Aunt’s Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A comforting one-pan family recipe with tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a creamy finish — straight from a well-loved recipe card.

This Cajun Chicken was tucked inside my aunt’s recipe box — the card worn and splattered from years of use. That alone tells you it was made often and made well. It’s a comforting one-pan meal with bold Cajun flavor, tender chicken, and a creamy finish from melted cream cheese.

It’s hearty enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve when company stops by. Simple ingredients, big flavor — just the way family recipes should be.

Ingredients:

1 lb. chicken, cut into 1/2 to 3/4 inch cubes
2 tsp.  paprika
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 Tbs. oil
1 Tbs. butter
1 onion, diced
1 sweet bell pepper, diced
1/2 lb. pasta (your choice)
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
2 c. chicken broth
2 oz. cream cheese

Directions:  

Place the cubed chicken in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.

In a large skillet (cast iron works beautifully), heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly softened and fragrant.

Stir in the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The sauce should thicken slightly.

Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving. 

A Few Helpful Notes & Small Suggestions

Pasta Timing: Depending on the pasta shape, it may take closer to 12–15 minutes. If needed, add a splash of broth or water if it reduces too quickly.

Cream Cheese Tip: Softening it first helps it melt smoothly and prevents lumps.

For Extra Cajun Flavor, you can add:

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

A pinch of red pepper flakes

A splash of heavy cream for extra richness

Protein Options, that work well in this dish:  

Andouille sausage (replace part of the chicken)

Shrimp (add during the last 5 minutes of cooking)

Make It Spicier: Increase cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce at the end.

 🍽 Serving Suggestions:

This dish is hearty on its own, but here are a few cozy pairings:

Warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy Cajun sauce

Simple side salad with romaine and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness

Steamed green beans or buttered corn

Southern-style cornbread for a full comfort-food spread

A glass of sweet tea for that Southern supper feel

If serving for company, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan just before bringing it to the table.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Casserole

A cozy, family-style dinner layered with seasoned chicken, warm tortillas, and melty cheese.

 This is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without much convincing. Warm tortillas, tender seasoned chicken, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese all baked together into one comforting casserole—it’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

This dish reminds me of those evenings when you want something filling and homemade, but not fussy. The chicken is seasoned just enough to give it a little warmth, the tomatoes and green chiles add a gentle kick, and the sour cream and cheese mellow everything out into a creamy, comforting bite. It’s a great family-style meal, perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a dish that feels familiar and satisfying.

Best of all, it’s flexible. You can use cubed chicken or shredded, switch up the cheese, or add extra toppings to suit everyone at the table. 

Ingredients:  

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces 
1 Tbsp. chili powder 
1/2 Tbs. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 Tbs. olive oil 

2 Tbs. butter 
1 onion, diced 
1 bell pepper, diced 
2 1/2 Tbs. flour 
1 c. chicken broth 
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1/2 c. sour cream 
8 oz. cheddar or pepper jack cheese, shredded (use more if desired)
12 small tortillas  

Directions:  

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the top. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the butter, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, and the onions are translucent.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chiles, stirring constantly. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to release all the flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

In a low-sided skillet over medium-high heat, warm the tortillas one at a time. Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds, until small bubbles form and light brown spots appear on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 20–30 seconds. This step helps keep the tortillas soft and flavorful in the casserole.

Layer 6 tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas and spread evenly. Sprinkle with half of the remaining shredded cheese.

Add another layer of tortillas, then top with the remaining chicken mixture, spreading it evenly.  Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. If your family loves extra cheesy casseroles, feel free to add another handful or two of cheese.

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Remove from the oven, and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions 

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of seasoned black beans to balance the richness. Spanish rice, cilantro-lime rice, or refried beans make it feel like a full Tex-Mex spread. For something fresh on the side, sliced avocado, pico de gallo, or a simple tomato salad are all great choices. Warm tortilla chips or a slice of cornbread are perfect for scooping up every last bit of that creamy sauce. 

Notes & Helpful Tips

Shredded chicken works beautifully in this recipe and is a great way to use up leftovers or rotisserie chicken.

If you prefer a softer casserole, you can lightly cover the dish with foil for the first 10 minutes, then uncover to melt the cheese.

