Bruschetta Chicken + Balsamic Glaze

Inspiration struck the other day. I looked into the fridge, trying to decide what to make with the ingredients in front of me. I spied chicken, cheese, garlic, tomatoes and basil. What else would I make but chicken bruschetta? Never having made chicken bruschetta - let alone bruschetta, period - I used what I had and went loosely off the method for stuffing and cooking chicken in this post.

The result was so, so good! It oozed freshness, and I quite literally gobbled mine down. It was altogether quite simple to make, too. I would definitely recommend this for new cooks, as its simple yet looks pretty darn fancy! The balsamic glaze really added something special to the dish, and it saves well, so don't skip out on it.

Side note: balsamic glaze is merely a fancy way of saying you boiled and simmer balsamic vinegar for 20-30 minutes. Pretty sweet.

Bruschetta Chicken
Recipe by Call Me Mrs. Rapp
Serves 2; can be easily multiplied

Crispy Baked "Fried" Chicken Drumsticks

 

This easily tops the list of favorite new creations. When I saw that Trader Joe's had packages of 6 drumsticks on sale for $2.40, I grabbed them and set out to create an easy, healthy and cheap meal. We couldn't believe how much these drumsticks tasted like real fried chicken (minus the grease!) and how flavorful and crispy they were. Served with a simple side of asparagus, this was a very satisfying meal. I will definitely make these again!

Crispy Baked "Fried"Chicken Drumsticks
Recipe adapted from Cat Cora and my Crispy Baked "Fried" Chicken
Yields 6 drumsticks

Simple Spring Skillet

How's that for some alliteration? A big thank you to my middle school English teacher, Mrs. Pepe, who introduced me to Greek and Roman mythology, metaphors, similes and alliteration, which is easily my favorite literary element.

In fact...confession time... I secretly hoped I'd marry someone who had a last name ripe with alliteration opportunities for future children. Unfortunately, I've yet to find many "R" names I'm crazy about. I suppose a great husband is better than a name. :)

Back to this dish! This meal came together as I attempted to use all the produce in the fridge before it spoiled. Fortunately for me, it was a great success! I heard "yummm!" coming from table before I sat down, and I quickly snapped a couple pictures at John's insistence. We absolutely loved the lightness and freshness of this meal. Hopefully you will, too!

Simple Spring Skillet
Recipe by Call Me Mrs. Rapp
Serves about 4, depending on portions

Easy Baked Chicken with Peanut Sauce

I have a super versatile recipe for you today! This would be great as an appetizer, or as an entree as we enjoyed it. John's brother JB came over so I could help him work on his resume, and I made this new-to-me recipe for us to enjoy with some quinoa fried rice. It was a great combination, and something we'll definitely make again. The sauce is a snap to whip together, and I'm thinking of trying it with some other main dishes. I'll keep you posted!

Baked Chicken with Peanut Sauce
Recipe adapted from "Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce" via People magazine
Serves 2-3, depending on portions

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

It's Thursday! Only two more school days until spring break and my kiddos certainly are feeling it. Poor things have been stuck inside with indoor recess thanks to this absurdly cold spring weather. Cabin fever is on. So, here's a new recipe to hopefully brighten your day!

I really try not to post super similar recipes close to one another. However, perhaps you're not really a salad person and Thai Chicken Crunch Salad didn't sound like your cup of tea. Or perhaps you've got a man like John at home... John loved the salad, but wasn't feeling like "cow food" over the weekend. I suggested turning this into a wrap, and he suggested making it a lettuce wrap. The result was a huge hit! If lettuce wraps aren't your thing either, then try this with a regular tortilla. Mix it up and enjoy!

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Recipe adapted from How Sweet It Is
Serves 4, depending on portions

Thai Crunch Chicken Salad

This definitely goes on the best meals/salads EVER list. John and I could not get enough of this salad! It was filled with flavors and had a wonderful crunch to it. We gobbled it up immediately and then made even more the same week. Not to sound obsessive, but it's on the meal plan for this week...again. Jessica has certainly outdone herself again, and I cannot recommend this recipe enough!

