Grillin with the Guru – Chicken Atchafalaya & Smoked Guru Chicken Salad 07-24

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Chicken Atchafalaya and Smoked Guru Chicken Salad

Summertime is grilling time, but in South Louisiana the heat can sometimes be a bit too much to stand in front of a fire.

Chicken Atchafalaya let’s the grill do all the heavy lifting without you standing in front of it the whole time.  Smoked Guru Chicken Salad is a cool and refreshing bonus for the day after.

Chicken Atchafalaya

Ingredients:

  • 4 lbs Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 2 cups Pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral oil
  • ½ cup Pecan oil
  • ¼ cup Steens Cane Vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons Steens Cane Syrup
  • 1 medium White onion (chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (chopped)
  • 12 ounces Mushrooms (any variety, chopped)
  • ¾ lb Linguine pasta
  • 12 ounces Grape tomatoes (split)
  • Louisiana Love Seasoning Blends to taste

Method:

  1. Prepare a hardwood fire on one side of the grill.
  2. Lightly oil and season chicken thighs, then place away from the direct fire and close lid.
  3. Allow chicken to smoke for 30-40 minutes turning once.
  4. Place pecan halves in small, heavy, dry skillet over direct heat, and allow to roast until fragrant being careful not to burn. Remove and reserve.
  5. Remove chicken and allow to cool, then cut half of the amount into a large dice, reserving the other half.
  6. In a suitable bowl, combine the pecan oil, vinegar, syrup, and Louisiana Love Seasoning to taste, whisking well to combine, then reserve.
  7. Place a large, heavy skillet over direct fire, add oil and allow to get hot.
  8. Sauté onions and mushrooms until onions are clear, but not browned.
  9. Boil the pasta according to package directions.
  10. Add garlic to pan and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  11. Add pasta to pan and toss to coat.
  12. Add Louisiana Love Seasoning to taste.
  13. Remove to a large bowl, add tomatoes, 1 cup roasted pecans, reserved vinaigrette dressing, and toss.
  14. Serve immediately.

Smoked Guru Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2lbs. Reserved, smoked chicken thighs
  • 1 cup Reserved, roasted pecans
  • 1 cup White grapes, split
  • 2 medium Apples (Honeycrisp, diced)
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • Louisiana Love Seasoning Blends to taste

Method:

  1. Cut chicken into a very fine dice.
  2. In a suitable bowl add chicken, pecans, grapes, and apples.
  3. Stir in mayonnaise a tablespoon at a time until ingredients are coated, being careful not to add too much.
  4. Season to taste with Louisiana Love.

Stay hungry.