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chicken

Plan a Bucket List Trip to Pittsburg, Kansas

August 3, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 7 Comments

Disclosure: Crawford County, Kansas sponsored this post, however, all opinions are my own. All of the photos were taken by me. 

Around almost every bend of Kansas road, there is a destination waiting to be discovered. Pittsburg is the home to outdoor recreation, appetizing dining, and remarkable shopping. During our visit, we found ourselves loving it all from hip hangouts to rave-worthy restaurants. It’s the kind of town that the longer you spend visiting, the more you could see yourself returning to it.

LODGING

HAMPTON INN & SUITES

I love staying at a Hampton Inn & Suites (1285 U.S. 69 Highway) because it’s the next best thing to home. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure that guests feel comfortable fulfilling requests (late checkout, anyone?) and always offer a cold beverage at the front desk.

We were traveling with our senior dog, so we asked for a ground-level room. The friendly concierge was more than accommodating. In fact, every time I passed a hotel employee, they acknowledged me with a smile. Those small actions make a hotel stay worth repeating.

hotel lobby lounge

Our room was spacious, modern in style, and clean. Upon dropping our bags, I exclaimed, “Hello, Pittsburg! What a nice room!” It came with a large kitchen with a full-size refrigerator. The open concept led to a lounge area with a flat-screen TV, sofa bed, and a dining area. A separate space, the bedroom was larger than most and featured a plush king-size bed, desk, and another TV.

Having stayed in a lot of hotels, I appreciate a room with black-out shades that allow me to catch up on sleep after a long day of traveling. I highly recommend booking the King Room with Sofa Bed and Refrigerator when reserving accommodations at the hotel.

hotel bedroom

When not relaxing in the room, we enjoyed access to the indoor pool, outdoor lounge (great place to watch the sunset), complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, fitness center, free parking, and nearby Kansas Crossing Casino. The hotel was only a short drive from the center of town.

complimentary breakfast

DINNER

PICHLER’S CHICKEN ANNIES

The battle over the best chicken dinner in Pittsburg is a long-running one. A visit to one of the six chicken houses in the “Fried Chicken Capital of Kansas” is essential to experience Pittsburg. Crawford County is so famous for its chicken meals that it was featured on Travel Channel’s “Food Wars” and earned the 8 Wonders of Kansas! Cuisine honors.

pichler's chicken annie's

How did this area of Kansas become famous for its wholesome meal? Fried chicken houses opened to serve miners who needed an inexpensive and hearty meal. Rumors still circulate that Chicken Annie and Chicken Mary were sisters with an ongoing competition for the best chicken. False! They were not related. It was Ann Pichler who started the fried chicken frenzy in the county. The grandson of Ann Pichler and the granddaughter of Mary Zerngast started Pichler’s, thus it was two families coming together to create one chicken restaurant.

fried chicken dinner

So, of course, we chose to dine at Pichler’s Chicken Annies (1271 S. 220th St.) across the street from our hotel. Open since 1970, the multi-generational family-owned business considers itself the “chicken eaters’ paradise.” We ordered the family meal for two which came with five pieces of fried chicken, spaghetti, garlic slaw, German potato salad, and a basket of sliced white bread for $25. It was more than enough food for two people. Bring your appetite when dining at any of the chicken houses. They’re known for large portions. You can view the restaurants’ locations and learn the history of the fried chicken houses here.

BREAKFAST

SIGNET COFFEE

“Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Bad Coffee” is the motto of Signet Coffee Roasters‘ owners, Dennis and Leah. The interesting part of their story, which I still can’t get over, is that they were not “coffee lovers” for much of their adult life. In fact, they admit that they didn’t know a good cup of coffee until they had one in Minnesota. It didn’t take long before they were hooked on quality coffee that came from roasted coffee beans. 

coffee shop lounge

Eventually, they moved to Pittsburg to join family members in the area. The couple renovated an old building on Broadway Street in Pittsburg and brought it back to life, a labor of love. They spent almost every waking hour exposing brick walls, upgrading the flooring, and adding beautiful finishes. Today, plants, mercury bulb pendant lights, and bags of coffee beans set the scene. Regulars often gather at oversized tables to discuss the latest local news over warm cups of coffee.

Coffee and Scone

You know, I visit a lot of coffee shops when on the road, but I’ve never had such warm reception. Dennis and Leah made me feel like a local, a regular coffee shop visitor. They took the time to talk to me about their love of coffee and baking.