Pepper jack adds a little heat, while cheddar keeps things mild and family-friendly—use whichever your family prefers. 

Cheese Lover’s Tip: This casserole is easy to customize. For an extra cheesy dish, add another 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheese to the filling or sprinkle more over the top before baking. 

Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice

Creamy Parmesan One Dish Chicken and Rice

This is a simple one-dish meal that my mom used to prepare on chilly winter days, and it has always been a family favorite. Tender, juicy chicken is simmered with rice and served in a rich, creamy sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying. Easy to make and full of cozy, homemade flavor, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty, warm, and comforting without a lot of fuss.

 

Ingredients:

 

1.5 lbs.  chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces

4 Tbs. butter

1 onion, chopped 

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp pepper

1 tsp. salt

2 1/2 c. chicken broth

1 c. white rice

1/2 c. heavy creqm

1/2 c Parmesan cheese 

Parsley (Optional) 

 

Directions: 

 

Melt the butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and become translucent.

Add the diced chicken to the skillet, then season with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is lightly golden on all sides.

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.

Pour in the chicken broth and add the rice, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 17–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Serve immediately/  Garnished with parsley, if desired

Spicy Mustard Chicken

This chicken recipe is quick and easy to prepare. You can prepare the dish in the morning and allow the chicken to marinate until supper time, or you can prepare the dish when you are ready to start supper.  The baked chicken meat turns out tender, juicy and flavorful from the tangy mustard marinade.

Ingredients

6 to 8 chicken thighs
1 onion, chopped or cut into half rings or 3/4 c. sliced shallots
2 Tbs. spicy mustard *See notes
2 Tbs. tomato paste
2 Tbs. lemon juice
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp.  pepper
1/2 tsp. red chili pepper flakes

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Put the chicken in the baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine mustard, tomato paste, olive oil, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and red chili pepper flake. Mix well.

Pour the marinade over the chicken. Turn the chicken over to coat both sides. Place chicken skin side up in the baking dish.

Scatter the onions over the top, allowing them to go between the chicken thighs.

Bake the chicken, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes until chicken is fully cooked, and the internal temperature is 175°F on a meat thermometer.

Serve warm. 

Notes:

I use spicy mustard, but you can use Dijon, or the mustard of your choice.

Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits is the perfect way to use leftover chicken.  This is an easy recipe using, chicken, and vegetables, baked in a tasty gravy, and topped with biscuits.  This is an old recipe, but it stands the test of time.  

Comfort food, made with love, is always the best.

Ingredients

1/4 c. butter
1 onion, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can peas, reserve liquid, or frozen *See note below
1 (15 oz.) can corn, reserve liquid, or frozen  *See note below
3 potatoes, peeled, and cut into bit sized pieces
1/4 c. flour
1 Tbs. parsley
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. celery seeds
1/2 tsp. rosemary 
1 tsp. Italian seasoning.
2 c. chicken broth *See Note below
2/3 c. half-and-half cream, or milk or evaporated milk
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 c. cooked chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
1 (16.3 ounce) can refrigerated flaky-style biscuits, or you can make your own biscuits
Butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°.

In a large, deep cast iron skillet over medium low heat, add onion, celery, and carrots.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender. This takes about 15 minutes. 

Mix in peas, corn, potatoes, flour, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, celery seeds, rosemary, and Italian seasoning.  Cook, stirring constantly, until the flour coats the vegetables and begins to fry, about 5 minutes.

Whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half, and cook until the sauce is thick and bubbling. Stir in cooked chicken.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You can leave this in your cast iron skillet, or you can transfer the mixture into a 7x11-inch baking dish. 

Arrange biscuits on top of the filling.

Bake in the preheated oven until the biscuits are golden brown and the pie filling is bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush some butter over the top of the biscuits. Let the meal rest 10 minutes before serving. 

Notes:

Combine the liquid that you had from the peas and corn.  Pour in enough chicken broth to make 2 cups.  This is what I do when using canned corn and peas, as it adds flavor. 

If you don't want your biscuits to be soggy on the bottom, prebake them at 375° for about 7 to 8 minutes.  Then turn the biscuits upside-down when putting them into the chicken mixture. Meaning, the side that was on the bottom of the baking pan in now facing upwards. 

