Ranch Style Chicken

Has everyone discovered Ree Drummond- The Pioneer Woman? She is quite amazing. Whenever I dream about what my perfect life would look like, it would be identical to hers. Raising a large family on a huge ranch, writing, developing recipes and cooking for her children and husband while they tend to the cattle and fields.

I've tried several of her recipes (some I have adjusted and some I have not) and have had great luck with all of them. Here is one that I will definitely be trying again. This marinade seems like it would be great on everything, beef, fish and even veggies! Here is her original recipe. I made a few adjustments... here is what I did:

3 large chicken breasts

6 slices of bacon

1/4 cup of dijon mustard (I used half traditional dijon and half country dijon)

1/4 cup of honey

juice of half a lemon

pinch of paprika

pinch (or more) of  ground cayenne

salt & pepper

First, I started the bacon. I've been cooking bacon in the oven a lot lately. It's so much easier and requires less tending too. The key to crispy bacon in the oven? Don't preheat your oven. Place the bacon on a sheet pan with sides into a cold oven then turn to 350* and it should take about 20 minutes, with one flip halfway through.

Next, I made the marinade. Mix the mustard, honey, lemon juice and spices in a good sized bowl. Then, in between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper, pound out the chicken breast until they are about half their original thickness. I used a rolling pin, but the smooth end of a meat tenderizer or even a small heavy skillet would work.

Place the chicken breasts into the marinade and make sure everything is coated. Let it marinade for at least an hour and up to 3.

Next, preheat your grill or skillet. I plan on trying to squeeze in as much grilling as I possibly can before the weather gets too cold! Grill the chicken breasts 3-4 minutes per side. The cooking time drops tremendously the thinner you pound them out. Flip them and top with bacon and (optional) cheese. Close the grill top or cover the skillet if you're on the stove for cheese to melt and bacon to get hot.

Here is the final product. The chicken was so moist and the marinade was so good! Definitely going to try this with other proteins and vegetables. This was a hit with George and will be coming up again in the future for sure!

Have you ever seen the Pioneer Woman on Food Network? Have you ever tried a recipe of hers? Even if you don't eat dairy, will you try this recipe?