Chicken Dishes - Bites & Bevvies

March 7, 2023March 7, 2023

A General Tso Chicken Recipe So Good It’ll Become A Favorite

Ah, General Tso Chicken. The beloved Chinese-American dish that has become a staple in American Chinese restaurants. But did you know that the dish has a complicated history? In today’s post we’re going to walk through a little of the history of General Tso Chicken, and give you a great recipe so you can make your very own at home.

The dish itself is a combination of culinary influences from both China and the United States. It was created in the 1950s in Taiwan, and is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a 19th-century Chinese military leader. The original dish was made with deep-fried chicken pieces lightly coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.

However, the version of General Tso Chicken we know today was created in 1972 in New York City by Chinese-American chef, T.T. Wang. He changed the original recipe by adding more sugar and spice and eliminating the traditional deep-frying. This new version of the dish quickly became a staple in American Chinese restaurants.

Today, General Tso Chicken is a popular dish around the world. Its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors have made it a favorite of many foodies.

General Tso Chicken Ingredients:

-2 lbs chicken breast, diced
-1/2 cup cornstarch
-1/4 cup vegetable oil
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-1/4 cup white vinegar
-2 tablespoons sugar
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
-1 teaspoon sesame oil
-1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
-1/4 teaspoon white pepper
-1/4 cup scallions, diced

Kitchen Tools Needed:

-Large skillet
-Tongs
-Mixing bowl
-Whisk

Cook Time:

-Prep time: 10 minutes
-Cook time: 10 minutes

Cooking Instructions:

Add the chicken to a large mixing bowl and add the cornstarch. Toss to coat the chicken.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and white pepper.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Garnish with scallions and serve.

Garnishes:

-Scallions
-Sesame seeds
-Freshly chopped cilantro
-Sliced jalapeno peppers

How did it turn out? Anything you add or tweak to the recipe? Let us know in the comments.

Need some other great recipe ideas? Check out this list of great Asian recipes.

March 1, 2023March 1, 2023

Skip Takeout, Make This Great Kung Pao Chicken At Home

Who knew making Kung Pao Chicken at home could be so delicious and simple? We did! Check out this post and learn a little about this delicious dishes history and a great recipe to make your own.

Kung Pao Chicken is one of the most popular Chinese dishes around the world. Originally from the Sichuan province of China, the dish has been adapted and adopted by many cultures over the years.

The history of Kung Pao Chicken dates back to the late 19th century. It was created by Ding Baozhen, a prominent governor of Sichuan province during the Qing dynasty. He was known for his love of spicy food and wanted to create a dish that was both flavorful and easy to make. He combined peanuts, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns to create a unique flavor combination. To honor the governor, the dish was named Kung Pao Chicken after his title.

Since its creation, Kung Pao Chicken has been a staple of Chinese cuisine and has been adapted by many cultures around the world. In the United States, the dish has been popularized by Chinese-American restaurants. Variations of the dish include the use of different types of peppers, vegetables, and sauces.

Nowadays, Kung Pao Chicken is a popular dish served in Chinese restaurants and home kitchens alike. And if you’re looking to make it at home, here’s a great recipe!

Kung Pao Chicken Ingredients:

-1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
-2 tablespoons cornstarch
-2 tablespoons sesame oil
-2 tablespoons sugar
-1 tablespoon chili garlic paste
-1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
-1/2 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
-2 tablespoons canola oil
-1/2 cup diced bell peppers
-1/4 cup diced red onion

Kitchen Tools Needed:
-Large skillet
-Wooden spoon
-Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, chili garlic paste, and pepper.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and stir to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil and garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the bell peppers and onion and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the peanuts and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Serve the Kung Pao Chicken hot with steamed white rice or noodles.

Garnishes:
-Sliced green onions
-Chopped fresh cilantro
-Sliced jalapenos
-Sesame seeds

Cook Time: 10 minutes

With its unique and flavorful combination of sweet, sour, and spicy ingredients, Kung Pao Chicken is a delicious and easy to make dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Looking for other great Asian dishes to make at home? Check out these great recipes.

February 8, 2023

7 Tasty Chicken Recipes You Can Make In Under 30 Minutes

We all know the struggle of deciding what to make for dinner during the week. Between work, family, and friends, our weeknights can be busy and chaotic. That’s why it’s so important to have easy weeknight meals that are both delicious and quick. Here are seven easy weeknight meals made with chicken that can be made in under 30 minutes and make your weeknights a breeze.

