Tag: recipe

Rotisserie Roasted Peanuts

For years I thought “Why in the world do I need a rotisserie for any of my grills?” Well, my 20 year old gas grill reached the end, and I decided to get a rotisserie with my new grill. And boy howdy am I so glad that I did! Besides making (of course) chicken and ham, I also get to make really cool treats, like these rotisserie roasted peanuts! These nuts are perfectly roasted, with just the right crunch and just the right grilled flavor.

Rotisserie Roasted Peanuts

The Perfect Snack

You can make rotisserie roasted peanuts on either a gas or charcoal grill. If you’re using a gas grill don’t be afraid to add a few chunks of wood to get a bit of a smoky flavor. Don’t go crazy with it, though. You can also use a smoke box loaded with wood pellets or wood shavings. You can soak the shavings in water for 30 minutes before to keep them smoking longer.

I have a Weber rotisserie. To make these peanuts I purchased a rotisserie basket. I’ve found it to be a must-have with a rotisserie. It’s perfect for potatoes, chiles and of course, peanuts! The link to the basket can be found below the recipe.

Napoleon 64000 Rotisserie Basket Grill Accessory, Stainless Steel
Napoleon 64000 Rotisserie Basket Grill Accessory, Stainless Steel

Also try my smoked peanuts.

Rotisserie Roasted Peanuts
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5 from 1 vote

Rotisserie Roasted Peanuts

These nuts are perfectly roasted, with just the right crunch and just the right grilled flavor.

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword peanuts, rotisserie
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cool time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 485kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill with the rotisserie. You want the temperature at the rotisserie to be around 350 F.
  • Place the peanuts in your roasting basket and place onto the grill.
  • Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the shells start to turn darker in color. Do not let them get dark brown.
  • Remove and sprinkle with salt.
  • Let cool slightly then serve.

Notes

Use caution removing the peanuts from the rotisserie as the basket is very hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 633mg | Fiber: 8g | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2" Hexagon, 3/8" Hexagon, 3/8" Square&5/16" Square Rotisserie Spit Rods
onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Square&5/16″ Square Rotisserie Spit Rods

Grilled Chive Potatoes

Well now, these little bites of yumminess didn’t last long. Grilled chive potatoes didn’t take long to make either. Creamy and tender inside, the potatoes had nice crispy skin. Covered in butter and chives, with just a hint of lemon,  each one was sooooo good. I grilled the potatoes, but you can make them in the oven just as easily. I used baby potatoes but fingerlings would be just as great, just as creamy!

Grilled Chive Potatoes

Perfect As They Are

What will I do different next time I grill some grilled chive potatoes? Probably nothing. Oh I might add a pinch of red pepper flake but that’s it. They don’t need anything else. Doubling the recipe would be a good idea. The potatoes are really great leftover. I like to heat a bit of oil in a cast iron skillet and get it real hot. Add the potatoes and get them warmed up. They get a nice additional crunch to them!

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making this dish. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

If you don’t have fresh chives just use green onions instead.

Also try my grilled Ranch potatoes.

Grilled Chive Potatoes
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Grilled Chive Potatoes

Well now, these little bites of yumminess didn’t last long. Grilled chive potatoes didn’t take long to make either. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 168kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes and reduce the heat to a gentle boil and let boil until the potatoes are just starting to turn tender, 10-15 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Slice into halves.
  • Fire up your grill for medium-high direct grilling.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and stir in the chives and lemon juice.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the potatoes to the grill, cut-side down and let grill until just starting to turn golden brown and getting just a little char around the edges.
  • Brush lightly with the butter mixture.
  • Remove potatoes and transfer to a serving bowl or platter.
  • Drizzle with remaining butter mixture and serve.

