Billies Houdini Chicken Salad Food

ROTINI WITH CHICKEN MARSALA RAGOUT

Steps:

• Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes total; transfer to a plate (the chicken will not be cooked through).
• Add the remaining tablespoon oil and then add the mushrooms and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and turn golden brown along the edges, about 8 minutes. Add the onions and continue to cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle the flour and garlic over the vegetables and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the Marsala and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the Marsala reduces slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken and any collected juices to the skillet, cover, reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• When the chicken is cooked, transfer the thighs to a cutting board and increase the heat under the sauce to medium high. Boil until slightly thickened, about 6 minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely shred the chicken using 2 forks. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and keep warm.
• Cook the rotini in the boiling water according to the package directions.
• Serve the rotini topped with the chicken ragout. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with the grated Parmesan or pecorino.

CHICKEN POPPY SEED SALAD SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Boil the chicken in a large pot filled with water until done, about 45 minutes. Drain the chicken and set aside to cool. Once the chicken is cooled, dice into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the celery, grapes, almonds, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, poppy seeds and dill. Mix until the salad is fully combined. Cut the crusts off of the bread and place a few tablespoons in between each sandwich, pressing to make it easy to pick up. Cut on the diagonal to make 2 triangles to serve.

CHICKEN SALAD, AVOCADO AND CHEDDAR PANINI

Steps:

• Lay out the croissant halves. On the bottom halves, place 3/4 cup of the leftover chicken salad. Top with a handful of arugula and layer with slices of avocado, tomato and Cheddar. Season with salt and pepper, and top with the croissant tops.
• Heat a grill pan and a heavy skillet over medium heat. Transfer the sandwiches to the grill pan and set the skillet directly on top, to weight. Grill until the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is melted, 4 to 5 minutes.
• In a large stockpot over high heat, cover the chicken with water and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool completely, about 20 minutes, then dice.
• In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, yogurt, grapes, almonds, pecans, cranberries, apples and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve on toasted bread or with crackers.