White Chicken Enchiladas ~ Gluten Free

White Chicken Enchiladas ~ Gluten Free

Wow! This yummy Chicken Enchiladas dish instantly moved to the top of our “Family Favorites!” It’s a great recipe for making ahead and re-heating for those busy nights and/or last minute plans for dinner guests 🙂 Friends and family will LOVE receiving this as a house-warming gift or for any occasion!
As usual, a HUGE “Thank You” goes to “The Pioneer Woman” for sharing this wonderful recipe. I made some changes to the original recipe to make it allergy-friendly and Gluten Free for my family 😉

The Chicken:

  • 4-5 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (You could also use a cooked Rotisserie Chicken from your local Grocer to save time)
  • Kosher Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil

Roasted Bell Peppers:

  • *2 *Red Bell Peppers (or 1-16 oz. already-roasted red Bell Peppers in a jar)
  • *2 *Bell Peppers (any color) (or 1-16 oz. jar of store-bought Roasted Bell Peppers)

The Chicken Mixture (the Filling):

  • 1 Large Onion (or 3-4 Green Onions (white & green parts), thinly sliced)
  • 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (I use Canola)
  • *1 Cup Chicken Broth (*You will need a Total of 3 Cups (1 Cup for the Filling + 2 Cups for the Sauce); I use Low-Sodium, so I have more control over the sodium content)
  • *1 Cup Heavy Cream (*You will need a Total of 1 1/2 Cups (1 Cup for the Filling + 1/2 Cup for the Sauce))
  • *1/2 tsp Paprika (*You will need a Total of 1 tsp (1/2 tsp for the Filling + 1/2 tsp for the Sauce))
  • 1/2 of the Roasted Peppers (from above)
  • the Prepared Chicken (from above)

The Sauce:

  • 4 Tbsp Salted Butter
  • 1/4 Cup Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 GF Flour)
  • 2 Cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream (or Whole Milk)
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (*You will need about 3-1/2 Cups + more, if needed)
  • 1 Cup Sour Cream, Lite or Regular (I use Daisy brand Lite)

Other Ingredients:

  • 12-14 8″ Gluten-Free Tortilla Wraps
  • 1 Cup Salsa (I use Store-bought)
  • 1/4 Cup Cilantro ((Optional))

Baking the Chicken:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil; set aside.
  2. Rinse the Chicken Breasts with cold water, pat a little with paper towels, place on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle both sides with salt & pepper and drizzle with the olive oil.
  3. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the Chicken is almost done (you will be cooking the chicken a bit more later).
  4. Let the Chicken cool a little, then shred using 2 forks; set aside.

Roasting the Bell Peppers:

  1. While the Chicken Breasts are baking, prepare the Bell Peppers for roasting by cutting them into halves down the middle (from stem to bottom) and removing the stems, seeds and any white membrane.
    (Note: if you’re using store-bought Roasted Bell Peppers, skip the “Roasting” step, drain and chop 2-16 Fl. Oz. jars into 1/2″ pieces).
  2. Place the Bell Pepper halves face-down on the prepared baking sheet and roast for about 3-5 minutes or until the skins are blackened.
  3. Remove the Peppers from the oven and place them into a resealable plastic bag; close bag and leave for about 30 minutes.
  4. When cool enough to handle, remove the Peppers from the plastic bag and scrape off the blackened part (discard this black part); chop the Peppers into 1/2″ pieces (or any size desired); set aside.

Making the Filling:

  1. Heat the Vegetable Oil in a large skillet over Medium heat and add the chopped Onions, cooking until translucent (about 2-3 minutes)..
  2. Next, reduce temperature to Medium-Low and add the Shredded Chicken, 1 Cup of the Chicken Broth and 1 Cup of the Heavy Cream, mixing thoroughly.
  3. Add 1/2 teaspoon Paprika and 1/2 of the chopped, Roasted Peppers; stir thoroughly and continue cooking for a few minutes (the liquid will reduce and thicken a little bit); set aside.