Notes

You can also use Russet potatoes cut in halves or quarters.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex

There are two choices when it comes to making ‘fried’ chicken using a Vortex. You can make your own batter from scratch or you can use a mix from the store. I’ve done both time and time again and have never ever been disappointed. This time I picked up a box of Fry Krisp Krispy Country chicken mix. It’s the easiest mix in the world, giving you nicely crunchy, juicy, flavorful chicken in less than an hour with no oil used for frying. This Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex was amazing.

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex

Amazingly Good

When I make Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex I like to brush my chicken with just a bit of oil just before I pull it off the grill. It gives the chicken a bit more crunch and coats any leftover batter that might be hanging around. It’s completely optional, but I always do it. This really tastes like fried chicken.

VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size - For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg
VORTEX (IN)DIRECT HEAT for Charcoal Grills, Medium Size – For Weber Kettle 22 26.75 WSM Smokey Mountain XL Kamado XL Big Green Egg

Also try my easy Cajun fried chicken using the Vortex.

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Krispy Country Chicken using the Vortex

The easiest mix in the world, giving you nicely crunchy, juicy, flavorful chicken in less than an hour with no oil used for frying.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword fried chicken, Vortex
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4
Calories 249kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill with the Vortex BBQ. Let the coals get good and hot.
  • Prepare chicken per package instructions.
  • Transfer chicken to your grill grate around the Vortex and cook until done, about 45 minutes.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with oil the last 5 minutes of cooking to get a crispier skin.

Notes

You can use your favorite chicken cuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 218mg | Vitamin A: 162IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado - 3 PC
Genuine Medium BBQ Vortex GIFT PACK for wsm Kettle 22 26.75 Big Green Egg kamado – 3 PC

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

My wife and I were grabbing lunch at one of our local favorite pizza joints not long ago. The lunch special comes with a small side salad. For the dressing my wife went with the balsamic smoked honey vinaigrette. I was intrigued. She was intrigued. Smoked honey? You know, that has to be good. Well, it was. It was “bring me a bottle of that dressing so I can drink it” good. Of course, that means I had to make a version of it when I got home.

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

A Different Kind Of Dressing

This is a great, simple dressing without the smoked honey. With it, this balsamic smoked honey vinaigrette becomes something a bit different. The smoke flavor isn’t overwhelming, but it’s there. Depending on the honey that you use, I recommend adding just a bit at first and tasting to see if you want to add more. Me, I want that smokiness up front and center. You might now.

Smoked honey is fun to cook with. I like substituting it for ‘regular’ honey in any recipe that calls for it.

Check out my new site, Dress My Salad, for more great salad dressing ideas!

Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)
Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)

Also try my blue cheese vinaigrette.

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Balsamic Smoked Honey Vinaigrette

Smoked honey? You know, that has to be good. Well, it was. It was “bring me a bottle of that dressing so I can drink it” good.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword honey, vinaigrette
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1273kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 1273kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 108g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 2346mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 79g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

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)

Smoked Pecans

My goodness, me, there went my self-control again. Good thing I made two big batches of these smoked pecans because a lot of them were sacrificed in the name of ‘quality control’. The nuts are smoked just enough. There is a such thing as too much smoke on nuts. You don’t want it to be overwhelming, but you do want to still taste smoke. Otherwise, you can’t call them smoked pecans!

Smoked Pecans

Change Them Up

I used two different spice mixtures for the smoked pecans. The first batch I made a somewhat sweet, southwestern-inspired mix. It was a great balance of flavors, and one enjoyed by everyone. The second version I went a bit spicier (but not too spicy) route. It’s the same as the first mix, but with cayenne instead of cinnamon. People often shy away when they see ‘spicy’, but I found them to have just a hint of a kick and a little sweetness.

A grill basket makes getting these little yummies on and off my grill easy.

Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket

If you just finished smoking ribs, pork, whatever, on your smoker and still have some fire, smoked pecans are a great way to use up the rest of that smoke time. Never waste it, I say!

Also try my smoked pistachios.

