Zesty Cheesy Chicken and Spaghetti
This Zesty Cheesy Chicken and Spaghetti has just a few ingredients but when they come together, they make for a brilliant meal that features crispy cheese and chicken on a bed of spaghetti covered in a sauce with a kick.
Let’s talk about comfort food for a minute. The weather is getting colder and I’m sure your thinking soups, casseroles, and things covered in gravy BUT might I remind you how comforting cheese is?
I mean…ccccchhhhheeeesssseeee. The gooey, melty goodness that only gets better when it’s cooked in a cast iron pan. The bits that get just a little overcooked and then the bits that are melted perfectly.
I mean look at that crispy chicken with the melty cheese! I’m not ashamed to say that when I make this chicken recipe, I grab a big forkful of all the goodness and take a big bite before serving.
Then to top it all off, this recipe comes together after you place the chicken on top of spaghetti noodles and a zesty sauce. EASY COMFORT FOOD – that’s what this is all about.
What beer pairs well with a cheesy chicken and spaghetti dinner?
The beer: 312 from Goose Island.
Light wheat beer pairs well with nearly every dish. Plus, it’s a great way to chase down the spiciness in the sauce.
What movie should you watch while eating chicken on top of spaghetti?
We’re starting the first of MANY times we’ll watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s a family favorite for sure.
What is your family’s favorite Christmas movie?
How to make Zesty Cheesy Chicken and Spaghetti:
First, cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
Next, cut the chicken breasts into strips.
On a plate add the flour then HALF the packet of Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Mix to the flour, combine it using a fork.
Dredge the chicken into the flour mixture. Add to a heated cast iron pan that has 2 Tbs olive oil over medium/high heat.
Fry the chicken on each side for 5-6 minutes. Check the chicken to make sure that it has cooked through, turn off the heat and cover with the cheese.
Once the spaghetti it cooked, remove and drain the water. Add the noodles back into the pan.
Add the rest of the Italian Mix to the pan. Then finally add the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine.
Cook up some garlic bread, plate up the spaghetti and chicken and here you are……
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
|
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 2 Tbs olive oil
- 1/2 cup flour
- 0.6 ounces Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Mix 1/2 in flour mixture, 1/2 in pasta
- 4-6 ounces shredded colby jack cheese
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta cooked according to package directions
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
Ingredients
|
|
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips.
- On a plate add the flour then HALF the packet of Zesty Italian Salad Dressing Mix to the flour, combine it using a fork.
- Dredge the chicken into the flour mixture. Add to a heated cast iron pan that has 2 Tbs olive oil over medium/high heat.
- Fry the chicken on each side for 5-6 minutes. Check the chicken to make sure that it has cooked through, turn off the heat and cover with the cheese.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, remove and drain the water. Add the noodles back into the pan.
- Add the rest of the Italian Mix to the pan. Then finally add the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine.
- Plate up the spaghetti and chicken. Enjoy!
Instant Pot No Bean Beef Chili
Chunks of tender beef, tomatoes, spices, and jalapeno come together beautifully in this Instant Pot No Bean Beef Chili. Hearty and full of flavor you will not miss the beans in this chili at all.
We have been busy around here lately. School, sports, work, etc. and everything in between so why not add even more to our plate? Enter a new addition to the family.
So for this Mitten Movie Night instead of recommending a movie, I want to introduce you to Titan.
We have been in discussions about getting a puppy for some time now but once we saw his little face, we knew we didn’t want to wait any longer.
Titan was one of a litter that my husband found through Paws Of Hope in Stevensville, MI. They were so great to work with and I would highly recommend them if you are in the area and interested in adding a new member of your family.
What beer goes well with Instant Pot No Bean Beef Chili?
The beer: Spaten Oktoberfest.
Yes, I know it’s no longer October but this beer is something I purchased extra of in October because it’s great to use in recipes and a light drinkable beer to have on hand for guests who don’t particularly like IPA’s.