7 Tasty Chicken Recipes

1) Garlic Noodles With Chicken

This dish is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that takes just 30 minutes to make. All you need is some garlic, butter, chicken, and noodles. Simply sauté the garlic and butter to create a delicious sauce and then add your cooked noodles and chicken. It’s a simple dish that is full of flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied.

2) Chicken Fried Steak

While chicken fried steak is most typically diner fare, it has the classic flavors and ease of execution that make for a great weeknight meal. This classic comfort food is sure to be a hit. All you really need is thin cut of some steak, flour, milk, and oil. Simply dip the steak in the wet ingredients and then dredge in the flour. Fry the steak in the oil and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

3) Chicken Noodle Soup

Who doesn’t love a great chicken noodle soup? This is an absolutely perfect meal for these cold and dark winter nights. All you need is chicken, vegetable broth, and noodles. Simply simmer the broth and chicken for 20 minutes and then add your noodles. Obviously chicken noodle soup is a crowd pleaser for all ages, and although it’s not terribly fancy, you can be sure there will be full bellies.

4) Nashville Fried Chicken

If you like it spicy, look no further than the taste-bite popping Nashville Fried Chicken. This Southern-style fried chicken is sure to be a hit with anyone that loves a tasty and hot dish. All you need is chicken, a few spices, and oil. Honestly, there isn’t much more to it than simply mixing the spices together to create a delicious coating and then frying the chicken in the oil. This extra crispy and super flavorful dish can be done and on the table is about 30 minutes.

5) One Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are such a great weeknight meal because they don’t take too long to make, they are nearly universally loved, and you can be sure everyone will be full. All you need is chicken, broth, and dumplings. Simply add the chicken and broth to a pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Then, add the dumplings and let the soup cook for another 10 minutes. This hearty and comforting meal will be ready to eat in next to no time at all.

6) Panang Curry With Chicken

This delicious Thai dish is sure to be a hit and is a great introduction to Thai curries for those with less adventurous tastes. All you need is chicken, curry paste, and coconut milk. Simply sauté the curry paste and add the chicken and coconut milk. Let it simmer for 20 minutes and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s ready in no time. The other nice thing about panang is you can add as much or as little spice as you’d like depending on your audience.

7) Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that can be whipped up super quickly, but given the depth of flavor it will come across like you spent hours prepping. All you need is chicken, capers, butter, and lemon juice. Simply sauté the chicken in the butter and then add the capers and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 10 minutes and you’ve got a super tasty meal for dinner and likely leftovers for a great lunch tomorrow.

These seven easy weeknight meals are sure to make your weeknights a little easier. Not only are they delicious and quick, but they’re sure to please the whole family. So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, try one of these easy weeknight meals and you’ll be sure to have a quick and totally satisfying meal in no time at all.

January 23, 2023January 27, 2023

The Whole Family Is Sure To Love This Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak has a long and interesting history that has been passed down for generations. It has its roots in German-style schnitzel, which was a popular dish among German immigrants in the South during the 1800s. The schnitzel was adapted to the local palate and was given the name Chicken Fried Steak. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the dish gained national attention, becoming a favorite comfort food for many Americans.

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish that’s easy to make at home. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Here’s a great recipe for making a Chicken Fried Steak at home.

Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients:

•2 pounds of steak, cut into thin slices
•2 cups of all-purpose flour
•1 teaspoon of garlic powder
•1 teaspoon of onion powder
•1 teaspoon of paprika
•1 teaspoon of salt
•1 teaspoon of black pepper
•1 cup of buttermilk
•1 egg
•1 cup of vegetable oil

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

•Frying pan
•Tongs
•Plate
•Bowl
•Whisk

Cooking Instructions:

Place the steak slices on a plate and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, buttermilk, and egg until combined.
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Dip each steak slice in the egg mixture and then coat with the flour mixture.
Fry the steak slices in the pan, turning once, until golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer the chicken fried steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve the chicken fried steaks with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Garnish:

• Sliced lemons
• Chopped parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Hot sauce
• Honey mustard sauce

Did you make this chicken fried steak? Let us know how it turned out!

Need other ideas for dinner this week? Find another great recipe for an easy weeknight dinner.

January 23, 2023January 27, 2023

Nashville Fried Chicken: A Southern Delicacy with a Spicy Kick

Nashville Fried Chicken is a beloved Southern delicacy that has been around for generations. The unique dish is made by deep-frying chicken in a spicy mixture of cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and other seasonings. It is then served with a variety of toppings, such as pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and hot sauce. The dish originated in the city of Nashville, Tennessee and has become popular in many other parts of the United States.

