Messy Chicken

Well, I suppose I should apologize for not updating this more than... once. I got pregnant, and was repulsed by food. That made it hard to not only cook, but to want to talk about it after. But now, finally, I've hit the 'eat-everything-in-sight' stage, so food is no longer a taboo subject.

I thought I would come back with one of my favorite recipes. It's so simple, and a staple.

BBQ Chicken Wings - coined 'Messy chicken' by my younger cousin.

I don't have a picture, but I am pretty sure that you can imagine for yourself what they look like.

Preheat the over to 375 degrees.

Start with a package of chicken wings (or legs or thighs or whatever you want). Throw them in a big bowl with some Olive Oil. Get them nice and covered, then place them on a baking sheet. Throw some salt and pepper (or grind some of that garlic salt on them- you can find it with the other spices in the grocery store- it's worth the few dollars, I promise) on them and put them right into the oven. Bake them 20 minutes on that side, flip them over, then back in for 20 more minutes.

Once they are done in the oven, you have a choice to make. You can either finish them in the oven, or throw them on the grill. The grill gives it the extra crisp and (of course) the grill-flavor that you don't get in the oven, but they are delicious from the oven as well. Either way, take them out and cover both sides with your favorite bbq sauce. Best to stick with the darker sauces as opposed to the red ones.

If you are doing the grill, place them on (as many as you can handle at one time- if the grill is hot, best to do it in batches- it goes quick!). Watch out for hot spots. Let them cook on that side for a few minutes, them flip them over. Throw some more bbq sauce on, let them sit for a few minutes, flip them again. Bbq sauce, let them sit, flip. Do it until they get nice and crispy and delicious looking. The meat is already cooking, so no need to leave them on there any longer. Then, sit back and enjoy!

If you choose the oven, right after you take them out to put the bbq sauce on, switch the oven to broil and let it heat up. It will be in the 500's. Add the bbq sauce to both sides, then put them back in the over for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them, and when they start to darken (especially the tips), take them out, flip them, add more bbq sauce, and throw them in for a few more minutes. You can do that as many times as you deem neccessary. Again, the meat is already cooked, so all you are doing here is getting the sauce to bake on there a little bit.

Grab alot of wet napkins! You'll need them!

Zesty Chicken and Rice Chili

This is a simple dish to make, and they pay-off is extraordinary. It makes alot, so prepare to have guests over or alot of leftovers (leftovers are a big hit in this house...). It's healthy, chock full of veggies, with some great flavor packed in. Enjoy!


1 box Weight Watchers Zesty Spanish Brown Rice (I am sure if there is another brand of spanish rice mix you like, it would work just fine)
3 3/4 cups water
2 cups cooked chicken (boil two breasts for 10 minutes, then shred it. wa-laa!)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (half-drained)
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained (optional... I'm not a fan of kidney beans)
1 green pepper and 1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 1/2 tsp chili powder (if you don't want as much kick, just use 1/2 tsp)
1 tsp cumin
dash of garlic powder, salt, pepper

Add everything (including the seasoning packet in the rice box) but the rice in a deep pan. Bring it to a simmer, put the lid on, and simmer for 20 minutes. Then add the rice, simmer for 10 more minutes. All done!

You can eat this just as a chili, or you can use a slotted spoon and dish it up with some tortillas (wheat if you want to keep this really healthy), shredded cheddar, and some sour cream. It will messy, but you'll be licking it off your plate when you are done, I promise!