I have to admit. The homemade Caramel Latte and Cranberry Orange scone were some of the best I’ve ever tasted. The scone wasn’t dry or tasteless like so many I’ve had before. It was moist with big chunks of cranberry and a light orange flavor. And don’t get me started don’t the coffee! I regret not ordering a larger size. Plan your visit to Signet Coffee Roasters (109 N. Broadway), it’s the best place to start your day when in Pittsburg.

signet coffee pittsburg kansas

SHOPPING

FARMERS MARKET

I was fueled up on coffee and friendship and ready to drive to the Pittsburg Farmers Market (119 E. 11 Street) to shop for fresh produce. There, I met Brian and Elizabeth, owners of The Radish Ranch. They drove down from Liberal, Missouri to peddle huge tomatoes and more. I couldn’t resist buying a $5 box of giant “slicers.” The best part of my visit to the farmers market was exchanging stories with Elizabeth about the trials and tribulations of gardening. We related about extreme Midwest climates, fast-growing plants, and the reward of harvesting tomatoes. Unlike my raised bed operation at home, The Radish Ranch is expansive with 350+ plants producing tomatoes this year.

Just beyond their table, I viewed vendors selling vacuumed sealed cuts of meat, fresh baked goods, and home decor. Open on Saturdays from 8 am-12 pm and Wednesdays from 4 pm-6 pm, the farmers market is a must-stop when in Pittsburg. Think of all the salsa you can make from fresh tomatoes.

farmers market Pittsburg Kansas

SONDER & CO.

When I learn about a female-owned business that puts the community first, I’m there. Sonder & Co. (410 N. Broadway St.) supports local artisans, supplies earth-friendly goods, and stocks apparel, hilarious mugs, and more.

sonder & co.

Brittan and Kailey met in college and decided to open the store in the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity. It was obvious from the items on display that the owners individually selected their inventory and all of it was purchase-worthy. I wanted the Midwest-themed apparel, the comical cups, and one of each of the handcrafted gifts.

The owners are building a collaborative community inside Sonder & Co. and I liked everything about it. I suggest you visit their Instagram page to see more of what they carry in stock – some of it is available for online purchase.

towels

MINERS + MONROE

By far the coolest store in Pittsburg, Miners + Monroe (214 S. Broadway St.) is a men’s store that sells quality clothing, accessories, and Americana home decor. It took me about five minutes inside the store before I noticed a framed poster on the wall signed by one of my favorite musicians, Ryan Bingham. I was in love.

Miners + Monroe

From floor to ceiling, Miners + Monroe was stocked with guy-worthy clothing, leather belts, footwear, candles, vinyl records, and artwork. Interestingly, the men’s boutique didn’t feel like a retail store. It felt as though I had stepped into someone’s artfully designed living room that just happened to have tables of denim jeans and graphic tees. It was at that moment that I said out loud to Michael, the store’s employee, “Man I wish I was a dude!” The candles smelled of manly scents like Gunpowder and Oxford Tweed. It was all so very cool.

miners + monroe store

After we swapped stories about our favorite bands, I learned that the store’s owners, Davey and Kim, may have plans to expand to include a live music stage in the back of the store. If true, I’ll definitely plan my next trip to Pittsburg around their event schedule. Either way, Miners + Monroe won me over. It’s the kind of store every woman wishes her man shopped at and the kind every guy wishes he could buy everything from. For the quality and selection of goods, the prices were reasonable.

miners + monroe shirts

PARADISE MALL ANTIQUES

Nearby, I spotted Paradise Mall Antiques (105 S. Broadway St.). Once inside, it was obvious that it was given the name for being a picker’s paradise. The massive warehouse was filled to the brim with antiques from every decade. Love depression glass? College memorabilia? Old watches? You can find all of it and more tucked inside the booth spaces of Paradise Mall Antiques.

After spending the summer visiting antique stores, this warehouse got my attention for its size and variety of items. I think it’s fun to peruse the booths looking for items from my childhood. Should I have bought the Strawberry Shortcake drinking glasses that I once owned in my youth? Probably.

