I usually think of Soy Sauce Chicken (also called Red-Cooked chicken) as a winter dish, but a reader points out it's a great idea for a picnic. This recipe is a variation on traditional Soy Sauce Chicken, using marinated chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken, and with a quicker cooking time. It would go very nicely with a simple green salad and a good crusty bread.

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Chinese chicken salad is a great recipe when you want to serve something that is quick and easy to make. The only thing that takes any time is baking and shredding the chicken breast, and you can do that earlier in the day. Mandarin oranges make a nice contrast in texture and color to the salad greens and chow mein noodles. The salad is topped with a flavorful rice vinegar dressing.

Chinese Chicken Salad photo © copyright 2006 by Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc.
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Spicy salt and pepper shrimp makes an excellent appetizer or main meal. The deep-fried shrimp shells turn a wonderful orange color, and have a crunchy texture, while the spicy seasoning adds extra flavor. Leaving the shells on protects the shrimp meat inside, so that it tastes very tender. But don't worry - eating the shells is strictly optional!
More Stir-fried Salt and Pepper Shrimp - a lighter, stir-fry version, with a nutritional breakdown

_{Salt and Pepper Shrimp Photo © copyright 2005 by Rhonda Parkinson, licensed to About.com, Inc}

Saturday, May 5th, is the 138th annual running of the Kentucky Derby. Looking for the perfect recipe to celebrate Kentucky Derby Day? Southern US and Chinese Cuisine come together in this recipe for chicken thighs that are marinated overnight in good bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, fresh ginger and garlic and other ingredients. The recipe calls for baking the marinated chicken, or it can be grilled if your race day plans include an outdoor barbecue. Enjoy Bourbon Chicken on Kentucky Derby Day, or any day of the week!