Articles by B. Coop

Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells

Chicken, Pasta
Posted on 2 Comments on Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells

Again, I’ve found myself with an excess of chicken in my freezer. Thank God for the overflow! However, this chicken’s gotta go. I barely have room for my frozen pineapple emergency stash. So, today, we’re making some Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells!

I’m using cream cheese instead of ricotta. Because, everything’s better with cream cheese. And i’m not a fan of ricotta. If you’re with it then use it. It all works. Just don’t skip that Ranch seasoning. BOMB! It adds a certain touch of flavor to it. 

You can shred the chicken if you’d like as well. I wanted to cube it today. I felt cube-ish. Just make sure you season it well. You know how I feel about seasoning every element of the dish. So, cooking the shells in chicken base or broth is mandatory for me. This also keeps us from over doing it with the salt in the stuffing. We don’t need it. The flavor with be there.

Love,

B. Coop

Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells
Serves 5
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
50 min
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
50 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb jumbo shells
  2. 1 T chicken base or 3 chicken bouillon cubes
Alfredo Sauce
  1. 3 T butter
  2. 1 T minced garlic
  3. 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  4. 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  5. 1 tsp onion powder
  6. salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing
  1. 2 cups cooked chicken
  2. 8 oz package of cream cheese (softened)
  3. 1 cup spinach (chopped)
  4. 1 T Ranch seasoning mix
  5. 1/2 tsp onion powder
  6. 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  7. 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella
  8. 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan
  9. 1 beaten egg
Topping
  1. 1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese
  2. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  3. chopped basil or parsley to garnish
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Bring a large pot of water to boil
  3. Add in chicken base or cubes and the shells
  4. Cook according to package instructions
  5. Stir often to keep from sticking
  6. Drain.
Sauce
  1. Melt butter and saute garlic
  2. Pour in heavy cream
  3. Once sauce comes to a low simmer add in cheese and season to taste
  4. When the cheese melts and sauce thickens, remove from heat
Stuffing
  1. Mix all ingredients together well.
  2. Stuff each shell with one tablespoon of the stuffing.
Assembly
  1. Ladle one scoop of sauce to the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish and spread it out
  2. Place shells on top of the sauce in the dish
  3. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
  4. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 mins.
  5. Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese and bake, uncovered, until cheese melts.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
  7. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Chicken Parm Pizza

Chicken, Recipes
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Facebook made me so hungry last week I completely changed my recipe plans. I saw a video of a restaurant that combined two of my favorite dishes. Chicken Parm and Pizza! OMG! I had to have it! And the fun part is that the chicken is the crust! I knew I had to make my version and share it with my Cookies.

I chose to make two personal sized pizzas to make it easier to fry. But, if you have a large fryer, feel free to make one big pie! I suggest freezing the chicken crust for at least 4 hrs. You can even make extra and freeze them until you’re ready to use them. 

I absolutely love Chicken Parmesan. I have to make sure that every component of the dish is well seasoned. This pizza version is no different. I season the chicken and grind it up in my food processor. You can also just buy ground chicken. I like to do my own. I also season the eggs. We want a super flavorful pizza!

And the cheese!! Do NOT forget to use Parmesan cheese!!! So, many Chicken Parmesan recipes load up on the mozzarella, but forget the Parm. Don’t do it! If you can, please buy fresh cheese and shred them yourselves. I can’t stress how much better the quality is. I think this is my new favorite pizza! I hope you enjoy it too.

