Latest news with #BBQ-flavoured
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Maverick
The accidental carnivore's guide to lazy, legendary chicken leftovers
Lost in a sea of leftover chicken and short on motivation? Here's a quick, fuss-free and hearty casserole dish that turns fridge odds and ends into a comforting dinner. We've all faced the following conundrum: Last night's roasted chicken was a hit, but now you have a container of leftovers waiting in the fridge. This is a conundrum I faced a few days ago after making BBQ-flavoured rotisserie chicken. Yep, that's the very chicken that entrenched me even deeper in the world of meat consumption after being vegetarian for five months. I have now officially revoked my vegetarian card and if there's a veggie hotline for going astray, I'm sure my name's on a watchlist. But let's be real. When life gives you leftover chicken, you lean in, grab a fork and see just how many new meals you can craft before your veggies stage a full-on protest. The good news? Leftover chicken is basically a shortcut to all kinds of quick, easy and tasty meals. Instead of letting it sit and dry out, there are plenty of ways to turn yesterday's dinner into today's delight. The beauty of leftover chicken is its versatility – it can star in dishes that are quick and satisfying enough for a family dinner. I just whipped up the laziest (but still nutritious!) dinner with leftover chicken. Honestly, it's the perfect meal for those nights when work has drained every ounce of energy and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. This meal comes together with ingredients you are likely to already have – some grains, greens and a bit of protein hiding in your fridge or pantry. I went the casserole route, tossing together leftover chicken, rice and whatever veggies were within reach. I'll admit, I don't actually own a 'real' casserole dish. So, a trusty foil disposable tray stepped in – humble but highly effective. All I had to do was layer the ingredients, pour some vegetable stock over everything, sprinkle a generous handful of grated cheese on top, cover it up and let the oven work its magic. No fancy cooking skills or complicated steps – just set it and forget it. The best part? Once the oven timer goes off, you're rewarded with a hearty, comforting dinner that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. Plus, clean-up is basically nonexistent (thank you, disposable tray). If you've got leftover chicken and a few odds and ends, this casserole is proof that good food doesn't need to be complicated – or require a mountain of dishes. Ray's lazy but nutritious leftover chicken casserole Ingredients 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, chopped) 1-2 cups fresh spinach leaves 1-2 cups broccoli florets 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly) 2 cups vegetable stock 1-2 cups cheddar cheese, grated 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp mixed dried herbs 2 Tbsp crushed garlic 2 Tbsp basil pesto paste Olive oil or nonstick spray for greasing Method Preheat your oven to 200°C. Prepare the dish: Lightly grease a large casserole or baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray. Layer the ingredients: Spread the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer the chopped tomatoes over the rice. Add the spinach leaves and broccoli florets in an even layer on top of the tomatoes. Distribute the chicken pieces over the vegetables. Add seasonings: Sprinkle salt, pepper, herbs, garlic and basil pesto paste over the chicken and vegetables for extra flavour. Slowly pour the vegetable stock evenly over the entire dish, making sure the rice is covered. Sprinkle grated cheddar generously over the top. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Daily Maverick
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Maverick
The accidental carnivore: How a soup party broke my vegetarian streak
From veggie vows to rotisserie regrets — how one innocent soup party turned a proud vegetarian into an accidental carnivore, sparking a dry comeback in the kitchen. After five solid months of proudly dodging meat like it was a bad Tinder date, my vegetarian journey came to a crashing halt. Spoiler alert: it wasn't planned. Nope, I didn't wake up craving a steak. It happened by pure accident. It all started at a 'bring-and-sip' party – a clever twist on the classic South African 'bring-and-braai'. Instead of grilling meat, everyone brought homemade soups to sip. Perfect for winter, right? After all, soup season is in full swing in South Africa (SA), and I was ready to sip my way to veggie heaven. There were 15 guests, a dozen soups, and a room full of strangers who quickly became friends – or at least soup buddies. I dove in, blind tasting like a soup sommelier with zero questions asked. No ingredient lists, no labels, just pure, unadulterated sipping. Then I found it: the holy grail of soups. A hearty vegetable soup that had me going back for seconds… and thirds. I was practically swimming in it. After the feast, the tradition was to sit in a circle and share the secrets behind our soups. First up: 'Cream soup!' boomed a guest, proudly listing veggies and cream. Phew – safe. 