I chose to make a beanless chili recipe because I wanted a chili recipe that would also double as a great way to use up a bag of tortilla chips that had been hanging around my cupboard.
Let’s start by talking about the ideal meat to use in the Instant Pot. I picked up this 2-pound eye of round roast from the store. With the marbeling on it, I just knew it would be great. Just like when we smoke meat I’ve noticed that the more fat content meat has in it, the more tender it gets.
How to make Instant Pot No Bean Beef Chili:
Prepare the ingredients that will go into the Instant Pot. Cube the meat, chop the onion and garlic, and handle with care when seeding and chopping the jalapeno.
Should you add jalapeno to your chili?
Yes! I really like jalapenos and find that they just heighten the taste of everything from pasta to burgers.
Set the Instant Pot to saute and add 1 Tbs olive oil to the bottom. Add the cubed roast to the pot and brown on both sides using tongs to turn the meat, around 2 minutes each side.
Turn the Instant Pot off. To the browned beef add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, jalapeno, sugar, flour, and spices.
Finally, add the bottle of beer and stir everything together one more time.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot until you hear the ‘good to go’ dings. Make sure the lid valve is pointing at ‘sealing’. Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Meat/Stew’ setting and set the timer for 45 minutes.
Once the 45 minutes are up, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes. Turn the valve to venting to release any further steam then open the lid.
The Instant Pot spends around 10 minutes building up the pressure and then another 10 minutes to bring the pressure down before taking the lid off. Make sure to factor this additional time for serving this instant pot chili.
I served this beanless chili with tortilla chips, sharp cheddar cheese, white onion, and sour cream. These toppings helped to cool down the jalapeno and add even more flavor.
And here you are…..
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
|
- 2 pounds beef eye of round roast cubed
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 1 white onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeno seeded and chopped
- 2 14.5-ounces diced tomato with green chilies
- 15 ounces tomato paste
- 1 Tbs granulated sugar
- 1 Tbs all purpose flour
- 1 Tbs chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Spanish paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 12 ounces light beer I used Oktoberfest, or other light lager
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese for topping
- 2 cups restaurant style tortilla chips for topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream for topping
- 1 white onion chopped, for topping
Ingredients
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- Cube the meat, chop the onion and garlic, and handle with care when seeding and chopping the jalapeno.
- Set the Instant Pot to saute and add 1 Tbs olive oil to the bottom. Add the cubed roast to the pot and brown on both sides using tongs to turn the meat, around 2 minutes each side.
- Turn the Instant Pot off. To the browned beef add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, jalapeno, sugar, flour, and spices.
- Add the bottle of beer and stir everything together one more time.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot until you hear the 'good to go' dings. Make sure the lid valve is pointing at 'sealing'. Set the Instant Pot to the 'Meat/Stew' setting and set the timer for 45 minutes.
- Once the 45 minutes are up, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes. Turn the valve to venting to release any further steam then open the lid.
- Serve with tortilla chips, sharp cheddar cheese, white onion, and sour cream. Enjoy!
Portobello Mushroom Burger
Juicy marinated mushrooms meld together with peppers, onions & mozzarella cheese. Basil mayonnaise finishes off this Portobello Mushroom Burger perfectly.
When I first got on IG I started something I hashtagged #MittenMovieNight. Usually, Friday nights hubby & I enjoy a few craft beers and watch a movie. I snapped what we are drinking and watching and tag it with this hashtag. I look forward to this fun little night and I also look forward to sharing it. So I thought, hey why not add a recipe to go along with it. YEAH! Dinner, Movie, Craft Beer! So that is how #MittenMovieNight was born.
Here is just a taste of some of my FAVORITE recipe & beer pairings:
What to watch while eating a juicy mushroom burger?
For this Mitten Movie Night we’re watching, The Bronze
What should I drink with a Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burger?
