Sweet and Sour Chicken

I LOVE Chinese food - LOVE. Problem is, when we run to a quick little take-out Chinese place, I always end up disappointed and usually bloated. (TMI?? Sorry, but it's the truth). So, this quick and easy recipe just hits the spot every time. And it's made at home with ingredients you trust, so no disappointment and better yet, no bloating. :) I have also found some good little sides to go along with it - the brand is called Asian Sensations and you find them in your freezer section. They have great white meat chicken egg rolls and my personal favorite - Cream Cheese Wontons! Macie could probably eat all 10 of the wontons herself, if I let her. I use the extra sweet and sour sauce to dip the sides in and YUMMY! A Chinese meal that this girl can get on board with! Now, like I told a friend, don't make this thinking that you'll never need PF Changs again - it's not gourmet. But, if you get a little hankerin' for take-out and don't want to spend the money - give this a try. I think you'll like it!

Sweet and Sour Chicken

3-4 Chicken Breasts - cut in bite size pieces and stir-fried
8 oz. Apricot Preserves
8 oz. Catalina or Russian Dressing (I always use Catalina)
1 pkg. Dry Onion Soup Mix
1/4 Cup Water
1/2 Small Can Crushed Pineapple
1/4 Cup of the Pineapple Juice (from can)

After you stir-fry your chicken, add all other ingredients and stir well. Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes and serve over rice.

Just that easy! Enjoy!

Moist Garlic Chicken

GOODNESS! Has nearly a month passed since my last post? Where did the time go?! Well, to make up for it I'm posting a good one! I have had this recipe since we got married and made it tonight for the first time in a while. Man, I had forgotten how great it was! My kids absolutely devoured it, too! They actually were both upset that I didn't have more - I always make them 1 chicken breast to share and I am positive they would have both eaten 1 each had I made it for them. So, lesson learned - make lots next time!! I served it with mashed potatoes and corn - my kids favorites. It would also be great with some sort of rice, broccoli, green beans or a salad and bread or rolls. Lots of sides would be great with it, so be creative! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Moist Garlic Chicken

1/3 Cup Butter or Margarine, Melted
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 Cup Seasoned Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese
Dash Pepper
4 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts (Pounded out if they are really thick)

In a shallow bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder and salt. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, cheeses and pepper. Dip chicken in butter and then coat with crumb mixture. Place in greased 9x13 pan. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until juices run clear.