Blackened Santa Fe Chicken Food

BLACKENED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Coat both sides of thawed chicken with butter. Reserve.
• Combine all seasonings in a shallow bowl.
• Coat both sides of chicken.
• Heat a heavy duty skillet until very hot, about 10 minutes.
• Add butter to grease the bottom.
• Sauté chicken over high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side.

SANTA FE CHICKEN PASTA (COPYCAT)

Steps:

• Cook your chicken first.
• To blacken, lightly sprinkle blackening seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
• Heat a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken completely - turning only once.
• Hint: You may want to do this on your grill outside because a lot of smoke can be generated.
• Slice the chicken into the thin long strips.
• Set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce and noodles.
• In a large pot, start heat your water to a boil in preparation for the pasta.
• In a large stainless saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat.
• While the butter is melting, finely mince the garlic and then add to the pan.
• Cook the garlic for two minutes and then add all of the cream.
• Stir occasionally while it reduces by half.
• Hint: If your garlic turns brown then the pan was too hot - start over, it will be worth it.
• While the cream is starting to reduce, prepare your other ingredients by finely mincing the green onions, cilantro, tomatoes & roasted red peppers - but keep the tomatoes separate.
• Stir in the cilantro, green onion & roasted red peppers while it's reducing.
• Your cream should be simmering now as it reduces - this process will normally take more than 20 minutes - stir occasionally and keep a watch out for it boiling over.
• Boil the pasta, which should take at least 12 minutes.
• Clean the snow peas and add them to the cream - if they simmer in the cream for at least 10 minutes they are perfect - cooked through and hot, but still a bit crisp.
• When the pasta is done, the cream should be reduced by half now. The cream's texture should not be thick like Alfredo sauce, but not runny like water.
• Drain the pasta well! Penne pasta is a pain because it holds so much water, but too much left over water will thin out the sauce you worked so hard for.
• Put the noodles back in its pot and pour your cream over the noodles.
• Add the chicken and stir everything together well.
• Serve immediately as this dish is not good as leftovers or once the cream cools.
• Spoon out an appropriate amount onto a plate and then sprinkle some diced tomatoes on top - you can also use some left over cilantro sprig as garnish if you like.
• I usually serve this with warm Italian bread with soft butter on the side.

BLACKENED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Let the chicken come to room temperature before using.
• Cover chicken with butter until well coated.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
• Roll each chicken breast into about 1/2 tsp. seasoning mix (I use my hands).
• Immediately place the chicken pieces skin side down in the skillet to sear.
• Pour about 1 teaspoon of the butter on top.
• Cook about 2+ minutes, until a crust forms on the underside.
• Turn and pour another 1 teaspoon of the butter on each of the chicken pieces.
• Cook until just cooked through.

LIKE-EARL'S SANTA FE SALAD

Steps:

• Dressing:.
• Combine ingredients in a food processor or use a hand immersion blender to process until mixture is green and tiny specks of peanuts and lime are visible. Makes 3/4 cup.
• Salad:.
• Heat oil to 375 degrees in a deep fryer or heavy pot (a small pot using about 1 cup oil and working in two batches works well); add tortilla pieces and deep fry until golden and crisp; drain on paper towels (may also be baked @ 375 degrees). (Note: Coarsely crushed corn tortilla chips or purchased deep fried chow mein noodles may be substituted for deep fried tortilla pieces or whole corn tortilla chips may be decoratively placed beside the prepared salad instead.).
• Rub corn with vegetable oil and grill over medium-high heat until lightly browned; cool and remove kernels. (3/4 cup cooked corn may be substituted).
• Place lettuces in a large bowl; toss together with enough dressing to lightly coat. Add corn, dates, black beans and half the tortilla pieces and feta cheese; toss well. Divide between 4 plates and top with remaining feta cheese and tortilla pieces. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over top. Peel and thinly slice avocado and divide between 4 plates; place beside each salad.

SANTA FE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Whisk together all ingredients except chicken.
• Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking pan and pour the marinade over the top.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Grill over medium coals for about 10 minutes on each side.

BLACKENED CHICKEN PIZZA

Steps:

• Sprinkle 2 teaspoons blackening seasoning evenly over chicken breast.
• In large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until chicken is done. Remove from heat, and cool. Cut chicken into thin strips; set aside.
• In a large skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot, and cook for two minutes. Stir in flour; cook for two minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in wine and milk. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 4-5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in basil and remaining 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning. remove from heat.
• Spread cream mixture evenly over prepared unbaked crust. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Top evenly with spinach, chicken strips, bacon, remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cut into wedges to serve.

BLACKENED SANTA FE CHICKEN

Steps:

• FINELY crush 1 cup French-fried onions. Place in pie plate; stir in cilantro, chili, cumin, salt. Reserve remaining onions.
• DIP chicken into beaten egg, then into crumb mixture, pressing gently to coat lightly.
• HEAT oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Saute chicken for 10 min. (no longer pink) Turn once. Sprinkle with cheese and remaining onions. Cook, covered, until cheese melts. Serve with salsa. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, if desired.