Bacon Mushroom Chicken in the Ninja Cooking System

Happy 2013 to you! I wrote my first check today & shockingly managed to fill in the proper date.  I think the reason I'm on top of it this year is because I shopped at Costco. From the moment I parked my car and saw the line of people stacked up outside the closed burgundy colored garage style doors I knew I had to be sharp and on top of my game. I couldn't daydream about snowboarding with my family as I embarked on this experience. I needed to be diligent and thoughtful.

I walked in the door & I dodged carts and masses of people. I searched the produce expiration dates to avoid buying almost expired/slimy green beans. I weaved through the aisle that contained a couple juggling 3 carts full of croissants. I made a quick pit stop to the women's blouses that were on sale. The sign featured a neon yellow "$3.00 Instant Rebate" and that captured my interest.  I glanced down at the tag on the blouse which touted its iron free features. PSY did his happy dance in my mind & the teal blouse landed in my cart. Last, the Costco grand finale; the shock at checkout.  When the clerk tells you your total is two hundred something dollars it's a very ghastly experience. Especially when the hubs sent me to get AA, C, D and 9 volt batteries for a carpentry project he is building to house the said variety of batteries.

What isn't ghastly is this recipe. I'm pretty sure that anything with bacon in it is magnificent. I'm not really sure why MSG made such a debut in the 80's and 90's. Who needs that flavor enhancer when we have bacon.

Bacon Mushroom Chicken in the Ninja Cooking System

• 6 chicken thighs
• 8 pieces of cooked bacon, diced into half inch pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 12 mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmeasean cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles or rice
• *Optional; 4 tablespoons of butter. I didn't use butter, because it's the New Year and I'm pretending like I'm going to eat healthier for at least a few more days. 

In the Ninja Cooking System on stove top Medium, fry the oil, onion and garlic for about 10 minutes. Add the chicken, bacon, mushrooms and salt and pepper. Fry for about 16 minutes (turning once) or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken.

Pour the water, cheese, milk and heavy cream on top of the mushroom/onion/garlic mixture. 

Add the corn starch and whisk away for about 3  minutes. Next, reduce the heat to stove top low and whisk a bit longer. Last, turn the Ninja to Slow cooker low while you prepare to plate the meal.

Layer the noodles or rice with a piece of chicken and top with the creamy, saucy goodness. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serves: 6

Did you write a check with the correct date? 

Creamy Turkey Noodle Stew

I hope that your holiday was everything you wished for it to be. We had a lovely evening at my folks house with extended family. There were a lot of laughs during the white elephant exchange.  My 70 something dad got stuck with a 2013 Twilight calendar and book! I ended up with my own gourmet foodie gift basket. It got passed along to my nephew who just graduated and moved into his very first place. I remember when....

If your family likes turkey noodle casserole then you might give this one a try. I call it a cousin of the casserole.  Here's what you'll need:

Creamy Turkey Noodle Stew

• 2 cups leftover turkey pieces or 2 cups diced turkey 
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 1 can Progresso Creamy Portebello Mushroom Cooking Sauce
• 2 cups frozen mixed veggies (I used cauliflower, carrot & broccoli)
• 2 cups sour cream
• 6 slices of Havarti cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• salt and pepper

Using the Ninja Cooking System, fry the onion and oil on medium for about 8 minutes. Add the turkey, oyster sauce, chicken broth, mushroom cooking sauce & mixed veggies.  Stir.  Place the lid on top of the Ninja Cooking System and allow the ingredients to cook for about 10 minutes.

Stir again then add milk, sour cream & cheese. Allow to cook for a few minutes. Last, add uncooked egg noodles. Continue to cook on medium stove top for 10 more minutes.

Season with salt and pepper & serve.