Easy Versatile Chicken Recipe

Today I am offering s simple and frugal chicken recipe that is so versatile you can cook it anyway you want! Use this recipe with chicken breasts (skin on or off), whole chicken, chicken pieces, or chunks of chicken (can be used with leftover chicken too!). You can use this basic recipe to cook the chicken in a variety of ways as well; bake, grill, skillet, or even in the crockpot! Pair this chicken with rice and a salad or steamed veggie and you have yourself  a delicious simple and frugal meal that couldn’t be easier or more versatile and your family will devour it.

Sweet Curried Easy Chicken

  • 8 chicken breast halves (or equivalent)
  • 4TBSP melted butter
  • 4 TBSP maple syrup, honey, or agave
  • 3 tsp dry mustard
  • 1-4 tsp curry powder (this is the heat)

Directions

  1. Prepare chicken for whatever cooking method you will be using.
  2. Mix butter, sweetener, mustard, and curry powder.
  3. Brush mixture on chicken. Reserve the rest of the mixture.
  4. For Baked or Crockpot cooking, pour remaining mixture over chicken.  Baked chicken should be covered with foil until the last 10 or 15 minutes of cooking time. Then remove foil brush chicken once more with the juice at the bottom of the pan and cook uncovered for 10-15 more minutes. Allow chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. If cooking in a crockpot, set crock to low and cook for 4-6 hours. Check the chicken after 3 hours to prevent drying out.
  5. For grilled, electric skillet, or broiled chicken, cook for 10 minutes before brushing on more of the mixture. Turn chicken if using breasts or pieces and coat with mixture. Cook for 10 more minutes and repeat. Continue until chicken is cooked to desired tenderness.

Cook’s Tip: Curry powder is spicy. If you are serving those who would like a more mild version, stick with only 1 tsp of curry powder. If you have a family or group that is split in their liking of spicy food, reserve some of the mixture. Add 1-3 tsps more curry powder and heat it on the stove while the chicken is in the last stages of cooking. Serve in a gravy boat so that those who prefer a more spicy dish.

Carrots work very well with this mixture and can be added to the baking dish or crockpot halfway through cooking time. Carrots can also be steamed and served on the side with a bit of the mixture poured over top. One additional easy option is to use the mixture with leftover chunked chicken. Place about a TBSP of olive oil in a pan or electric skillet. Add as much cold rice as you wish, cubed carrots, peas and heat until carrots begin to soften. Add chunked or shredded chicken, pour mixture over the top and mix well. Cover and cook until carrots are tender.

Buono Appettito!