Showing posts with label peppers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peppers. Show all posts

Monday, March 23, 2020

Cajun Chicken Pasta (Whole30)

I've made this twice in the last week- its that good.  The sauce is super spicy and perfect with the peppers, zucchini, and chicken.  I made a few changes in the recipe because of which meat I chose, but you can stick with the original if you'd like.  

Cajun Chicken Pasta

  1. 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (depending on your tolerance for spicy)
  2. 1 tsp. black pepper
  3. 1/2 tsp. salt
  4. 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
  5. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  6. 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary leaves
  7. 1/8 tsp. dried oregano leaves
  8. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can add any meat you like here- beef, chicken, sausage, shrimp, etc.  I used Aidell's Chicken and Apple Links and it was perfection!)
  9. 1/4-1/2 cup arrowroot starch (less if you're using the chicken links)
  10. 2-4 tbsp. olive oil
  11. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  12. 1 tbsp. ghee
  13. 2 tsp. lemon
  14. 1 cup chicken broth
  15. 2-3 zucchinis, spiralized (If you have the option, spiralize the noodles on the wider setting)
  16. 1 red bell pepper, diced large (I used all of the peppers I had in the fridge, which was ALOT)
  17. 1/4 onion, sliced thinly (I diced these smaller)
  18. 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional- I didn't use them)
  19. 2 tbsp. olive oil
  20. salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Combine all of the spices (cayenne, black pepper, salt, red pepper, thyme, rosemary and oregano) in a small bowl. Set Aside.  If you're using chicken links, skip to step 6
  2. Place a boneless, skinless chicken breast on a cutting board. Hold it flat with the palm of one hand and, with a chef's knife in the other hand, carefully slice it in half horizontally to make a thinner breast of chicken. Cut all of the chicken breasts this way.
  3. Season the chicken, to taste, on both sides with a little salt and pepper.
  4. Pour arrowroot into a bowl or plate and dredge the chicken in the arrowroot so that it is just coated on both sides. Set aside on a plate while you continue to coat all of the chicken in the arrowroot.
  5. Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet. sear the chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side and, when the chicken is browned set aside on a plate. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to do this in two batches and you may need to add more olive oil if your skillet dries out. Your chicken does not need to be cooked through, just golden brown. It will continue to cook in the sauce in a minute.
  6. Reduce heat on the skillet to medium-low. Add the tbsp. ghee and melt.
  7. Add minced garlic to the skillet and saute for 1minute, being careful not to burn.
  8. Pour in the broth, lemon juice and the spice mixture, stir to combine. Nestle chicken cutlets (or put chicken links with 1 Tbs. arrowroot starch or corn starch for thickness) back into the sauce and reduce heat so that it is simmering. Simmer in the sauce until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
  9. Meanwhile, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp. olive oil and add the red bell pepper and onion and saute for about 4 minutes. Add in the mushrooms and continue to saute for another 4 minutes. Be sure to season with salt and pepper, to taste. Now, add in the zucchini noodles and saute until just tender, about 2 minutes, being careful not to over cook as they can get watery.
  10. Pour chicken and sauce over the noodle mixture, serve and enjoy!

Monday, January 1, 2018

Hot Mexican Street Corn Dip

I made this dip last night for a New Year's Party and it was a huge hit.  Its definitely a BIG indulgence, but so worth it.  Everyone loved it!

Hot Mexican Street Corn Dip

16 oz (2 blocks) light cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced (I used the frozen garlic at Trader Joe's)
2 Tbs. Franks red hot sauce (or other wing sauce)
Juice from one lime (about 2 Tbs)
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
16 oz. bag frozen corn, thawed (I used TJ's frozen grilled corn)
4 oz. low fat feta cheese
1 jalapeno pepper, diced (leave seeds in for more heat)
2 Tbs. red onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for topping)

Preheat oven to 350.  In a high-powered blender (used my Vitamix) mix the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, hot sauce, lime juice, and 1 cup of pepper jack.  Blend until fully combined into a sauce.  Scoop into a large bowl and then add remaining ingredients.  Stir to combine. Pour mixture into a prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes (longer if corn isn't thawed), or until hot and bubbly.  Garnish with more cilantro, feta and hot sauce, if desired.  Serve with chips and enjoy!