Nashville Fried Chicken has a long and interesting history. The dish was invented in the 1930s by a Nashville restaurant owner named Thornton Prince. He wanted to create a unique dish for his restaurant, something that would stand out from the other fried chicken dishes in the area. By adding a spicy mixture of seasonings to the chicken, he created the now-famous Nashville Fried Chicken.

Over the years, the dish has become a beloved staple of the South. It can be found in many restaurants, as well as in homes across the region. The dish has also gained popularity outside of the South, with many restaurants offering their own versions of the dish.

If you’re looking to try Nashville Fried Chicken at home, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a great recipe for making a Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich.

Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon garlic powder
-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1 teaspoon paprika
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon black pepper
-1 cup buttermilk
-2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
-4 hamburger buns

Equipment Needed: large skillet, shallow bowls, paper towels

Cooking Instructions:

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined.
In a separate shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk.
Dip each chicken breast in the buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
To assemble the sandwiches, place a chicken breast on each hamburger bun and top with desired toppings. We recommend pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and hot sauce.

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Garnishes:

-coleslaw
-pickles
-tomatoes
-lettuce
-extra hot sauce

There you have it, a spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out.

If you’re looking for a cool beverage to go with your spicy chicken, try out this lovely Lynchburg Lemonade cocktail recipe.

January 10, 2023January 27, 2023

Make Your Very Own Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish of chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-butter sauce. It’s an all-time favorite dish both in India and around the world. The roots of the dish can be traced back to the early 1950s in the Indian city of Delhi.

It is said that the dish was created by Kundan Lal Gujral, the owner of the Moti Mahal restaurant. Gujral was looking for a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken, so he created a thick and creamy sauce made from tomato puree, butter, cream and spices. The dish was an instant hit and is now enjoyed all over the world.

Recipe for Making a Great Butter Chicken

Ingredients:

-2 lbs of boneless chicken
-3 tablespoons of garlic paste
-3 tablespoons of ginger paste
-1 cup of plain yoghurt
-2 tablespoons of garam masala
-2 tablespoons of ground cumin
-1 teaspoon of ground cardamom
-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
-2 tablespoons of butter
-1 onion, finely chopped
-1 cinnamon stick
-2 bay leaves
-2 cups of tomato puree
-1 cup of heavy cream
-2 tablespoons of sugar
-Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

-Large bowl
-Whisk
-Large pot
-Wooden spoon
-Colander

Cooking Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Cooking Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, garlic paste, ginger paste, yoghurt, garam masala, cumin, and cardamom. Mix the ingredients together and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour.
Heat the oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves and cook for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Add the marinated chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the tomato puree, cream, and sugar and stir to combine. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Serve the butter chicken with rice, naan bread, and fresh coriander leaves.

How to Make it Spicy:

If you want to make your butter chicken spicy, you can add more garam masala, cumin, and chili powder to the marinade. You can also add some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering.

Garnishes and Sides:

The perfect accompaniments to butter chicken are chutneys, onions, and cucumber raita. To garnish, you can sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves or top it with some crispy fried onions. Serve it with naan bread or basmati rice for a complete meal.

Need other meal ideas? Find a great dish recipe to make.

January 10, 2023January 27, 2023

One Pot Chicken And Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a dish that is beloved by many and has a long and varied history. The origins of the dish can be traced back to the Medieval era in Europe, when a similar dish was made with chicken and large, flat pieces of dough. Over the centuries, the dish has taken many forms and can be found in different versions around the world. In the United States, chicken and dumplings is often made with a thick, creamy broth, chicken, and small, round dumplings made from biscuit dough.

The dish was popular in the American South during the 19th century and was usually cooked in a large pot over an open fire. It was a popular dish for large gatherings, such as church suppers, and could easily be prepared for a large crowd. The dish was also a popular way to use up leftover chicken and was often served with vegetables or canned fruit.

Today, chicken and dumplings is a popular comfort food that is enjoyed all over the world. It is a simple and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Here is an easy recipe for making chicken and dumplings in the crockpot for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 can of chicken broth
• 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of biscuit dough

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Crockpot
• Cutting board
• Knife

Cooking Instructions:

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
Add in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, cut the biscuit dough into 1 inch pieces and add to the crockpot.
Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot with a side of your favorite vegetables.

This recipe makes enough chicken and dumplings for at least four servings. Enjoy!

How about some other easy dishes to make this week? Find some simple recipes you can make with ease.

