For many years, I’ve made Italian-style chicken cacciatore and was always happy with the results. However, I recently came across a recipe that was much better than any chicken cacciatore I’ve made before. It’s a recipe from Chris Bianco, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of the much-lauded Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix. His cookbook titled simply Bianco: Pizza, Pasta, and … [Read more...]
Black Pepper Chicken
This simple recipe is an adaptation of one of Food & Wine’s most popular recipes - one of their 40 Best. Caramelized chicken melds with Vietnamese flavors in this delicious, sweet & spicy dish that cooks in a mere matter of minutes. Ingredients: 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup nam pla (fish sauce) 1/4 cup water 3 Tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp. minced … [Read more...]
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
Every summer my wife and I grow Thai holy basil and fiery Thai chilies in our garden. This recipe for chicken with basil and Thai chilies is a really good one if you like your food spicy. Serve with jasmine rice. Ingredients: 1 Tbsp oyster sauce 2 tsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp sugar 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces … [Read more...]
Chicken with White Wine Sauce
Whenever I’m eating in France, one of the things I love is how French cooks can transform a simple chicken, cut into parts, into a divine dinner. The chicken is usually sauteed and then served with a light wine sauce. It's a very simple method of keeping the chicken tender and juicy while also imparting rich flavor. Here is a recipe I use at home frequently. Ingredients: … [Read more...]
Simple & Easy Chicken Parmesan
One of my favorite Italian-American comfort foods is chicken parmigiana - or, chicken parmesan as it’s usually known in this country. This recipe will serve 4 people, but it can easily be doubled if you need more portions. Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cut in half (4 pieces total) salt freshly ground black pepper 1 large egg 1 cup dried … [Read more...]
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
To be honest, I was skeptical about the value of air fryers for years, thinking they were just the latest pointless kitchen appliance fad. But I recently read an article by a chef I have a lot of respect for heralding the usefulness of air fryers. So, after doing some research I went out and bought one. And I have to admit, the results have been pretty great. I’ve been cooking … [Read more...]
Simple Roasted Chicken
One thing that really separates good cooks from not-so-good, is the ability to roast a chicken properly. You’d be surprised how many professional chefs and cooks can’t. It’s deceptively easy, but cooking the meat - especially the breast - so it’s tender and juicy while also creating a beautiful, crispy skin requires attention to detail and technique. This is one of my … [Read more...]
Chicken Amatriciana
Pasta Amatriciana is a classic Roman dish with sauce made from tomatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, seasonings, and usually pancetta or guanciale. This version of Amatriciana is made heartier with the addition of chicken thighs and legs. Ingredients: 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4 chicken legs, bone-in 4 chicken thighs, bone-in 1 Tbsp kosher Salt 28 ounces … [Read more...]
Easy Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore is an easy to make dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. It’s essentially an Italian-style chicken fricassee with tomatoes. This version of chicken cacciatore couldn't be easier to make, but has a deep, rich flavor. I like to serve it with thick pasta or noodles to enjoy with the sauce and I also add some red chili flakes to give it a little kick, but … [Read more...]
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I’m pretty certain that at PF Chang’s restaurants the chicken lettuce wraps are the most popular menu item. I sure do love ‘em. Well, the recipe for the chain’s wraps is a closely guarded secret, but I think this one comes pretty close. One difference is that I prefer not to include the crispy rice sticks that are used at PF Chang’s as filler, but you could add them … [Read more...]