A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 8 servings. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 3-inch chunks 2 celery stalks, chopped 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 1 sweet

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 8 servings. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 3-inch chunks 2 celery stalks, chopped 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 1 sweet

Yield: 8 servings.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped into 3-inch chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 sweet yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
1 medium sweet onion, diced
½ medium head green cabbage, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 cups chicken stock
1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
Fresh parsley (optional)
Hot sauce (optional)

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or a stockpot over medium-high heat. Add chicken to the pot and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside on a cutting board and let cool. Once cooled, shred chicken with two forks.

To the same pot add celery, carrots, yellow pepper, onion, and cabbage. Cook on medium heat until carrots and cabbage are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Stir in shredded chicken, garlic, bay leaf, black pepper, and chicken stock. Stir well and cook for 15 to 20 minutes on low heat.

Stir in frozen peas. Allow soup to simmer for a few minutes more, just until peas are done. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve. Add a drop of hot sauce for added zing.

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This story was published on Jan 31, 2022

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.