Sweet and Sassy Red Potato Salad

If you put a paper plate loaded with fried chicken and this sweet and sassy red potato salad in front of me I’d honestly go for the potato salad first. And that’s saying a lot, because I love fried chicken almost more than anything. This salad is different, mostly thanks to the addition of pickle juice in the dressing. That pickle edge takes this dish from great to amazing.

Sweet and Sassy Red Potato Salad

The Perfect Side Dish

This sweet and sassy red potato salad would be the perfect side dish for a family get-together. Or a potluck. Or just a good old fashioned picnic. It travels well and tastes amazing. It’s perfect cold, and just as good (if not a tad better) served warm. You can’t go wrong with it.

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.

I don’t like to boil my potatoes when making potato salad. I don’t like them little taters rolling around in the hot water, bumping each other, scraping each other’s skin off (yikes, that sounds even worse than I thought). Instead, I prefer to steam them. So I load up a steam basket, put it above a pot of slowly boiling water, and let it steam until the potatoes are just tender. The skins are left perfectly intact.

Sweet and Sassy Red Potato Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Sweet and Sassy Red Potato Salad

If you put a paper plate loaded with fried chicken and this sweet and sassy potato salad in front of me I'd honestly go for the potato salad first.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword potato salad, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 177kcal

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 2 pounds small red potatoes
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sweet pickles chopped fine
  • ½ cup sweet onions chopped fine
  • ¼ cup celery chopped fine
  • ¼ cup fresh chives chopped fine, divided

For the dressing

Instructions

For the salad

  • Steam or boil the potatoes until done. I prefer steaming them because it keeps the skins intact. Do not peel. Let the potatoes cool and cut into quarters.
  • Meanwhile, hard-boil and peel the eggs. Chop fine.
  • In a large bowl, gently combine the potato quarters, pickles, eggs, onion, celery and most of the chives (reserving some for garnish later).
  • Prepare the dressing (see below) and pour over the potato mixture. Gently stir with a spatula.
  • Serve warm or refrigerate for at least an hour if serving cold. Serve garnished with remaining chives.

For the dressing

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, Dijon, pickle juice, and vinegar.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and stir.
  • If the dressing is too thick add a bit more pickle juice and stir.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 413mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Pub Sauce Smash Burgers

Oh man did these Pub Sauce smash burgers ever hit the spot. Juicy patties. Crisp fresh toppings. All with a wonderful sauce that is a combination of just about every good burger sauce you can think of. It’s reminiscent of a creamy steak sauce but it’s not too thick. It’s got a hint of sweetness. A bit salty. A little Asian-inspired flavor. And my favorite, garlic. Every bite is an umami-festival. These burgers are proof that even the simplest sauce can make a ‘plain’ burger something special. Sure, there are a few ingredients, but nothing fancy and nothing complicated.

Pub Sauce Smash Burgers

Amazing Burgers

Making Pub Sauce smash burgers isn’t difficult. You don’t need a bunch of fancy equipment or a lot of time. Just a hot griddle and a burger press. Any griddle will do, whether it’s on a grill, cooktop, stove or even a standalone outdoor flattop. Just get those patties nice and thin and use quality fresh toppings. And a great sauce.

Also try my smash burger patty melts.

Pub Sauce Smash Burgers
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5 from 1 vote

Pub Sauce Smash Burgers

Get those patties nice and thin and use quality fresh toppings.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword smash burgers
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 831kcal

Ingredients

For the sauce

For the burgers

  • 1 pound ground beef formed into four 4-ounce patties
  • kosher salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese or American cheese
  • 4 pieces iceberg lettuce torn or chopped
  • 4 slices tomato
  • 4 slices onion
  • 6 slices dill pickle chips

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the burgers

  • Fire up your grill for direct medium-high heat cooking. You can also use an outdoor or indoor griddle or a large skillet on a stove.
  • Season the burger patties with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning.
  • Place the patties on grill. Smash down with a spatula or grill press.
  • Grill the burgers for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Top the patties with cheese and grill until they’ve reached your desired doneness and the cheese is melted. Remove from the grill.
  • Toast the buns as desired.
  • Make the burgers by first spreading some of the sauce on the bun bottoms.
  • Add a burger patty.
  • Add onion, lettuce, tomato and pickle slices.
  • Slather the top bun with more of the sauce and serve.

