**Cool Cucumber Chicken: A Refreshing Summer Meal**
As the summer heat sets in, it's time to turn to light and refreshing meals that can be enjoyed without heating up the kitchen. Our cool cucumber chicken is the perfect dish for such occasions. This easy-to-make recipe combines the crispness of cucumber, the tenderness of chicken, and the tanginess of a homemade dressing to create a dish that is both delicious and refreshing. Plus, with variations for a spicy version and a vegetarian alternative, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
KICKIN' CHIPOTLE FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS WITH COOL CUCUMBER SLAW
Steps:
- Pour chipotle peppers and adobo sauce into a blender. Add 2 cups buttermilk; cover and process until peppers are completely pureed.
- Place chicken in a large zip top plastic bag and pour buttermilk mixture and remaining buttermilk over chicken. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
- Combine the masa, panko, salt and pepper in a large zip top plastic bag. Drain chicken pieces; add to masa mixture, 1 at a time, and shake to coat. Shake off excess; place on waxed paper for 15 minutes before frying.
- Heat 4 inches of oil to 375 degrees F in a large cast iron skillet.
- Fry chicken for about 4 minutes on each side or until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and place on a paper towel lined platter. Once well drained, keep chicken warm on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a oven preheated to 300 degrees F.
- Serve chicken on a large platter with Cool Cucumber Slaw. Garnish with Cilantro and cucumber wedges.
- Stir together the cucumber and salt. Place in a colander over a mixing bowl. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Discard liquid and place cucumber in mixing bowl. Add yogurt, lime juice, mint, cilantro, carrot, scallion and sugar to the cucumber. Mix until well combined. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
CHICKEN WITH CUCUMBERS
Although most often eaten raw, cucumber can also be enjoyed cooked in recipes like this. This interesting chicken dish has an irresistible fresh flavor.-Angela Avedon, Mooresville, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h15m
Yield 4-6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown chicken in oil. Remove chicken and set aside. To drippings, add mushrooms and garlic; saute 2 minutes. Stir in flour until mushrooms are coated. Gradually add water and bouillon; cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly., Return chicken to the skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, slice one cucumber into thin slices; set aside. Peel remaining cucumber; slice in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Cut into 1-in. chunks. Add to skillet and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. , Stir sour cream into sauce; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with reserved cucumber slices.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 442 calories, Fat 28g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 129mg cholesterol, Sodium 531mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 35g protein.
GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH SPICY CUCUMBERS
Light and refreshing, yet packed with flavor from herbs, jalapeños and garlic, this is an easy, after-work meal that can be endlessly adapted to suit what you've got on hand. Substitute other thinly sliced raw vegetables for the cucumbers (zucchini, carrot, radishes, celery, cabbage, fennel), and other herbs for the cilantro and parsley (dill, basil, mint). Just be sure not to overcook the flattened chicken, which can happen in an instant.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories weekday, poultry, main course
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place a chicken breast between a layer of parchment paper or plastic wrap and use a mallet, rolling pin or the flat side of a heavy knife to pound to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Repeat with remaining breasts.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper and paprika. Place in a bowl and toss with lime zest, garlic and oil. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: In a blender, combine cilantro, parsley, oil, jalapeños, garlic, salt and lime juice. Blend until smooth, adding 1 or 2 tablespoons water if necessary to blend. Taste and add more salt and/or lime juice if needed.
- Heat the grill to medium-high or heat up the broiler or a grill pan. Grill or broil until chicken is lightly browned at the edges and just cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes per side.
- In a medium bowl, toss cucumbers with a pinch of salt. Let sit for 5 minutes. Right before serving, toss cucumbers with sauce and serve alongside chicken, drizzling chicken with any leftover sauce from the bottom of the cucumber bowl, and a little olive oil.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 353, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 46 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 707 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips for Making Cool Cucumber Chicken:
- Use fresh, crisp cucumbers. This will ensure that your salad is refreshing and flavorful.
- Shred the cucumbers thinly. This will help them absorb the dressing better.
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color and texture to your salad.
- Don't overcook the chicken. Chicken is best when it is cooked through but still juicy.
- Use a light, refreshing dressing. A simple vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing is a good choice.
- Serve the salad chilled. This will help keep it refreshing and flavorful.
Conclusion:
Cool cucumber chicken is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for a summer meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make the best cool cucumber chicken salad that your family and friends will love.
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