Smoked Pecans
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3.67 from 3 votes

Smoked Pecans

My goodness, me, there went my self-control again. Good thing I made two big batches of these smoked pecans because a lot of them were sacrificed in the name of ‘quality control’.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword nuts, smoked
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling time 30 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 769kcal
Author Steven Raichlen

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shelled raw pecans
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted

Spice mixture

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoke for 250 F. Use a fruit wood, such as apple, or pecan. Since the smoking time is short compared to say, smoking ribs, I recommend using extra wood to generate more smoke than you might usually.
  • Place the nuts in a disposable aluminum pan. Drizzle with the melted butter and stir to coat.
  • Combine the spice mixture ingredients and sprinkle over the nuts. Stir to coat.
  • Place the pan onto the smoker and smoke 60 minutes. Stir the nuts every 15 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the smoker and let the nuts cool completely before serving. On the off chance you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container.

Notes

For a spicy version, substitute cayenne pepper for the cinnamon.

Nutrition

Calories: 769kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 77g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 1167mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 746IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Rotisserie Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Boneless Ham

I recently bought a new gas grill, retiring (at least for now) one I’d had for 19 years and had used almost 4,000 times. This time, I got a grill with a rotisserie. I didn’t think I’d need one, but I’d been looking forward to trying some new things, like this rotisserie pineapple bourbon glazed boneless ham.

Rotisserie Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Boneless Ham

Perfect For Sandwiches

I chose a boneless ham because I wanted to slice the end result thin and use it for sandwiches. Normally I’d score my ham, but I’ve found that scoring makes it very difficult to slice so thin. I still got that wonderful pineapple flavor, with just a hint of bourbon. It was delicious!

You can use this same approach on any pre-cooked ham, smoked or not. I found this rotisserie pineapple bourbon glazed boneless ham to be absolutely delicious. I could not stop ‘sampling’ the slices as I cut them. The thin slices were for sandwiches. The thicker ones will find their way into omelets and yes, even homemade Spam!

If you don’t have a long basting brush, I recommend that you get one! The longer the better, and the less you’ll get burned! And remember, any time your basting, if you touch raw meat with the brush you must wash it before using it on cooked meat later!

Heavy-duty BBQ Basting Brush by HQY - Silicone Bristles with 12 Inch Stainless Steel Handle - Make Grilling Easy - 5 Year Guarantee
Heavy-duty BBQ Basting Brush by HQY – Silicone Bristles with 12 Inch Stainless Steel Handle – Make Grilling Easy – 5 Year Guarantee

Also try my Brazilian rotisserie pineapple.

Rotisserie Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Boneless Ham
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Rotisserie Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Boneless Ham

You can use this approach on any pre-cooked ham, smoked or not. I found this rotisserie pineapple bourbon glazed boneless ham to be absolutely delicious. I could not sampling the slices as I cut them.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword ham, rotisserie
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 7 pounds
Calories 1278kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking. You're aiming for a cook temperature around 350 F.
  • Carefully feed the ham onto the rotisserie and secure the ends.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the mustard and rosemary.
  • Rub the mixture all over the ham.
  • Turn on the rotisserie, close the grill and cook for 15 minutes.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the juice, sugar and bourbon.
  • Brush onto all sides of the ham. Save a little of the mixture for the last glaze.
  • Continue cooking another 15-30 minutes or until the ham reaches 140 F.
  • Brush with remaining glaze, carefully remove from the grill, and let rest 15 minutes before removing from the rotisserie and slicing.

Notes

This ham makes for the best sandwiches.

Nutrition

Calories: 1278kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 98g | Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 281mg | Sodium: 5468mg | Potassium: 1392mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2" Hexagon, 3/8" Hexagon, 3/8" Square&5/16" Square Rotisserie Spit Rods
onlyfire 6042 BBQ Stainless Steel Flat Spit Rotisserie Grill Basket for Any Grill, Fits 1/2″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Hexagon, 3/8″ Square&5/16″ Square Rotisserie Spit Rods

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

I’ve made this creamy, tasty, bacony loaded baked potato salad twice now. And I’m not ashamed to admit that the second time I made it, I unintentionally made a boo-boo. I was relying on my (fading) memory, and completely forgot to bake the salad. Well, you know what? It was just as fantastic as the baked version! Either way, I felt like I was biting into a seriously loaded up baked potato (my favorite kind). So hot or cold, dig in!