Notes

Patties 4-5 ounces in weight work best.

Nutrition

Calories: 831kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 3111mg | Potassium: 868mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1171IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 358mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Quick Fix Copycat McRib Sandwich

This isn’t some highfalutin’ food blog. I can barely afford to keep the lights on half of the time. I gotta cut corners wherever I can to keep this site up and running. So that’s why you’re not going to judge me when I say I really, really enjoyed this quick fix copycat of the McRib sandwich. I mean, you know what? It’s actually yummy! It kinda looks like the real thing and it’s fun to eat!

I should probably email the fine folks at On-Cor to apologize for doubting their products. Their BBQ rib patties look like the real McRib deal, sauce and all!

Quick Fix Copycat McRib Sandwich

They’re Yummy!

You can make 6 McRib sandwiches from a package of On-Cor BBQ Rib Patties. I actually prefer 2 patties per sandwich. I wrote the recipe to use only one per sandwich, but ….. well, use your own judgment. Make sure to get some of the sauce on there, too. The ribs actually come with more sauce then you’d think, plenty enough to heap on deep and that’s a good thing. That helps make these quick fix copycat McRib sandwiches double good!

And whatever you do, do not forget the pickles! That vinegary pickle goodness cuts thru the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.

Of course you serve this sandwich with copycat McDonald’s French fries!

Quick Fix Copycat McRib Sandwich
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5 from 1 vote

Quick Fix Copycat McRib Sandwich

I actually prefer 2 patties per sandwich.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, McRib, quick fix
Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 797kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare rib patties per package instructions.
  • Toast the sub rolls if desired.
  • If you are baking the rib patties just add the rolls to the oven the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Place 1 patty on each sub roll bottom and add 1/3 cup of the sauce from the container the ribs came in.
  • Add 2 pickle chips and the top of the bun and serve.

Notes

Serve with napkins and a smile.

Nutrition

Calories: 797kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 2111mg | Potassium: 711mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 51IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 23mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Freddy’s Burger Seasoning

Chances are, if I have a grill fired up, there’s going to be a smash burger in my near future. They are my go-to quick-and-easy dinner. Simple. Fast. And oh so good. I want my patties to be packed with flavor. This copycat Freddy’s burger seasoning is an absolutely fantastic way to add great flavor to any burger. This stuff is like magic. A little smoky earthiness. A little garlicky and onion-y. Salty sweet. Add a little or a lot to your next burgers and you’ll be happy.

Copycat Freddy's Burger Seasoning

My Bad. But Still Good.

Oops on me, I didn’t have any turmeric for my copycat Freddy’s burger seasoning. No problem. I used dry mustard instead. You’re just looking for something with a little earthiness to it. Cumin would be great too, but my wife is not quite the big cumin fan, so mustard it was.

Also try some Freddy’s fry seasoning and burger sauce!

Copycat Freddy's Burger Seasoning
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Freddy’s Burger Seasoning

Add a little or a lot to your next burgers and you'll be happy.
Course Burger Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword burger sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 112kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • To serve, sprinkle on both sides of burger patties just before cooking.

Notes

Keep in an airtight container until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 11634mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1970IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

St Louis-Style Ribs using a Rotisserie

Rotisserie St Louis-style ribs are something I’ve been wanting to make for some time. I usually smoke my ribs, low-and-slow or high-and-fast on my smoker. This time I decided to give ribs on my gas grill a shot to see if I would like them as much as my ‘traditional’ method of cooking ribs. Well, by golly, I did and then some! I really enjoyed these ribs. They had great flavor. They were still moist and were as tender as could be. And they had this slight crunchiness to the skin that was just fantastic. Oh, and they were easy to make to boot! These were winner-winner ribs for sure!

St Louis-Style Ribs using a Rotisserie

Indirect Cooking

When you put your ribs on your grill it’s important that they do not sit (well, spin) over direct heat. If you look at the very far right of my picture above you’ll see that the very end of my rack got a little dark. That’s because there’s a burner right below that part of the ribs. I didn’t realize that until it was too late. I learned from my experience. The rest of the ribs were fantastic and I’d make them again and again (but I’d make sure that they were 100% in indirect heat!).

