If there’s one thing I absolutely love, it’s a dish with a good kick – and my Hot And Spicy Chicken recipe is just that! This dish is a perfect blend of savory chicken, cheesy goodness, and a spicy punch that will make your tastebuds dance. It’s not just a recipe – it’s a culinary experience that takes you on a journey with every bite. Originating in the southern states, this dish brings together the warm flavors of the south with a twist of spice. Cornbread mix, jalapeno peppers, and a special taco salsa are key ingredients that make this dish unique and mouth-watering. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a one-pot dish, which means easy cleanup! I love whipping this up for family dinners, potlucks or when I’m just in the mood for something hearty and spicy. So, if you’re ready to turn up the heat in your kitchen, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, skinned, cooked and chopped
- 10 oz. frozen corn
- 1/2 c. diced celery
- 1/2 c. chicken broth
- 1/2 c. onion (thin wedges)
- 4 tsp. cornstarch
- 1 (8 1/2 oz.) pkg. cornbread mix
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 (4 oz.) cans diced jalapeno peppers, drained
- 1/2 c. taco salsa
Cooking Method
- Combine chicken, corn, broth, celery and onion.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered.
- Add salsa. Stir 2 tablespoons water into cornstarch.
- Add to chicken mixture. Cook and stir until bubbles.
- Cook an additional 2 minutes. Prepare cornbread according to package.
- Pour chicken mixture into a 10 x 6 x 2-inch dish.
- Sprinkle with cheese and jalapeno peppers. Spoon cornbread on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 425°.
Calorie: 600
Total cooking time: 45 minutes
Difficulty level: Medium
The Great Chicken Escapade
Ladies, gents, and kitchen enthusiasts, gather ’round the virtual hearth; I have a tale to tell. A tale of triumph and tears, of flavor and fiasco, and most importantly, of **chicken breasts**. I present to you… the saga of the Hot and Spicy Chicken.
The Cast of Culinary Characters
My kitchen counter was a stage, and on it, an ensemble cast awaited their cue. The starring role was played by three chicken breasts, skinned, cooked, and chopped. Offering strong support were 10 oz. of **frozen corn**, 1/2 c. of diced **celery**, 1/2 c. of chicken broth, and 1/2 c. of **onion** (cut into thin dramatic wedges). The **cornstarch**, ever ready with 4 tsp., was prepared to thicken the plot (and the sauce). The trusty package of **cornbread mix** (8 1/2 oz., if you please) had a pivotal role, along with 1 1/2 c. of shredded **Cheddar cheese**. The **jalapeno peppers** (two 4 oz. cans, drained) and 1/2 c. **taco salsa** were all set to spice up the proceedings.
Act I: The Broth Brings the Heat
The opening act was a balancing act. I combined the chicken, corn, broth, celery, and onion, in my trusty ol’ pot. I brought it all to a boil, and then…I waited. I watched. I wondered. Would the chicken and the corn combine into a hearty, savory melody or would it be a cacophony of flavors? After 15 minutes of simmering (uncovered, because who needs extra steam in their life?), the suspense was killing me. So, I added the salsa. Because when in doubt, salsa it out!
Act II: The Cornstarch Conundrum
In the midst of this culinary drama, the cornstarch was giving me the side-eye. I mean, it’s a great thickener but it needs a bit of coaxing to do its job. So, I stirred 2 tablespoons of water into it, and added it to the simmering chicken mixture. The mixture bubbled, and I waited for two more minutes. The suspense was thicker than the broth, I tell you!
Act III: The Cornbread Cover-up
As the drama in the pot unfolded, the cornbread mix was ready for its moment. Boy oh boy, was it ready! I prepared it according to the package, because who am I to argue with instructions that have stood the test of time?
The Grand Finale: Baking, Baby!
With a flourish, I poured the chicken mixture into a 10 x 6 x 2-inch dish. I sprinkled it with cheese, and the jalapeno peppers. Then, I spooned the cornbread mix on top. Into the oven it went, set at a toasty 425°. The tension was unbearable as I waited for 20 minutes. Would it be a masterpiece or a disasterpiece?
When I pulled it out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had a culinary triumph on my hands! And that, dear friends, is the tale of the hot and spicy chicken. A tale of victory, a tale of flavor, a tale of… well, honestly, a tale of me not burning the house down. And that, in my book, is a win!