Chicken and Cannellini Beans

 

This dish brings back memories of my mother's cooking.  An easy one pot meal with tender chicken, beans, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.  It's a hearty meal that is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

2 Tbs. olive oil
2 1/2 lbs. chicken thighs or drumsticks (about 8 pieces)
salt and pepper
1 onion, chopped
1 (14-ounce) can Cannellini beans *see note
4 potatoes, washed, peeled and cut in half
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 Tbs. tomato paste
2 tsp. tarragon
2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

Directions

In a large pot or cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat, add oil.  

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the Dutch oven and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned.  Turn the chicken over and brown the other side. 

Add the onion, Cannellini beans, potatoes, tomatoes, tomato paste, tarragon, garlic powder and crushed red pepper.  Mix well.

Bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer about 30 minutes to 40 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°.

Notes

If you don't have Cannellini beans, you can use any white beans you like or add in some pinto beans, garbanzo beans, or even black-eyed peas.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 

Happy New Year!  It is now 2025.  

We just got our first snow and the temperatures have cooled down considerably.  Winter has finally arrived. It is time to start making some delicious, heart-warming soups.  Here is one of our favorites.

 Ingredients

2 Tbs. butter
1 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 lb. mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 Tbs. flour
6 c. chicken stock
1 1/2 c. wild rice
1 pound chicken breasts
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. rosemary
1 tsp. thyme
1 c. heavy cream, milk or evaporated milk

Directions

In a cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter.  

Add the onions, garlic, celery, and mushrooms.  Season the mixture with salt and pepper.  Sauté until the onions are translucent. This takes, about five to seven minutes.

Sprinkle the flour over the top of the onions, garlic, celery, and mushrooms, stirring to combine. Whisking constantly, slowly pour in the chicken stock. Cook and stir until the mixture comes to a boil.

Add in the chicken, wild rice, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Bring the contents to a boil. Cover and lower heat.  Continue to simmer for about 35 to 45 minutes until rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°.

Remove the chicken from the soup and place on a plate or cutting board.  When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and the bones.   Cut or shred the chicken meat into bite sized pieces.

Return the chicken meat to the pot.  With the heat on medium, return the mixture to a simmer.  Pour in the heavy cream. Cook and stir until warmed through. 

Serve and enjoy!  You can sprinkle some Parmesian cheese over the top of the soup as well.

Notes

You can use chicken 6 cups of hot water and mix in 4 to 6 cubes of chicken bouillon or 4 to 6 teaspoons of chicken bouillon powder.    Taste the broth before adding the heavy cream or milk, to see if you have enough chicken flavoring to suit your taste.  If you are using bouillon, do not add the salt to the mixture.  Your soup will be too salty.

You can also add diced carrots to the dish as well.  Just add them at the beginning of the recipe when you sauté the onions, garlic, celery and mushrooms.  

In my location, we don't have fresh mushrooms.  So I use the canned mushrooms.  Sometimes I drain the liquid out before using, but most times I do not. It adds flavor to the dish.

Easy Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

We love stir-fry and this is a quick and easy recipe that we often use. If you like more sauce, and I know we do, you can always double or triple the sauce recipe. However, I would not double the honey immediately. It is a good idea to taste it first. Then you can add more honey to get the desired sweetness you like. 

If you are short on time, or you just don't feel like chopping up the vegetables, use a package of frozen vegetables.  

This dish has so many vegetable variations, that you aren't just stuck using the same recipe twice. Use the vegetables that you and your family like best.

Ingredients:

 

1 tsp. olive oil

2 c. broccoli

1 c. carrots sliced thin

1 onion, sliced into thin half rings

1 Tbs. olive oil
1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
salt and pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. soy sauce
1 to 2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce (Optional)

1/4 c. chicken broth

2 tsp. cornstarch

Warm precooked rice

Directions

In a heavy cast iron skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat.  

Add the broccoli, carrots and onion.  Cook until the vegetables are tender. This can take around 4 minutes or so.  

Remove the vegetables to a bowl and cover with a lid or a sheet of aluminum foil. I usually use a plate to cover my bowl to keep the vegetables warm. Or you can use a CorningWare dish that has a lid.

Pour 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet that you sautéed the vegetables in. The heat should be set to medium. 

Add the chicken in a single layer.  You may have to fry the chicken in batches.  Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.  Fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until it is golden brown and cooked through. 

Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds. 

Add the broccoli, carrots and onion to the skillet. Cook for several minutes, or until the vegetables are warmed through. 

In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, Worcestershire (if using) and cornstarch. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Taste the sauce to make sure it is sweet enough for you.  If you like more sweetness, you can add more honey.  You can also use less honey if you like your sauce to be more savory.

Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables.  

Cook and stir until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through. This takes about 1 to 2 minutes. 

Serve over warm rice if desired.

Notes:

You can add a 16 oz. package of frozen stir-fry vegetable blend instead of the fresh vegetables. Just thaw the vegetables and drain off excess water. Add them to the mixture before you add the honey and soy sauce blend.  

You can also add the kind of vegetables you like best. We add canned carrots that have been drained of the liquid. But you can add bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, or snap peas.

You can add some ginger, and/or red pepper flakes for a spicier flavor.

Alice Springs Chicken Breast

Tender, juicy chicken breasts served with a honey mustard sauce. If you like bacon, cheese and mushrooms, you will love this recipe. Instead of ordering at the Outback Steakhouse, it is easy to make your own and will save you a lot of money. 

Ingredients 

1/2 c. Dijon mustard
1/2 c. honey
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
4 boneless chicken breasts
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 Tbs. vinegar
1 tsp. salt
cold water
4 slices bacon
1 onion, cut into thin half slices (Optional)
1 can mushrooms, drained
2 c. cheddar cheese, or Monterey jack, Colby jack, or pepper jack cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Heat oven to 350°.

In a small bowl, combine mustard, honey, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Place in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake the chicken breasts.

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, using as much or as little as you like.

In a large bowl, combine baking soda, vinegar, salt and about 2 cups cold water.  Mix well. 

Place the chicken breasts in the bowl and add enough cold water so that it covers the chicken.  Turn the chicken in the bowl to further mix the baking soda with the added water. Set aside in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.  This will make the chicken meat tender. 

In a large cast iron skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and place them on paper towels. When cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon.

In the same skillet you fried the bacon in, drain off all but 1 tablespoon bacon grease.  Place the chicken into the skillet over medium high heat. Season the top of the chicken with pepper. You can add more salt if desired.  Allow the chicken to cook on one side for about 5 minutes, or until it has a golden-brown crust on the bottom.  Turn the chicken over and cook the other side until it is nicely browned.  This takes another 5 minutes or so.

Remove 1/3 cup of the mustard honey mixture and place it back in the refrigerator.  Spread the remaining mustard honey mixture over the top of each chicken breast.

Layer the onions, mushrooms, bacon and then the cheese evenly over the top of the chicken. Cover the skillet and place in the oven.  

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165° when tested with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the breast.

Remove from heat. Serve with reserved sauce on the side for dipping. Serve and enjoy!

Notes You can also use fresh mushrooms. Just sauté them in a tablespoon butter first.

Optional Cashew Chicken

This is one of our favorite recipes to make. Tender, juicy chicken, colorful vegetables in a delicious sauce.  It is an easy recipe to make. If you don't like nuts or if you are allergic to nuts, leave them out.  We don't care for nuts in our meals, that is why I called this recipe Optional Cashew Chicken.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. chicken, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 Tbs. cornstarch
1 Tbs. soy sauce
1 Tbs. sesame oil, or olive oil, divided
2 c. broccoli florets
1 sweet bell peppers, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 (8 oz) can sliced water chestnuts, drained, optional
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 c. or more cashews or peanuts (optional)
cooked rice

Sauce

2 tsp. cornstarch
2 Tbs. cold water
1/3 c. soy sauce
2 tsp. sesame oil or olive oil
1 Tbs. vinegar
1 Tbs. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. chili flakes

Directions

In a large bowl, add the chicken.  Sprinkle soy sauce, salt, pepper and cornstarch over the chicken. Stir or toss to ensure that all sides of the chicken are coated with the mixture.

Make the sauce by combining cornstarch and water.  Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth.  Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, brown sugar and chili flakes.  Stir together until fully combined. Set aside for later.

In a cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium high heat.  Working in batches, add some of the chicken.  Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned on the bottom. Turn the chicken over and brown the other side.  

