Cajun Party Chicken Boats Recipes

CAJUN CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a large shallow dish, mix the oil, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon pepper. Place the chicken in the dish, and turn to coat with the mixture. Cover, and refrigerate for 1/2 hour.
• Preheat the grill for high heat.
• Lightly oil the grill grate. Drain chicken, and discard marinade. Place chicken on hot grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear.

CAJUN CHICKEN RECIPE

Steps:

• Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
• Melt the butter and oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• To the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, onion, and green bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and additional Cajun seasoning and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the rice and chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.

KIDS CAN MAKE: WALDORF CHICKEN BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the dressing: Whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, oil, vinegar, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl until combined; set aside.
• For the salad: Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet, and toast until lightly browned and fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then break up into 1/4-inch pieces.
• To assemble: Toss the walnuts, chicken, apples, grapes and scallion whites together with the dressing in a large bowl until everything is well coated; season with salt and pepper. Scoop a scant 1/2 cup of the salad into each romaine leaf, and arrange 2 on each serving plate. Garnish with the scallion greens, and serve.

SPICY CHICKEN EGGPLANT BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix the oregano, salt, cumin, garlic powder and onion powder together in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Halve the eggplant, then use a paring knife to cut vertical and horizontal slits across the cut side, about 3/4-inch apart. (You want to create crosshatches across the whole surface without piercing through the skin on the other side.) Place the halves on the lined baking sheet.
• Spread each cut half with a tablespoon of olive oil, then split a heaping tablespoon of the spice mix between the two. Roast until the flesh is browned, tender and scoopable, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then the onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add the harissa, ground chicken and the remaining spice mix (about 1 tablespoon). Cook the chicken, breaking it up so that it is in small pieces, until it is golden brown. Add the tomatoes and pine nuts. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the sauce is thick, at least 20 minutes.
• Remove the eggplant from the oven and use a fork to scoop out the cooked insides, leaving the skins intact. Stir the scooped eggplant flesh into the tomato mixture, then fill the eggplant boats with the mixture. Return the boats to the oven and cook until the sauce is bubbling, another 10 minutes.
• Mix the yogurt, dill, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of water and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl, using a little more water to loosen the sauce if desired.
• Remove the eggplant boats from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with the yogurt sauce, then sprinkle with the pine nuts and mint and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon olive oil.

CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• Place the chicken and the Cajun seasoning in a plastic bag. Shake to coat. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the chicken in butter or margarine until almost tender (5 to 7 minutes).
• Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, mushrooms and green onion. Saute and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat.
• Add the cream, basil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder and ground black pepper. Heat through. Add the cooked linguine, toss and heat through. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

CHICKEN CUCUMBER BOATS

Steps:

• Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise; remove seeds. With a sharp knife, cut a thin slice from the bottom of each cucumber half so it sits flat. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Spoon into cucumber boats. Refrigerate until serving.