The Small Town Chef

Smoky Chipotle Sauce Takes These Classic Enchiladas to the Next Level Welcome to The Small Town Chef, where today our focus is on the chicken enchilada. Millions of chicken enchiladas are consumed each year in the United States, making them one of our favorite Mexican dishes. That leads us to our delicious recipe: homemade Chicken Enchiladas with Chipotle Sauce! The smoky, spicy flavor of chipotle combined with roasted chicken and onion, is simply yummy. Forget the canned sauce collecting dust in your pantry, and let’s start making these mouthwatering enchiladas.   RECIPE: Chicken Enchiladas with Smokey Chipotle Sauce Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade ) ½ large onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) 12 corn or flour tortillas Kosher or sea salt and pepper to taste Avocado oil Sour cream for garnish ¼ cup chopped cilantro for garnish For the Chipotle Sauce: 4 chipotl...

Creating Magic - Mastering Chicken Piccata Today, we explore the wonderful world of chicken piccata. This classic recipe is quick and easy, and it never disappoints. Tender chicken and a delicious, lemony sauce make this Italian-American dish truly delicious. The reason? Quality chicken and fresh lemons. Let's start!   Recipe: Chicken Piccata with Lemon-Butter Sauce   Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (look for organic, pasture-raised chicken for extra tenderness) Kosher or sea salt and pepper to taste 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging) 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (2 tablespoons, cut into ½-inch cubes and kept cold) 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio ½ cup chicken stock (preferably homemade) ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) 3 tablespoons brined capers, rinsed well and drained ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley (flat-leaf), chopped   Instructions:   1. Prep Chicken : Butterfly each chicken breast and pou...

A Valentine's Day Indulgence With the fast-approaching Valentine's Day, what better way to celebrate with a creamy seafood dish? Our Creamy Shrimp and Artichoke Fontina is a perfect combination of richness and great taste that suits both a cozy, romantic dinner or a festive holiday appetizer. Whether you are having a special day for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion where you need tasty food, this recipe will never fail you!   Recipe: Creamy Shrimp and Artichoke Fontina Prep Time: 15-20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30-40 minutes Servings: 4 as a main dish, 6 as an appetizer Ingredients: 1 pound medium shrimp (26/30), peeled and deveined. If using frozen, thaw in cold water. Cut shrimp into bite-sized pieces, reserving 8 whole shrimp. 1 can (14.5 ounce) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 10 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded 2 ounces Parmesan, grated ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1-2 tablespoons unsalted chicken stock 1 teaspoon...

Spice up Your Grill Game with Our Signature Chipotle BBQ Sauce Welcome to The Small Town Chef blog, where flavor reigns! If you’re looking for for a BBQ sauce that's smoky, slightly sweet, and packs just the right amount of heat, then you've found the perfect match. Crafted entirely from scratch, this sauce promises to elevate your next barbecue. Get ready to impress with the irresistible depth of flavors this sauce brings to the table. Let's dive in! Recipe: Chipotle BBQ Sauce Ingredients: ½ small onion, peeled (50 g) 4 garlic cloves, outer skin on (10 g) 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 ounces of tomato sauce 2 chipotles in adobo* 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon light brown sugar ½ tablespoon fresh black pepper ½ teaspoon Kosher salt ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon dry mustard *TIP:   2 chipotles and 1-2 teaspoons of the sauce they are in, creates a BBQ sauce with medium heat. Use 1 chipotle for a milder sauce, or increase to 3 or 4...

A Celebration of Elegance and Flavor Step into a world of culinary delight with our enchanting recipe for White Wine and Amaretto Poached Pears - a dessert that's both simple and elegant. Crafted for our New Year's Eve celebration this year and met with wows and yums, these poached pears are not just a treat for the taste buds but a celebration in themselves. If you're looking to impress for Valentine's Day or any special occasion, be sure to add this incredibly delicious dessert to your recipe file. Ingredients: 4 ripe but firm pears ( Bosc or Anjou ) - we prefer Bosc 2 cups of your favorite white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) 1 cup amaretto liqueur 1 cup granulated sugar 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon organic vanilla bean paste) 1 cinnamon stick 1 star anise Zest of one lemon A pinch of salt   Instructions: Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact for a touch of elegance. Carefully core the pears from the bottom, ensurin...

A Culinary Voyage Through Centuries: The Tale of Chicken Tinga Tostadas Imagine, as the irresistible crunch meets the savory essence of seasoned roasted chicken, entwined with the smoky heat of chipotle—welcome to the flavorful adventure of the Chicken Tinga Tostada.     Today, we're not just indulging in a culinary delight but taking a flavorful journey through time with Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Originating from the heart of Mexico, Chicken Tinga carries a history as vibrant as its taste. Let's unravel the layers of this beloved dish, interspersed with a fun and easy-to-follow recipe that will transport you to the essence of Mexican cuisine.   Chicken Tinga: A Brief History: Chicken Tinga, also known as Tinga de Pollo, traces its roots to the diverse culinary landscape of Puebla, Mexico. Its origins date back to the 16th century, blending indigenous ingredients with Spanish influences. Tinga was born as a celebration of rich, smoky flavors and the artful use of spices,...

Touchdown Taste: The MVP of Your Big Game Spread! Get ready for the Big Game showdown! Gather your friends and family, and let the game day festivities begin! In this blog post, we'll show you how to create succulent slow-cooker pulled pork with a flavorful dry rub and two BBQ sauces to satisfy everyone's palate. What's more, we'll reveal how your slow-cooker can be your new best friend, making this recipe a breeze. With this time-saving technique, you'll have a succulent centerpiece for your spread without breaking a sweat. Let's get started! Why Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork? Now, you might be thinking, "Don't I need a fancy smoker for tender and smoky pulled pork?" No! Your trusty slow-cooker is here to save the day. Not only is it a versatile kitchen companion, but it also ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork with minimal effort. Plus, the slow-cooking process allows you to start the dish overnight, saving you precious time the next day. Cooking O...