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Barbeque, Chicken, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes

Grilled Chicken Breast Marinade

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This Grilled Chicken Breast Marinade tenderizes the chicken that is then grilled to perfection and served with Jalapeno Peach Salsa that your sure to love.

Perfect Summer meal idea for your next barbecue or family cookout!

If you like your chicken moist and juicy then you will love this recipe, added with just a hint of  sweet/spicy flavors then you can’t go wrong here.

HOW GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS

  • In order to make the best grilled chicken you will want to start by Marinating it the night prior or for at least 2 hours prior. 
  • The trick to grilling the best chicken breasts is in the marinade and the length of time that you marinade the chicken.
  • Along with the temperature at which you grill it, you will not want to burn the chicken rather cooking it at a slow medium heat is best. 

HOW LONG TO GRILL CHICKEN BREAST

Till it is no longer pink inside, ideally 9-10 minutes.  Then you will have the most moist and juicy chicken breast ever!

If you follow those tips alone you are sure to prepare the best grilled chicken breasts. Also feel free to use bone in breasts as well, those work for this recipe well also. 

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN

  1. Marinate– Overnight or for 6-8 hours. 
  2. Grill– you can grill the chicken inside or outside. I used a stove top grill for mine!

You can serve these chicken breasts alongside a bed of grilled asparagus, salad or some other vegetable of your liking. 

IS GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST HEALTHY 

YES, because you are using no fat to make it. Your just allowing the heat from the grill to cook it!

Come summer I like to get my hands on a basket of fresh peaches and then will make the best “Jalapeno Peach Salsa“ there really is just nothing like it.

I have yet to find any restaurant that has ever been able to compare with the homemade stuff!

This salsa is amazing and can be enjoyed with nachos and over grilled chicken or pork chops. 

If you have never tried it, I encourage you to give it a go.  

You will just love the way the hints of spice from the Jalapeno peppers along with the sweetness from the fresh peaches merge to create the best salsa ever. 

First you will want to prepare the salsa in advance and store it in the fridge for more than one hour.

This really helps the flavors to set into the peaches and makes for an excellent topping to these chicken breasts.

Looking for another popular chicken breast recipe?  

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, your visits and your comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Chicken, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Chinese Ginger Chicken

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This Chinese Ginger Chicken stir fry goes great alongside a warm bowl of Jasmine rice and can be made in less than 20 minutes. You can use just about any type of vegetable also, today I choose celery!

This recipe calls for a fair amount of celery, and is gluten free. However you can add other fresh vegetables if you prefer.

Such as diced carrots, snow peas, broccoli etc.

I have tried many different vegetable varieties and really am fond of using just celery for this dish. While my partner much prefers it with red and green peppers, to each their own.

Also it’s very important to use fresh ginger, the fresher the better. If you do not have that on hand you can use powdered however it’s just not as good.

Also it’s best to use a wok or  frying pan to make this, besides that there really is no special technique to this dish.

You are just simply making the sauce, prepare the vegetables and chicken and you’re good to go.

Healthy and easy chinese food can be made at home any night of the week.

So get out your chopsticks prepare some rice on the side and enjoy fresh homemade chinese at home 🙂

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

Chicken, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Authentic Chicken Chow Mein

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Skip the takeout tonight and make this Authentic Chicken Chow Mein in less than 30 minutes! 

Looking for another dish to serve alongside this? Try my Peppered Beef Steak or my Black Pepper Shrimp

What makes my Chicken Chow Mein authentic? Well you are just going to have to read on to find out. The hardest part about making homemade Chow Mein is “chopping those vegetables”. Once you have that part done, along with marinating the chicken.

WHERE TO BUY CHOW MEIN NOODLES

Typically fresh Chow Mein noodles can be found in the fresh isles of your supermarket and the dry in the international isle.  This recipe can also be made with just about any meat such as Chinese pork, beef or shrimp. OR make it vegetarian, which is also fantastic too!

Plus, if you like a little more heat to your dish then feel free to add some red pepper chili flakes or some fresh chili paste during the cooking process.

I have experimented with a few Chow Mein recipes over the years and promise you your going to love this one.

It contains a few fresh ingredients such as whole chicken breasts, shredded cabbage, Bok choy, green onions, carrots and fresh Cho Mein noodles.

You can always use dried Chow Mein noodles those will produce a more crispy chow Mein. I like to make it both ways so that part is up to you!

So what makes this Chow Mein authentic?

It is the fresh Cho Mein noodles which are tossed in the most delicious sauce. Along with the shredded ingredients! You may be more familiar with chopped carrots, however most authentic dishes call for those carrots to be shredded. 

