Guaranteed Smiles

I have one kid who wants to eat only pasta and potatoes, one kid who wants to eat only meat, one kid who eats everything, and a hard-working husband who just wants something to eat. Finding meals that please everyone, while still meeting my nutrition goals, can be challenging. So when I find those meals that make everyone smile, it’s kind of like winning the lottery – and sometimes the odds really do feel like one in a million.

Teriyaki Chicken, paired with brown rice and oven-roasted teriyaki vegetables, is one of those winning meals. The first time I made it, there wasn’t a single piece of chicken left to save for tomorrow’s lunch.

I have to say, though, that when I found the recipe that inspired my Teriyaki Chicken, I was a little intimidated by the two-step cooking process. But then I thought, I can do this, it’s not that hard. And I was right. This method is really pretty simple and the results are phenomenal.Teriyaki Chicken is so tender and so full of flavor; I seriously believe it’s the best chicken you’ll ever eat. To me, that’s what Land O’Lakes Kitchen Conversations are all about – inspiring confidence in the kitchen. I can definitely say that participating in Kitchen Conversations has made me a more confident and adventurous cook. I am simply thrilled to be participating again this year.

I’m also extremely proud that this first conversation is centered around Land O’Lakes Pin A Meal. Give A Meal. campaign. As a farmer-owner of the Land O’Lakes cooperative, I believe giving back to our local communities is incredibly important. Food insecurity is a problem many of us don’t think about, but, according to Feeding America, one in six Americans faces food insecurity. Nearly 16 million of those challenged by hunger are children.

You can help Land O’Lakes reach its goal of donating 3.5 million meals to hungry families in need of nourishment. By pinning my Teriyaki Chicken, or another recipe of your choice, you will contribute 10 meals to Feeding America. And to provide even more meals, simply pin additional recipes from Land O'Lakes. Use the hashtag #pinameal on Pinterest and other social media to help spread awareness and give hungry families hope. To learn more, visit landolakes.com/pinameal.

Just think of all the smiles that will come from those 3.5 million meals. I hope my recipe for Teriyaki Chicken puts smiles on the faces of those you cook for, too.

Teriyaki Chicken

Serves: 4-5 people

Ready to eat in: 45 minutes

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks

3 cups water

½ of a large sweet yellow onion, sliced (or one small)

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1-inch piece of gingerroot, peeled and sliced

¼ cup (1 Half Stick) Land O Lakes^® Butter

¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

In a large (8-quart) Dutch oven or stock pot, combine chicken, water, onion, 2 tablespoons garlic and gingerroot. Bring water to a boil, cover pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, turning chicken over after 10 minutes.

While chicken is cooking, melt butter in a large (12-inch) pan over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic, vinegar, pepper and ground ginger.

When chicken has cooked for 15 minutes, scoop out ½ cup of the onion-garlic broth, add to melted butter-soy sauce mixture in pan, and stir well. Then use a tongs or slotted spoon to transfer chicken pieces and onion slices to pan.

Place pan of chicken and sauce over medium-high heat, with lid propped on pan, and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn chicken pieces and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes more.

Serve with sauce.