Warm Up With These Sizzling Winter Recipe's

Feb 07, 2023

Need Inspiration For a Winter Weekend?

These Recipe's Will Get You Fired Up, Literally!

If Chicken Pot Pie, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, and Jalapeno Popper Dip get you excited, then keep reading!

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie

This chicken pot pie recipe is a simple yet impressive solution for a weeknight meal or even something to really wow your guests! With its flaky puff pastry crust, creamy filling, and juicy rotisserie chicken, it's a comfort food classic that's hard to resist. 


So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this dish is for you! This easy-to-follow recipe will turn you into a pot pie pro in no time! And let's not forget the delicious and irresistible aroma that'll fill your home when preparing it. So, let's get started on this mouth-watering recipe that's sure to leave a lasting impression!


This recipe serves 6-8 people.


Ingredients:

  • 2 sheets of store-bought puff pastry dough, thawed
  • 1 rotisserie chicken, meat shredded (about 4 cups)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks of celery, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)


Instructions:



1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.


2. Place the puff pastry sheets onto the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg. 


3. Each puff pastry sheet can be cut into 6 even squares or 4 if you prefer larger squares. Evenly space them out on your baking sheet then place them in the oven for approximately 15 minutes or until fully puffed and golden brown. (see directions on puff pastry box for further instructions)


4. In a large sauté pan, heat the ½ stick of butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.


5. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream, constantly stirring, until the mixture comes to a boil.


6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened. Stir in the shredded chicken, peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. You’re all done with the filling at this point! So just keep it warm on the stovetop!


7. Spoon the chicken pot pie mixture into individual ramekins or bowls of your choice. Place the freshly baked puff pastry pieces on top right before you serve.


8. Serve hot. Enjoy!


Suggestions:


This chicken pot pie is a filling and hearty main dish that deserves some equally delicious side dishes to compliment it! Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:


Roasted vegetables: Some carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper for a healthy and flavorful side dish.


Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be a refreshing addition to the meal. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for color and texture.


Mashed potatoes: For a creamy and comforting side dish, whip up some mashed potatoes with a little heavy cream, butter, and salt.


No matter what side dish you choose, they'll pair perfectly with this chicken pot pie and make for a delicious and satisfying meal! 



Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Can you think of a better combination than cheesy macaroni and cheese and buffalo chicken? I can't! Get ready for a love affair for your taste buds! This cheesy, saucy, carb-filled extravaganza is just as comforting as it is indulgent. Loaded with bold flavors, this rich delicious dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.


The rotisserie chicken is the secret ingredient that will not only save you time but also enhance the overall flavor of the dish. No need to season and cook a whole chicken when you’ve got a perfectly seasoned rotisserie chicken waiting for you at the grocery store!


This dish is a great option for dinner or for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. It can be served as an entrée on its own, or as a side, and it goes great with a variety of different dishes. It’s also a great dish to make ahead of time since it reheats well and the flavors have time to marry. Let’s get into it!

This recipe serves 6-8 people.


Ingredients:


  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1/2 cup of your favorite hot sauce
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs


Instructions:


1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.


2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.


3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. 


4. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and heavy cream until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes, whisking constantly.


5. Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella or fontina cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and combined.


6. Add the shredded chicken and hot sauce to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.


7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and green onions.


8. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch greased baking dish. Sprinkle with blue cheese and panko breadcrumbs.


9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.


10. Serve hot and enjoy!


Suggestions


One of the most fun things about this buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese is that it can be customized to your liking. If you prefer your macaroni and cheese with a little less heat, simply adjust the amount of hot sauce used in the recipe. On the other hand, if you like your food really spicy, you can add more hot sauce or even add some cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also switch up the shape of the pasta you use. Try out cavatelle, farfalle, or penne. Substitute different cheeses until you find the combination that becomes your secret sauce! 


If you want to get even more creative with this dish you can serve it with a side of carrots, celery sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing to really drive home that buffalo chicken theme.



Jalapeno Popper Dish

Jalapeno Popper Dip

The big game is right around the corner, and you’re gonna want to bring the heat to this year’s super bowl party! Let me introduce you to this poppin’ jalapeño popper dip! This spicy, creamy, and cheesy appetizer will turn any ordinary get-together into a memorable one.


Jalapeño popper dip is a crowd-pleaser across the board that combines the spicy and bold flavors of jalapeño poppers into simple and delicious dippable heaven. This dish is easy to make, very addictive, and is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.


One of the best things about this recipe is that it's highly customizable. If you like it on the spicy side, then feel free to turn up the heat! If you like it milder, ain’t nothin’ to it but to do it. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like by adjusting the number of jalapeños, choosing to use the jalapeño seeds or not or even substituting jarred jalapeños for the fresh ones. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese for a nice pepper jack or even a mild creamy muenster. Make this tasty must-try appetizer into your own masterpiece! 


This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people as a side dish or appetizer.


Ingredients:



  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 4-6 jalapeños, seeded and diced, or 6 ounces diced jarred jalapeños
  • 1 lb cooked bacon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste


Topping

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese


Instructions:


1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.


2. Cook your bacon off however you prefer until brown and crispy. Once cooled crush up into small pieces.


3. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, jalapeños, bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.


4. Spread mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.


5. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, and melted butter.


6. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the jalapeño cheese mixture.


7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.



8. Serve hot out of the oven with chips, crackers, or your favorite handheld dipper. Enjoy!


Suggestions:


This delicious dip has its obvious applications, but here are a few other ways you can serve and enjoy this jalapeño popper dip, just in case you have any leftovers. (unlikely)


As a spread for burgers or sandwiches. This would turn any ordinary burger or sandwich into something extraordinary!


Make your next baked potato bar something to behold! With this dip as a ‘tater topper, there’s no telling what could happen.


Get fancy with a twist on bruschetta. Slather some toasted baguette slices with this delectable dip and garnish with fresh diced tomatoes for a more artsy hors d'oeuvre.


Finally, if you need a way to spice up your pasta night, combine this hearty dip with your favorite  pasta for an unforgettable twist on alfredo.



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