Thai Crunch Chicken Salad
Recipe by How Sweet, via Jourdan Leigh in the Kitchen
Serves about 4

Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Those of you who faithfully follow my blog may know that my girlfriends and I love to get together for monthly dinner parties. Well, it had been quite some time since we last got together - a baby, an engagement, wedding to plan and big move, to name a few - have certainly kept us busy!

Jourdan remedied this by having us over last Saturday, and we were able to catch up, enjoy her fabulous cooking and play with sweet baby Reese! Jourdan made two pizzas, and both were to die for. I could not stop thinking about the chicken Alfredo pizza she made, and I vowed to recreate it at home. Enter this delicious dish and perfect weekend meal. A huge thanks to Jourdan for the inspiration (and perfect girls night!).

Note: I might make two of these. John devoured half of it Sunday night, and had finished the remaining piece by noon the next day. Needless to say it was a huge hit here - and worth the indulgence! :)

Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Recipe inspired by Jourdan Leigh in the kitchen, Alfredo sauce by The Pioneer Woman
Yields 1 pizza

Chicken, Caramelized Onion & Parmesan Risotto

Here is yet another post I typed up months ago, and only recently managed to edit the photos. Hopefully that doesn't deter you, because this is fantastic. I know I'm known for using adjectives, but I sincerely mean the praise for this delicious recipe (Thank you, Jourdan!).

In a nutshell, this is a warm, creamy and hearty meal. You really don't need anything else to make it a meal, although a nice green veggie on the side certainly wouldn't hurt. I'm thinking of experimenting by adding spinach to this, to really round out the meal. If you make some modifications be sure to share!

On a side note, I do apologize for the poor-quality pictures. I'm working with my iPhone, since our camera is on the fritz, and the dark winter lighting certainly doesn't help matters.

Chicken, Caramelized Onion, & Parmesan Risotto

Recipe via Jourdan Leigh in the Kitchen

Serves 4, depending on portions 

{Slow-Cooker} Creamy Chicken & Black Bean Chili

Hey there! No need to be impressed with another post so soon. In fact, judge away as I tell you that I typed up this post back in November, and just recently got around to editing the pictures. I'm surprised that I still had them!

However, my tardiness is no bash on this quick meal. I whipped it up in a flash before work, and we had plenty of leftovers to freeze and eat later. This was a tasty and easy meal, and perfect for the cold winter months. Enjoy!

{Slow-Cooker} Creamy Chicken & Black Bean Chili
Serves 4-8, depending on servings

Fiesta Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas

As soon as I saw this recipe I knew I had to make it. Last week I made my first-ever batch of enchiladas, sans recipe. They were good, but I felt I could make some just a bit better. I didn't post the recipe because I was on the phone with my sister while I was making them.

Now that I've eaten these, I'm SO glad that I didn't post the other recipe. These enchiladas were so beyond amazing that I can't even believe I made those other enchiladas. Seriously. I'm not even an enchilada person, but wow.

I'd like to play around with these some more to substitute the cream of chicken soup for less processed ingredients. However, for a quick and easy meal, the canned soup is a big time-saver. I highly recommend these, and I anticipate I'll be making more meals from Picky Palate quite soon. Enjoy!

Fiesta Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas
Recipe adapted from Picky Palate
Serves 4-6, depending on portions
 

Chicken Taco Chili

 

Hello, hello! 

Welp, July and August were definitely some lame slow months for the blog. I don't have much of an explanation, other than I really tried to enjoy my summer. I won't always have this kind of time off! I got caught up on some projects around the house - I may or may not share a few of my successful ones - relaxed, visited friends, and got ready for the new school year.

I had a wonderful first week of school with my new kiddos, and I'm ready to get back to sharing yummy recipes and more! I've got a great new recipe for you, and four reasons why you should make it ASAP.

1. This meal is tasty and healthy - what's better than that?
2. The recipe is easily adapatable for my vegetarian friends - see below.••
3. It's fun to try a variation of traditional chili - mix it up!
4. The slow cooker does all the work for you - perfect for a busy household.