Love,
B. Coop

Chicken Parm Pizza
Serves 2
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Prep Time
4 hr
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
4 hr 30 min
Prep Time
4 hr
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
4 hr 30 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb chicken breasts (or ground chicken)
  2. 1 T Italian seasoning
  3. 1 tsp onion powder
  4. 1 tsp garlic powder
  5. 1 tsp salt
  6. 2 eggs
  7. 1 cup all purpose flour
  8. 1 cup italian style bread crumbs
  9. 3 T grated parmesan cheese
  10. 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  11. 2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese
  12. vegetable or canola oil for frying
  13. fresh basil
Instructions
  1. Cut chicken breasts into cubes and place into a food processor
  2. Add the onion and garlic powders, 1 basil leaf, and 1/2 of the Italian seasoning
  3. Blend until chicken is ground
  4. Line (2) 8 or 9 inch cake pans with plastic wrap
  5. Divide the chicken equally into the pans and press to flatten into the bottom of the pans
  6. Wrap tightly with the plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours
  7. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
  8. Put the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs into 3 separate dishes
  9. Season the eggs with the remaining Italian seasoning and beat them
  10. Season the breadcrumbs with 1 T parmesan cheese
  11. Remove the chicken crusts from the plastic
  12. Coat the crusts in the flour, then the eggs, and lastly, the breadcrumbs
  13. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a frying pan or heat a fryer to 350 degrees F
  14. Fry each chicken crust until golden brown; about 3-4 mins per side if using a frying pan
  15. Transfer to paper towels after frying
  16. Place crusts on a baking sheet
  17. Top with sauce and all remaining cheeses
  18. Bake for 10 mins or until cheese is bubbly
  19. Garnish with fresh, shredded basil
  20. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Golden Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes

Desserts, Recipes
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Who doesn’t love Oreos? They were on sale at the grocery store last week and I had to buy some. I immediately thought of you guys and decided to do a recipe with them. That’s the only reason that would keep me from eating them myself. I didn’t want to do the usual chocolate Oreo cheesecake recipe. I wanted to do something with the red velvet ones, but they were gone. So, Golden Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes it is!

Long recipe title right? Sheesh! But, these little things are good! I don’t like my cheesecake super silky. So, adding a little bit of flour gives it more of a NY cheesecake texture. If you can, please don’t skip serving these with fresh whipped cream. 

Love,

B. Coop

 

Golden Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes
Yields 12
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 family sized package Golden Oreo cookies (12 whole, 5-6 finely chopped)
  2. 2 8 oz packages of cream cheese (softened)
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 T sour cream
  5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  6. 1 T all purpose flour
  7. 2 large eggs (room temp)
  8. pinch of salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F
  2. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and place one, whole Oreo at the bottom of each liner
  3. In a bowl using an electric mixer, mix cream cheese and sugar together
  4. Add in one egg at a time mixing in between the addition of each egg
  5. Now, add in the flour, sour cream, and salt. Mix well
  6. Fold in the finely chopped Oreos by hand. Do not use the mixer. (Reserve some roughly chopped Oreo pieces to garnish later.)
  7. Divide the batter into the cupcake pan evenly
  8. Bake for 20-22 mins or until the filling sets.
  9. Allow to cool in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours
  10. Top with whipped cream (optional) and garnish with the remaining Oreo pieces
  11. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Unstuffed Bell Peppers

Recipes, The Lighter Side
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I love stuffed bell peppers. My family enjoys them too. I make them often for holidays and gatherings. But, I always notice that very few of my family members would eat the whole pepper. I’d see empty pepper shells on almost every plate. After I’d parboiled and seasoned the peppers for these ingrates!! Who am I kidding? I don’t eat the dang pepper either. That’s why this recipe is ideal my crew and me!

All the elements you love about stuffed peppers without having to waste peppers! Genius, right?! Feel free to use ground beef if you prefer. And you can switch the cheese up to your liking as well. Wild rice works too. You can even omit the rice all together if you’re watching your carbs. Unstuffed Bell Peppers are a wonderful midweek meal. Great for meal prepping too. Try it.

Love,

B.Coop

Unstuffed Bell Peppers
Serves 5
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  2. 1 diced bell pepper
  3. 1 diced onion
  4. 1 T minced garlic
  5. 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  6. 1 cup cooked rice
  7. 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
  8. 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
  9. 1 tsp onion powder
  10. 1 tsp garlic powder
  11. salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Brown meat in an oven safe skillet and drain excess fat
  3. Add in bell peppers and onions and saute for 5 mins or until tender and brown
  4. Add garlic
  5. Pour in tomatoes; do not drain
  6. Add in spices
  7. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 10 mins
  8. Add in rice
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning
  10. Stir in the parmesan cheese
  11. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top
  12. Bake, uncovered, until cheese melts
  13. Garnish with green onions
  14. Enjoy!
Notes
  1. If you don't have an oven safe skillet, just cook everything in a pan and transfer it to a baking dish.
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Southern Green Beans

Pork, The Lighter Side, Vegetarian
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Cookies, I’ve been on a veggie kick. I’ve been craving nothing, but green veggies. Thank God! Oh, hold up. NO, Coop is not baking anything in her oven, okay. That’s not why I’m having cravings. Cut it out. lol 

I love green beans. But, I don’t like them with meat. Strange? Probably. But, you know I’m a weirdo already. Don’t worry. I’m showing you to cook delicious Southern-style green beans with and without meat!