I put the apple juice into a cheap spray bottle and then spritz the ribs every 30 minutes or so. Spraying them is easier than using a brush and it makes sure I’m not brushing off any of the seasoning.

St Louis-Style Ribs using a Rotisserie
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St Louis-Style Ribs using a Rotisserie

These were winner-winner ribs for sure!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, ribs, rotisserie
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 630kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spread the mustard on all sides of the ribs. Just a light coating will do.
  • Sprinkle the rub over the ribs and pat gently to adhere. Don't forget to get the back and sides of the ribs.
  • Fire up your grill for rotisserie cooking over medium-low heat, around 300 F.
  • Place a large drip pan under the rotisserie.
  • Skew the ribs onto the rotisserie. Be careful doing this. Never put your hands where the sharp end can skewer you and not the ribs! Run the spit thru the first and second bone on one end. Bend the ribs slightly (like an 'S') and skewer between the next set of bones where you can skewer without breaking the ribs. Finally run the spit thru the last two bones. Secure with the rotisserie forks. It's ok if you have to remove the spit and try again to get the ribs nice and skewered down the middle. An extra hole or two isn't going to hurt anything!
  • Place the spit onto the grill and start the motor. Close the grill lid and cook for 2 – 3 hours or until the meat on the bones has pulled back from the ends by about 1/2". I like to spray my ribs with apple juice every 30 minutes while they spin. You can also brush them with the apple juice but do so carefully as you don't want to brush off your seasoning.
  • Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and let cook another 10 minutes for the sauce to set.
  • Carefully remove the spit from the grill using thick grill gloves and remove the ribs.
  • Cover with foil and let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

I like to use a smoky BBQ sauce to give these even more of a ‘hot off the smoker’ taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 630kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 182mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 551mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes using the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

I admit that I have a big time addiction to scalloped potatoes. I can make them in all sorts of flavors, like these pimento cheese scalloped potatoes using the Char-Broil Big Easy. Heck, it might be just a few ingredients, but oh, is it so tasty yummy! Leftovers heat up easy too. Well, if you have any. I highly recommend that you double the recipe.

Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes using the Char-Broil Big Easy

Making the pimento cheese scalloped potatoes

Everything for these pimento cheese scalloped potatoes is pretty much cooked before you place them into your Char-Broil Big Easy. At any rate, you’re using the great infrared heat of the Big Easy to melt the cheese and get a nice brown on the potatoes and a little crunch. They come out of the cooker bubbling hot and crazy addictingly good.

The basket and the pans

These Dutch oven pans fit into the bunk bed baskets perfectly and they make for easy clean up. Another key point is that you can easily fit two baskets into a Big Easy without any problem. Although three can fit but you’re in for a challenge getting the last one in. Doable, but possible.

Above all, as with any disposable pans, you have to support the bottoms of the pans when lifting them. The bunk bed basket helps with that a lot. Getting the one out of the bottom of the Big Easy is trickier. I sometimes slide a large spatula in from the side to support the bottom while I lift it up far enough to get my heat-proof gloved hand underneath.

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and all 3 of my huge free Big Easy eCookbooks!

Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes using the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes using the Char-Broil Big Easy

Tender creamy potatoes with pimento cheese that you won't be able to resist!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, cheesy, potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 442kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream plus more, if needed
  • 1 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ pounds Idaho potatoes scrubbed clean, peeled
  • 4 ounces Cheddar grated, divided
  • 4 ounces pimentos chopped, drained

Instructions

  • Cut the potatoes into 1/4" slices
  • Bring to cream to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Season with salt and pepper and stir.
  • Add the potatoes. Add more cream if the potatoes aren't covered.
  • Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are just becoming tender. This will take 10-12 minutes. If the potatoes stick to each other you can break them apart with a fork but be careful to not poke or break the potatoes.
  • Remove potatoes from the heat.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Spoon 1/3 of the potatoes into the pan. Also add some of the cream sauce.
  • Spread the potatoes out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with 1/3rd of the cheese and 1/3rd of the pimentos.
  • Add another 1/3 of the potatoes and some of the cream, topped with another 1/3rd of the cheese and 1/3rd of the pimentos.
  • Finish up with the last of the potatoes, cream, cheese and pimentos.
  • Transfer the pan to the Big Easy. I recommend using a Bunk Bed basket because it's easier to get in/out of the Big Easy and it provides support to the bottom of the pan.
  • Cook for 30-45 minutes or until the cheese is starting to bubble and the tops of the potatoes start to turn golden brown.
  • Carefully remove the pan from the Big Easy. If using a Bunk Bed basket remove just the basket.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can warm up any leftovers in the pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 542mg | Potassium: 602mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1859IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 203mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp

