Spicy Apricot Chicken

My absolute favorite flavor combination is spicy and sweet, love, love, LOVE it!  This quick and easy recipe is a perfect glaze for chicken wings.  No more boring buffalo or BBQ, try this tasty glaze next time you have wings.

1/2 onion -small dice
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 Thai chili peppers -diced up
1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 jar apricot jam (great from the store or make your own)
bunch of fresh parsley

1 pound chicken wings and drums

Saute the first three ingredients in a touch of olive oil.  Once they have softened add the tomato paste and swirl it around the pan for about 30 seconds.  Add your jam and let simmer for ten to fifteen minutes.

 Deep fry your chicken wings and drums (to an internal temperature of 165) then toss with the glaze and parsley.  Serve warm and try not to get addicted! 

Chicken Parmigiana

This is one of my favorite dishes to make for company.  It is easily prepared, contains familiar ingredients and looks amazing.  Here's what you need:
Chicken breast-trimmed of fat and pounded 1/2 inch thickeness
bread crumbs
fresh parsley, thyme and basil
eggs-beaten for an egg wash
marinara sauce
fresh mozzerella- fresh is key, don't get the shredded stuff
salt and pepper to taste

Start by seasoning your chicken with the salt and pepper. Next finely chop up your herbs and mix them with the bread crumbs.  First dredge your chicken through the egg wash and then dredge through the bread crumbs.  Make sure they are well coated on both sides.  In a heated saute pan with a touch of oil brown your chicken on both sides.  While the chicken is browning, pour your marinara sauce (homemade or store bought) into a glass baking dish.  Once your chicken is browned on both sides add it to the sauce.  Top each piece with a 1/4 inch slice of fresh mozzarella.  Finish cooking in a 375  degree oven.  Serve with fresh pasta lightly tossed in butter and any left over  herbs.  A handful of fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette or Italian dressing goes wonderfully with this dish as well.  And what's dinner with friends without a bottle of wine? 

Chicken and Chives

Some of my best taste testers are my family.  They are always up for letting me take over the kitchen for the evening.  I like to experiment a little when I have a larger group to cook for, however I've learned the best results come from clean, easy dishes with simple and fresh flavors.  Chicken is always a big hit, and both my parents love it if I can add something strait from the garden.  This dish is a particular favorite because it is low on ingredients and high in flavor. 

Here's what you'll need:
1lb chicken breast, cleaned of all fat and cut into 1/2 inch strips
1 stick butter
1 medium onion, sliced thin
2 to 3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup dry white wine
Flour
Salt and pepper

Lightly season your chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge through the flour.  Melt a couple tablespoons of the butter in a hot skillet and brown your chicken on both sides.  Remove from pan and set aside.

Add your onions and garlic to the pan, satuee until translucent.  Add your wine and cook until the wine is almost completely evaporated. 

Add your chicken back to the pan, along with a couple more tablespoons of butter and your freshly cut chives.  Give it a gentle stir to ensure all the chicken pieces get evenly coated with butter and chives.  Enjoy!