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

The Perfect Picnic Salad

Just about any potato will do in this loaded baked potato salad, but I tend to use Yukons because they add a very buttery flavor. I also prefer to steam my potato chunks instead of boil them. Tossing and beating and bagging around in a pot is a good way to turn a nice square potato piece into a marble-looking potato in no time.

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)

This recipe uses shredded cheese. I always hand-shred my cheese. It’s so much better than using the pre-shredded stuff!

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Speaking of baked potatoes, try my go-to, never-failed technique for making the perfect baked potato.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Just about any potato will do in this loaded baked potato salad, but I tend to use Yukons because they add a very buttery flavor. I also prefer to steam my potato chunks instead of boil them. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword potato salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 866kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 potatoes peeled, cubed
  • 4 potatoes unpeeled, cubed
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 6 slices bacon cooked, chopped, divided
  • 6 green onions chopped, divided
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 16 ounces sour cream
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the potatoes and cook until just soft.
  • Drain well.
  • Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.
  • Add all of the remaining ingredients, reserving some of the crumbled bacon, green onions and cheese.
  • Fold to combine.

To serve cold

  • Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Serve topped with reserved bacon, green onions and cheese.

To serve hot

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Transfer potato mixture to a baking dish.
  • Top with reserved bacon, green onions and cheese.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes.
  • Add bacon, onions and cheese (reserve some of each for top).
  • Mix with potatoes.
  • Pour into baking dish.
  • Top with reserved cheese, onions, and bacon.
  • Bake 350 for 10-15 minutes (until cheese melts).

Notes

Note: I prefer to steam my potatoes so that they keep their shape better, but boiling them is just fine.

Nutrition

Calories: 866kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1471mg | Potassium: 1425mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1007IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 402mg | 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)

Green Enchilada Sauce

Hatch chiles can be hard to come by here in Indiana. And when they are here, I grab a big batch of them. I love roasting them. They are great in lots of lots of dishes, and especially in green enchilada sauce. The flavor the chiles add is amazing. This is not an ordinary enchilada sauce. It’s fantastic!

Green Enchilada Sauce

If you are unable to find and roast Hatch chiles, roasted green chiles from a can are a fine substitute. You may want to drain the chiles first if they come in a lot of liquid. Hatch chiles have a different flavor and they are definitely worth seeking out to make this green enchilada sauce.

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

As far as the amount of cumin in this recipe goes, I’d say use your own tastes as a guide. I rather like cumin, but my wife does not so I cut back on it quite a bit. The sauce was still fantastic.

Try this great sauce on some enchilada wings for something totally different!

Green Enchilada Sauce
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Green Enchilada Sauce

Hatch chiles are great in lots of lots of dishes, and specially in green enchilada sauce. The flavor the chiles add is amazing. This is not an ordinary enchilada sauce. It’s fantastic!
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sauce, southwestern
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 cups
Calories 58kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Pinch and Swirl

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in the large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and jalapeno and cook until just starting to soften.
  • Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes, stirring.
  • Add the chiles, cumin and water.
  • Stir and let simmer 10 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Working in batches, blend the mixture in a blender or food processor until the desired texture is achieved.
  • Store in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for later use.

Notes

Simmer longer if you want a thicker sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 418mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 34mg | 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)

Copycat Max and Erma’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad

There’s a Max and Erma’s restaurant right next door to the Premium Outlet Mall in Edinburgh, Indiana. We make it a point to stop by for lunch or dinner there whenever we can. Plus, you get to sit while you eat and after a few hours at the mall, you need that. Nine times out of ten I order the Santa Fe chicken salad. It’s a huge salad, with just the right toppings, and really, really good chicken. And when I’m not at the outlet mall, I can make what I think is a pretty darned good copycat Max and Erma’s Santa Fe chicken salad. It’s the same as the restaurant favorite, made at home without a lot of fuss.

