Recipe Review: Maple Cayenne Glazed Chicken

This weeks review is of Maple Cayenne Glazed Chicken - courtesy of FoodNetworks Anne Burrell.  I used chicken quarters (thigh/leg) since that is what I had on hand.  This dish is so simple to make and produces a delicious, moist and flavorful chicken. The skin is super crispy and it really packs alot of flavor. If you taste the glaze while reducing, its really spicy - but once you glaze the chicken it has just the right amount of heat without overdoing it.


I served with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and sauteed spinach.


Recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

• 2 (3-pound) chickens, wing tips, spine and breast plate removed, cut in quarters
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup real maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Toss the chicken generously with olive oil and salt, to taste. Arrange the chicken on a sheet tray or baking dish lined with parchment or silpat. Roast the chicken until it is about 3/4 of the way done, about 20 to 25 minutes. The skin should start to brown and crisp.

While the chicken is roasting, combine the maple syrup and cayenne in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the syrup is reduced by about 1/2 to 3/4 or until the syrup is very thick and syrupy.

After the chicken has roasted for 20 to 25 minutes, brush each piece of chicken generously with the reduced syrup. Continue toroast for another 10 to 12 minutes, brushing the skin with the syrup 1 or 2 more times while cooking. The skin should start to become very dark and sticky. If the skin starts to get too dark, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let rest about 10 minutes before serving 


Serves 8/ Estimate 585 calories.

Recipe Review: Herbed Tilapia

This week I made the Herbed Tilapia from the Shakeology Recipes. Usually I bake a more meatier fish such as salmon or tuna but I needed to switch it up a little. With Tilapia being so accessible and budget friendly i decided to give it a try.  I soooo love this recipe, its super simple and really tasty.  

Recipe is as follows (1 serving): 

Ingredients:

- 6 oz. Tilapia filet

- 1 tsp. olive oil

- 1 tsp. lemon juice

- 1 tsp. dried rosemary

- 1 tsp. dried thyme 

- 2 Tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs 

Directions:

- Top the Tilapia filet with the mix of olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme and breadcrumbs

- Place on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray

- Bake at 375 degrees for about 15-20 minutes

I also add a pinch of Old Bay and  Salt/Pepper.  Ive made with and without the breadcrumbs.  Lemon or Lime juice. Its always tasty.

The suggested sides are 1 cup qinoa and 1 cup steamed spinach, but I easily substitue brown rice and any steamed vegetable or a mixed greens salad.

Enjoy!