California Chicken

If are looking for a dish that is bursting with flavor, look no further.  This came out amazing.

 

California Chicken

Serves 4

 

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1/4 cup olive oil

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 cup lime juice

 

1/2 cup onion, sliced

salt and pepper to taste

2 ripe tomatoes, sliced

Shredded cheese blend of your choice

2 avocados – peeled, pitted and sliced

 

Marinated the chicken in olive oil, garlic, pepper, onion powder and lime juice 6-8 hours or overnight

Add chicken, marinate and chopped onion to a skillet over medium heat

Cook 10-15 minutes or until chicken is browned and just about done

Add salt and pepper to taste

Top each breast with 1 to 2 slices of tomato and cheese

Cover for 5-10 minutes or until cheese melts

Add 2 to 3 slices of avocado on top of each breast, and serve immediately

 

* Another option is to chop the tomato and avocado before adding it to the chicken

Mashed Potato Pancakes

We had just enough leftover mashed potatoes from the night before to make these.  They were really good!

 

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Makes 4 Pancakes

 

1 1/2 – 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1 egg

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon garlic salt, onion powder, paprika

1/3 cup shredded cheese

1/3 cup chopped onions

Sour cream

Fresh chives, chopped

 

I warmed up my potatoes a bit to make them easier to mix in

Combine potatoes, egg, flour, garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, cheese and onions in a bowl

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat

Drop potato mixture by spoonfuls until evenly distributed

Using a spatula, flatten each pancake evenly

Cook until bottom is crispy, about 8-10 minutes

Flip each pancake and cook until crispy

Serve topped with sour cream and chives

Braised Balsamic Chicken

This meal came together quick and had lots of great flavor.

Braised Balsamic Chicken

Serves 4

 

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, left whole or cut into chunks

1 teaspoon garlic salt

Black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup onion, thinly sliced

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

 

Season chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat

Sautee seasoned chicken breasts until chicken is browned, 3 to 4 minutes

Add onion; cook and stir until onion is browned, 3 to 4 minutes

Pour diced tomatoes, garlic and balsamic vinegar over chicken

Season with basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme

Simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes

 

Serve with rice or pasta and vegetable