Starburst Chicken

Starburst Chicken...a burst of
delicious flavor!

Here in Chicago we are fortunate to have a number of terrific day schools, so when my oldest son was old enough to start school we underwent the task of visiting the different schools to determine which one would best suit our family.   So, off to visit the schools we went!  When we got to my alma mater, Arie Crown, we met with the principal Rabbi Meir Shapiro, who had been my principal! (“Wow Rabbi Shapiro, it’s so weird to be in your office and not be in trouble!!”).  We got a tour of the school, and the rest is history!

We have now been at the school a long time, and have had the privilege of working on various school committees and projects.  My favorite school project of all time was the Arie Crown Cookbook – “A Crowning Elegance”.  Although I wasn’t one of the primary editors of the book, I had the opportunity to be a more minor editor, contributor, and participant.  The Chief Editors, Valerie and Mandy, organized fabulous (and incredibly fun) “tasting parties” where everyone got to make, taste, and rate/critique the recipes.  The final book is really beautiful, with gorgeous pictures, and delicious recipes (yes…some of them are mine) that are not too complicated for the everyday “chef” to make.

One of my favorite recipes from the cookbook (and I love a lot of them so it was hard to choose!) is Starburst Chicken (page 182).  I keep my bookmark on that page because it’s my “go to” recipe when I want a quick, healthy, delicious, and colorful meal that can be made without a lot of cleanup. This recipe is also flexible enough that I can add more chicken, vegetables, or pasta without changing the taste of the dish too much (and I often do!).  

As a kid I never imagined being a parent at my school!  I warn my kids to be nice to their teachers and principal…you never know!! In a few short years my youngest daughter will be graduating, but I know that I’ll be using my “Crowning Elegance” cookbook long after my kids are out of Arie Crown… 

STARBURST CHICKEN

2          tablespoons      olive oil

1 ½      pounds             boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into ½ inch strips

2          cloves               garlic minced (or 2 frozen cubes*)

¼         teaspoon          ground ginger

1          20 ounce          can crushed pineapple, drained, 1/3 cup juice reserved

2          medium            carrots, sliced (diagonally*)

1          medium            green or red bell pepper, thinly sliced (or cut into squares*)

2                                  scallions, thinly sliced

4          ounces              spaghetti, cooked according to packaged directions, drained

                                    (or 8 ounces*)

Sauce

1/3       cup                   reserved pineapple juice

¼         cup                   soy sauce

1          tablespoon        cornstarch

1          tablespoon        olive oil

Notes: * denotes my alternatives for the recipe

For the chicken:  In a large skillet over medium-high flame, heat oil.  Stir fry chicken and garlic, sprinkle ginger over chicken.  Stir fry for about 2 minutes.  Add drained pineapple, carrots, pepper and scallions.  Reduce heat to medium.  Cover and steam for 2 to 3 minutes.  Stir in cooked spaghetti.

For the sauce:  In a small saucepan away from heat, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, cornstarch and oil.  Stir until cornstarch is dissolved.  Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until sauce thickens.  Pour sauce over pasta with chicken.  Toss and serve immediately.

Note:  To make this dish for the GFE (Gluten Free Eater) substitute gluten-free pasta, and use gluten-free soy sauce.

Stir fry the chicken with the garlic

and ginger....

All the rest of the healthy ingredients!

Add them to the chicken....

Make the sauce...

combine the ingredients cold...

heat until thick!

Add the sauce...

It's Starburst Chicken!!! YUM!!

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These recipes are for sole, personal use of visitors to Sharon Matten -Edible Experience Kosher Everyday. Edible Experience Kosher Everyday recipes are for your enjoyment but are not to be posted or reprinted without express permission from Sharon Matten. Thank you!!

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