As I made my way through the store, I noticed many of the booths’ contents showcase the vendor’s preference in antiques. Sometimes you have to bend down, look around, and dig through a box to find a buried treasure. Paradise Mall Antiques is where you go shopping for yourself and that hard to buy for friend or relative.

antiques

EMBELLISH BOUTIQUE

Embellish Boutique (123 N. Broadway) carries a little bit of everything catering to female shoppers. Modern farmhouse decor, baby gifts, women’s jewelry, shoes, and apparel make up most of the store’s inventory. I witnessed the staff happily helping shoppers find great deals on denim jeans and printed tops.

Keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook page to learn about upcoming sales – like the downtown Sidewalk Sale they were having during my visit. In business six years, Embellish Boutique is easily one of the best places for women to shop in Pittsburg.

BOOKS AND BURROW

If there is an independent bookstore in a town, I’m bound to find it. Opened less than a year, Books & Burrow ( 212 S. Broadway) sells hardcover and paperback reads in a comfortable setting. It is the only store like it in town selling new books. The owners were inspired to open the bookstore by their daughter an avid reader.

Interestingly, the owners are dedicated to highlighting Indigenous authors and stories as they are proud members of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. Besides books, the store also sells gifts for readers and non-readers alike. Check out their event schedule here.

Books & Burrow

LUNCH

DROP THE H BREWING COMPANY

Some breweries are only great a beer-making and fail at food. Drop the H Brewing Company (107 E. Rose St.) nails both. The one-of-a-kind brewery’s restaurant owners, Mark and Cathy, have provided Pittsburg with a go-to spot for delicious craft beer and pizza. Originally named after Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the town of Pittsburg, Kansas dropped the H in the late 1800s.

Drop the H Brewing Company

Drop the H Brewing Company’s rotating taps, craft cocktails, and wood-fired pizza keeps patrons craving more. The staff is willing to provide a few samples of beer so you can try the likes of Dorada Pampeana or Rose Street Red Ale. Another plus? If you’re not a beer drinker, they usually have a cocktail drink special worth asking about.

Drop the H Brewing Company

We sipped on Langdon’s Lager and the Belgian Wit during the lunch hour. With the kitchen in sight, it was time to order pizza. Our server told us that the most popular specialty pizza on the menu (they serve nine varieties) is the Drop The Piggy! The homemade crust and sauce were surprisingly good reminiscent of the pies we dine on when in New York. The large pizza was covered in Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and traditional bacon. Loving every bite and not wanting to leave a morsel behind, we asked for a to-go box.

Later, the manager gave us a private tour of the brewing equipment. Drop the H Brewing Company’s quality beer and pizza competes with the best. In fact, it received Best New Restaurant and Best Pizza locally as reported in the Pittsburg newspaper, The Morning Sun. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a pint and a pie at Drop the H Brewing Company.

ATTRACTIONS

KANSAS CROSSING CASINO

If you’re feeling lucky or simply can’t resist the slots, Kansas Crossing Casino (1275 S. Highway 69) is your ticket to a good time. The casino floor is brightly lit with dozens of slot machines surrounding blackjack and craps tables. On the weekend, they host live music above the casino floor. Bronco Bar offers signature cocktails and Two Brothers Mining Co. serves up big-sized portions of menu favorites. Ask about the Brutus Buster Challenge.

casino

MURALS & SCULPTURE TOUR

Pittsburg has a legacy of namesakes that made the town’s success in the coal mining industry possible. The town sits on a coal bed. The work was dangerous and lives were lost. Today, the Miners Memorial (200 W. Walnut St.) honors their sacrifice. Granite monuments are inscribed with the names of individuals who worked the Pittsburg-Weir coalfields.

Miners Monument

coal bucket

We also discovered other sculptures of note in town including two on the Pittsburg State University campus. The Night Song Sculpture (E. Cleveland Ave.) is a bronze sculpture of a Native American playing flute designed by Joe Beeler. It sits not far from the bronze gorilla sculpture in front of PSU’s Student Center. Note: You will see gorillas everywhere on campus and around town since PSU is “Home to the Gorillas.”

sculpture

bronze sculpture

On the hunt for some of the town’s colorful murals, I spotted one that I felt conveyed the town’s love of all things Pittsburg. The postcard greeting (4th & Pine) is eye-catching and hard to miss. To map a public art and go on a self-guided mural tour, check out the chamber’s website.