Making the Sauce:

  1. Using a separate, large skillet or saucepan, melt the Butter over Medium Heat; add the GF Flour, whisk thoroughly and cook for 1 minute, while whisking.
  2. Add the remaining 2 cups of Chicken Broth, whisking constantly until smooth (about 2 minutes).
  3. Next, reduce heat to Medium-Low and add the remaining 1/2 cup Heavy Cream, 1/2 teaspoon Paprika and 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheese; mix completely.
  4. Lastly, add the Sour Cream and the other 1/2 of the chopped, Roasted Peppers, mixing thoroughly (add a bit of Chicken Broth if the consistency is too thick); add any Salt and Pepper at this point, if desired.

Putting it Together:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. To assemble the Enchiladas, I set up a “work station” as follows: A. 9″x13″ Baking Dish (may need 2) B. large plate with the stack of Tortillas C. Bowl of remaining Shredded Cheese D. The skillet containing the Chicken Filling mixture
  3. First, using a slotted spoon, spread about a 1/2 cup (+or-) portion of the Chicken Filling towards one end of the Tortilla Wraps and sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon of the Shredded Cheese; next, begin rolling the Tortilla wrap starting from the Chicken Filling end; place seam-side down in one of the 9″x13″ baking dishes; Repeat until all of the Tortilla Wraps and Filling are gone.
  4. Pour the Sauce over the tops of all of the Tortilla Wraps (Enchiladas) and spread out evenly to thoroughly coat; Sprinkle the top with any remaining Shredded Cheese (about 1/2 cup per dish).
  5. Bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until bubbling.
  6. Serve with your favorite toppings: Sour Cream, Salsa, Cilantro, etc. Yum!
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish




Creamy Lemon Chicken over Gluten-Free Pasta

Creamy Lemon Chicken over Gluten-Free Pasta

This recipe has quickly become one of our favorites! It’s so quick and easy to make, but tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen for hours 😉 Serve with a fresh garden salad and you’re good to go!
As usual, I found this recipe in The Pioneer Woman’s collection and made a few simple changes to make it Gluten-Free and allergy-friendly for my family.

  • 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill GF 1-to-1 Baking Flour)
  • 2-3 Tbsp Olive Oil (I use the lighter Olive Oil, so it doesn’t interfere with the flavors)
  • 1-1 1/2 lbs Chicken Tender (you can really use any cut of chicken, but I usually prefer Chicken Tenders for ease and convenience)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Garlic, minced (I use the already minced garlic in a jar)
  • 1/4 Cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth (You can also use Vegetable Broth)
  • 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream (or Half & Half)
  • 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (Fresh is much better here)
  • 1 Large Lemon (Zest & Juice)
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • 3 Large Handfuls (Baby Spinach (optional))
  • Basil or Parsley (for garnish)
  • 12 oz. box Gluten Free Pasta (You can use any type of GF Pasta of your choice, but I have found that GF Spaghetti, Fettuccine or Capellini work best)
  1. Place the flour in a shallow dish and season with salt & pepper, if desired. Set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil begins to shimmer on the surface.
  3. Meanwhile, dredge the Chicken Tenders through the flour to fully coat and shake off excess flour.
  4. Carefully place the floured Chicken Tenders into the hot oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked; remove the chicken and place on a plate.
  5. While the Chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the GF Pasta according to directions; drain and set aside.
  6. Once all of the Chicken has cooked and been removed from the pan, lower the temperature to Simmer/Low and add the Minced Garlic; cook for about 1 minute.
  7. Carefully add the Chicken Broth and stir well.
  8. Next, add the Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Zest and Juice stirring well to combine all of the ingredients; add salt & pepper to taste; simmer until the sauce begins to thicken (about 2-3 minutes).
  9. Return the Chicken Tenders to the pan and cover completely with the sauce; add the Spinach, if desired, and cook for about 1 minute (or until the Spinach is wilted).
  10. Serve over your choice of GF Pasta and garnish with Basil or Parsley, if desired.
Dinner, Main Dish
American




Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Bacon ~ Gluten Free

Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Bacon ~ Gluten Free

Oh my! This dish is delish 😉 The tangy sun-dried tomatoes are a perfect accent for the savory chicken and bacon in this recipe! And, the creamy sauce has a tiny bit of a punch with the addition of red pepper flakes. This dish received a “Double Yum” in our house 🙂
A BIG “Thank You” to “juliasalbum.com” for sharing the original version of this recipe ~ I have tweaked the ingredients a tiny bit to make it Gluten-Free and Allergy-friendly for our family

The Chicken:

  • 3-4 large Chicken Breasts (quartered)
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 2-3 Pinches Salt
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil (you can use the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, if desired)
  • 2 tsp Garlic, minced (I use the already-minced Garlic in a jar)
  • 3/4 – 1 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (packed in oil, drained (reserve the oil if using in place of the Olive Oil))

The Cream Sauce:

  • 1 Cup Half & Half (or Heavy Cream for a thicker sauce)
  • 1 Cup Whole Milk (you can also use 2%, 1% or Skim for a lighter version)
  • 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 1 heaping tsp Dried Basil (or 1 Tbsp Fresh, chopped)
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 8-10 Strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  1. Cook Bacon until crisp, drain and set aside.
  2. Cut each Chicken Breast into quarters, sprinkle with the Salt and Paprika; set aside.
  3. In a large non-stick sauce pan, heat the 2 Tbsp. of Olive Oil (or the oil reserved from the Sun-Dried Tomatoes) over Medium heat.
  4. Once the oil is hot (the surface should be shimmering), add the Garlic and Sun-dried Tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until you start to smell the Garlic; using a slotted spoon, remove the Garlic and Sun-dried Tomatoes from the pan, leaving the oil behind, and set aside.
  5. Add the Chicken to the pan with the leftover oil, adding more oil if needed; cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side (until the chicken is a light golden brown).
  6. Remove the pan from the heat & cover; the chicken will continue to cook (about 5 minutes).
  7. Once the Chicken is no longer pink inside, remove it from the skillet and set aside; drain any juices leftover in the pan.
  8. Return the pan to the cooktop, add the Half & Half (or Heavy Cream, if using) and cook over Medium heat until it comes to a boil;
  9. Add the 1 cup of Shredded Mozzarella cheese, reduce temperature to Low, and stir until cheese has completely melted.
  10. Slowly add the 1 Cup of Whole Milk and whisk continually until mixture is smooth.
  11. Add the sauteed Sun-dried Tomatoes and Garlic to the cream sauce, mixing well;
  12. Next, add the Basil, Red Pepper Flakes and Salt; mix thoroughly.
  13. Lastly, add the cooked Chicken breasts and 1/2 of the crumbled cooked Bacon (reserving the other 1/2 for serving); heat until chicken is warm.
  14. Top with the remaining 1/2 of the Bacon and serve over rice, pasta or plain with your favorite veggies 🙂
Dinner, Main Dish




Quick & Easy Orange Chicken ~ Ground (Gluten Free)

Quick & Easy Orange Chicken ~ Ground (Gluten Free)

Wow! Full of flavor and SO quick & easy to prepare makes this dish an instant winner in our house!!! Serve over rice and with your favorite veggies 🙂
*Thank You to dinnerthendessert.com for sharing the original version of this recipe ~ I have made several adjustments to the ingredients in order to make it Gluten-Free and Allergy-friendly for my family 😉

The Chicken:

  • 3 lbs Ground Chicken
  • 1 Tbsp Canola Oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger (or 2-3 Tbsp Fresh Ginger Root, minced)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Garlic, minced (I use the already-minced Garlic in a jar)
  • 1/2 – 3/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

The Orange Sauce:

  • 1/2 Cup Water
  • 2 tsp Canola Oil
  • 1/4 Cup Braggs Liquid Aminos (or GF Soy Sauce (low sodium or regular))
  • 1/2 – 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3-5 Tbsp White Vinegar (I use 3 Tbsp since my family does not like a strong vinegar taste)
  • 2 Medium Oranges, Zest (Squeeze some of the fresh orange juice over the dish before serving, if you want that extra orange punch)

The Slurry (Thickener):

  • 3 Tbsp Warm Water
  • 3 Tbsp Gluten Free Cornstarch

The Chicken:

  1. In a large non-stick saucepan, cook the Ground Chicken over Medium-Low heat (cook on Medium, if you want a crust to form) until done.
  2. When the Chicken is almost finished cooking, add the Ginger, Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes; cook for about 1 minute.

The Sauce:

  1. While the Chicken is cooking, mix the Sauce ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl until thoroughly blended.

Putting it Together:

  1. Once the Chicken is finished cooking, reduce the temperature to Low and pour the Orange Sauce over the Chicken; bring to a low boil.

The Slurry:

  1. While the Chicken and Sauce are simmering, stir the Cornstarch into the warm Water in a small bowl until completely dissolved.
  2. Pour this Cornstarch Slurry into the Orange-Chicken mixture and stir until combined and sauce begins to thicken.
    *If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more warm water or the fresh-squeezed orange juice at this point.
  3. If you want to add any veggies (Broccoli, Asparagus, Snow Peas, etc.), do so now and cover the pot with a lid to lightly cook the veggies for about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Serve over rice and enjoy 🙂
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish
American, Asian




Stovetop Chicken Cordon Bleu ~ Gluten Free

Stovetop Chicken Cordon Bleu

My mother used to make Chicken Cordon Bleu when I was growing up and it always made me feel so special, because she put so much time into pounding out the chicken until it was really thin and then rolling it up with Swiss Cheese and Ham (and sometimes a sweet pickle in the very center!), then breading the outside and baking it in the oven until all of the sweet and salty flavors melded together! This easier and quicker version has all of the same delicious flavors, but without all of the pounding, rolling and baking…and it’s Gluten-Free 😉 Enjoy!

  • 2 Cups Broccoli, chopped
  • 3 Cups Dry Gluten Free Pasta (I use Fusilli or Elbow)
  • 2 Tbsp Butter, salted
  • 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (rinsed, patted dry with paper towels and cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1/2 Medium Vidalia Onion, chopped
  • 2 large pinches Ground Pepper
  • 2 Heaping Tbsp Dijon mustard (Creamy or with seeds)
  • 2 Cups Skim Milk (or 1%; 2%; Whole (I use Skim for a healthier version))
  • 1 Heaping Cup Swiss Cheese, shredded
  • 1 1/2 Cups Ham, diced (I use GF Honey Ham for a bit of sweetness)
  • 2-3 Tbsp Dried Parsley (for serving to add a bit of color ;))
  • GF Italian Flavored Bread Crumbs (for serving (I just sprinkle a little on top after plating))
  1. Gather all of the ingredients.
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the Broccoli, cooking for just about 3 minutes (you want the broccoli to be just tender and bright green). Remove broccoli from the boiling water (do not discard water) with a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl; set aside.
  3. Add the GF Pasta to the boiling broccoli water and cook as instructed on the package. Drain, rinse and add to the reserved Broccoli in the large bowl; set aside.
  4. Note: I usually start this step while the pasta is cooking 😉
    In a very large, non-stick skillet (3.5-4 qt) melt the 2 Tbsp butter over medium-low heat.
  5. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
  6. Next, add the bite-size Chicken pieces and Black Pepper; cook until no longer pink (about 8-10 minutes).
  7. Add the 3 Tbsp GF Flour blend and the 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard to the Chicken and Onions; stir to evenly coat.
  8. Next, add the 2 Cups of Milk and bring to a low boil, stirring often to prevent clumping; cook until the sauce begins to thicken (usually about 3-5 minutes).
  9. Reduce the temperature to Low and add the Pasta and Broccoli to the Chicken mixture, stirring to mix well.
  10. Add the shredded Swiss Cheese and Ham; mix until cheese is completely melted.
  11. Serve with or without the GF Bread Crumbs sprinkled on top and Parsley. Yummy!!!

