Broccoli and Chicken Noodle Soup

Broccoli and Chicken Noodle Soup is not a typical chicken noodle soup. The addition of cheese, milk, and half and half  give the soup a thick creamy consistency. This soup is especially delicious during the cold winter months. As you cook the soup, add more chicken broth if you like a thinner soup. If you have leftovers, you may want to thin the soup with a little chicken broth or milk to the desired consistency.

Broccoli and Chicken Noodle Soup

Cooking spray or oil
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups 1% low-fat milk
2 cups chicken broth made with 2 cups boiling water and 1 tablespoon Watkins Chicken Soup and Gravy Base
4 ounces uncooked vermicelli or spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded low-fat cheddar cheese or light processed cheese such as Velveeta Light
4 cups (1-inch) cubed cooked chicken breast
3 cups small broccoli florets (8 ounces)
1 cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon Watkins Black Pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt

Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic to pan; saute 5 minutes or until liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to medium; add butter to mushroom mixture, stirring until butter melts. Sprinkle mushroom mixture with flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Gradually add milk and broth, stirring constantly with a whisk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 10 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly.

Add pasta to pan; cook 10 minutes. Add cheese and stir until cheese melts. Add chicken and remaining ingredients; cook 5 minutes or until broccoli is tender and soup is thoroughly heated. Serve immediately with crackers, crusty bread, or corn bread.

Makes 10 one cup servings.

Tip
Substitute egg noodles for the pasta.
Set aside some of the cheese to sprinkle on the bowls of soup as you serve them.

Eleisia
www.NotJustVanilla.com
www.EverydayNecessities.com

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Mongolian Chicken

Once a week, usually Friday nights, we go out to eat or get takeout. Chinese food is one of our favorite food choices. I ’ve found very few recipes that I like compared to the food in a Chinese restaurant. It’s difficult to get the right blend of flavors and ingredients and most recipes don’t  satisfy.

I used this recipe to make Mongolian Chicken for dinner tonight. We liked how it turned out and I am adding it to my recipe file for future meals.   Make sure you adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your family’s taste.

Mongolian Chicken

16 ounces chicken (I used chicken breasts)
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seed oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive, canola, or grapeseed oil
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup water

Cut chicken into bite size pieces. Toss with corn starch to coat. ( You can also use quinoa flour, arrow root, or all purpose flour) This helps thicken the sauce.

Combine water and brown sugar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Then add soy sauce, sesame seed oil, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your personal taste because they add spicy heat to this dish.

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for a few seconds; then stir in the ginger.

Add chicken pieces to skillet and cook through until chicken shows with no trace of pink. Stir in soy sauce mixture.

Simmer the chicken uncovered until the sauce reduces and thickens.

Serve Mongolian Chicken over white or brown rice or quinoa. Sprinkle with green onions.

This recipe makes two to four servings depending on the appetites of your family.

Because of the spiciness of this dish I serve cold fresh fruit such as watermelon chunks, grapes, or orange slices as an accompaniment.

Eleisia
www.NotJustVanilla.com
www.EverydayNecessities.com

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Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Chicken Salad is one of my favorite recipes,  whether on multi-grain bread or a croissant as a sandwich, or on a bed of lettuce as a luncheon salad. So, needless to say, this recipe for Chicken Salad with Raisin Bread from Christine Steendahl “The Menu Mom” caught my eye. Christine makes a super delicious chicken salad sandwich using raisin bread. I love the flavor of the raisins and cinnamon with the chicken salad.

Christine  used a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to make this recipe even simpler.

I roasted a chicken last night for dinner. It’s so simple and easy to cook a roasted chicken. Choose a whole young chicken from the supermarket or grocery store. I usually choose the largest chicken I can find so that there are plenty of leftovers for sandwiches. If you have a large family there probably won’t be any leftovers.

First, remove the giblets from the inside of the chicken and then remove any pin feathers from the skin of the chicken. Wash the chicken inside and out, drain, and pat dry. Lightly salt and pepper the inside and outside of the bird. Lightly oil the inside of the pan so the chicken doesn’t stick. Tuck the wing tips under the chicken and place chicken in roasting pan.

I cook the chicken in small covered roaster pan in the oven. It’s not necessary to rub the skin with oil or butter. There is plenty of fat under the skin of the chicken to keep it moist and tender. Roast the chicken at 400 degrees F  for approximately 2 hours. During the last 15 minutes remove the lid to allow the chicken skin to brown. The chicken comes out of the oven moist and tender with a crisp golden brown skin. Carefully remove chicken from pan and carve. Pour juices from pan into a measuring cup or jar. The fat will separate into a separate layer from the meat juices. Drain most of the fat and use the juices to make gravy or sauce.

This evening I plan to make chicken salad sandwiches using raisin bread. I’ll add a little Watkins Granulated Black Pepper to the chicken salad. My mouth is watering already! 

Chicken Salad with Raisin Bread
(Recipe from Christine Steendahl “The Menu Mom” )

2 (12-ounce) cans chicken, drained, or 2 cup shredded cooked chicken
1-2 chopped unpeeled Granny Smith apples
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. plain yogurt
2 Tbsp. honey mustard
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. salt
8 slices raisin bread
leaf lettuce

Combine all ingredients except bread and lettuce in a medium bowl and mix well. Make sandwiches. You can store the chicken salad recipe filling in the refrigerator up to two days, tightly covered. 

