Chicken Cheats

 

There are certain things from Costco that I try to always keep in my freezer.  Things like the All Beef Hotdogs, cod fillets, and chicken.  I like the crispy crumbled chicken breasts.  They are really nice, just on their own served with veg or in a sandwich, etc.

 

We can get quite a few meals out of a package of them, truth be told, as there are only the two of us in the house, so they are quite economical for us.  I always like to season them a bit prior to baking.  Sometimes I will just use cracked black pepper and sometimes I will sprinkle them with cajun spice, or whatever flavours I am in the mood to be eating.  They are really quite an adaptable ingredient to have in your store-freezer!

 

Yes, it is a bit of a cheat, I know . . .  but I would be lying if I didn't admit that sometimes even the most seasoned chef's like to cheat a bit!  These frozen breaded fillets can also make a great basis for other things! Kind of like a pizza crust  . . .

 

They need never be boring.  You can partially cook them and then top them with a multitude of things and finish them off, and nobody will be complaining!! 

 

If you keep a store cupboard filled with lots of lovely bits, dressings, cheeses, sauces, etc. the world is your oyster!

 

This is a seriously simple way to dress things up and keep everybody happy. You could even make a bit of a party of it and let everyone top their own with their own choices.

 

Once topped and baked, they are ready to serve with any variety of sides . . .  potatoes, rice, vegetables, there is no end to what you can do.

 

Cranberry sauce and toasted soft goat's cheese  . . .  seriously scrummy . . .

 

Ranch style with ranch dressing, cheese, bacon and spring onions  . . .

 

Parmigiana with a good marinara sauce, parmesan cheese and mozzarella . . .

 

Hunters chicken with BBQ (I like the Paul Newman one) bacon, cheese and spring onions  . . .

 

Chicken Caesar with caesar dressing, parmesan and four cheese blend, with a bit of bacon and spring onion on top . . .

 

And those are only a few ideas . . .  marmalade with some apricot stilton . . . (can you imagine!) . . . salsa with some jack cheese and pickled jalapenos . . .  how about Mozarella and pizza toppings like olives, mini pepperoni, etc.  The world really is your oyster and these are truly a fabulous canvas for whatever floats your boat!

 

*Tasty Ways to Dress Up Breaded Chicken Breasts*

Printable Recipe   

Note - Season all of your chicken with some garlic and onion powders, seasoning salt and black pepper prior to baking.  Bake for approximately 2/3 of the baking time allotted on the package and then proceed as follows for your choice of flavours. 

Chicken Caesar -  Spoon a heaped TBS of Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing on top of each.  Top with 2 TBS grated Parmesan Cheese and 1 TBS each chopped spring onion and cooked bacon.

Chicken Ranch -  Spoon a heaped TBS of Creamy Ranch Salad Dressing on top of each.  Top with 2 TBS Grated Cheddar Cheese and 1 TBS each chopped spring onion and cooked bacon.

Chicken Parmigiana - Spoon 2 TBS well flavoured marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Top with a slize of Mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Hunters Chicken - Spoon 2 TBS of your favourite BBQ sauce over top of each.  Top with 2 TBS Grated Cheddar Cheese and 1 TBS each chopped spring onion and cooked bacon.

Cranberry Chicken -  Spoon 2 TBS of your favourite Cranberry Sauce over top of each.  Top each with 2 slices soft goats cheese.

Bake for the remainder of the cook time for the chicken until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.  Serve hot with your favourite accompaniments, pasta, baked potatoes, rice, etc.

 

Of course you could just pound, bread and fry your own chicken breasts and they would probably be even better, but when you are pressed for time and inspiration, these are fabulous! I am all out of them now so guess who will be making a trip this week to get some more?????  You got it Pontiac!  Mois for sure!  Bon Appetit!