FUN DEPOT ZONE

A family-friendly event venue. Fun Depot Zone (104 N. Locust St.) was preparing for a Back 2 School Block Party Bash the day of our visit. It is the place to take your kids to burn off energy. The one-time historical train depot is now the home base for games, concessions, bouncy houses, pop-a-shot basketball, and a 28″ climbing wall. I spied a Ms. Pacman arcade game in the corner with my name written all over it. Kids of all ages would enjoy the Fun Depot Zone.

Fun Zone Depot

The entertainment center is open to the public when it is not reserved for birthday parties and special events. Plan your visit Thursday-Saturday 11am-3pm & 4pm-8pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Parents can park for free on the north side of the building. View admission rates are viewable here.

Fun Zone Depot

SCHLANGER PARK DISC GOLF COURSE

Exploring the outdoors is made more fun at Schlanger Park (725 E. 4th St.). The home of a disc golf course, dog park, playground, and splash pad, it provides hours of entertainment for the entire family. If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3. Are you ready for a game?

disc golf

DINNER

BRICK + MORTAR

Before heading home, we had to make one last stop. It was a building that caught our eye and so we peered through its windows only to discover a restaurant with just the kind of ambiance we appreciate, Brick + Mortar Social House (401 N. Broadway). The gastropub’s interior was impeccably decorated with navy blue booths, gold finishes, and a large horseshoe-shaped marble bar.

Brick + Mortar French Dip Sandwich

Our bartender treated us to a few samples of craft beer (they have over 25 on tap). Eventually settling on Midwest beers, we split the Prime Rib French Dip sandwich and parmesan fries for an early dinner. The quality of food and drink at Brick + Mortar is high-end, but the menu prices are shockingly affordable. I’m glad we took a chance on a restaurant that wasn’t on our itinerary. It turned out to be one of my favorite stops in Pittsburg.

If you haven’t traveled to Pittsburg, you need to see discover why it’s considered one of the notable places on the Kansas map. With a concentration of fun destinations and excellent dining, you’ll most likely wish you had planned for more time while in town. Take it from me, Pittsburg is one fun town. It continues to evolve to include the best in shopping, entertainment, and lodging accommodations. When will you visit?

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: brewery, casino, chicken, coffee shop, college, Crawford, farmers market, gorilla, hampton inn, Kansas, Midwest, mural, Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University, pizza, sculpture, Southeast Kansas, Southeastern Kansas, street art

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

February 18, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Today, I turn over a new leaf. My goal is to prepare meals for the upcoming work week! The challenge? To make all of our meals low-carb.

After snagging marked down ground turkey from Target ($2 off!), I knew I had the base for what would become delicious Chicken Parmesan Meatballs hot from the oven!

This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and includes easy clean-up, a win-win, right?! I know you’re a hard-working, busy home cook and the last thing you need is a complicated dinner recipe. I can help!

Begin by setting out all of your ingredients, grab necessary utensils including a large mixing bowl, and preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then, all you need to do is mix all of the ingredients (except the sauce and some of the cheese) with your hands in the large bowl. Spray a foil-lined baking sheet with cooking spray. Later, place medium size meatballs on the baking sheet, top with jarred spaghetti sauce and a bit of shredded parmesan.

Feel free to add more sauce than I did, if you prefer.

Bake the meatballs at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Then, remove the meatballs from the oven and cover in a tablespoon of more spaghetti sauce and a heaping amount of shredded mozzarella, and a bit more shredded parmesan. Return the baking sheet to the oven, but turn the oven setting to broil. Watch the meatballs closely and remove them once the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

The meatballs slide off the foil easily.

You could garnish with more chopped fresh parsley if you would like to add color! Either eat the meatballs by themselves or add them on top of a bowl of pasta and more spaghetti sauce. The Chicken Parmesan Meatballs could also be served inside a toasted, halved baguette to make it into a sandwich. (We’re really trying to eat low-carb meals so we nixed that idea, but boy would it be scrumptious! While these meatballs have bread crumbs, we’re not serving ours on pasta or as a sandwich thus cutting significant carb intake.)

Add these meatballs to your spaghetti sauce for dinner pasta or eat them individually as a hearty small plate.

When the work week leaves you feeling drained and you can’t find the energy to make dinner, Chicken Parmesan Meatballs is a grab and heat-up dinner option that goes well over al dente pasta or inside a crusty bread baguette!

onedelightfullife.com

14 meatballs

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Melted cheese and tangy sauce make these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs a scrumptious dinner option.

