Sticky Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

If you're anything like me, you're always looking for new recipes. For some reason, I am always looking for new chicken recipes! I have a lot that are family favorites, but chicken is so versatile that it's fun to find new treatments for it.

This sticky chicken is a great new way to prepare chicken, and the summery salsa that accompanies it puts it over the top. The chicken would be great on its own, but it's especially flavorful when paired with this pineapple salsa. It's a great summer meal, and you could easily grill the chicken instead of roasting it to save from turning on the heat in your kitchen.

This new recipe won rave reviews from everyone in my family. We loved it paired with rice pilaf and roasted broccoli.

Check out these other family favorite chicken recipes: BBQ Chicken and Grilled Pineapple Quesadillas, Chicken and Brie Flatbread, Chicken and Mushroom Stuffed Shells, Chicken and Vegetable Strudel, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Marsala, Teriyaki Chicken, Island Chicken, Creamy Tuscan Chicken.



Sticky Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Chicken:
1 pound boneless,skinless chicken thighs
1 pound chicken drumsticks
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

Salsa:
1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, juiced
pinch of salt and pepper

For the salsa, combine the pineapple chunks, onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt and pepper in a bowl and stir well. Refrigerate until ready to use. (Can be made 1 day ahead.)

For the chicken, line a sheet pan with foil and spray the foil with nonstick spray. Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks on the pan and sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides.

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sugar and vinegar. Brush one layer of sauce on the chicken, then roast the chicken at 425 for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, brush on more of the sauce and roast for 10 more minutes. Brush or spoon on any remaining sauce and roast for 15 more minutes, or until the inside temperature registers at 165 degrees.

Remove the chicken and serve immediately with the pineapple salsa. Serves 6.

Recipe Source: Adapted from How Sweet Eats

Cheesy Taco Pasta

Here's an easy, delicious, fast, one-pot dinner that will have your tastebuds singing. It's perfect for these summer evenings when you're running from one activity to another and your little soccer players need a good supper!

It's also perfect for a rainy summer day when comfort food is in order. Or any day that ends in "y" for that matter. This recipe takes all the good flavors of tacos (too many to name here, honestly) and combines them with pasta in a cheesy, tomato-y sauce.

This won rave reviews at my house, especially when topped with sour cream and guac. (As would anything.)

Cheesy Taco Pasta

3 cups small shell pasta
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. salt
2 cups water
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded Mexican style cheese
fresh cilantro, guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, olives for garnish as desired


Cook ground beef, onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium high heat until meat is no longer pink; drain fat. Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, water and pasta.

Loosely cover the pan, reduce heat to medium.

Cook for 5-10 minutes until the pasta is done, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Serve with additional garnishes as you like. Makes 4-6 servings.