Poultry Essentials Spicy Chicken Dust Recipes

SPICE ESSENTIALS: CHICKEN DUST

Steps:

• PREP/PREPARE
• I have two ways to prepare this spice: 1. Stick all the ingredients into a spice blender, and GRIND-BABY-GRIND, until it is literally dust. 2. Mix all the ingredients together but leave them in their natural state. I use the first method, when I am using them in something like a chicken soup, stew, or a braise. By grinding them up, it helps them to release their flavors. I use the second method, when I am concerned about presentation. For example, sprinkling them on a couple of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, as my main photo suggests.
• Contrary to its name, Lemon/Pepper spice contains a significant amount of sodium. If you are on a low-sodium diet, you could leave it out; however, it is important to the recipe's overall flavor. So, here is a suggestion. Take the zest from a medium-sized lemon and mix it with about a teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper. Preheat your oven to 200f (95c), and then turn it off. Put the lemon zest on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread out the lemon zest, and pepper. Then, place into the oven for an hour or so. That will give you dried lemon/pepper spice, but without the sodium.
• Making your own spice mixes has a lot of advantages. For example, you think you would like this recipe, but you cannot stand mace... leave it out. Or, you LOVE mace... add more. You are in control. Another good thing is that you know exactly what is in the spice mix. Again, you are in control. Finally, it gives you a way to use spices that you have stuck in your cabinet. For example, you purchased a bottle of mace for a specific recipe, and you know you may never use it again. One-hundred years from now that bottle will still be up there, mocking you. By creating your own mixes, you can use those spices to create awesome stuff.
• Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• Mix all of the ingredients together.
• Store in an airtight container, in a cool/dry place.
• Sprinkle on chicken (skin on or off) before cooking, baking, or BBQing.
• PLATE/PRESENT
• I usually have some at the table for use while eating. Enjoy.
• Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

POULTRY ESSENTIALS: SPICY ANYTHING CHICKEN SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. To make this recipe, you will need a skillet large enough to hold all the ingredients.
• 3. If you do not wish to fry the chicken in oil, here are two alternate choices: Follow the steps through breading and then: Bake in a 400f (205c) preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Or, bake in a 400f (205c) air fryer for 4 - 6 minutes. Oven Notes: If you place the chicken on a wire rack, you will not need to flip them halfway through the baking process. If you just have them laying on a piece of parchment paper, do a flip about 10 minutes into the baking process. Air Fryer Notes: It is not necessary to preheat, and you do not need to flip them.
• 4. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 5. Cut up the chicken into bite size pieces.
• 6. Coat the chicken with a tablespoon of oil. Combine the flour with a bit of salt and pepper. Toss in the chicken and thoroughly coat.
• 7. Add about 1/2-inch (1.3cm) oil to a pan and set to medium heat. When the oil heats up, add the chicken.
• 8. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken gets golden brown, about 2 - 3 minutes per side.
• 9. You do not want to overcrowd the pan, so you may have to fry the chicken in batches.
• 10. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
• 11. THE SAUCE
• 12. Whisk the tamari sauce, water, and honey together in a bowl, then whisk in the flour and ginger powder and reserve.
• 13. Pour the remainder of the oil in the pan into a small bowl and wipe out the pan. Return 2 teaspoons of the oil back into the pan and mix with the sesame oil. Discard the remainder of the oil.
• 14. I wanted a bit more heat, so I added some red pepper flakes.
• 15. Bring the pan up to medium heat, toss in the garlic, and stir for about 30 seconds.
• 16. Add the reserved sauce mixture, and bring up to a slow simmer, until it begins to thicken. Return the chicken to the pan, then gently toss until coated and warmed through, about 4 - 6 minutes.
• 17. PLATE/PRESENT
• 18. My favorite way to serve this is over steamed long-grained white rice; however, you choose your own "best" way. Enjoy.
• 19. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

POULTRY ESSENTIALS: SPICY CHICKEN DUST

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. Storage of homemade condiments and spices Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in "Weck Jars" and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. If properly stored, this saucspicee should last 6 - 8 months.
• 3. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 4. Add all the spices together in a non-reactive jar, and store in a cool/dry space (spice cabinet) until needed.
• 5. PLATE/PRESENT
• 6. Sprinkle on chicken before baking or pan frying... and even have some at the table when eating. Enjoy.
• 7. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

POULTRY ESSENTIALS: SPICY GARLIC CHICKEN

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. If you have a skillet that is large enough to hold all the ingredients, you can cook it up a single pan.
• 3. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 4. Cut the chicken into strips or cubes, and sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper.
• 5. Add the butter to a skillet over medium heat.
• 6. When the butter has melted, toss in the chicken.
• 7. Turn once or twice until cooked, and starting to brown, about 4 - 5 minutes.
• 8. Remove the chicken and reserve.
• 9. Toss in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• 10. Add the red pepper, paprika, and hot sauce, then cook for an additional 30 seconds.
• 11. Add the chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to blend the fonds in with the sauce.
• 12. Bring up to a simmer. When the sauce begins to reduce, about 2 - 3 minutes, return the chicken to the pan, and toss to coat the chicken with the sauce.
• 13. Do a final tasting for proper seasoning.
• 14. PLATE/PRESENT
• 15. Serve up with a nice side, like mac & cheese, or maybe over some steamed rice. Enjoy.
• 16. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

POULTRY ESSENTIALS: SPICY, SASSY CHICKEN SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. You will need a medium saucepan to make this recipe, or a slow cooker.
• 3. Storage of homemade condiments and spices Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in "Weck Jars" and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. If properly stored, this sauce should keep 2 - 3 months. Assuming it lasts that long.
• 4. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 5. COOKING ON THE STOVETOP
• 6. Add the ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat.
• 7. Stir until the mixture comes to a simmer, about 5 minutes.
• 8. Continue to simmer until it slightly reduces and begins to thicken, about an additional 8 - 10 minutes.
• 9. COOKING IN A SLOW COOKER/INSTANT POT (MY CHOICE)
• 10. Add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker/instant pot. Seal the lid and cook on low for 4 - 6 hours.
• 11. Whatever method chosen, properly store in the fridge until needed.
• 12. PLATE/PRESENT
• 13. Serve as a dipping sauce for things like chicken tenders or dunk the cooked tenders into the sauce and serve them sticky. Enjoy.
• 14. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

POULTRY ESSENTIALS: SPICY HONEY CHICKEN DRIZZLE

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. You will need a small saucepan to make this recipe, and a non-reactive jar (glass), with a tight-fitting lid to store it.
• 3. Storage of homemade condiments and spices Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in "Weck Jars" and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. If properly stored, this honey drizzle should last 3 - 4 weeks at room temperature, or several months if stored in the fridge. If storing in the fridge, always bring up to room temperature before using.
• 4. Is Bourbon Gluten Free? Yes, pure, distilled bourbon, even if made with wheat, barley, or rye added to the "mash" is considered gluten-free. Most bourbons are safe for people with celiac disease because of the distillation process.
• 5. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 6. Add the ingredients to a small saucepan.
• 7. Slowly turn up the heat until you barely see a few bubbles. Simmer and stir for about 30 minutes. Do not let it scorch. Low-and-slow is the way to go. Filter through a mesh strainer to remove the mint leaves (if using) and red pepper flakes, then allow to cool to room temperature before using.
• 8. PLATE/PRESENT
• 9. Drizzle over fried chicken, or whatever you wish. In this photo I sautéed some spicy shrooms put some pan-fried sliced chicken breast on top, and drizzled it all with the honey sauce. Enjoy.
• 10. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.