15 minPrep Time

17 minCook Time

32 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground chicken
  • 1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs
  • 2 T. chopped onion
  • 2 T. chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 c. shredded parmasen
  • heavy pinch of kosher salt
  • heave pinch of ground pepper
  • 1 clove of garlic chopped
  • 1 T. Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg whisked
  • Jarred spaghetti sauce
  • 1 c. shredded mozzarella

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degress.
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray the foil with cooking spray.
  3. Mix all of the ingredients, expect the spaghetti sauce and mozzarella, in a large bowl by hand until well incorporated.
  4. Form medium sized meatballs by hand and place on the foil lined baking sheet.
  5. Top each meatball with about a teaspoon of spaghetti sauce and lightly sprinkle parmesan on top.
  6. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove the meatballs from the oven, top with more sauce and add a heaping amount of mozzarella on top of each one. Set the over to broil.
  8. Broil the meatballs on the top shelf for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown.
  9. Serve the meatballs warm or add to pasta with more sauce.
7.8.1.2
88
https://onedelightfullife.com/chicken-parmesan-meatballs/
onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

2489 cal

Fat

71 g

Carbs

177 g

Protein

173 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Filed Under: Dinner, Taste Tagged With: appetizer, bread crumbs, chicken, ground chicken, Italian, meatball, meatballs, parmesan, pasta, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

June 5, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Sometimes you just have to give yourself a break…from the kitchen. Enter the crockpot!

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, by SkinnyTaste.com, is a recipe that’s sat untouched in my old school recipe box for awhile now, but boy am I glad I used it this week. Have you ever had one of those incredibly busy weeks? I just talked to a mom who was busy trying to run a business, rush her kids to and from activities, and be a doting wife. She’s a superwoman! But, let’s be real. Moms like her, like you, need a break from hovering over a stove.

Pin this one! You’ll thank me later.

This recipe is as easy as dropping items in the crockpot, setting it on high for four hours, and walking away! Ah, I love the digital “ding!” of my crockpot’s timer when dinner is done and so will you.

For this savory recipe, you will need three chicken boneless, skinless chicken breasts, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and Frank’s hot sauce. After the crockpot “dings!” you’ll want to remove the chicken and place it in a bowl so you can shred it using two forks. Afterward, add it back to the crockpot and add in Frank’s hot sauce, mix again, and turn to the warm setting.

When you’re ready to plate, simply tear large leaves of Bibb lettuce and put them face up on a plate. Pile a heap of buffalo chicken, shredded carrots, and sliced celery. A lover of bright colors, I also added thinly sliced red cabbage. Oh, and I like my lettuce wraps spicy so I drizzled more Frank’s hot sauce on top.

Add blue cheese or gorgonzola for added flavor richness.

Your family will thank you for this tasty, light dinner that was ready when they entered the door and you’ll thank yourself for not stressing out over another weeknight dinner fiasco. Just set it and forget it.

You can view SkinnyTaste’s recipe for Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps here. What would you like me to recipe test for the crockpot next? Leave a comment in the space below.

For more delicious recipes, visit One Delightful Life on Twitter for daily updates of scrumptious food.

Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’ve got to take a moment to add this recipe back to its recipe box for later use.

Filed Under: Dinner, Taste Tagged With: blue cheese, buffalo sauce, chicken, crock pot, Frank's hot sauce, garlic, gorgonzola, hot sauce, lettuce, low-carb, shredded chicken, wraps

How to Make Basic Barbecue Sauce

June 4, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

One condiment this Kansas girl is never without is barbecue sauce. Well, except that one time when the ribs were ready and yep, I was out of the liquid gold. Not one to run to the store for only one condiment, I decided to make my own sauce.

Since it’s summer I tend to use quite quite a bit more barbecue sauce on burgers, ribs, and even inside lettuce wraps. So, in case you’re like me, here’s How to Make Basic Barbecue Sauce when the bottle stuff just won’t do or you’re out of it. This recipe is ketchup based and is more of a Kansas City barbecue sauce.

Barbecue is a staple food group when you live in Kansas. We smoked this rack of ribs on our Traeger Tailgater low and slow adding barbecue sauce at the end of cooking.

Once you’ve combined all of the barbecue sauce ingredients using a whisk in a saucepan, turn the pan to low heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Be sure to stir often. Remove the pan from the burner and allow to cool before pouring the barbecue sauce into a Bell jar and sealing it. Your sauce will keep for about two weeks in the refrigerator.