The beer: Boom Boom Betty from Three Blondes Brewing
Blondes are my favorite type of beer. Subtle with a nice fruity flavor and everyone I try is different from the other. But what I do know is that I will never go wrong. It’s delicious.
How to make Portobello Mushroom Burgers in the oven:
Start with the Basil Mayonnaise. In a food processor combine basil, garlic, and salt. While running add oil through the top and blend until smooth.
Take the ingredients from the processor and move to another bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate. This will keep for around 3 days. *Pro-tip: Basil mayo is also great on sandwiches!
Next, mix the marinade ingredients together for mushrooms. Oil, vinegar, salt and lemon juice. Set aside.
Prepare the mushrooms by removing the stems and scraping the gills out. Don’t miss this step since leaving the gills in the mushroom can make them release more water, therefore, making them soggy.
Place mushrooms in a dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it sit in the marinade at room temperature for 10 minutes.
While the mushrooms marinate, chop peppers and onion.
Add 2 Tbs. of butter in a pan, let it melt over medium/high heat then add the peppers and onions to the pan. Sautee for 5 minutes.
Assemble the marinated mushrooms on a greased baking pan. With mushroom cup side up add onions and peppers. Top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 425 degrees for 20-22 minutes.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking the mushrooms, I put butter on my split rolls and put them in the oven as well to crisp up the buns.
Smear the rolls of your choosing with pesto mayo. Add mushroom burger. And here you are…..
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
Originally published in August of 2016. Updated photos in October 2019.
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 22 minutes |
| Servings |
burgers
|
Ingredients
- 4 Portobello Mushrooms stems removed and gills scraped
- 1/4 cup avocado or olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 2 Tbs. lemon juice
- 2 Tbs. soy sauce
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 4 rolls
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tbs. butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 clove garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup avocado or olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan
Ingredients
Portobello Mushrooms & Marinade
Basil Mayonnaise
|
|
Instructions
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In a food processor combine basil, garlic and salt. While running add oil through the top and blend until smooth.
-
Take the ingredients from the processor and move to another bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until combined.
-
Cover and refrigerate. This will keep for around 3 days.
-
Mix the marinade ingredients together. Oil, vinegar, salt and lemon juice. Set aside.
-
Prepare the mushrooms by removing the stems and scraping the gills out.
-
Place mushrooms in a dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it sit in the marinade at room temperature for 10 minutes.
-
Add 2 Tbs. of butter in a pan, let it melt over medium/high heat then add the peppers and onions to the pan. Sautee for 5 minutes. Â
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Assemble the marinated mushrooms on a greased baking pan. With mushroom cup side up add onions and peppers. Top with mushrooms.
-
Cook at 425 degrees for 20-22 minutes.
-
Smear the rolls of your choosing with pesto mayo. Add mushroom burger. Enjoy!
Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a perfect mix of spicy and creamy. Blackened chicken makes this pasta recipe really stand out and will become one of your go-to comfort foods!
Oh, hello spicy. Nice to see you. There was a time that I didn’t hold such an affinity for you, and that makes me sad. Thankfully I am back to your side. Especially after enjoying a big plate of pasta, creamy sauce, crunchy peppers, and so much spicy goodness. This recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta is ready to put the spice back into life.
What beer pairs well with Cajun Pasta with Chicken?
The beer: Amber from Abita.
With spicy you don’t want overwhelming. Spicy chicken plus spicy sauce PLUS carbs…you want something that isn’t trying to fight with all the goodness of this dish so a pale ale like
What TV series pairs well with a spicy pasta dish?
Since in our house anything featuring Danny McBride cannot be missed, Righteous Gemstones is where it’s at this Mitten Movie Night
How to make Cajun Chicken Pasta:
I REALLY think that the key to this easy pasta recipe is the blackened chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with lots of Cajun seasoning then cooking it until crispy on the outside but juicy on the outside. That is what makes it meld so perfectly with this creamy pasta.
To achieve blackened chicken perfection it’s all about coating, frying, then taking it off at just the right moment. See the below example: I hate to brag, but yeah, that’s how you do it.