Easy, right? I used frozen green beans in this recipe. But, I bought them from my local fruit stand which freezes their fresh green beans without any additives or preservatives. So, the flavor is super fresh tasting even after freezing them! If you’re using fresh green beans, then the cooking time will be longer. Like 1-2 hours longer. And if you’re using canned beans, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEEEEE drain that liquid in the can and use fresh water. Why you ask? Just taste that liquid that’s in the cans and see if you still want to cook with it. Come back and tell me about it too.

Love,

B. Coop

Southern Style Green Beans
Serves 4
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Ingredients
  1. 1-2 lb frozen green beans
  2. 1 diced onion
  3. bacon ends (as much as you want)
  4. 2-3 potatoes (cut into 1 inch chunks)
  5. 2 T butter
  6. 1 cup water
  7. 2 tsp chicken base
  8. 2 tsp onion powder
  9. 1 tsp garlic powder
  10. 1 T or to taste Cajun seasoning
Instructions
  1. Add bacon ends to a pot set at a medium high temp
  2. Fry bacon ends until it starts to brown and release grease
  3. Add in butter and onions
  4. Saute until onions brown and butter melts
  5. Add in the water and chicken base
  6. Bring to a simmer
  7. Add the green beans, potatoes, and all spices to the pot
  8. Lower heat, cover, and cook for about 20-25 mins or until potatoes are tender
  9. Turn off the heat, taste and adjust seasoning
  10. Enjoy!
Meatless Version
  1. Omit meat and follow the recipe above. Chicken base may also be omitted.
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Chicken Salad

Chicken, Recipes, The Lighter Side
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It’s hot. My attitude is horrible. I went off on my fridge, because it shot out crushed ice instead of cubes. Wasn’t the refrigerator’s fault. Hell, I’m the one who pressed the wrong option. I’m just HOT! Which means, simple and cool cooking ONLY! I’m giving you my legendary Chicken Salad recipe.

 

Yes, I used canned chicken. SHOLE DID! I love it in chicken salad. I’ve tried cooking my own chicken and stuff. But, it just didn’t give me the “chicken salady” taste I was looking for, you know? Don’t you dare stick your nose up at my canned chicken before you try it! You know you’ve eaten canned tuna for years before you got all high and mighty and started eating the kind in the vacuum sealed packs! Tell the truth!

I’m eating the salad on these balsamic, beet crackers. So good! I love making lettuce wraps with it too. How do you like to eat your chicken salad? Tell me in the comments!

Love, 

B. Coop

Chicken Salad
Serves 5
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Prep Time
10 min
Total Time
10 min
Prep Time
10 min
Total Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. 12.5 ounce can Premium White Chunk Chicken Breast (It's just a can of chicken, boo.)
  2. 2 hard boiled eggs
  3. 1/2 stalk celery (finely chopped)
  4. 1 T mayonnaise
  5. 1 T pickled relish (sweet or dill; your choice, kid)
  6. 1 tsp Accent seasoning
  7. 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
  1. Drain water from the canned chicken; add chicken to a bowl
  2. Peel and roughly chop eggs and add them to the chicken
  3. Then add remaining ingredients and mix well
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving
  6. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

The Nap Cake

Desserts
Posted on 1 Comment on The Nap Cake

Your girl was NOT planning to post anything today! But, you know how I get when I’m bored. And I couldn’t let that extra Bourbon sauce from the bread pudding go to waste! So, what did I do? I made the easiest and most moist Vanilla Bundt cake! Then I literally drowned that baby in Bourbon sauce.

Wondering why I’m calling this the “Nap Cake”? Make this and see. Let me know what you think whenever you wake up.