Note: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, turn it into a casserole! Just scoop the finished skillet ingredients into a 9 x 13 casserole dish (minus the Bread Crumbs or Parsley at this point) and refrigerate for 1-2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Once you are ready to heat it up, preheat the oven to 375 degrees; sprinkle the top with desired amount of Bread Crumbs (about 3/4 cup); cook for about 30 minutes or until bread crumbs are a golden brown (if cooking from frozen, add about 20-25 minutes); top with Parsley and serve!

Dinner, Main Dish




Cashew Chicken ~ Gluten Free

Cashew Chicken ~ Gluten Free

Our family’s go-to order from our favorite local Chinese restaurant was always the Cashew Chicken. However, since we moved, we have not been able to find another restaurant that makes a Cashew Chicken as well as our favorite. So, I pulled up my shirt sleeves and headed into my kitchen to try and re-create our much-loved and missed recipe 😉 After MANY failed attempts, I finally succeeded in pleasing all members of my family! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do 🙂

Soy Sauce Mixture:

  • 1/4 Cup Bragg Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce (I use Bragg Liquid Aminos because it’s GF and Soy Free, but you can use regular or low-sodium soy sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Light Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Canola Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger (finely chopped)

Chicken:

  • 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1-2 Pinches Table Salt
  • 1-2 Pinches Ground Black Pepper
  • 3 Tbsp Canola Oil

Garlic, Bell Peppers, etc.:

  • 1 tsp Garlic, minced ((2 cloves))
  • 1 Large Bell Pepper (Cut into bite-size pieces; I like to use Red or Orange for the color and the sweetness)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Ginger, chopped
  • 1 Cup Broccoli, chopped ((optional) or Snow Peas)
  • 1/4 Cup Dry Sherry

The Slurry (i.e the thickener):

  • 2 Tbsp Cornstarch (make sure it’s Gluten Free, if you’re GF)
  • 1/4 Cup Bragg Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce

The Yummy Parts:

  • 1 Cup Whole Roasted Unsalted Cashews
  • 1/3 – 1/2 Cup Water Chestnuts, chopped (I leave mine whole for more crunch)
  • 1-2 Scallions, Green and White Parts (sliced for topping)

The Soy Sauce Mixture:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Bragg Liquid Aminos (or Soy Sauce), Rice Vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce, Light Brown Sugar, Canola Oil and Ginger; Set aside.

The Chicken & Veggies:

  1. In a large non-stick skillet, heat the 3 Tablespoons of Canola Oil over medium heat.
  2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken, sprinkling with salt and pepper, and saute until thoroughly cooked (about 5 – 8 minutes).
  3. Remove the cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl; set aside.
  4. Reduce the temperature to medium-low, add the Garlic, Bell Pepper, and 2 Tablespoons Ginger to the same skillet; cook for about 2 minutes, keeping Peppers crisp. (Note: if you’re adding Broccoli or Snow Peas, do so now)
  5. Next, add the Sherry and stir thoroughly with the juices and Garlic-Peppers-Ginger mixture.
  6. Add the Soy Sauce Mixture that you set aside earlier to the skillet and bring to a boil (about 1 minute).
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the Cornstarch and 1/4 Cup Bragg Aminos to make the slurry; add this to the skillet and stir thoroughly to blend well (if sauce is too thick, add 1/4 cup water).
  8. Lastly, return the Chicken to the skillet along with the Cashews and Water Chestnuts;
  9. Garnish with scallions and serve. Enjoy!
Dinner, Main Dish
Asian