First, cut the chicken breasts in half. I try to cut mine to about 2-3 inches in the middle, no more. I want these to cook quick and stay juicy. The thicker they are, the longer they take to cook.
Sprinkle each side with 1 Tbs Cajun Seasoning.
To a shallow rimmed pan add oil. Let the pan heat up then place the chicken in the pan. Cook 4-5 minutes then flip. Cook 4-5 additional minutes depending on the thickness of the cut. *Make a cut in the thickest part of the chicken breast to make sure that it has cooked through. If not, return to the pan and cook 1-2 minutes per side.
While the chicken is cooking, add the fettucini to a pot and boil according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
Next, chop the red and green peppers, onions and mince the garlic.
Once the chicken has cooked, remove and place on a cutting board. Slice the chicken.
In the same pan that you cooked the chicken, leaving the heat on medium, add 1 Tbs butter and let melt. Once the butter is melted add the sliced peppers, onions, and garlic and sautee. Cook for 5 minutes to soften but allowing them to still stay crunchy.
Add the flour, stirring the ingredients together, then slowly add 1/4 cup reserved water* from the fettucini. *I have found that using the pasta water when making a cream sauce stretches the sauce out without making it clumpy.
Next, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and 1 Tbs Cajun seasoning.
Finally to the pan, add the drained cooked pasta. Top with the reserved green onions and jalapenos.
Like adding jalapenos to food? Try these recipes that are better with the spicy stuff on top:
I like to use tongs to combine everything together and then to serve. And here you are……
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
|
- 4 ounces fettucini pasta Cooked according ot package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the water.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half
- 2 Tbs avocado oil or vegetable oil
- 3 Tbs Cajun Seasoning
- 1 Tbs butter
- 1 medium green pepper cleaned, core removed and sliced
- 1 medium red pepper cleaned, core removed and sliced
- 2 stalks green onions chop white part for sautee. Save green parts for topping.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced minced
- 1/2 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 Tbs flour
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Ingredients
|
|
- Cut the chicken breasts in half.
- Sprinkle each side with 1 Tbs Cajun Seasoning.
- To a shallow rimmed pan add oil. Let the pan heat up then place the chicken in the pan. Cook 4-5 minutes then flip. Cook 4-5 additional minutes depending on the thickness of the cut.
- While the chicken is cooking, add the fettucini to a pot and boil according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
- Next, chop the red and green peppers, onions and mince the garlic.
- Once the chicken has cooked, remove and place on a cutting board. Slice the chicken.
- In the same pan that you cooked the chicken, leaving the heat on medium, add 1 Tbs butter and let melt. Once the butter is melted add the sliced peppers, onions, and garlic and sautee. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the flour, stirring the ingredients together, then slowly add 1/4 cup reserved water from the fettucini.
- Next, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and 1 Tbs Cajun seasoning.
- Finally to the pan, add the drained cooked pasta.
- Top with the reserved green onions and jalapenos. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Loaded Waffle Fries
Layers of crispy waffle fries, crunchy bacon, creamy ranch then topped with melted cheese. All made in the air fryer and minimal cleanup. Air Fryer Loaded Waffle Fries are just what snacking should be, easy and delicious!
I think it’s an official thing by now. We are going on 8 solid months of me being in love with my air fryer. If an inanimate object can be your BFF, my air fryer and I would be attached at the hip. This thing is THE BOMB! What can’t you make in this thing?
Can you make sandwiches in it? Yes! Check out this Roasted Pepper Turkey Sandwich.
Snacks for munching? Yes! Air Fryer Rosemary Cashews is one of my most popular recipes.
What about making an air fryer recipe that is loaded with bacon, ranch and LOTS of cheese? Um, yeah. That’s literally what I’m doing right now.
So we’ve got dinner squared away for Mitten Movie Night so let’s talk about the beer and what we’re watching.
