Two Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes

  

allrecipes.com Salsa Chicken

Last week when I got home from Savannah I found some chicken breasts in my freezer, which is rare because I don't really like to freeze meats. In an attempt to avoid going to the grocery store, because I was exhausted from the drive (and lazy), I thawed out the chicken and went to allrecipes.com for some inspiration

I was so happy with the recipes I found. The first night home I made an easy Garlic Chicken. I had everything on hand, and the recipe looked simple. No fuss is what I needed! This is a great recipe for a quick meal in a pinch! Next time boneless, skinless chicken breasts are on sale I will stock some in the freezer for those busy times - it was that easy!

Again, because I was exhausted (and lazy) from the drive, I did not get a picture of the Garlic Chicken. I did make the recipe exactly as stated, but I recommend cooking for 15-20 minutes and then checking the temp. It should be 155-160 degrees before removing from the oven. Then let rest for about 10 minutes. The 30 minute cook time in the recipe was a bit long for the chicken breasts I used. They were quite thick, so I am guessing that time is just long in general.  NOTE: Be sure your olive oil is fresh. Old oil can ruin a recipe quickly. I also like to buy a better brand of olive oil - my fave from the grocery store is the Lucini brand. Also, before breading the chicken I like to turn it over and pull it open on the bottom - there is always a part at the thickest point where you can open it up. It evens out the meat for more consistent cooking throughout

The next night I was a little more adventurous! I made some Salsa Chicken and even had enough energy to get a picture! woohoo! It was delicious too! This coming from a girl who doesn't generally like recipes made with boneless, skinless chicken. I was pleased to find another easy recipe to make in a pinch!

I made Fresh Tomato Salsa to use in the recipe, but a store bought salsa would work well. I didn't have taco seasoning mix on hand, so I made this Taco Seasoning recipe from allrecipes.com. It worked well, but when making the Salsa Chicken recipe again I would use 1/2 the taco seasoning called for in the recipe. I thought the flavor was a bit too much and so much seasoning made it a little chalky. I also used my new favorite cheese - Manchego, and it was wonderful on this recipe!
NOTE:  The Salsa Chicken recipe was even better leftover the next day! The flavors worked their mingling magic overnight in the fridge!!

I served this with allrecipes.com Black Beans & Rice. I've made this recipe many times, and it always turns out great! It has great flavor! The recipe is spot on! We really like it!

I had sour cream on hand, and I made some fresh guacamole because I LOVE it! I use an avocado with a couple gloves of garlic, a little lime juice, and some salt and pepper for the guac. Mush that up well and chill in the fridge for a couple hours. mmm mmmm good!