Snack Chats #5: How to cook chicken that doesn't suck, friendship gifts, and a screaming audiobook deal

This spring I began a journey to learn how to cook chicken breast that does not suck. I have mostly avoided cooking chicken breast in my 15+ years of recipe development, because, frankly, I usually find them dry, under-seasoned, and tough. Plus, chicken thighs exist. And crock pots, where chicken breast can be easily turned into a pile of shredded chicken for say, enchiladas.

But I decided any food blogger worth her salt should know how to cook a chicken breast in an emergency. What if, for example, the chicken thighs are all recalled due to dark meat fever? (Us older millennials know we can count on any “once in a lifetime” events happening in our lifetime).

In any case, I needed to be ready. The process was arduous. My family was subjected to a lot of wildly mediocre chicken these last few months.

Recipe development, so glamorous.

Friends, I’m happy to say, I finally nailed it, and now you can also be prepared for the chicken-thigh-pocalypse with these banger recipes.

First, Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast. Ok, the sear! the juiciness! the seasoning! It gives any restaurant chicken dish a run for its money, and it only takes 25 minutes to make. Enjoy it on it’s own or in a giant Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad.

Second, a Crispified Chicken Cutlet that’s perfect for sandwiches, on top of pasta or salads, or by itself. The kids thinks these are fancy chicken nuggets. What a rush! I’ve finally arrived.

Alright, on to the other good stuff of spring!

I have become a trash hoarder, but it’s for a good cause, I promise! These drink dispenser gifts are simple to put together and are just so CHEERY! Love this for a friendship gift or an “I see all you’re carrying” reminder.

🥹 I have not yet found the mental fortitude to watch Andrea Gibson’s documentary “Come See Me In the Good Light,” as it appears the original song from the film is enough to make me ugly cry. I would pay more cash money than my financial advisor would recommend to see Brandi Carlisle and Sara Bareilles live together.

😦 Speaking of Sara Bareilles, this video of her discovering a dead…something…in her walls was the most unexpected thing I watched on the internet this year. Equal parts horrifying and empowering.

🐴 This mini therapy horse playing the keyboard (badly) made me laugh out loud, and I would like to invite him to distract me from all unpleasant tasks from here on out.

🪐 Will and I saw Project Hail Mary and I cried and laughed and felt my heart grow three sizes. Pairing that with the successful moon launch? PERFECTION. I would like the words of Astronaut Jeremy Hansen cross stitched on a pillow.

🚡 I was DELIGHTED by this SNL sketch of the least popular and most popular emojis. It’s going in my dopamine folder for life. 🟧➗🤿🏤 IYKYK

Fantastic Audiobook Recs + A Very Good Deal

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend¹- A comedy satire about a couple who is enjoying a low cost vacation at an island resort when the sun explodes. It’s offbeat and funny, with a surprising amount to say about masculinity, class, and the choices we make when everything we love is at stake. You won’t want to miss the Southern accent of Lilyanna, the fitness MLM influencer who becomes the de-facto dictator of the post-apocalyptic resort.

Little One by Olivia Muenter- A compelling, gentle thriller (yes, I think this is a thing) about a woman raised in an isolated wellness cult run by her charismatic father. This was dark without feeling scary, and it had me listening late into the night. AND THAT ENDING. I immediately hopped over to the Bad on Paper podcast to listen to the author discuss her writing process and get her take on the ending.

Libro.fm is running great deals on audiobooks this week only. I picked up The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, which has been recommended to me multiple times, for only $2.99(!) and How to Walk Into a Room, which is a book I revisit often when I’m struggling with a decision or transition in my life. New members also get two free audiobook credits when they sign up and use code BOOKSTOREDAY.

Stuff You Might’ve Missed:

• Roasted Carrot Salad with Feta and Dill

• The Best Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• What’s the Point? On Planting Seeds and Going to Space

• What I’d Make for Spring Brunch

• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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Snack chats are more fun when you join in. Leave a comment and share your wins of the month!

1. All links to audiobooks are affiliate links. I am happy to support Libro.fm, where every purchase benefits local booksellers.