Add the broccoli florets, bell peppers and onions. Sauté them until they begin to soften. This takes about 4 minutes. 

Add the water chestnuts, garlic, and ginger. Cook and stir for another 2 minutes. 

Pour in the sauce mixture that you set aside and the cashews.  Cook and stir until the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and continue to simmer until the sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes.  

Serve over rice and enjoy!

Crispy Baked Chicken

 

Moist and juicy chicken, with a crispy, flavorful skin. This is a quick and easy dish to make, so you can enjoy your day without having to do much cooking. Serve the chicken with potatoes, corn and some home baked bread, and you have a winning meal.

Ingredients

8 chicken thighs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. pepper 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line the baking sheet with foil and then spray the foil. 

Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet. 

In a bowl, combine salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, paprika and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Lift the skin off the chicken, but leave attached. Or you can remove the skin off the chicken thighs if you prefer.  Sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken and on top of the skin.

Bake the chicken for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.  The internal temperature of the chicken should read 165° and the juices should run clear.

Remove from the oven. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

You can also add quarter some potatoes, onions, and carrots and place them on the baking sheet around the chicken. Then bake until the vegetables are tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.

Texas BBQ Chicken

This chicken recipe is so good.  Tangy barbecue sauce and tender chicken.  A super easy recipe that you and your family will love.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut up or 2 lbs. chicken legs or thighs
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbs. oil
1 onion, chopped
1/4 c. celery
1 clove garlic
1 1/4 c. ketchup
1/3 c. vinegar
1/4 c. water
1/4 c. butter
2 Tbs. sugar or brown sugar
1 Tbs. paprika
1` Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
hot sauce (optional)

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, heat oil. 

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.  Brown the chicken, working in batches. The chicken does not have to be fully cooked, just browned.

Place the chicken in a single layer in a 13 x 9 baking pan. Set aside

In a medium sauce pan, combine onion, celery, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, water, butter, sugar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat and bring to a boil. 

Spoon the Bar-B-Que sauce over the chicken.

Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked.

Huntington Chicken Casserole

This is an easy recipe to make, especially if you have some leftover chicken.  Add in some pasta, cheese, onions and peppers and bake it in the oven.  No need to cook the pasta first, as it will cook as it bakes.

Ingredients

2 c. cooked chicken breast, cubed
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 oz. noodles or macaroni
1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms
1 (4 oz.) can pimentos
2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
3 c. chicken broth
1 tsp.  chicken bouillon powder (optional)
1/4 c. flour
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch pan. 

In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, sweet bell pepper, onion, celery, noodles, mushrooms, pimentos and cheese.

In a bowl, pour in chicken broth, flour and cream of chicken soup. Whisk and mix until smooth. 

Pour the broth mixture over the chicken and stir.

Put the chicken mixture in a prepared pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the pasta is done, and the cheese is melted.

Country Captain Chicken

 

This is a recipe that was given to my grandmother, many years ago. It is an old recipe that one of her family members passed down to her.  Chicken with the flavors of onions, bell peppers, celery, curry and spices served over rice, mashed potatoes or noodles.

Ingredients

3 lb. chicken breasts or thighs
salt and pepper to taste
1 c. flour
4 Tbs. butter or olive oil, divided
1 onion chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green peppers, chopped
1 clove garlic minced
1 Tbs tsp. curry powder (use more or less to suit your taste.)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 Tbs. chopped parsley
6 c. hot cooked rice
1/4 c. raisins or currants
3 Tbs. slivered almonds, toasted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a heavy cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil. 

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

In a shallow bowl, add flour. Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess.  Fry the chicken in batches until browned on all sides.  This takes about 8 minutes or so.  Transfer the chicken to a large casserole dish with a lid. Keep warm as you prepare the rest of the dish.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil into the skillet. Saute the onions, peppers, celery, and garlic until tender. 

Stir in curry powder, salt, pepper and thyme.  Mix well.

Add tomatoes, parsley, currants or raisins. Heat until the sauce begins to bubble. Pour the tomato vegetable mixture over the top of the chicken. 

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken tests 165° on a meat thermometer.

When the chicken is done, place hot cooked rice in the center of a serving dish. Remove chicken from the casserole dish and arrange around the rice. 

Pour the sauce over the rice. Sprinkle almonds over the chicken.  Serve and enjoy.

