Chicken/4 recipes

Black tea smoked chicken: Sichuan-and-five-spice-rubbed thighs hot-smoked over rice, black tea, and brown sugar, then tucked into lettuce cups with peanuts, scallion, and a soy-ginger glaze. An impressive, gluten-free-friendly appetizer.

Curry-glazed duck legs roast under a paste of jalapeno, ginger, garlic, and curry powder, then braise in orange-lime juice with chicken stock. The skin re-crisps for shatteringly crackly results.

Chicken liver mousse baked in ramekins with shallots, thyme, garlic, and cream, unmolded and served with fresh tomato sauce and herb garnishes. A French restaurant classic, home-kitchen achievable.

Loaded queso dip with sausage, jalapeno, red bell pepper, and melted American cheese in chicken broth. A Tex-Mex cheese dip that doubles as a sauce for potatoes or noodles.

Avgolemono is the classic Greek lemon-egg rice soup, a silky chicken broth thickened with whisked eggs and fresh lemon juice. Light, restorative, and ready in 35 minutes.

The grilled chicken adds the "pop" to this traditional tex-mex recipe. I made this on game day for my boyfriend and me, and it was a hit!

Brine for roasted chicken steeps a whole bird overnight in salt, brown sugar, lemon, garlic, bay, peppercorns, jalapeno, and Mediterranean herbs. The result: juicier, deeper-seasoned roast chicken from skin to bone.

Low-fat curried carrot soup simmers carrots in chicken broth, then purees with curry powder and a dash of hot sauce. Four-ingredient pantry soup that's silky, vibrant, and surprisingly low calorie.

Easy chicken cacciatore with strips of chicken breast, mushrooms, red and green bell peppers, and a kick of red pepper flakes. The classic Italian hunter's stew adapted for a 45-minute weeknight dinner.

Minnesota-style clam chowder loaded with wild rice, potatoes, mushrooms, and cream. A Northwoods twist on New England chowder, finished with a splash of sherry before serving.

Chicken pieces poached in a seasoned broth, then baked in a robust tomato sauce loaded with green chiles and garlic. A two-step method that keeps the meat juicy while building deep, layered Mexican flavors. Feeds 8 to 10.

Make-ahead Mexican chicken casserole with corn tortillas, cheddar, Monterey Jack, sour cream, and cream of celery soup. Assemble the night before and microwave until bubbly.

Tender sweetbreads nestled in a velvety cream sauce with mushrooms and water chestnuts, topped with golden breadcrumbs and cheese. A classic offal casserole that turns humble organ meat into an elegant dinner.

Buffalo chicken lasagna layered with hot sauce-spiked tomato sauce, ricotta, and crumbled blue cheese on top. Wing-night flavor in casserole form, no frying required.

Grilled Cornish game hens glazed with a fiery red pepper sauce made from roasted peppers, Dijon mustard, and three kinds of hot pepper. Four-alarm heat with a sweet roasted pepper backbone.

Microwave seafood paella with shrimp, mussels, and orange roughy over tomato rice. Ready in about 25 minutes of microwave time with no stovetop or oven required.