What beer pairs well with air fryer waffle fries loaded with ranch and bacon?
The beer: Oberon from Bell’s Brewery.
We are sadly getting to the end of Oberon season. It feels like yesterday that I was making Smoked Sausage Nachos and pairing them with Larry’s Flamingo Fruit Fight at the beginning of Spring and now here we are, almost to September.
What TV Show pairs well with waffle fries and great Michigan Craft Beer?
Hubby and I have been binging The Boys. Great show and can I add that Elisabeth Shue looks amazing. As someone who is about to slide into the last part of the first part of her 40’s, hats off to you lady.
How to make Air Fryer Loaded Waffle Fries:
Start off by setting the air fryer to 400 degrees. *My air fryer has a ‘french fry’ setting so I set it to that which is 400 degrees. Check your manual for cooking times.
Fry the waffles fries for 15-20 minutes shaking the basket in 5-minute intervals so they don’t stick to the bottom.
Once the waffle fries have cooked in the air fryer to the desired goldenness take the basket of the fryer out.
Layer with the cooked bacon and ranch. See isn’t this a perfect ‘one pan’ snack attack?
Add cheese, then finally the green onions.
Cook in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes.
Serves with an ice cold beer and here you are…..
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
|
- 12 ounces bacon cooked and chopped
- 22 ounces golden waffle fries
- 2 stalks green onion chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Ingredients
|
|
- Set the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Fry the waffles fries for 15-20 minutes shaking the basket in 5-minute intervals so they don't stick to the bottom.
- Once the waffle fries have cooked take the basket of the fryer out.
- Layer with the cooked bacon and ranch.
- Add cheese, then finally the green onions.
- Cook in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes.
Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Want crispy potatoes but you don’t want to deal with lots of oil and a messy stovetop? Making these Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes in the air fryer leaves little mess but that doesn’t mean they aren’t big on flavor.
Is there anything that the air fryer can’t do? I use it to make everything from sandwiches to snacks, so this appliance gets a workout here in my kitchen. So for this Mitten Movie
What beer pairs well with fried potatoes?
The beer: Twilight Summer Ale from Deschutes Brewery.
These potatoes pair perfectly with the citrus notes in this summer ale. This is such an easy-drinking beer so it’s perfect for long summer afternoons.
What should I read while eating air fryer potatoes and drinking a summer ale?
I have been reading like crazy this summer. On Twitter, Stephen King recommended this book and said he could not put it down. Guess what? Neither could I! I read Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak in ONE DAY.
Want more book recommendations follow my Book Reviews stories on IG.
Look how crispy these are! So why wouldn’t I call these Crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips? They sure look like chips. I didn’t call them ‘potato chips’ because I want to keep this recipe open for interpretation.
Can you snack on them like chips? Yes. But they can be so much more. Make these potatoes and add them to make a Cajun Steak & Potato Salad. Skip the tortilla chips for Smoke Sausage Nachos and make a ‘tachos’ meal with them. Use the sauce on these Pesto Fries for a salty and cheesy side dish.
Now that we have down a few ideas of how to use these fried potaotes, let’s make them!
How to make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes:
First, clean the potatoes. Slice them thinly using a knife or vegetable slicer.
The next step is very important. In a bowl add cool water and place the sliced potatoes into it. Let them sit in the water for 30 minutes.
Why do you want to soak potato slices in water before frying them?
This gets the potato starch from the potatoes and keeps them from getting soggy and sticking together. You want maximum crispiness so make sure to do this step.
After the potatoes have been soaked drain the water then using a paper towel dry off the potatoes.
To the uncooked potatoes add the olive oil and seasonings. Stir to coat the potaotes evenly.
Place the potatoes into the basket of the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 380 degrees and set for 25 minutes. Push ‘start.
Check the potatoes after 10 minutes and using a small spatula, flip the potatoes around. Slide the basket back in then perform the same action every 5 minutes for another 15 minutes.