Chow Mein is one of my favorite Asian dishes, I will order it Everytime I go to my favorite Asian restaurant and I will also order it when I try new Asian restaurants.

Some restaurants make their Chow Mein better than others, typically it has allot to do with the type of ingredients that are added to the noodles.

My all time favorite Chow Mein dish would have to be seafood then chicken, today I am sharing the chicken one.

Very soon I will share how I make the seafood one, which contains fresh calamari and shrimp.

I like to make my Chow Mein with fresh steamed noodles sometime and did for this recipe. However both steamed and dry are good and will work well for this recipe.

Note: Using a low sodium chicken stock and soya sauce will cut down on the salt intake for this dish.

Also if your wanting a crispy chow mein stir fry, then see this recipe below will suit your taste!

The Vegetables are also chopped different and their is broccoli added: Spicy Crispy Chicken Chow Mein

Serve this Chow Mein alongside this popular “Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe”

The best way to get ahold of me is through the comments! I absolutely love hearing from my readers, and I respond to each and every comment I receive.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Black Bean Beef Stir fry

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This Black Bean Beef Stir fry is made with a pre-made black bean sauce making it an easy dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. 

Want another Black Bean recipe? Try my black bean chicken stir fry

Making this Black Bean Beef Stir fry is easy because it uses a pre-made sauce. There are a few pre-made black bean sauces on the market. My favorite is Lee Kum Kee Black Bean Garlic Sauce. 

I used to order this dish every time from our local Chinese restaurant,

Making at home myself save a ton of money vs ordering takeout. Plus, I like to add more peppers than most restaurants add, making it all the more better. 

You can add more peppers or onions as desired. Make them thin or thick as preferred!

WHAT IS BLACK BEAN BEEF

It is a popular Chinese dish that has marinated beef and vegetables all cooked together in fermented black bean sauce. 

HOW TO MAKE BLACK BEAN BEEF

  • You want to use either a Wok or Large frying pan
  • Then you will want to either have sliced beef or slice it yourself and place it into a shallow bowl to marinade (see recipe card below for marinating instructions) 
  • Once the beef has marinaded add it to the wok and sauté till cooked, remove and set aside
  • Add in the vegetables along with beef stock and black bean sauce and sauté on medium heat till the vegetables are tender
  • Toss back in the beef and toss all together to serve!

This delicious and authentic stir fry takes less than 30 minutes to make too, so what are you waiting for.

IS BLACK BEAN BEEF HEALTHY

Yes, it is packed full of fermented black beans, veggies and lean beef. 

Follow along for a mouthwatering dinner that everyone is sure to love.

This dish can be made with shrimp or chicken too which is also amazing. I had to do this dish right, so I tried it a couple dozen recipes from many sources to come up with my favorite version.

It has all the flavors you have come to know and love in a black bean sauce, and goes great served over rice.

Start by cooking your rice, because the rest takes less than 15 minutes. I like to use a mini rice cooker, just set it and forget it.

Then you will want to start with chopping the vegetables first, then setting them aside. Cut your steak into slices and place in a large frying pan or wok, sauteing till the beef is no longer pink. 

I don’t know about you but this vegetable mixture is perfect, some people like to add snow peas, and other veggies but that is not very authentic if you ask me. This is one of my favorite dishes and healthy too! 

The fantastic flavors of garlic and black bean sauce gives this dish it’s amazing flavor, and the cornstarch helps to thicken it up just right. Even though there is garlic already in the black bean sauce, it is still nice to add 2 more cloves.

You will hardly notice it since the balance of the other flavors mellows it out nicely, so don’t be afraid to add more garlic.

I hope you give it a try. There really isn’t much too it!

This healthy meal is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters, serve alongside a big bowl of jasmine rice. 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

Chicken, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Black Bean Chicken Stir Fry

Skip the takeout tonight and try making this Black Bean Chicken Stir Fry instead. It comes together in less than 30 minutes and is inexpensive to make.

Wanting another popular Chinese recipes to serve alongside this dish? Try my Chinese Squid or my Mushroom Fried Rice

Skip the take out, this tasty dish can be served in under 30 minutes.

Making this Black Bean Beef Stir fry is easy because it uses a pre-made sauce. There are a few pre-made black bean sauces on the market. My favorite is Lee Kum Kee Black Bean Garlic Sauce. 

WHAT IS BLACK BEAN CHICKEN

It is a popular Chinese dish that has marinated chicken and vegetables all cooked together in fermented black bean sauce. 

My dish here is made with red and green peppers, onions and chicken and then is tossed in a tasty black bean sauce.

I don’t know about you but this vegetable mixture is perfect, however you can add mushrooms, broccoli or snow peas if you like too!