Copycat Max and Erma's Santa Fe Chicken Salad

One Of My Favorite Salads

You can substitute chicken tenders for the chicken breast if you wish. I like my chicken a bit spicy so I load up on the hot sauce. Feel free to adjust to your taste. The chicken itself is outstanding.

To get the fancy dressing swirls on my copycat Max and Erma’s Santa Fe chicken salad I put some Ranch in a squeeze bottle with three nozzles and go to town on it. Hey, it’s fun.

Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.

Also try my Southern Fried chicken salad and my copycat of Olive Garden’s salad mix.

Copycat Max and Erma's Santa Fe Chicken Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Max and Erma’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad

You can substitute chicken tenders for the chicken breast if you wish. I like my chicken a bit spicy so I load up on the hot sauce. Feel free to adjust to your taste. The chicken itself is outstanding.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken salad, copycat, southwestern
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 472kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the salad

  • greens iceberg, green leaf, and/or red leaf lettuce, rinsed and patted dry
  • Fried chicken, from below
  • shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • tomatoes chopped or sliced
  • Tortilla strips
  • Ranch dressing

For the fried chicken

Instructions

For the salad

  • Divide lettuce between two large plates.
  • Add the chicken, cheeses, tomatoes, and tortilla strips.
  • Drizzle with dressing and serve.

For the fried chicken

  • Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces or strips, as desired. Transfer to a bowl or pie pan.
  • Stir in the buttermilk and hot sauce. Let marinate for 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
  • Combine the flour, salt, black pepper, chipotle chile powder, oregano and cumin and place into another pie pan.
  • Heat 2" of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Working in batches, remove chicken from the buttermilk. Shake off the excess and then coat well in the flour mixture. Return the chicken pieces to the buttermilk and turn to coat. Shake off the excess and again coat in the flour mixture.
  • Fry 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, turning once.
  • Remove to a wire rack or paper towel-lined to cool slightly and drain.

Notes

I serve this salad with Ranch dressing. 

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 179mg | Sodium: 1466mg | Potassium: 712mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 530IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 4mg

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)

Old Colony Chicken on 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’ve said it hundreds of times. Chicken cooked on the Char-Broil Big Easy is a fantastic thing. It doesn’t take much effort and no fancy ingredients are required. I like to peruse the marinades at the grocery store, grabbing whatever strikes my fancy. This time my fancy had me using Old Colony Sauce. Often used for steaks, it’s also a fantastic marinade for chicken, adding a light Worcestershire-like flavor and tons of juiciness.

Old Colony Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

The Perfect Chicken Marinade

Old Colony sauce isn’t loaded up with sugar or honey, which is important when you are cooking on the Big Easy. Since the Big Easy cooks at a high temperature, marinades or sauces containing sugar or honey will tend to burn. You have to save those for saucing at the very end of your cooking, once the meat is almost done, so you don’t risk charred food.

As you can see, Old Colony sauce produced some mighty fine looking chicken (I used split chicken breasts), with great color and flavor throughout. Old Colony Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy is superb!

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Also try my State Fair chicken and my Rib Rack chicken, also made on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

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

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Old Colony Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 2 votes

Old Colony Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Often used for steaks, Old Colony is also a fantastic marinade for chicken, adding a light Worcestershire-like flavor and tons of juiciness.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 258kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken into a resealable bag or container.
  • Add marinade to taste. Toss to coat.
  • Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, turning occasionally.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Transfer the chicken to the Big Easy basket.
  • Cook for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until it reaches 165 F as checked in several places.
  • Remove and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can use whatever chicken cuts you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Protein: 48g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 836mg | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket