Delicious Chesapeake Bay Chicken Recipe for a Weeknight Meal
Attention home chefs and cooking enthusiasts! Are you in search of a recipe that offers a burst of flavors, is easy to make, and perfect for quick and delicious meals? Introducing the Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe! This recipe is a perfect blend of juicy chicken breasts seasoned with the rich flavors of Chesapeake Bay.
If you’ve never tasted Chesapeake bay seasoning, then let me tell you – it’s a game-changer. The seasoning brings a unique combination of spices including salt, peppercorn, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, paprika, and garlic cloves. Combined with the chicken breast coated in cornmeal and all-purpose flour for an added crunch, this dish is seriously irresistible.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can testify that this recipe has never failed to impress my guests. Whether it’s a dinner party or a backyard BBQ, serving Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken will guarantee happy faces around the table.
So let’s get cracking! This recipe brings out the boldness of the eastern shore inspired by Maryland and its famous chesapeake recipe. Follow along as I guide you through each step of this mouth-watering chicken recipe that will undoubtedly become your new favorite meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a recipe that is sure to satisfy your craving for a delicious and flavorful meal? Look no further than my Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe! This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, complete with a crispy coating and juicy chicken that’s packed with flavor.
The combination of spices including cayenne pepper, cinnamon, paprika, and garlic cloves leave your taste buds tingling with excitement after your first bite. Not to mention, the recipe features an Old Bay seasoning blend, which is iconic to the Chesapeake Bay region where the dish originated.
But what really makes this recipe stand out from the crowd is the addition of lump crab meat as a topping. The Maryland-style creamy crab mixture complements the savory chicken perfectly, elevating this dish to a whole new level. Plus, using boneless skinless chicken breasts makes this dish both healthy and easy to prepare.
Don’t just take my word for it- try my Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe for yourself! It’s sure to become a household favorite that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at everything you will need to make this Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken recipe. Here are the ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4-6 pieces)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. peppercorn (grinded)
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
For the Creamy Crab Topping:
- 2 cups lump crab meat
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning
Gather and measure everything out before getting started to make sure that you have everything you need!
The Recipe How-To
Here comes the most exciting part, the recipe how-to for our Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken. Gather all your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black peppercorn, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 can of lump crab meat, drained (6 – 8 oz is enough)
- Butter or oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Brine the Chicken
Let’s start with brining the chicken. In a large bowl or shallow dish, mix together half a gallon of water and a quarter cup of salt until the salt dissolves. Place the chicken in the mixture, cover it with plastic wrap, and marinate in your fridge for at least one hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mixture
Next, ready your dredging mixture. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornmeal, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, garlic, salt and freshly ground peppercorn to create a well-blended mixture.
Step 3: Coat & Season the Chicken
Remove chicken from brine and pat dry. In another shallow dish make an egg wash by beating an egg and add milk.
Dip each piece of chicken in the egg wash mixture and then coat chicken in dredging mixture (flour/spices mixture) pressing seasoning onto both sides of each chicken piece.
Step 4: Cook Your Chicken
In a skillet on medium high heat add enough butter or oil to cover bottom of pan (so as not to burn). Cook chicken about five minutes on each side or until golden brown and juices run clear.
Step 5: Add Creamy Crab Topping:
Now we will prepare our delicious creamy crab topping. You can either use canned or fresh crab meat for this depending on your preference. Combine crab meat with hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce until uniformly mixed.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon some over top fried/baked/grilled chicken before serving to enhance its flavor. Serve hot!
This delicious Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken recipe is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. It’s easy to make but packs a lot of flavor!
Substitutions and Variations
As much as I adore this Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe, it never hurts to experiment with different ingredients to keep things fresh and scrumptious. The following substitution and variation ideas can help you whip up some creative twists on this already mouth-watering recipe:
– Seafood substitute: Feeling adventurous? Instead of chicken, try using shrimp or crab meat to create a delicious Chesapeake shrimp or crab pasta.
– Old Bay seasoning: A distinct feature of this recipe is Old Bay seasoning, which is a blend of salt, peppercorn, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, paprika, and other spices. However, if you find that you’re out of Old Bay or it’s not readily available in your area, you can create your own blend by mixing equal parts ground bay leaves, celery salt, black pepper, and paprika.
– Gluten-free option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to the all-purpose flour and cornmeal dredge used in this recipe, try using ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
– Spicy chicken wings: For an enticing appetizer or game-day snack, swap out the chicken breasts for chicken wings before coating them in this delectable blend of spices.
– Vegetarian option: If you’re not into meat but still want to delight in the flavors from Chesapeake Bay cuisine, replace the chicken with thick slices of zucchini or eggplant. Drizzle some Worcestershire sauce over the vegetables before you coat them with a mix of cornmeal and purpose flour.
Variations and substitutions like these are what keep recipes fun and exciting to prepare. Let your taste buds lead the way so that you can indulge in a wide range of flavor options.
Serving and Pairing
The Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe is a flavorsome and hearty dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. When it comes to serving and pairing this classic dish, there are several great options to choose from.
For starters, you can serve the chicken breasts with a side of creamy crab meat. The creamy crab makes for a great complement to the chicken’s savory flavors, giving you a truly fantastic dining experience. You can also sprinkle some additional Old Bay seasoning on top for an added kick.
If you’re looking for something lighter, consider pairing the Bay style chicken with some grilled vegetables. The chicken’s rich and flavorful taste blends well with the smoky aroma of grilled veggies, creating a well-rounded and healthy meal.
For those who prefer the classics, fried chicken served with mashed potatoes is always a winner. The crispy exterior of the fried chicken compliments the softness of the potatoes perfectly, making for a comforting and fulfilling dish.
Lastly, if you want to explore creative recipes using Chesapeake Bay style chicken as your main ingredient, pasta or shrimp dishes are a great option. They are fun, easy to prepare and will bring ultimate flavor and texture to your table. A shrimp pasta or Old Bay wings recipe inspired by Rachael Ray can add variety and spark creativity to your menu.
In conclusion, there are various serving options that will allow you to fully enjoy the unique flavor profile of the Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe. Whether you decide to go classic or try something new, don’t forget to pair it with your preferred sides or create mouthwatering variations of this beloved recipe!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When cooking for a crowd, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and make as much food in advance as possible. The Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe is no exception. If you need to make this dish ahead of time, you have a few options.
One way to prepare this dish in advance is to marinate the chicken in the mixture overnight. This will not only save you time on the day of your party but will also add extra flavor to the chicken.
If you want to go even further, you could bread the chicken and refrigerate it overnight. When it’s time to cook, all you need to do is fry or grill it up.
Once your Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe is cooked, it’s important to store it properly. You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. If you plan on keeping it longer than that, we suggest freezing it.
When re-heating the chicken, we recommend using an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it’s heated through. This will help maintain its texture and flavor.
Whether you’re planning a big party or just want to have leftovers for dinner, the Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe is easy to make ahead of time and store properly.
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating the perfect Chesapeake Bay style chicken dish can be challenging. Here are some tips to ensure that your dish is a success:
First, make sure you season your chicken well. Use a combination of salt, peppercorn, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, paprika, and garlic cloves for maximum flavor.
When dredging your chicken in the cornmeal and all-purpose flour mixture, make sure you shake off any excess before frying it up. This will help ensure that your chicken is crispy and delicious.
For an even more authentic Chesapeake Bay flavor, try substituting your regular fried chicken recipe with chesapeake chicken recipe. It will take your taste buds straight to the Eastern Shore.
If you’re short on time or don’t feel like frying up chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs, try making creamy crab or shrimp pasta instead. You can still get that same delicious Chesapeake Bay flavor without all the fuss.
Finally, be sure to serve your Chesapeake Bay style chicken alongside some classic sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw or even some crab cakes for a true Maryland feast. Follow these tips and your guests will be raving about your dish all night long.
FAQ
Before I wrap up this Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe article, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions and concerns regarding the instructions, ingredients and preparation process involved in creating this dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to making chicken chesapeake, these questions will help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter so that you can enjoy a delicious meal that satisfies your taste buds. Let’s get started!
What is Chesapeake Bay flavor?
This seasoning blend is a classic mix of spices commonly used in the East Coast for enhancing the flavor of seafood and meat. It is made by hand-mixing various ingredients such as salt, paprika, mustard, ancho, celery, black and red pepper, dill, caraway, allspice, ginger, cardamom, thyme, bay, mace, cinnamon, savory, and cloves.
What is chicken Baltimore?
Let me tell you about a classic dish called Escoffier’s Chicken Maryland that involves breaded and pan-fried chicken topped with bananas. A fun fact about this recipe is that bananas were once one of the top imports of the Port of Baltimore, and found their way into many local dishes, including this one. In fact, the use of bananas in this recipe is a nod to Baltimore’s historical culinary roots.
How many calories are in chicken Chesapeake?
The Chicken Chesapeake dish from Eggspectation is a calorie-dense meal with high levels of carbs, fat, and protein. It contains a total of 73g carbohydrates and 67g fats, with a net carb count of 69g, along with 114g protein. The meal packs a whopping 1380 calories in a single serving.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, if you’re looking to impress your guests with a dish that truly captures the flavor of Chesapeake Bay, then this chicken chesapeake recipe is the one for you. The unique blend of spices and crab meat adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a standout among other chicken recipes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations or substitutions to make it your own. Whether you’re serving up some eastern shore classics like crab cakes or taking inspiration from Rachael Ray’s old bay wings recipe, this chesapeake bay style chicken is sure to be a hit.
So don’t hesitate to try out this mouthwatering recipe for your next party or family dinner. Your guests will love the delicious flavors and you’ll enjoy the ease of preparation. Just remember to follow the tips and recommendations provided in this article, and you’ll achieve perfect results every time.
Trust me, once you’ve tried this scrumptious chicken chesapeake recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your repertoire of favorite dishes. So what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and start cooking up a storm!
Chesapeake Bay Style Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 -10 lbs , wings and thighs.. (or any part you like)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (I used un-bleached mostly)
- 1/4 cup cornmeal or 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- buttermilk to cover the chicken
- 6 garlic cloves, opened (or more)
- 3 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon about 10 splashes of good hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon peppercorn
- 2 tablespoons salt (or more)
- 1 cup oil
Instructions
- 1.Wash and pat your chicken dry
- 2.Combine your spices( except the pepper corns), season and Rub most of it on the chicken. I usually set aside 3-4 Tablespoons to go into the flour before I season the chicken.
- 3.Place the chicken in a large bowl if you haven't already and cover with buttermilk and drop in your garlic, pepper corns and your hot sauce if you're using it.
- 4. Cover and place in the frig. for 1-2 hours or overnight is best.
- 5. When the chicken is finished marinating. Get your flour and breadcrumbs mixed with some of the reserved seasoning -- taste for saltiness. If you want add just another teaspoon of salt.
- 6. Heat up you oil to 375 degrees -- you'll know it's there when an old piece of bread gets crisp within seconds of hitting the oil.
- 7. Begin Taking your chicken from the marinade, letting the most of it run off and begin dropping the chicken into the flour mixture.I use a large paper bag for this most of the time. Set aside on a plate until your oil is ready. once it's ready.
- 8.Get out your tongs and start placing the biggest pieces first and let them fry up to an amber brown.
- 9. This recipe has a lot of spices in it and it cooks up darker than other recipes -- fast. so keep your oil at a steady temperature. If you notice the chicken getting dark too fast lower the temperature -- wait a few and start again.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!