HOW TO MAKE BLACK BEAN CHICKEN 

You will want to start by cooking your rice, and then marinating your chicken.

Because the rest takes less than 15 minutes. I like to use a mini rice cooker, just set it and forget it.

  • Start by marinating he chicken first in water and cornstarch mixture then fry it in oil over medium heat just enough to cook it.
  • Next remove it from the wok/pan to sauté the vegetables in a black bean sauce mixture for a while.
  • Just before adding back together with the cooked chicken sauté all together for a few minutes before serving. Pretty easy huh!

This delicious and authentic stir fry takes less than 30 minutes to make too, so what are you waiting for. 

Follow along for a mouthwatering dinner that everyone is sure to love.

Then simply chop up all the vegetables and cook according to the instructions below. 

The fantastic flavors of garlic and black bean sauce gives this dish it’s amazing flavor, and the cornstarch helps to thicken it up just right.

Even though there is garlic already in the black bean sauce, it is still nice to add 2 more cloves.

You will hardly notice it since the balance of the other flavors mellows it out nicely, so don’t be afraid to add more garlic.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

I’m so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe I’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

Christmas & Thanksgiving, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Easter

Roasted Leg of Lamb (Greek Kleftiko)

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You have not truly tried traditional Greek food, until you tried a Roasted Leg Of Lamb, also known as Lamb Kleftiko.

And you don’t have to wait till Easter to serve either, this recipe is so good you will be sure to crave it just as often as the Greeks do in Cypress.

If you follow this recipe to a tea, you will have the most juicy and tender leg of lamb you ever tasted. 

The size of your leg you make depends on how many you are cooking for.

A 6 pound leg of lamb will feed about 8 people so you can judge by this what weight you will need.

I am using 3 pound leg which will feed a family of three to four. 

HOW TO MAKE GREEK LAMB KLEFTIKO 

  1. If your lamb leg is frozen, start by defrosting it in the bottom of the fridge anywhere from 24-48 hours (if fresh skipped this step)
  2. Next prepare your marinade. In a bowl, mix your crushed garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  3. Lay your lamb out on the counter, and season on both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Then take your knife and make slits all over the leg, front and back.
  5. Place the lamb now on a long piece of parchment paper and make a boat around it to hold in the marinade.
  6. Massage the marinade all over the lamb, making sure to get some of the marinade in the slits.
  7. Place the wrapped leg in the bottom of your roasting pan, and allow it to marinade overnight in the fridge.

HOW TO COOK LAMB KLEFTIKO 

  1. The next morning, take your lamb out and allow it to sit on the counter for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
  2. Open up the parchment paper, and pour in your “Chicken Stock” around the leg (try not to pour it all over the leg) rather around. As you don’t want to remove the seasonings.
  3. Now with a little bit of tinfoil cover the ends of the leg to ensure the parchment paper does not fold away.
  4. Preheat your oven to 425 f (convection ovens) or 450 for (standard ovens) for 30 minutes, then lower it to 325 f (conventional ovens) or 350 for (standard ovens) and allow it to bake for 3 1/2 hours.
  5. Once cooked, remove from the oven and open the paper to baste the lamb with the remaining juices.
  6. Place back in the oven for 30 more minutes uncovered till browned. (You may want to add a bit more liquid) totally up to you.
  7. Once done, remove the leg and drain the broth directly into a gravy holder.
  8. Allow it to rest 30 minutes before serving and serve with that delicious broth, adjust to taste.

Note: You can add potatoes into the parchment paper. I like to serve my lamb with pita bread, either are great ways to sop up that delicious gravy. Goes great with my Greek Tzatziki sauce too.

Serve with some warm pitas to mop up that amazing gravy!

You can also serve with mash potatoes and any vegetable of your liking.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe

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This Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe is my go to recipe for whenever I’m craving a good Cashew Chicken dinner.

Looking for another similar Chinese recipe? Try my Kung Pao Chicken with Brussel Sprouts.

It tastes just like those in the restaurants, however it can be really tweaked to your personal liking.

So if you like more cashews add those, more broccoli vs carrots add those and so on. 

I have experimented with a few Cashew Chicken recipes over the years and promise you your going to love this one.

I’m the type of lady that has to try every Cashew Chicken dish whenever we go out to eat. I do this to compare really. And this recipe really rises above the rest!

So go ahead and Skip the takeout tonight and learn to make this iconic dish in the comfort of your own home. Impress yourself, I know you can do it!

Cashew Chicken is one of my favorite Thai dishes, I will order it everytime I go to a Thai restaurant. Some prepare it so well and others not. Sometimes you will find it to sweet and others will not have enough cashews or will just crush them making it hard to notice. 

So when I find a restaurant that does it well, I definitely will leave them a good review on tripadvisor. 