This is it. The best shrimp I’ve ever made. With the best dipping sauce. I could eat these Parrot Bay coconut shrimp embarrassingly fast, and in embarrassingly large quantities. I’m not ashamed to admit it. They’re fantastic. Lightly crunchy. Lightly sweet. With a wonderful tropical sauce. There’s coconut all around, but it’s not overpowering at all. It’s perfect. These are amazingly good shrimp.

Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp

Quality Ingredients Make For Great Shrimp

The key to these Parrot Bay coconut shrimp is to not skimp on the ingredients. Get quality coconut rum. Get good pina colada mix. And most importantly, get great shrimp. I only use wild-caught Florida or Louisiana shrimp. Shrimp to Shore ships as soon as their catch is caught.

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.

If you search around, you’ll find quality shrimp that is fresh-caught, not farm-raised, and can be delivered to your doorstep quickly. Or find a local fish monger that can get you shrimp. Don’t settle for less than the best, this dish deserves it.

Also try my other take on coconut shrimp with a dipping sauce.

Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp
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Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp

If you search around, you'll find quality shrimp that is fresh-caught, not farm-raised, and can be delivered to your doorstep quickly.
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword coconut, deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 910kcal

Ingredients

For the Pina Colada Dipping Sauce

For the Shrimp

Instructions

For the Pina Colada Dipping Sauce

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the Shrimp

  • Heat a few inches of oil to 350 F in a Dutch oven or deep fryer.
  • Set out three medium bowls.
  • In the first bowl, place 3/4 cups of flour.
  • In the second bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of flour, sugar and salt.
  • Add the milk and rum and stir or whisk until smooth.
  • In the last bowl combine the panko and coconut.
  • Let the wet batter stand for minutes.
  • Working in batches, dip the shrimp in the bowl of flour. Toss to coat. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Next, transfer the shrimp to the wet batter and dunk and turn to coat well. Shake off any excess batter.
  • Last, place the shrimp in the panko mixture and toss to coat.
  • Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Serve hot with the pina colada dipping sauce.

Notes

The sauce is delicious. Make extra.

Nutrition

Calories: 910kcal | Carbohydrates: 135g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 571IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spice-Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts

I could not have been happier with how these spice-brined grilled chicken breasts turned out. I was looking for tender, flavor-packed, juicy chicken to use in a big batch of chicken salad. And that’s exactly what I got. I grilled my chicken (in this case, split chicken breasts, but boneless skinless will work just fine too) on cedar planks for a little extra flavor and aroma, but you can skip that and do them directly on your grill grates too.

Spice-Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts

For The Best Results, Go Skinless

I am not a fan of skin-on chicken when it comes to brining although you can certainly use it if you want. Leaving the skin on normally does help keep the meat from drying out, but that’s not really needed here. And no way is it going to get crispy enough to enjoy. So, skip it if you want. I did. This spice-brined grilled chicken breasts recipe doesn’t need any tinkering with. It’s great just as it is.

You can use any seasoning on the chicken you want, but I would shy away from anything heavy on salt (you already brined it it) and sugar (it’ll burn over the high grill heat).

Also try my grilled Dijon chicken and my outrageously-good butterflied chicken legs.

Spice-Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts
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5 from 1 vote

Spice-Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts

You can use any seasoning on the chicken you want, but I would shy away from anything heavy on salt (you already brined it) and sugar (it'll burn over the high grill heat).
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword brined, poultry
Prep Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 701kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the brine

For the chicken

Instructions

For the brine

  • Place water in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Stir in the salt, sugar, garlic, sage, basil, peppercorns and the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and continue simmering, stirring often, for about 20 minutes. Make sure that the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
  • Remove pot from heat, cover and let cool completely, at least 2 hours.