I posted it on social media and you guys demanded the recipe. Like the nerve of me to post something and not include the recipe! Forgive me, Cookies. I got my mind right quickly! Enjoy!!

Love,

B. Coop

The Nap Cake
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Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
1 hr
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
1 hr
Cake
  1. 1 stick unsalted butter (softened)
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 2 eggs (room temp)
  4. 2 cups cake flour
  5. 1 T baking powder
  6. 3/4 cup whole milk (room temp)
  7. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  8. pinch of salt
Bourbon Sauce
  1. 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 3 T unsalted butter
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 T cornstarch
  6. 1/2 cup bourbon or more it's you're boozy
  7. 1 T pure vanilla extract
Sauce
  1. In a bowl, whisk the sugar and cornstarch together well
  2. Next, melt the butter in a saucepan then add in the sugar and cornstarch mixture
  3. Whisk in the remaining ingredients
  4. Bring to a boil for 1 min then turn of the heat
  5. Continue to stir
  6. Sauce will thicken as it cools
Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Grease a bundt pan well. I use Baker's Joy. (Makers of Baker's Joy, if you're reading this, RUN ME MY CHECK!)
  3. Okay, now, using an electric mixer, cream the butter, and sugar together in a bowl.
  4. Add in the eggs and blend until creamy. Blend it for 2 mins straight. Foreal! Don't blend for 30 secs and quit cause I'll know!
  5. Now, alternate between adding in the flour/baking powder/salt mixture with the milk.Start with the dry mix and end with the dry mix. I know some of you are confused as hell at this point. Just ask me to break it down further in the comments.
  6. Pour in the extract and give it one last, good mix.
  7. Pour it all into the pan and bake for 30-40 mins or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
  8. Let it cool for about 10 mins.
  9. Then, using a pairing knife (Or butter knife. Don't make this complicated, okay?) make 8 small slits around the cake.
  10. Take 1/2 cup of the sauce and pour it over the cake
  11. Once all of the sauce is absorbed into the cake, take a plate, put it over the cake, pray to the Good Lord that it doesn't stick, and flip it. ( How many times am I gonna type the word "cake"?)
  12. Admire your work and thank God it didn't stick.
  13. Now, drizzle the remaining sauce over the cake, and prepare to take a good nap.
  14. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

New Orleans Style Bread Pudding & Bourbon Sauce

Desserts, Louisiana Favorites
Posted on 6 Comments on New Orleans Style Bread Pudding & Bourbon Sauce

If you go to a restaurant in Louisiana, there is bound to bread pudding listed in the dessert section of the menu. We love our bread pudding!! The boozier the better! I have many version of bread pudding which I will share with you eventually. But, we’ll start with my version of a basic New Orleans Style Bread Pudding!


I’m not a fan of putting raisins in my bread pudding. Actually, I don’t like putting raisins in anything! But, if you do, just add them in before baking. Pecans are cool too if you’re into that sort of thing. 

And this Bourbon-Vanilla sauce! Claude hammercy!! Delicious with just the right amount of liquor! Allow the bread pudding to cool a little bit before you pour on the sauce. If you add it too soon, it’s suck up the sauce. Which isn’t a bad thing either when I think about it. 

Love,

B. Coop

New Orleans Style Bread Pudding & Bourbon Sauce
Serves 8
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Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
50 min
Total Time
1 hr 20 min
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
50 min
Total Time
1 hr 20 min
Bread Pudding
  1. 1 loaf day old French Bread (cut in 1 inch cubes)
  2. 4 large eggs
  3. 2 cups heavy cream
  4. 2 cups whole milk
  5. 1 stick unsalted butter (melted and cooled to room temp)
  6. 1 cup (packed) light brown sugar
  7. 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  8. 1 T pure vanilla extract
  9. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  10. pinch of salt
Bourbon sauce
  1. 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 3 T unsalted butter
  4. 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  5. 2 T cornstarch
  6. 1/2 cup bourbon or more it's you're boozy
  7. 1 T pure vanilla extract
Bread pudding
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugars together well.
  3. Next, add in the cream, milk, extract, butter, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Whisk all very well.
  5. Then add the bread into the bowl pressing it down into the mixture with a spoon.
  6. Allow bread to soak for 30 mins.
  7. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish
  8. Pour the bread mixture into the dish and bake, uncovered, for 50 mins or until the bread pudding is "set" and no longer jiggles in the center when shaken.
Bourbon sauce
  1. In a bowl, whisk the sugar and cornstarch together well
  2. Next, melt the butter in a saucepan then add in the sugar and cornstarch mixture
  3. Whisk in the remaining ingredients
  4. Bring to a boil for 1 min then turn of the heat
  5. Continue to stir
  6. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
  7. Pour sauce on individual servings of the bread pudding.
  8. Enjoy!
Notes
  1. If your french bread is too soft, bake it in a 350 oven for about 8 to 10 mins or until it toasts and hardens.
  2. You may add raisins and toasted pecans to your bread pudding before baking if desired. Soak 1/2 cup of raisins in 1/3 cup of bourbon before add them. Or you may just add them plain.
  3. Make a day before serving. The flavor will be much better.
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Lazy Roast Beef Po’ Boys