I love making this dish at home though, and that is because I can really tweak it to my liking. 

My dish is made with fresh chicken breasts, crispy broccoli, sliced carrots, fresh garlic and ginger and sauteed in an amazing asian sauce that you’re sure to love. 

All the ingredients found in this dish can be located at pretty much any large grocery. 

Once you learn to make this simple Cashew Chicken at home, you will be making it more often Guaranteed!

WHERE WAS CASHEW CHICKEN INVENTED

This is somewhat of a complicated question, today it is known to come from Thailand and is a very popular street food expectaill in Bangkok. However, most Thai people will say it was brought over by the chinese. 

IS CASHEW CHICKEN GLUTEN FREE

No, Cashew Chicken is not Gluten free. Because of the Oyster sauce and other asian ingredients listed.

IS CASHEW CHICKEN HEALTHY

Yes, just look at all those vegetables and lean chicken meat in this dish. Also it is a great meal option for those on a Keto Diet. Because it is made with Skinless Chicken breasts and an array of vegetables. 

The hardest part about making homemade Cashew Chicken is “chopping those vegetables”. Once you have that part done, the rest comes together in a snap.

This whole meal can be pulled together in less than 30 minutes.

HOW TO MAKE CASHEW CHICKEN STIR FRY

You can use a wok or skillet, I used a wok because that is what I had available. 

  • First you will want to start by rinsing and slicing the chicken then again into medium bite size pieces.
  • Then add the chicken to the bowl and marinade with cornstarch, salt and shaoxing wine.
  • For a minimum of 30 minutes in the fridge. 
  • Meanwhile, wash and prepare the vegetables. By dicing the broccoli florets along with the carrots. 
  • Then bring a wok/pan of water to a bowl, turn down the heat and add the broccoli florets in flipping over and over for 30 seconds.
  • Remove with a strainer and set aside.
  • Do the same with the carrots.
  • Once the vegetables have been simmered, keep the water in the wok/pan.
  • Then add in the chicken, be careful not to stir too much as you don’t want to marinade to all come off.
  • Simmer in the water for roughly 5 minutes till the chicken has poached
  • Remove the chicken, strain and set up top of the vegetables. 
  • Dump the water, then and the sauce to the same wok/pan.
  • Add back in the chicken and saute for 2 minutes before adding back in the vegetables. 
  • Saute all together adding in the cornstarch/water mixture and saute till thick for another 2 minutes
  • Serve and enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE CASHEW CHICKEN SAUCE

Some people use Hoisin sauce in there sauce, I prefer Oyster which makes it less sweet.

  • Oyster Sauce – feel free to use Hoisin
  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame oil
  • Shaoxing wine
  • Chicken stock or Vegetable
  • Sugar
  • White pepper

IS CASHEW CHICKEN SWEET

Cashew chicken should not be only sweet, however there are some places that make it sweet. Traditional Cashew Chicken should have a balance of flavors. Which make it sweet, spicy and savory!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CASHEW CHICKEN

Basmati rice goes really well alongside this dish.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

Notes: This recipe can also be made with just about any meat such as chinese pork, beef or shrimp.  Plus, if you like a little more heat to your dish then feel free to add some red pepper chili flakes or some fresh chili paste. 

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Chicken, Dinner ideas

Easy Baked Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

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These Easy Baked Lemon Chicken and Potatoes are cooked to perfection and smothered in a lemon, garlic sauce that is sure to impress.

I really like to use mini potatoes when I can for this recipe.

I find they really go well with this type of dish and make it look kind of fancy, don’t you?

Plus they are baked so soft that you can simply mash them with a fork which allows those mini potatoes to soak up all those delicious flavors. 

Looking for another awesome way to bake some Chicken Breasts? You may want to try this recipe for a Moist Baked Chicken Breast. 

Can I make this in my Instant Pot or Slow Cooker?

Absolutely!

And if you like your chicken moist and juicy then you will love this recipe.

In order to make the best baked lemon chicken you will want to start by adding the right ingredients though. 

How to make the best baked chicken and potatoes

  1. Marinate– You want to use the right amount of stock.
  2. Time – You do not want to bake them for more than 50 minutes.

This dish consist of fresh chicken breasts, fresh sage, lemon juice, onions, garlic and mini potatoes.

Oh and 1/2 cup of chicken stock which helps to create the most delicious potatoes.

If you follow those two tips alone you are sure to prepare the best grilled chicken breasts.

Also feel free to use bone in breasts as well, those work for this recipe well also. 

You can serve these baked lemon chicken breasts and potatoes alongside a bed of grilled asparagus, salad or some other vegetable of your if desired. 

Looking for another popular chicken breast recipe? 

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!