Chicken Taco Chili
Recipe adapted from Skinnytaste
Serves 5-8, depending on portions

Baked Chicken with Dijon & Lime

Happy Tuesday, friends! I've noticed new readers to the blog, so a quick welcome and hello to all of you! :)

I realized this morning that I've had the pictures for the recipe for weeks, yet I keep forgetting to write up the post and share it with all of you. Well, not today! This recipe is full of flavor thanks to a few key ingredients, and it's very easy since your oven does most of the work for you.

While chicken thighs aren't my favorite (I prefer chicken breast), John went absolutely crazy over these. He insisted on eating them like wings, and "mmm'd" so many times that I lost count. I will definitely be making these again soon, especially on a night when I get home late or don't have much energy. Let me know what you think!

Baked Chicken with Dijon & Lime
Recipe via Skinnytaste
Serves 2

BBQ Chicken Salad

Happy first day of summer! In honor of this glorious day, I decided to make a yummy salad that screamed summer to me. And let me tell you, this salad is one of the best I've had. Well, that John and I have both had, because he raved about it all night.

This salad is packed with so much flavor, that even 3 hours after eating, I'm still satisfied and quite full. Though, full disclosure, I did have some PBF saltine sandwiches for dessert. Anyoo...I guarantee you and your family will love this. It is filling and beyond tasty. We're already planning to have it for lunch tomorrow!

PS: Do yourself a favor, and make it with the blue cheese vinaigrette. Jackpot!

BBQ Chicken Salad
Recipe adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod, via Jourdan Leigh in the kitchen
Serves 2

Suzy's Cracker Crusted Chicken

This. Is. Amazing. 

And sooooo easy!!

My friend Ally made this awesome chicken for my girlfriends and I when she hosted our monthly dinner party. I told her I had to get the recipe, and I promised you I would share it as soon as I did.

Well, she sent it to me a couple days ago, and I made it last night. It was even better than I remembered! John was completely enamored with it. He even asked for it again for dinner tonight. If I didn't have crab cakes that needed to be cooked today, I would totally be down for it. Looks like tomorrow I'll have to make it again!

But, seriously, anyone can make this, and it is one of the tastiest chicken recipes I've ever had. The parmesan and cayenne pepper really gives it an awesome flavor, and the crackers cook up so nicely it tastes like fried chicken - but better! The cayenne gives it a nice little kick, but it's not too spicy. If you're worried about little ones, simply leave it out and add it to your breasts before cooking. Voila!

Do yourself a favor and make this. Tonight. You won't be sorry.

Suzy's Cracker Crusted Chicken
Recipe by Suzy Wells
Serves 2 (can easily be multiplied) 

I'm here!

Hi, strangers! 

I promise I am still alive and well. I have missed blogging, but I have also loved taking a little break from just about everything. I haven't blogged. I haven't worked on school-related things (besides a few emails). I haven't even cooked too much, unless salads suddenly count. And you know what? It's been nice.

Hoosh has really enjoyed the extra "mommy time." She has been my little shadow, even when I'm doing laundry and running around the apartment. Not gonna lie, I love it.

I've missed this little blog and all of you, so I'm back. At least until I go on vacation in less than two weeks...woooo!!!

Okay, I'm done.

So, some things I plan to catch you up on over the next few posts...

That frittata recipe that I promised you...umm almost forever ago.

John's Aunt Lori's awesome surprise party hosted by John's mom and her lovely sisters.

My salad spree lately - lots of good ones!

One of the best, and I mean BEST, chicken recipes ever. It is also one of the easiest

And, finally, and most excitedly for me at this moment...we bought a (almost) new car!!!!

Lots to come, friends, so stay tuned! :)

How have you been doing? Enjoying summer? Vacation? Would you like to see one post sooner than another? I'd love to hear how you're doing and what you're interested in reading about.

Gnocchi with Chicken, Asparagus & Pesto

I made this recipe over a week ago, but have been so bad about posting. I got WAY too into my books, and left everything else fall to the wayside. I don't regret it though. I love getting caught up in books, and reading two 500+ page books in two days is a great feeling.

Back to the food though, right? This was super yummy. Light and filling, and we both gobbled up our shares. Not to mention it's done in under 30 minutes, and you can't go wrong with those meals, right? :)

I remember seeing something like this on Pinterest, but I can't seem to remember where or find it. If I find my inspiration I will be sure to link up!