Chicken Parmesan ~ Gluten Free

Chicken Parmesan ~ Gluten Free

Wow! This is the tastiest and easiest recipe on the planet!!! My husband truly thought I had been in the kitchen for hours, when in fact it only took less than 30 minutes to get this dish ready to pop into the oven! Then, 40-45 minutes baking time for the juiciest, yummiest chicken ever 🙂 I make 5-6 large chicken breasts at a time, so we are certain to have plenty of leftovers…plus, chicken breasts are usually so large these days, that we each eat just half of a chicken breast. This recipe is perfect for a large family 🙂
A definite 5-Stars in our home!!!

  • 6 Medium/Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Rinsed and patted dry with paper towels)
  • 3/4 – 1 Cup Gluten Free Bread Crumbs (I use Plain, so not to interfere with the spices/seasonings)
  • 1/2 – 3/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 3 Heaping Tbsp Dried Parsley
  • 1/2 tsp Table Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 3/4 Cup Salted Butter, melted
  • 3 Tbsp Lemon Juice (Juice of 2 Lemons)
  • Paprika (for sprinkling on top)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place oven rack in the center position.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley, Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder until well blended. Set aside.
  3. In a microwave-proof bowl, melt the butter.
  4. Next, set up a “work station” with the following in a row or circle:
    1. Chicken Breasts
    2. Melted Butter
    3. Bread Crumb Mixture
    4. 9″ x 13″ Baking Dish (you may need 2 Baking Dishes, depending on the size of your Chicken Breasts – do NOT crowd your Chicken).
  5. Dip each Chicken Breast into the Melted Butter, coating well. Then, transfer to the Bread Crumb mixture and roll around to coat completely. Place into the Baking Dish and repeat these steps with the remaining Chicken Breasts.
  6. Once all of the Chicken Breasts have been prepared, drizzle any leftover Melted Butter and the Lemon Juice evenly over the tops of the Chicken. Sprinkle with Paprika.
  7. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes – check the center Chicken Breast by cutting it in half to check for any pinkness.
  8. Drizzle juices from pan over the Chicken Breasts before serving. Yum!!!

NOTE: The original recipe for this incredible dish came from a wonderful cookbook that was published by the supporters of the American Cancer Society in 1989, called “VIP Cookbook: A Potpourri of Virginia Cooking.” If you can get your hands on one of these cookbooks, it would be well-worth it!!! 🙂

Dinner, Main Dish




Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is our middle daughter’s favorite food…I seriously think she would eat it for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner EVERY day of her life if others didn’t step in and insist on some variety in her diet 😉
It really IS delicious, though! Our family doesn’t just eat it as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvres, but as a meal with fresh bread/rolls and a big salad 🙂 A definite 5-Stars in this household!

  • 4-6 Large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 3 lbs.; boiled and shredded)
  • 1 1/4 Cup Hot Sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo Wing Sauce because it’s Gluten Free and SO yummy!)
  • 2 Cups Ranch Dressing (I make my own using Hidden Valley Ranch Powder, but store-bought in the bottle is just fine ;))
  • 2 Blocks Cream Cheese ((16 oz) I use full fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
  • 3 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (You can also use half Cheddar and half Monterey Jack)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a 9″ x 13″ (or 4 quart) baking dish dish, mix together the Chicken, the Hot Sauce and 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheese until thoroughly blended; Spread out evenly in the pan and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, heat the Ranch Dressing and the Cream Cheese over Low heat until the Cream Cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the Chicken mixture in the baking dish.
  4. Top with the remaining Shredded Cheese.
  5. Bake uncovered for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until edges are bubbly and the top is lightly brown.
  6. Serve with your favorite chips, pita chips, bread, etc. Enjoy 🙂
Appetizers, Dinner, Hors d’Oeuvres, Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish, Snacks
American




Sour Cream Chicken Tenders (Gluten Free)

Sour Cream Chicken Tenders (Gluten Free)