Remove from the air fryer and serve as desired. And here you are……
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
|
- 3 medium russet potatoes cleaned then sliced thinly
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp parsley flakes
- 1/4 tsp thyme leaf
Ingredients
|
|
- Clean the potatoes. Slice them thinly using a knife or vegetable slicer.
- In a bowl add cool water and place the sliced potatoes into it. Let them sit in the water for 30 minutes.
- Drain the water then using a paper towel dry off the potatoes.
- To the uncooked potatoes add the olive oil and seasonings. Stir to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Place the potatoes into the basket of the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 380 degrees and set for 25 minutes. Push 'start.
- Check the potatoes after 10 minutes and using a small spatula, flip the potatoes around. Slide the basket back in then perform the same action every 5 minutes for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve as desired. Enjoy!
BBQ Chicken & Bacon Sandwich
This BBQ Chicken & Bacon Sandwich recipe has all my favorite things in it!
Sliced chicken piled high with bacon and crunchy homemade coleslaw then drizzled with BBQ sauce.
Full of flavor and so easy to make!
I often profess my love for sandwiches. There are so many sandwich combinations you can make that it would really be hard to tire of them. Summer is also a great time to have sandwich fixings on hand for quick lunches or dinners in between trips to the lake or pool.
“Too few people understand a really good sandwich.”
— James Beard
What craft beer pairs well with BBQ Chicken & Bacon Sandwiches:
The beer: Floridian Hefeweizen from Funky Buddha.
I fell in LOVE with this one while we were down in Florida on vacation. It’s a light drinkable beer that’s full of citrus notes and is similar to the blonde styles that I love so much.
What should I watch on TV while eating a sandwich?
Of course, this Mitten Movie Night HAS to be all about binging Stranger Things. While I didn’t make an Indiana Themed menu as I did for Season One, this chicken sandwich is tasty no matter where you live.
How to make BBQ Chicken & Bacon Sandwiches:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
This recipe uses already cooked chicken breasts. Cooking up a few in the crock-pot then shredding is a quick meal must!
On a sheet pan split 6 brioche hamburger buns in half. Butter the tops and place face down on one half of the pan. Place the bottom half on the plan and spread the shredded cheese evenly between the 6 bottom sides.
Top with the precooked shredded chicken, splitting the chicken evenly over the bottoms.
Place in the oven and bake 12 minutes.
Cook the bacon to the desired doneness then remove and drain on a paper towel covered plate.
Quick Coleslaw Recipe:
In a small bowl combine the coleslaw mixture, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard and sugar.
Making it up to a half hour early and placing in the refrigerator makes sure all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Coleslaw makes for a great BBQ chicken sandwich topping. It’s creamy and crunchy and best of all, easy to make. Placing homemade coleslaw on top of a sandwich takes you to pinnacle sandwich Nirvana.
Now it’s time to assemble these BBQ Chicken Sandwich with coleslaw.
Top the baked bottom half of the sandwich with BBQ sauce of your choice. Add the coleslaw. Now the bacon. Finally, more BBQ Sauce.
Need more sandwich inspiration?
- Roasted Pepper Turkey Sandwich made in the air fryer!
- Chicken & Mushroom Subs
- Deli Counter Turkey Sandwich
And here you are……
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings |
sandwiches
|
- 6 brioche buns
- 2 cups cooked chicken sliced or chopped
- 1/2 pound bacon cooked and drained of grease
- 2 Tbs butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 3 Tbs mayonnaise
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Ingredients
BBQ Chicken & Bacon Sandwich
Quick Coleslaw
|
|
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- On a sheet pan split 6 brioche hamburger buns in half. Butter the tops and place face down on one half of the pan.
- Place the bottom half on the plan and spread the shredded cheese evenly between the 6 bottom sides.
- Top with the pre-cooked shredded chicken, splitting the chicken evenly over the bottoms.
- Place in the oven and bake 12 minutes.
- Cook the bacon to the desired doneness then remove and drain on a paper towel covered plate.