Gnocchi with Chicken, Asparagus & Pesto
Recipe inspired by a Pinterest picture
Serves 3-4, depending on portions

Ingredients:
*1 package whole wheat gnocchi
*2 chicken breasts, cooked (I poached mine) and cut into bite-size pieces
*1/2-1 cup pesto sauce, depending on how much you like pesto!
*1/4 cup grape tomatoes
*1 bundle asparagus
*olive oil
*salt and pepper to taste
*Optional: grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

Preparation:
*Cut asparagus into fourths. Drizzle some olive oil in a pan, and toss asparagus in it. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook on medium for about 10 minutes, or until crisp and cooked through.  Add tomatoes in the last minute or so to soften.

*Bring a pot of water to a boil (I suggest starting this when you start the asparagus). Cook gnocchi according to package directions, about 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Drain.

*In pot, combine gnocchi, chicken, pesto, asparagus and tomatoes. Mix well and serve immediately, adding grated parmesan on top, if desired.

Dinner is served!

Quinoa Chicken Fried Rice

Spoiler alert: No rice in this recipe! Just good 'ole quinoa and my first time cooking with it. Turns out? It's delicious! To be honest, I was a bit skeptical about this whole quinoa thing (apparently pronounced keen-wah). I kinda thought it was another one of those "fad" foods that were over-hyped. Although, I thought that about blood oranges and I quickly became obsessed.

Anyhoo, I saw Katie post this recipe awhile back and quickly pinned it. I even bought the quinoa right away. However I let it sit in my pantry thinking it wouldn't be that good. Oh, I was so wrong. John was too. I told him about this and he said, "Is this another thing your super healthy friends like?" (Here's looking at you Ally and Lindsey!) He was not excited about this dinner, but he trusts my cooking enough now.

He ended up yelling, "Baby! It smells gooooood!" so many times that I lost count. It did smell goooood though. So when I took my first bite I was so pleasantly surprised and happy that I immediately realized I should have made more. Next time my friends, next time. Which will probably be, oh, on Thursday.

Quinoa Chicken Fried Rice
Recipe adapted from Our Little Place and Peas and Crayons
Serves 3-4 as an entree, depending on portions

Ingredients:

*1 cup quinoa (uncooked)

*1 1/2 cups water

*4-8tsp low sodium soy sauce

*2-4 cloves of garlic, minced

*1/4 tsp garlic powder 

*2 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen veggies such as peas, carrots, and onion

*2-4 large eggs, optional (I used three)

*oil or butter for sauteeing

*S+P to taste 

*2 chicken breasts, poached and cut into bite-size pieces

 Preparation:

*Rinse quinoa, drain and allow to dry (I used this time to chop my veggies!). Once dry, toss quinoa in a pot - without water. Toast on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to dry out a bit more (which actually keeps it moist!). Add water to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to low, cover and simmer for 12 minutes.

*While the quinoa is cooking, get your veggies ready. Saute onion and carrots in a pan until softened. (I just defrosted my peas and threw them in at the last minute). Push veggies to the side and scramble your eggs. Add garlic at the end and mix together. 

*When quinoa is ready, add it and chicken to the pan and mix well. Add garlic powder and soy sauce, plus salt and pepper to taste. Allow to fry for a couple minutes and serve immediately. 

Veggies | Poached chicken
Diced chicken | Egg and veggies

Veggies + Eggs + Garlic | All mixed up!

Dinner is served :)

Creamy Chicken & Spinach Tortellini Casserole

Last week I couldn't decide what to make for dinner. I had some spinach tortellini chilling in my fridge at the end of its shelf life (impulse buy!) and some chicken needing to be cooked. I decided I could make some sort of casserole, but then I couldn't decide what should be the base of this casserole...creamy chicken or tomato cream sauce. So, I made both in individual ramekins!

John and I went crazy of them. So much so that just two days later John asked me to make the creamy chicken version as a big casserole. Since I didn't get too many pictures during the first one, this was the perfect time to document this deliciously easy meal.

Oh, and did I mention that this is another recipe with only 5 ingredients (plus an optional sixth)?! It is so, sooo good and oh-so-easy. Casseroles are great that way. Let me know what you think!