Baked Chicken Breasts Supreme

Start the chicken marinating the day before and you will save time.  Plus, this will make your chicken, tender and juicy when you serve it for the next day's meal.  This meal is pure comfort food that your family will love and request often.

Ingredients

2 c. sour cream or plain yogurt
1/4 c. lemon juice
4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. celery salt
2 tsp. paprika
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 tsp. pepper
6 chicken breasts
1 3/4 c. bread crumbs
1/3 c. butter

Directions

In a bowl, combine sour cream, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, paprika, garlic, onion powder, granulated garlic and pepper.

Coat all sides of the chicken breasts with the sour cream mixture. Place the chicken in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate the chicken overnight. 

The next day, place bread crumbs in a shallow dish. 

Remove chicken from the refrigerator. 

Dip the chicken into the bread crumbs, coating all sides evenly. Place the chicken in a single layer in a large, shallow baking pan. 

In a saucepan, melt the butter.  Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken breasts.

Heat oven to 350°.  Bake the chicken breasts for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the juices run clear. The meat's internal temperature should register 170° on a meat thermometer.

Patio Chicken Skillet

Patio Chicken Skillet is an easy recipe to make when you don't have much time to cook.  It is comfort food.  Tender, juicy, flavorful chicken with egg noodles in a creamy, savory sauce.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts
1/4 c. butter or margarine
2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4 tsp. thyme
pepper
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 c. chicken broth or stock
1/4 tsp. hot sauce
1 (8 oz.) pkg. egg noodles
1 (101/2 oz.) can cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup
1 (4 oz.) can mushroom pieces and stems
1/2 c. olives, sliced

Directions

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 2 teaspoons seasoned salt, thyme and pepper.

In a large cast iron skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned. Then turn the chicken over and brown the other side. Cover the skillet and turn the heat to low.  Cook for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should read 170°.

Remove chicken and place in a dish or plate. Cover the chicken to keep it warm.

In the same skillet that you fried the chicken in, add the bell pepper, and onions. Sauté over medium heat until tender. 

Pour in the chicken broth or stock. Bring the mixture to a boil. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to get the flavorful bits off.

Stir in the egg noodles and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low.  Cook for 20 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally. 

Stir in the cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms and olives. Add more water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Return the chicken to the skillet. Cook until everything is heated through.  Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream and or 4 ounces of cream cheese, when you add the soup into the skillet.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Our family loves creamy soups and this recipe is made often. It is easy to prepare, especially if you already have the chicken already cooked and cubed or shredded. This is comfort food that is rich and hearty. Serve it with fresh baked homemade bread for a delicious meal that your family will enjoy. 

Ingredients

3/4 c. wild rice blend
1 Tbs. butter
1 onion, chopped
2 to 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely diced
1 sweet bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 1/2 c. chicken broth
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. marjoram
1/4 tsp. sage
1/4 tsp. rosemary
2 tsp. chicken bouillon
4 lb. boneless chicken halves **
6 Tbs. butter
1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c whole milk
1/2 c. half-and-half or heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare rice according to package directions.

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.  Add onion, celery, carrots and pepper.  Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another 30 seconds. 

Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary and add the chicken. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cover and reduce heat to medium low, so the mixture is at a simmer.  Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Turn the chicken over several times during cooking to ensure even cooking. 

Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Allow the meat to cool until safe enough to handle, and then shred or cut the meat into bite sized pieces. 

In a medium saucepan over medium low heat, melt the butter.  Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook and whisk the mixture constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the flour taste.

Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half into the butter mixture. The mixture should be smooth and lump free. Cook and stir until thickened. This takes about 5 minutes.

Stirring constantly, slowly pour this mixture into the soup that you cooked the chicken in. Add the shredded or cubed chicken, and the cooked rice.   Cook, stirring occasionally over medium heat, until hot, but do not allow the mixture to boil. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Notes

You can use chicken breasts with bones. They are a lot cheaper, and they will give you more flavor for your soup.

BBQ Shake and Bake Chicken or Pork Chops

Making your own shake and bake chicken is just as easy as buying the premade version and using that. You can use our recipe for BBQ Shake and Bake found here.  You'll be well on your way to making a great meal without spending a lot of money.  However, you can use store bought shake and bake packages as well.