While there are many kinds of barbecue sauce varieties from Carolina style vinegar based to Kansas City style tomato based, I prefer the later on everything from smoked pulled pork and ribs to cheddar cheeseburgers. I’ve also included the links to a few of my recipes that use can this sauce. You might enjoy: Grilled Blooming Onion with Barbecue Sauce , Barbecue Chicken Spring Rolls, and Ultimate Summer Hot Dog Toppings List. 

Making your own sauce is incredibly simple and takes very little time. Give it a try! Do you have a summer grill recipe that you love to sauce up? Share it in the comments section below.

onedelightfullife.com

3 cups

How to Make Basic Barbecue Sauce

This Kansas City style barbecue sauce is easy to make and better tasting than the bottled variety.

10 minPrep Time

15 minCook Time

25 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. ketchup
  • 3 T. dark brown sugar
  • 3 T. cider vinegar
  • 2 T worcestershire
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
  2. Stir the ingredients well on a low simmer until fully incorporated.
  3. Simmer for about 15 minutes stirring often.
  4. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  5. Pour sauce into glass jar and seal with a lid.
  6. Refrigerate jarred sauce.

Notes

You can also use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. Want a more Memphis style sauce, add more vinegar and molasses for sweetener.

7.8.1.2
75
https://onedelightfullife.com/how-to-make-basic-barbecue-sauce/
onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

111 cal

Carbs

27 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Filed Under: Taste Tagged With: barbecue, basic, bbq, blooming onion, brown sugar, Carolina, cheeseburger, chicken, condiment, garlic powder, hamburger, homemade, hot dog, Kansas City style, ketchup, marinade, onion powder, paprika, pepper, pork, ribs, salt, sauce, spring rolls, topping, vinegar, worcestershire, yellow mustard

Barbecue Chicken Spring Rolls

June 24, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Have you ever peered into your fridge only to see last night’s leftovers staring back at you?

I found a magical way of repurposing leftover grilled barbecue chicken. Let me introduce you to…Barbecue Chicken Spring Rolls! There is something pretty cool about taking a traditional Asian appetizer and turning it on its face to give it new flavor. See, I told you we were going to get creative. Let’s get started!

barbecue-chicken-spring-rolls

The ingredients to make spring rolls are not hard to find. You don’t have to got to an Asian market to locate rice paper wrappers or rice stick noodles. Just cruise down the ethnic foods aisle at your neighborhood grocery store to purchase them. Each package will last you several recipes. I like to keep these staples on hand in the pantry especially for moments like these when I’m bored with leftovers.

Rice noodles, sometimes referred to as “sticks,” are extra thin, round noodles that soak in warm water before use. After draining off the water, the noodles can be used in anything from a wrap to a noodle bowl. Avoid the thicker, flat noodles sometimes labeled “vermicelli.”

Food dishes should have texture, layers of flavor. (I’m known for adding potato chips to my sandwiches.) While these raw vegetables have decent crunch inside these rolls, you can also tuck wonton strips inside too. The thin rice stick noodles soften when cook and give the julienned vegetables and chicken a starch to adhere to inside the roll.

 

Of course, they wouldn’t be true spring rolls unless a dipping sauce accompanied them. When I order spring rolls (or egg rolls) in a restaurant, they typically arrive to the table with peanut dipping sauce. Try a new sauce. Elevate the flavor of your dipping sauce by combining a sweet barbecue sauce with sriracha mayo and drizzle it across your appetizer plate.

Rock and roll! Barbecue Chicken Spring Rolls not only use up leftovers but are a healthy option for an appetizer.
Rock and roll! Barbecue Chicken Spring Rolls not only use up leftovers but are a healthy option for an appetizer.

onedelightfullife.com

Serves 5-6 large spring rolls

Barbecue Chicken Spring Rolls

Everyone wins with these Barbecue Chicken Spring Rolls! Use up leftover barbecue chicken and add new flavor to the typical Asian appetizer.