Creamy Chicken & Spinach Tortellini Casserole
Recipe by Call Me Mrs. Rapp
Serves 3-4

Ingredients:
*one package spinach tortellini
*3/4 cup cheese (I suggest a cheddar combo)
*1 can cream of chicken soup
*2 chicken breasts, cooked (I poached mine) and cut into bite-size pieces
*2 handfuls spinach (about 3 oz)
*1/4 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs (optional)

Preparation:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Cook chicken if necessary.

*In a casserole dish, combine cooked tortellini, chicken, cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup cheese and spinach. Top with remaining cheese and bread crumbs, if desired.

*Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
 

All the stages of the casserole

Yumminess in a bowl!

5-Ingredient Chicken Sausage Skillet

Hi friends! I have been totally absent for the past few days, but with good reason - I was sick! Plus a busy weekend, which I will catch you up on this week with make-up posts.

Anyhoo, this is an awesomely tasty and equally awesomely easy dish to make. I mean, when something has five ingredients, how can it really be that hard? It can't! So this is what you want to make when you have no time, and want a filling, yet light meal.

I love this meal because it is all veggies and protein. That combination fills me up and always makes my body feel good. It also makes me feel good because it requires no work. Did I mention that? Oh I did? Well, then what are you waiting for? Go make this!

5-Ingredient Chicken Sausage Skillet
Recipe by Call Me Mrs. Rapp
Serves 3, depending on portions

Ingredients:
*4 sweet Italian style chicken sausages, sliced into bite-seize pieces
*3 bell peppers (I used red, yellow, orange, chopped into chunks)
*1/2 onion, chopped into chunks
*1/2 tsp garlic powder
*salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
*Heat a small amount of olive oil in a large skillet. Throw all the veggies into the pan and stir occasionally, allowing them to cook up. Sprinkle garlic powder and salt and pepper on top.

*In a separate skillet (smaller), heat a small amount of olive oil. Place chicken sausages in and cook for a few minutes, until lightly browned and both sides.

*Combine in a bowl or plate and serve immediately!

For some extra color and flavor, heat up some frozen peas in the microwave and toss them into the skillet combo!

Chopped and cooking veggies...plus the chicken sausage I used - so tasty!

Skillet both without and with peas (the peas were added for lunch the next day)

Date Sandwich

Remember how I told you I would tell you about our Saturday? Well, clearly the week got away from me so I'm getting to it now. Better late than never, right?

Saturday started bright and early in the Rapp house! We hopped in the car for an hour and a half drive east to watch John's brother compete in sectionals. The great news: they won! The not-so-ideal: we were driving back to Indy to turn around and drive back a few hours later. Enter date sandwich, aka cramming a date in the middle of this busy day.

We headed to RAM to enjoy a beer and some good food. We were at the Illinois bar, but since they were already out of the Big Ten Championship (like us, boo) we thought we'd get right in. Not so...unless, of course, you happen to have serious city girl skills and know how to stalk for a table and parking spot. John ran to the bathroom and I snagged a booth by the time he got back. Sweet!

We ordered two of my favorites: Amber Ale Cheese Dip (ohmygosh) with flatbread and Hefeweizen, a beer I strangely enjoy. I usually stick to wine, but for some reason I really like this. Go figure! I also had a sirloin salad with dressing on the side, while John got some wings.

We headed back to the apartment for a bit to give the puppy some snuggles and take a quick cat nap. Before we knew it we were back in the car heading to see JB's second game. This game was nerve-wracking. I kept thinking, this cannot be JB's last game! Even though they were ahead the whole time, you felt like the other team could come back. Luckily they didn't, and we ended up beating them by almost 20 points! Go JB!

The whole gang! John and I, JB and his girlfriend Kelsey, Leslie, Lauren and her boyfriend, Ryan & John

Welp, I'm off to get in a workout before we go to dinner with John's family tonight. (We're getting Italian tonight - yum! - and JB's semi-state basketball game is tomorrow!) I'm thinking of doing a yoga video, or enjoying this day and doing the outdoor-friendly circuit I came up with. I took my students on a nature walk today, so either would be a nice compliment. Happy Friday!