Beef, Louisiana Favorites, Recipes
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Yes. You read right.I call them Lazy Roast Beef Po-boys, because we’re not doing any of that long slow cooking of a roast. We’re letting the deli to all of that mess. Besides, I don’t like the pulled beef style po boys. I like the sliced, deli meat. You know, I guess we just call that Hot Roast Beef po-boys or something. Doesn’t matter. The name isn’t important. The taste is!

I’m also showing you how I make an easy brown gravy. You don’t just use this for po-boys. You can use it on potatoes, rice, meat, whatever you want! It’s an easy gravy to whip up without using meat drippings. 

Cut open some warm French bread, pile on the toppings, and get messy!! You know, when it comes to Roast Beef Po-boys the messier it is, the better it is!

Love,

B. Coop

Lazy Roast Beef Po' Boys
Serves 4
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb deli roast beef (thinly sliced)
  2. 1 stick butter
  3. 1/2 onion (finely diced)
  4. 6 T all purpose flour
  5. 3 cups hot water
  6. 3 tsp beef base
  7. 1 tsp onion powder
  8. 1 tsp garlic powder
  9. salt and pepper
  10. 1 loaf french bread
Optional toppings
  1. mayo
  2. lettuce and tomatoes
  3. provolone or swiss cheese
Instructions
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan
  2. Add in onions and saute until browned
  3. Whisk in the flour and stir for one minute
  4. Add in onion and garlic powder
  5. Mix the beef base into the water
  6. Then, whisk the water into the saucepan
  7. Bring to a simmer and add in the roast beef
  8. Lower heat and simmer the roast beef, uncovered for 20 mins.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning
  10. Serve on french bread with desired toppings
  11. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Juicy Baked Chicken

Chicken, Recipes
Posted on 2 Comments on Juicy Baked Chicken

My beginner Cookies checked me so smoothly! I received a slew of emails for easy recipes. Have I been getting carried away? My apologies, babies. We’ll go back to the basics for a bit. Let’s start with easy. breezy baked chicken!

Dry chicken is a sin and a shame. We must avoid that foolishness at all costs! That’s why we sneak butter under the skin. That’ll keep the ash at bay.

What other “simple” meals would you like to see? Let me know in the comments!

Love,

B. Coop

Juicy Baked Chicken
Serves 4
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
1 hr 15 min
Total Time
1 hr 25 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
1 hr 15 min
Total Time
1 hr 25 min
Ingredients
  1. 4-8 bone in chicken pieces
  2. 1 sliced onion
  3. 1 chopped celery stalk
  4. 1 T onion powder
  5. 1 T garlic powder
  6. 2 T or to taste seasoning salt or cajun seasoning
  7. 1 tsp cumin
  8. butter
  9. 1 large orange (sliced)
  10. 3 sprigs thyme
  11. cooking spray
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
  2. Season chicken with all spices
  3. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray
  4. Add onions and celery to the dish
  5. Lay chicken on top
  6. Place thin slice of butter under the skin of each chicken piece
  7. Top with orange slices
  8. Lay thyme sprigs on top
  9. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 mins
  10. Uncover and flip chicken over
  11. Cover again and continue to bake for 45 mins to until cooked through and tender
  12. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/