- Top the baked bottom half of the sandwich with BBQ sauce of your choice. Add the coleslaw. Now the bacon. Finally, more BBQ Sauce. Enjoy!
- In a small bowl combine the coleslaw mixture, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, and sugar.
Salmon Tacos with Avocado Ranch
These Salmon Tacos are not only easy to make, but they are also delicious! Top with a homemade avocado ranch dressing and pair with a craft beer for a great light dinner.
We are just getting back from a H-O-T end of school year vacation to Florida. Ugh. While it has been cooler here lately in Michigan, I will not complain about it after spending a week there.
When we got home it was finally feeling like summer so to celebrate I’m making salmon tacos with fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado ranch, and crispy tortillas. This meal was giving me ALL the warm weather feels.
What beer pairs well with Salmon Tacos?
The beer: Local’s Light from Short’s Brewing.
For this taco and craft beer pairing ‘light’ meets ‘light’. A subtle beer that’s perfect for a summer afternoon then transitions perfectly to enjoy with this seafood taco recipe.
What to watch while eating tacos?
Season 3 of Claws just started! If you aren’t watching this show, you are missing out. It also works well with this Mitten Movie Night because it’s set in Florida.
How to Make Salmon Tacos:
Start by preparing the salmon. Lay the salmon out and sprinkle with a mixture of chili pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika and cumin.
Next, cook the salmon in a frying pan with 2 tsp olive oil, skin side facing up. Fry for 3-5 minutes, then flip. Cook an addition 3-5 minutes.
Remove from pan and flake the salmon by using two forks.
How to make Avocado Ranch Dressing:
In a food processor add the skinned and pitted
Pulse the ingredients adding a light stream of olive oil until you get the consistency that you like. I used about 2 tsp of olive oil as I like it to thicker.
We LOVE Tacos! How about you? Check out these other taco recipes!
Crisp the flour tortillas over an open flame if you wish. Serve with chopped tomatoes, red onions, and a side of
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
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- 1 pound salmon
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 6-8 flour tortillas
- 1 large ripe avocado skinned and pitted
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 Tbs mayonnaise
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 bunch fresh parsley cleaned of the stems (can sub for 1 Tbs dried parsely)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil to thin out as needed
Ingredients
Salmon Tacos
Avocado Ranch Dressing
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- Start by preparing the salmon. Lay the salmon out and sprinkle with a mixture of chili pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- Cook the salmon in a frying pan with 2 tsp olive oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes, then flip. Cook an addition 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from pan and flake the salmon by using two forks.
- In a food processor add the skinned and pitted avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, onion powder, white vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse the ingredients adding a light stream of olive oil until you get the consistency that you like.
- Crisp the flour tortillas over an open flame if you wish. Serve with chopped tomatoes, red onions, and a side of refried beans. Enjoy!
Lasagna French Bread
Just a few ingredients turn ordinary loaves of French bread into this wonderful lasagna/pizza bread hybrid. Lots of sauce, lots of cheese and so toasty on top. Everyone will love this Lasagna French Bread.
Growing up french bread pizzas from the freezer section
What beer pairs well with Lasagna French Bread and a movie?
The beer: Lager from Simpler Times.
We pick this beer up at Trader Joe’s. It tastes great and is a great value at less than $5 for a 6-pack.
Is Trader Joe’s a great place to buy beer?
Yes! Not only do they have a great selection of beers, they also let you taste anything you want before buying.
What movie pairs well with crunchy french bread pizzas and a cold beer?
For this Mitten Movie Night we are starting Harry Potter from the very beginning. We are heading to Florida in a few weeks and visiting Universal Studios while there.
This will be Little A’s first time going when he can actually enjoy everything there. He wasn’t even 2 the last time we went so I’m excited to get him into the movies so he will understand just how cool that part of the park is.
How to make Lasagna French Bread:
In a pan brown the ground beef until cooked through, drain the grease.