Eleisia Whitney
www.NotJustVanilla.com
www.EveryDayNecessities.com

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Chicken Skewers with Avocado Dippping Sauce

 A few weeks ago we had leftover chicken and guacamole from chicken fajitas. The next day for lunch I dipped the chicken strips in the guacamole and I couldn’t believe how yummy they tasted!

Then I ran across this recipe for Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce at Taste of Home. The blend of warm spicy chicken and cool creamy dipping sauce is a taste treat.

The Olive and Pepper Salsa recipe that follows is a great side dish for chicken.

Chicken Skewers with Avocado Dipping Sauce
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt

Sauce
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon Watkins Granulated Black Pepper

  1. Using a mallet, flatten chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness between pieces of plastic wrap; cut lengthwise into strips. Combine the lime juice, vinegar, chipotle pepper and salt in a large resealable plastic bag; add the chicken. Seal the bag and shake to coat chicken strips; refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes.
  2. For the sauce, place remaining ingredients in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Sauce ingredients may also be mixed in a bowl, mashing the avocado with a fork. Place in a serving bowl; cover and refrigerate.
  3. Drain chicken and discard marinade. Thread meat onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. (If using wooden skewers soak in water for 30 minutes.)
  4. Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 inches from the heat for 8-12 minutes or until no longer pink, turning frequently. Serve with sauce. This recipe makes 4 skewers  and 3/4 cup of sauce.

Olive and Pepper Salsa
1 cup Spanish olives with pimentos, drained and chopped
2 vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 small white skinned onion, chopped
Several drops hot sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 lemon or lime, juiced
Salt to taste

Mix all ingredients and chill. Serve with chicken skewers.

Eleisia
http://www.NotJustVanilla.com
http://www.EveryDayNecessities.com

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Country Chicken and Rice

It’s no wonder one-pot recipes such as Country Chicken and Rice are tops on so many of our lists when it comes to dinnertime solutions. The best part of this recipe is that the longer it cooks the better the flavors blend. Add a crisp green salad and fresh fruit for a nutritious meal.

Country Chicken and Rice

1 (3- to 3-1/2-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
6 cups water
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Watkins Thyme
2 tablespoons Watkins Chicken Soup Base or Watkins Onion Soup Base
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon Watkins Black Pepper, granulated or from grinder
2 cups long- or whole-grain rice, rinsed

1. In a large pot, bring all the ingredients except the rice to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Cover and allow to simmer for 35 – 45 minutes.

3. Add the rice and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender, no pink remains in the chicken, and the chicken juices run clear. Serves: 6

Eleisia
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Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Turn ordinary chicken breasts into a favorite main dish by stuffing them with a creamy, flavorful filling and rolling them in a crunchy homemade breading. Stuffed Chicken Rolls are easy for weeknights as well as a company favorite.

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 pounds total), pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Black Pepper
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2  cup grated jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Oregano
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
3/4 cup crushed cornflakes cereal
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Paprika

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 9 x 13 baking dish with Watkins Cooking Spray.

 Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper.

Combine cream cheese, grated cheese, parsley, oregano,  and red peppers; mix well. Spread cheese mixture over chicken, roll up jellyroll style, and secure with wooden toothpicks.

In a shallow dish, combine crushed cereal, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Place chicken rolls in cereal mixture, coating completely.

Place chicken in prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until no pink remains and juices run clear. Remove wooden toothpicks, and serve. This recipe serves six people.

Serve with white or brown rice and crisp green salad or fresh cooked vegetable.

Eleisia
www.NotJustVanilla.com
www.everydaynecessities.com

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Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

If you’re looking for something versatile and meaty to serve your loved ones, search no further than Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites. This finger food is fun enough for kids, but satisfying enough for adults.

To lighten the recipe for healthier eaters make it with chicken breast and turkey bacon.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 18 ounces)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs, plus more if needed
9 strips bacon (about 8 ounces)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2. Cut each chicken thigh into 6 roughly equal pieces. Slice bacon strips in half.

3. Dip a chicken piece in milk and roll in breadcrumbs to coat. Wrap in bacon slice and secure with toothpick. Place on baking sheet. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated and wrapped, leaving at least 1/2 inch between each completed bite.

4. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, until bacon begins to crisp and chicken is cooked through. Serve hot. Makes 18 bites.

Tip
Use plain bread crumbs and add your choice of spices and other seasonings.

Eleisia
www.NotJustVanilla.com
www.everydaynecessities.com

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Chicken Noodle Casserole

Casserole before baking

I made this casserole for dinner tonight. I made half the recipe. The original recipe serves 8. I didn’t use carrots because we like this recipe without and I didn’t have any in the refrigerator.

Chicken has many advantages like being an inexpensive option for your menu’s main dish. Beyond the classic roast chicken, experiment with budget-conscious thighs, drumsticks and wings. The more flavorful darker meat stands up to spiced stews and braises, and stays moist when frying and roasting. If a recipe calls for skinned and boned chicken breast, save a few pennies by buying it on the bone and take a few extra minutes in your prep time for doing it yourself.

This recipe uses reduced-fat cheddar and low-fat milk to keep it creamy but light. The cheese makes this recipe very flavorful.

Chicken Noodle Casserole
2/3 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 cups chicken broth made with 3 teaspoons Watkins Chicken Soup Base and 2 cups boiling water 
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
3 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Thyme
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon Watkins Black Pepper
1 1/2 cups 2 percent milk
1 1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
8 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked and drained

In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add chicken; cook and stir until no longer pink. Add the broth, carrots, celery and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Pour over chicken mixture. Add noodles; mix well.

Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 8.

Eleisia
http://www.watkinsonline.com/eleisiawhitney

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