January 10, 2023January 27, 2023

These Delicious Shedded Chicken Empanadas Are Awesome

Empanadas have been a beloved dish around the world for centuries, and have become an especially popular food choice in Latin American countries. The origin of empanadas can be traced back to medieval times, when they were served as a way to wrap up food so that it could be easily transported. This tradition has continued to this day, with different countries and cultures making their own individual variations.

In Latin America, empanadas are typically made with a doughy casing filled with various savory ingredients. The dough is usually made from flour, eggs, water, and salt, and is then filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Empanadas can be either fried or baked, depending on the recipe and preference.

In Argentina, empanadas are especially popular, and are known for their wide variety of fillings. The most common fillings include beef, chicken, ham, and cheese. Argentina also has a variety of spicy empanadas, such as the famous “empanada de carne picante”, or spicy beef empanada.

For those wanting to try their hand at making empanadas at home, here is a recipe for shredded chicken empanadas. This recipe will yield about 4 servings.

Empanada Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
½ cup of butter, melted
1 egg
¼ cup of ice water
2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup of grated cheese
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon of cumin
2 tablespoons of olive oil

Kitchen Equipment:

Bowl
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Fork

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture.
Add the egg and mix until the mixture is combined.
Slowly add the ice water and mix until a soft dough forms.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out until it is about ⅛ of an inch thick.
Cut the dough into 4-inch circles.
In a bowl, combine the chicken, cheese, onion, and cumin.
Place one tablespoon of the mixture onto each circle of dough.
Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water and fold the dough in half, pressing the edges together to seal.
Place the empanadas onto a greased baking sheet.
Brush the empanadas with the olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

To make the empanadas spicy, you can add some hot sauce to the filling mixture or use a spicy cheese instead of regular cheese. You can also serve the empanadas with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Looking for other latin meals? Try out these cheesy beef birria tacos.

December 29, 2022January 27, 2023

With A Little Effort, You Can Make This Awesome Panang Curry

Panang curry is a type of Thai curry dish that is characterized by its thick, creamy texture and distinctive flavour. The dish originated in Thailand and is now enjoyed throughout the world.

The most popular version of Panang curry is a milder, sweeter version of red curry. It is made with ingredients such as coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves, and palm sugar. The dish was first created in the early 1900s in the region of Central Thailand.

The original dish was made with a variety of fresh ingredients, including dried chilies, garlic, shallots, and galangal root. It was also cooked with a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, pork, and fish.

Today, the dish has evolved and is often cooked with a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and bamboo shoots. The dish has also become much milder, as the heat of the chilies can now be adjusted to suit individual tastes.

Recipe for Making a Tasty Panang Curry at Home

Key Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons red curry paste

1 can coconut milk

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 teaspoon palm sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

2 tablespoons tamarind paste

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped

2 cups diced vegetables (such as potato, carrot, bell pepper, and bamboo shoots)

1/2 cup cooked protein (such as chicken, beef, pork, or fish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Frying pan

Spatula

Measuring spoons

Measuring cups

Knife

Cutting board

Cook Time

15 minutes preparation time

20 minutes cooking time

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro

Thinly sliced red chili peppers

Chopped peanuts

Lime wedges

Optional Extra Spice

For an extra kick of heat, you can add a teaspoon of freshly ground chili peppers or 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the curry before serving.

Need a great dessert for after dinner? Find an awesome sweet recipe.

December 29, 2022January 27, 2023

These Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Are Simple To Make

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to the Aztecs, who used corn tortillas as a base for their meals. The traditional enchilada is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, beans, or beef, before being rolled up and topped with a sauce. Over time, the popularity of enchiladas has spread around the world, with different ingredients and sauces used to create a variety of recipes.

For a delicious and easy-to-make enchilada dish, try these Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal.

Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment Needed:

-3 cups shredded cooked chicken

-2 cups green enchilada sauce

-8 6-inch corn tortillas

-1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

-1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese

-1/4 cup chopped cilantro

-1/4 cup diced red onion

-2 tablespoons vegetable oil

-1 tablespoon chili powder

-Optional: 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

-Skillet

-Baking dish

-Spatula

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if desired) to the skillet and cook until the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in a large bowl.
Add the green enchilada sauce, Monterey Jack cheese, Cotija cheese, cilantro, and red onion to the bowl and mix until everything is combined.
Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
Place a tortilla in the baking dish and spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto it.
Roll the tortilla up and place it in the baking dish.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled up tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and a dollop of sour cream.

These Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish. Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal. For an extra kick of heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. Enjoy!

How about a twist on a classic margarita to pair with your enchiladas? Try out this great mezcal margarita.