For the chicken

  • Add the chicken to the brine and transfer the pot to the fridge for 2 hours and up to 4 hours maximum.
  • If cooking the chicken on cedar planks, begin soaking them in water 30 minutes before using.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • If using planks, char the planks over direct heat on both sides first. Add the chicken and move the planks to indirect heat and continue cooking, 30-45 minutes or until the chicken measures 165 F with a thermometer.
  • Place chicken directly on the grates over high heat and sear on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Move the planks to indirect heat and continue cooking, 30-45 minutes or until the chicken measures 165 F with a thermometer.
  • Let chicken rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Great sliced thin for sandwiches or in chicken salad!

Nutrition

Calories: 701kcal | Carbohydrates: 172g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 85118mg | Potassium: 1794mg | Fiber: 28g | Sugar: 134g | Vitamin A: 967IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 1669mg | Iron: 57mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Roasted Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Gravy

I loved this roasted garlic chicken with Parmesan gravy so much that I made it twice in one week. The downside was that the house pretty much smelled like garlic all week. That glorious garlic aroma, in my opinion. Some may not share my enthusiasm about so much garlic, but I definitely would NOT cut back on the amount of garlic in this dish.

Roasted Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Gravy

Garlic. And Lots Of It.

If you follow this recipe for roasted garlic chicken with Parmesan gravy as it is, you’ll be as happy as happy can be with the end result. I also changed up the garlic a few times. Once I made it with garlic that I had first been cooked in a slow cooker. Fantastic. Once I made it with garlic that I smoked on my smoker while I was smoking a few racks of ribs. Devine.

No matter what garlic you use, use a lot. And I do mean a lot. Twenty cloves may seem like a lot now, but you won’t regret using the full amount or more. The gravy, rich and creamy with a slight nutty Parmesan taste is so good I’d have had it for dinner by itself if I could.

Enjoy. And also try my 40-clove garlic chicken.

Roasted Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Gravy
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Roasted Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Gravy

I loved this roasted garlic chicken with Parmesan gravy so much that I made it twice in one week.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, gravy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 519kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Heat the oil in a large sauce pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning.
  • Add chicken to skillet and brown on both sides, 3-5 minutes each.
  • Remove to a plate and reserve.
  • Add the onion and saute for 3 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, stir and saute for another 2 minutes.
  • Add the thyme and flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Slowly add the broth. Scrape up any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. There’s nothing but flavor in those bits!
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in the Parmesan.
  • Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Check that the chicken has reached 165 F.
  • Serve.

Notes

You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 770mg | Potassium: 618mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 244IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 218mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Cheez-Its

Smoked Cheez-Its are the perfect game-time snack. They’re addictingly good. They’ll disappear unexpectedly quickly, so make sure you make extra. And make all sorts of different flavors. Since I had all sorts of different flavors of Kosmos Q seasonings on hand I was able to make all sorts of variations, from the mild and sweet to the hot and spicy.

Smoked Cheez-Its

You Can Smoke Any Snack Cracker!

Truth be told, the method for making smoked Cheez-Its can be used for pretty much any snack cracker. You’ll want to use a fairly mild-flavored cracker, or use one that compliments the seasoning you want to use. You don’t want the cracker flavor to fight the seasoning.

Don’t crowd the crackers in the pan. Make sure they get spread out to get some of the smoke flavor, too.

Also try some smoked Cheetos.

Smoked Cheez-Its
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Smoked Cheez-Its

Don't crowd the crackers in the pan. Make sure they get spread out to get some of the smoke flavor, too.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers, smoked
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
15 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 157kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 225 F. Use a lighter wood. You want a bit of smoke but don't overdo it.
  • Place the crackers in a large bowl.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the oil, Worcestershire sauce and seasoning. Drizzle over the crackers and gently stir to coat the crackers. Take your time, you want them all covered well.
  • Transfer the coated crackers to a large disposable pan, spread out evenly, and place onto the smoker.
  • Smoke the crackers for 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes. The crackers will turn a golden brown. They'll be a little soft, but don't worry, they'll get crunchier when they cool.
  • Remove from the smoker and let cool before serving. Optionally, spread out onto a wire rack to cool quicker.

Notes

You can also use other flavors of Cheez-It or even try a mix of different ones.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 402mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.