Today is the first day in September – my how this year has flown by! It’s been a while since we’ve talked about all the National Observances surrounding September 1.
Did you know that in additional to National Chicken Boy Day, it’s also National Acne Positivity Day, to eliminate the stigma surrounding acne; Ginger Cat Appreciation Day, to draw attention to orange cats, the least likely to be adopted, and National Emma M Nutt Day, the first female telephone operator, heralding in the female domination of telephone operators for years to come. Some National Days are just fun – like Pink Cadillac Day or Little Black Dress Day, also celebrated on the first day in September.
Way back in 2019 National Chicken Boy Day drew my attention. After all, Chicken Boy was, and is an LA Landmark of sorts. He was perched along Route 66 calling folks to get a bucket of fried chicken back in the 1960s. That in itself seems strange to me. You would think the 22-foot tall Chicken Boy would be trying to get us all to eat burgers instead, like the Chick-fil-A’s dancing cow that tells us Chicken is delicious. The fact that we are having this conversation says just how crazy the world can be at times. But then again, if we cannot laugh at our own insanity, who can we laugh at?
For me Chicken Boy lost his appeal in 2022, and we haven’t honored him since. Recently I was frying up onion rings to put on a Western Burger and though – hum, this would be great with spicy grilled chicken. So here I am, sharing another delicious recipe to honor Chicken Boy. Enjoy!
BBQ Grilled Chicken Melts with Onion Rings
1/2 tablespoon Barbecue Seasoning
1 teaspoon Mesquite Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1-1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 large boneless Chicken Breasts
1 cup barbecue Sauce
8 slices Pepper Jack Cheese
8 frozen Onion Rings
Oil for frying
4 Hoagie Rolls
4 Green Leaf Lettuce Leaves
In a small bowl combine barbecue seasoning, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper and olive oil to create a seasoned pasty oil.
Lay chicken breasts out, slice with a sharp knife to create 2 thinner breasts from each large bread. Brush generously with the seasoned oil mixture. Let chicken rest while the grill comes up to heat (about 375 to 400 degrees).
Grill chicken about 4 to 5 minutes per side for nice grill marks. Brush with barbecue sauce, continue to grill until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has caramelized.
Remove chicken from the grill, top with cheese; cover and let rest while the cheese gently melts.
Heat about an 1-1/2 inches or so of oil in a high-sided skillet to 325-degrees. Once hot fry the frozen onion rings until golden, about 3 minutes total; turning as needed. Place rings on paper towels to drain.
Split rolls open. Brush the cut sides of the rolls with barbecue sauce. Lay lettuce leaves on the bottom section of the roll. Top with chicken, onion rings and more barbecue sauce. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.
Let all Your works give You thanks, O LORD,
and let Your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of Your Kingdom
and speak of Your might.
The Lord is just in all His ways.
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