Ingredients

2 1/2 lb. chicken
1 egg, beaten, or you can use water or milk
1/2 c. Homemade BBQ Shake and Bake seasoning mix or store bought

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Lightly oil a heavy baking sheet. You can also line the baking sheet with foil.

Beat one egg with about a tablespoon of water in a bowl.

In a low sided bowl or dish, place about 1/2 cup of your homemade dry BBQ sauce powder.  You can also add the contents in a plastic bag. 

Dip a piece of chicken in the water and allow the excess water to drip off.

Dredge the chicken in the BBQ sauce, making sure to coat all sides. Place the chicken on a heavy baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Bake the chicken for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the chicken tests done. The internal temperature should be at least 165°.  If you are using boneless chicken, the baking time will not be as long.  Check the chicken after 25 minutes, to see if it is done. For pork chops, bake about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 145°.

Herb Chicken and Gravy

 

This is an easy meal to make that does not take a lot of time.  The chicken is tender, juicy and flavorful. We usually double our gravy because we like to pour extra gravy over mashed potatoes. 

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
1 Tbs. oil
3 Tbs butter
1 onion, cut in half then thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 c. whole milk
1 chicken bouillon cube, dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. mustard powder
1/2 tsp. parsley
1/4 c. flour
3/4 c. chicken broth

Directions

In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic and Italian seasoning.

Season both sided of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the onion, garlic and Italian seasoning. 

Heat oil over medium high heat, in a heavy cast iron skillet. Cook the chicken breasts until browned. Then turn them over to brown the other side.  Turn the heat to medium low, cover the skillet with a lid and continue to cook the chicken until it is fully done, or the internal temperature reaches 165° on an instant read thermometer. 

Place the chicken on a plate, cover and set aside while you make the sauce.

Add the butter into the skillet.  Over medium heat, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until tender.  

Stir in the flour.  Cook and stir for a minute or two to remove the flour taste. 

Whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Add in the chicken bouillon cube dissolved in the hot water, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, mustard powder, and parsley

Cook and stir until the mixture has thickened.  Taste the gravy and add more salt and pepper if needed.  

Return the chicken to the skillet.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, spooning the gravy over the top of the chicken.

Serve with mashed potatoes, or noodles.

Notes

We like extra gravy to put over mashed potatoes, or noodles.  Simply double the milk and flour mixture for more delicious gravy.

Add about a tablespoon to 1/4 c. sour cream to the milk mixture for more flavor.

Bacon Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This is an easy recipe to make, and it is one that we serve often.  Tender juicy breast of chicken stuffed with bacon, cream cheese, onion and garlic.  Your family will love this dish.

Ingredients

4 to 6 pieces bacon
1 onion, chopped fine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pepper, chopped (sweet bells, or a chili pepper)
4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 c. pepper jack or cheddar cheese, shredded
salt
pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 c. bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° Line a baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly spray the pan. Or you can use the cast iron skillet that you fry the bacon in.

On a heavy cast iron skillet, cook bacon until crisp.  Remove the bacon onto a paper towel to absorb excess grease, and then crumble the bacon into a bowl when it is cool enough to handle.  Do not drain the skillet of the bacon grease.

In the skillet that you cooked the bacon in, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper.  Sauté the vegetables until they are softened. This takes about 6 minutes. Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon and add it to the bacon. Allow the mixture to cool

Stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheese and salt and pepper to taste. 

In each chicken breast, cut a slit or pocket in each one. Make a horizontal slit along the thin, long side. Do not cut all the way through on any of the ends but the one you started with.  You are just making a pocket in each one to hold the cream cheese mixture. 

Stuff a fourth of the cream cheese mixture in each of the pockets.  Press edges of the chicken together to seal.  You can also insert a toothpick to help with this. 

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can also sprinkle some garlic powder, onion powder and or creole seasoning over the chicken as well for a more flavorful chicken.

In a shallow bowl, pour in the melted butter. 

In another shallow bowl, add the bread crumbs. 

Dip the chicken into the melted butter, coating both sides. Allow the excess to drip off before dipping the chicken breasts into the bread crumbs, coating both sides. 

Place the chicken in the prepared pan, or in the skillet that you fried the bacon and vegetables in.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165° on a meat thermometer.