'Tomato soup,' said another. Still safe. Mushroom, gazpacho, minestrone, lentil soups – all clear. I was feeling like the queen of vegetarianism. Then came the moment of truth: the hearty vegetable soup. The stranger started confidently listing ingredients – onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, parsley… and then, drumroll – homemade chicken broth made from leftover rotisserie chicken bones. Wait, what? Chicken broth? My taste buds had been betrayed! No wonder it tasted so meaty and tasty even though I saw zero chunks of chicken floating around. I even remember chewing on something suspiciously – well, chewy – but shrugged it off like a true soup optimist. Five months meat-free So there I was, five months meat-free, unknowingly sipping my way back into carnivore territory. Moral of the story? Always ask about the broth. And maybe bring a steak to the next party – just in case. Since that fateful soup party, my meat cravings have gone from hibernation to full-on wake-up call. After five months of giving meat the cold shoulder, all I can think about now is juicy, crispy, succulent meat. Apparently, my taste buds have been binge-watching carnivore documentaries behind my back. So buckle up, friends – the next few weeks are going to be a meat-lover's marathon in my kitchen. And guess what I cooked recently? Rotisserie chicken. Yes, the very same rotisserie chicken whose bones and scraps masterminded the great betrayal that ended my vegetarian saga. Talk about poetic justice (or delicious irony). I was craving BBQ-flavoured rotisserie chicken. Fuelled by equal parts hunger and misplaced confidence, I decided to make it from scratch. Apparently, the vegetarian Gods were not pleased with my betrayal – my rotisserie chicken came out so dry. Still, it was technically edible, so I called that a win. I skipped making gravy (rookie mistake), which meant every bite was a desert for my throat. I had a glass of water on standby. Lesson learned: after five months off meat, my cooking skills need some serious rehydration too. If you're in the mood for some dry BBQ-flavoured rotisserie chicken, try out the recipe below. Or adapt the cooking time for a perfectly succulent chicken. And make some gravy… Ray's rotisserie chicken Ingredients 1 whole chicken ½ cup melted butter or oil 1 Tbsp salt 1 Tbsp paprika 1 Tbsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp black pepper 2 Tbsp thick sweet soy sauce or brown sugar (for subtle sweetness) Method Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Truss the chicken by tying the legs and wings close to the body with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and prevent flapping. Make the BBQ spice rub: In a small bowl, mix salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thick sweet soy sauce or brown sugar (if using). Season the chicken: Brush the chicken all over with melted butter or oil to help the seasoning stick and promote browning. Rub the BBQ spice mix evenly over the entire chicken, including inside the cavity. Prepare the baking tray: Place a wire rack on a baking tray (if you have one) to allow air circulation and crispier skin. If you don't have a rack, place the chicken directly on the tray but turn it halfway through cooking for even browning.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Big discount store selling popular snack everyone loves when on holiday in the UK
A new snack discovery at Home Bargains hints at even more exciting treats to come SNACK ATTACK Big discount store selling popular snack everyone loves when on holiday in the UK A FOODIE has discovered a packet of BBQ-flavoured Lays crisps at their local Home Bargains store, expressing excitement among snack enthusiasts across the UK. Home Bargains, a popular discount retailer, has been expanding its snack offerings, and the introduction of Lays crisps has caught the attention of many. 3 The post quickly garnered attention, with members of the Facebook group sharing their enthusiasm Credit: Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group/Facebook 3 Several users tagged their friends in the post, saying 'Running' in anticipation of the new snack Credit: Alamy Typically associated with international markets, Lays crisps are now making their way into British stores, much to the delight of fans. The find was shared in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, where one user posted: 'Don't know if anyone has posted this before but Home Bargains are doing Lays crisps.' The post quickly garnered attention, with members of the Facebook group sharing their enthusiasm. One user commented: 'Oh yep just had some sour cream and chive ones for lunch, yum yum.' Another added: 'My favourite when I'm abroad lol.' Others expressed their fondness for the brand, noting: 'Love Lays, Walkers from a different country,' and 'Oh these are amazing how much.' The excitement didn't stop there. Several users tagged their friends in the post, saying 'Running' in anticipation of the new snack. This surge of interest highlights the growing trend of international snack brands gaining popularity in the UK market. In a recent comparison of discount retailers, Home Bargains often offers lower prices on everyday essentials, including snacks like crisps. Walkers confirm they've discontinued fan favourite flavour For instance, a six-pack of Walkers crisps was priced at £1.95 in both Home Bargains and B&M, compared to £2.20 at Morrisons. The arrival of Lays crisps in UK stores is part of a broader trend of international snack brands making their mark in the British market. As consumers continue to seek new and exciting flavours, retailers like Home Bargains are responding by expanding their product ranges to include popular international brands.
