Use your fingers to rub 3 tablespoons of the butter into the flour until the mixture is sandy. Patience is a good thing here.
  • Use your fingers to work in the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter until it forms pea-size pieces.
  • Stir the lemon zest into the milk.
  • Stir the milk into the flour mixture to make a soft dough, mixing with your hands.
  • Lightly flour a work surface and your hands.
  • Turn the dough out onto the work surface and form into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle.
  • Fold the dough on top of itself and pat into a 1/2-inch-thick circle, like a pizza dough.
  • Cut out 14 (if you get a few less, that’s okay) biscuit rounds using a 2″ biscuit cutter. Remove cut dough to a tray lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

For the smoked turkey and file gumbo

  • Add the vegetable oil to a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Stir in the flour and cook (making a roux), stirring constantly (don’t stop!), until the mixture thickens to a paste and turns medium brown, about 10 minutes..
  • Add the celery, onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the chicken stock, turkey meat, Cajun seasoning and bay leaves.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until the soup thickens slightly, about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Add the file powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne and the oysters (or shrimp) with any reserved liquor. Continue to simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Divide the rice between 2 6″ cast iron skillets that have been greased lightly.
  • Divide the gumbo between each skillet.
  • Top with the biscuit rounds, brushing lightly with milk.
  • Top with 8 cups of gumbo. Arrange the biscuit rounds on top of the gumbo and brush lightly with milk.
  • Place skillets in the oven on the top shelf. Put a large baking sheet (or two) beneath them on the lower shelf in case some of the gumbo bubbles over.
  • Bake 202-5 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown, 20-25 minutes.
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 822kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 194mg | Sodium: 1181mg | Potassium: 657mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 876IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 235mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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