20 minPrep Time

10 minCook Time

30 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • Filling:
  • 2 c. softened rice stick noodles, drained
  • 2 c. julienned barbecue chicken thigh meat
  • 2 c. julienned carrots
  • 2 c. julienned red bell pepper
  • 2 c. julienned cucumbers (partially peeled)
  • 1 c. green onion (cut on a bias)
  • 4-5 T. wonton crisps
  • Wrap:
  • 5-6 rice paper wrappers
  • Dipping Sauce:
  • 3 T. barbecue sauce
  • 3 T. sriracha mayo
  • 1/2 c. wonton strips

Instructions

  1. Prep all vegetables and chicken in advance.
  2. Cook rice sticks according to package directions and drain water.
  3. Run warm water over each rice paper wrapper for 5 seconds (one at a time) and lay flat on a cutting board.
  4. Fill the now soft rice paper wrapper with julienned vegetables and chicken. Top with a small handful of prepped rice noodles.
  5. Add a few wonton crisps.
  6. Fold the shorter side of the rice paper wrapper over the filling and toward the wrapper's center.
  7. Fold and tuck in the filling by pulling the bottom end of the wrapper and rolling it until complete. (Roll it like you would a burrito, but tightly otherwise your filling will fall out when the spring roll is cut in half.)
  8. Garnish with green onion.
  9. Serve with dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Add the vegetables to the prepped rice paper wrapper before the noodles and chicken, if you want bright color to show through your roll when plating.

7.8.1.2
20
https://onedelightfullife.com/barbecue-chicken-spring-rolls/
onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

730 cal

Fat

14 g

Carbs

131 g

Protein

20 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Filed Under: Appetizers, Taste Tagged With: appetizer, Asian appetizer, barbecue chicken, barbecue sauce, barbecue spring rolls, bbq chicken, chicken, ethnic food, grilled chicken, healthy appetizer, leftovers, repurposed grilled chicken, small plates, spring rolls, sriracha mayo

Creamy Dill Chicken Salad Sandwich

June 21, 2016 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Nothing, I mean nothing is a delicious as my mom’s homemade chicken salad. Over the years, I created my own take on her recipe but with a few changes. I love fresh dill and mayo as a spreadable combination on any sandwich and this Creamy Dill Chicken Salad Sandwich bumps it up a notch and incorporates cranberries (optional). I think mom would be proud.

It’s so good, I might just eat two sandwiches in one sitting. Want to avoid carbs? Add this creamy salad on top of mixed greens instead.

This creamy, cool chicken salad is addictive. You'll want to sandwich it between bread, pita bread, or just top it on top of a bed of mixed greens. Addictive. You've been warned.
This creamy, cool chicken salad is addictive. You’ll want to sandwich it between bread, pita bread, or just top it on top of a bed of mixed greens. Addictive. You’ve been warned.

onedelightfullife.com

Serves 3 large sandwiches

Creamy Dill Chicken Salad Sandwiches

10 minPrep Time

18 minCook Time

28 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 diced, poached skinless & boneless chicken breasts (You could cut prep time by using a store bought rotisserie chicken.)
  • Creamy Dill Chicken Salad Base:
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 T. dill pickle juice
  • 2 T. roughly chopped fresh dill
  • 1 T. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. stone ground mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 c. diced celery
  • Optional-cranberries, chopped walnuts for crunch

Instructions

  1. Poach Chicken Breasts:
  2. Trim any fat from 2 large skineless, boneless chicken breasts
  3. Add to large pot
  4. Cover with chicken broth (or water) by at least an inch
  5. Add 3 springs of thyme, 2 bay leaves, 3 springs of parsley, 3 large pieces celery, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cracked pepper
  6. Bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce to a simmer and let cook for 18 minutes.
  8. Remove chicken and allow it to cool prior to dicing it.
  9. (Strain and freeze the remaining chicken broth liquid for another use.)
  10. Dice chicken and reserve.
  11. In a large mixing bowl, combine all base liquid ingredients. Add in chopped dill, celery, salt, pepper, and stir. Add in optional dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to taste.
  12. Allow to chill in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.

Notes

Substitute basil for dill or grapes for cranberries. Almonds also make a great swap ingredient instead of walnuts.

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https://onedelightfullife.com/creamy-dill-chicken-salad-sandwich/
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Nutrition

Calories

101 cal

Fat

2 g

Carbs

1 g

Protein

18 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Filed Under: Lunch, Sandwiches, Taste Tagged With: celery, chicken, chicken salad, cranberries, creamy, dill, dill chicken salad, dill pickle juice, lettuce, mayo, mayonnaise, mustard, sandwich, walnuts

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Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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