These baked Chicken Tenders turn out tender and juicy inside with a light and crispy outside every time. I bake these quite often for my family and always make a double batch to ensure there are plenty of leftovers for the next day 🙂 This dish is one of our son’s most-requested meals! Enjoy 🙂

The Sour Cream Marinade:

  • 2 Cups Daisy Lite Sour Cream (You may use Regular Sour Cream, if desired)
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 4-5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 Packages (9-10 per pack) Chicken Tenders (rinsed and lightly dried with paper towels)

The Crispy Outer Crust:

  • 1 1/2-2 Cups Gluten Free Italian Bread Crumbs
  • 1/2 Cup Salted Butter, melted

Making the Sour Cream Marinade:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
  2. Place the prepared Chicken Tenders into a large resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the Sour Cream marinade into the bag with the Chicken, close the bag securely, and then “smoosh” the chicken around to evenly coat with the marinade. Place flat in the refrigerator overnight (12-24 hours).

Breading the Chicken:

  1. When the chicken is ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil (if using foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray); set aside.
  3. Pour the Bread Crumbs into a shallow bowl or dish and place beside the prepared cookie sheet.
  4. Remove the marinating Chicken from the refrigerator and place next to the dish containing the bread crumbs (I place mine in a large bowl to keep the bag from tipping over).
  5. Once your “station” is set up, remove a few (3-4) Chicken tenders from the bag and dredge them through the bread crumbs to evenly coat them. Then place onto the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat these steps with the remaining chicken.
  6. Once all of the chicken is prepared and lined up on the cookie sheet, drizzle them with the melted butter.
  7. Bake uncovered for approximately 15-18 minutes, depending on your oven, turning them over halfway through.
  8. Serve with your favorite sides and watch them disappear…I serve ours with my Homemade Ranch Dressing/Dip or my Honey Mustard Sauce/Dip 😉
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish




Copycat Chipotle Chicken (Baked)

Copycat Chipotle Chicken (Baked)

I think my husband and children would eat this meal every day of their lives if I didn’t put my foot down and insist on some variety 😉 This recipe truly is delicious!!! And, it’s so easy to prepare…I always make 2 batches at a time, so we are sure to have enough for a couple of meals 🙂 Enjoy!

  • 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Rinsed and dried)
  • 1/4 Cup Water
  • 1/4 Cup Distilled White Vinegar
  • 4 Tbsps Canola Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Ingredients for Chipotle Chicken Bowl

  • 2 Cups Cooked Rice
  • 2-4 Cups Shredded or Chopped Lettuce
  • 4 Breasts Chopped Chipotle Chicken ((from the above recipe))
  • 1-2 Cups Shredded Cheese (any flavor you desire)
  • 1 Cup Pico de Gallo (I buy this pre-made in the produce section)
  • 1-2 Medium Chopped Tomatoes
  • 1-2 Avocados (Smushed)
  • Sour Cream (I use the Lite version)
  • 1-2 Green Onions (chopped)
  • Copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette Dressing (*recipe in the “Sides & Salads” of the “All Recipes” section on my website)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Place the rinsed and dried Chicken into a Large Ziploc Baggie. Set aside.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients and whisk well.
  4. Pour the marinade over the Chicken in the baggie and seal securely, being sure to press air out of the bag. Squish the chicken around in the baggie to coat evenly.
  5. Place the sealed baggie with the marinating chicken in the baking dish that you will be using later. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400 degrees and place one of the racks in the center position.
  7. Meanwhile, remove the chicken from the marinade and place into the baking dish. Cover with foil.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes on the center rack. Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until inside temperature of chicken registers 165 degrees or no longer pink inside.
  9. Remove cooked chicken from oven and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  10. To make a Chipotle Chicken Bowl, layer Rice, Lettuce, Chicken, Cheese, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole (or just smushed Avocados), Chopped Tomatoes, Sour Cream and, of course, the Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette Dressing!
Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish, Salads
American, Mexican