To the same pan add onions and garlic. There should be grease still in the pan, if not add a small amount of olive oil. Lightly brown then add the ground beef back to the pan. Now add the spaghetti sauce and cook until warmed through and all mixed together.
Cut the French bread loaves in half and removing some of the bread in the center.
Tips for making great french bread:
- Removing some of the bread in the center makes a
shallow area for adding the cottage cheese fillings. Makes it so much easier to eat! - Brush some melted butter and garlic on the bread to give it a ‘garlic bread’ feel.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
On a baking sheet lay down some parchment paper. Place the cut bread on top.
In a small bowl mix together the cottage cheese and beaten egg together. Place the mixture into the wells of the bread.
Spread the ground beef mixture on the top of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the 4 slices of bread.
Finally spread the shredded cheese on top.
Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Want more foodie mash-up recipes?
- Wontons meet Coconut shrimp with these Baked Coconut Shrimp Wontons
- Pulled pork melds beautifully with creamy macaroni & cheese with this recipe for Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
- Sliders topped with Scotch Eggs!?!? Scotch Egg Sliders are a match made in heaven
And here you are…..
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
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- 1 pound ground beef cooked and drained of grease
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 small loaves of French Bread sliced in half lengthwise
- 16 ounces cottage cheese
- 1 medium egg beaten
- 12 ounces pasta sauce
- 2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Ingredients
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- In a pan brown the ground beef until cooked through, drain the grease.
- To the same pan add onions and garlic. Lightly brown then add the ground beef back to the pan. Now add the spaghetti sauce and cook until warmed through and all mixed together.
- Cut the French bread loaves in half and removing some of the bread in the center.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- On a baking sheet lay down some parchment paper. Place the cut bread on top.
- In a small bowl mix together the cottage cheese and beaten egg together. Place the mixture into the wells of the bread.
- Spread the ground beef mixture on the top of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the 4 slices of bread.
- Finally spread the shredded cheese on top.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog
Do you love hot dogs? How about bacon? Now, how about garlic aioli? Let’s put those all together to make this Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog. Crack open a cold beer and dive into a different way to eat hot dogs.
Warmer weather just calls for some good hamburger and hot dog recipes! This specific recipe has been one that I’ve wanted to recreate at home for a while. While we were at a picnic through our local energy co-op there was a gourmet hot dog truck there and this was the one that I chose.
I picked it because: 1) It had bacon on it! 2) There was a sauce on it that sounded amazing, garlic aioli. My interest was peaked and I am glad that I chose this one, amazing.
Now that I’ve made this recipe at home, I will definently be adding it to my hot dog rotation for sure!
What beer pairs well with Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Garlic Aioli?
The beer: Woody Wheat Ale from Austin Brothers Beer Company.
A perfect wheat ale that doesn’t take away from the bacon and aioli.
What movie pairs well with hot dogs that have been wrapped in bacon:
For this Mitten Movie
How to make a Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog:
Wrapping bacon on hot dogs is so simple! Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees.
Wrap a baking sheet with tin foil. This will make clean up so much easier!
Start by taking a piece of bacon at the top of a hot dog. Wrap the bacon going down around the hot dog. Place on the baking sheet and continue until they are all wrapped.
Bake in the oven for 12-18 minutes. The quickness of these getting done depending on your oven temperature.
Take the bacon and put under the broiler for 40-50 seconds.
Take them out and turn, put under the broiler again for another 40-50 seconds to crisp the other side.
Steam some buns and add the hot dogs to them. Now they are ready for topping!
How to make Garlic Aioli:
In a small bowl mix together the mayo, garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt and pepper.
To top off the hot dog I slathered garlic aioli on top, sprinkled Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, and jalapenos.
Want more hot dog recipes?
And here you are…..
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
Garlic Aoili recipe from Baking Mischief
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Please read my Discloser Policy.
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 18 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
|
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 hot dog buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced or 1 Tsp already peeled garlic
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Ingredients
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Garlic Aioli
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