Food Network searched for the Ultimate Chicken Recipe. After a nationwide recipe contest, nine finalists competed in three rounds: Fried Chicken, Soups and Stews, and Whole Roasted. A panel of food experts determined whose chicken dish was the best. See who walks away the winner of $25,000!
COMPETITORS: Chicken (Fried)
Michelle AndersonRecipe: Chipotle Chicken Tenders with Cucumber Slaw Occupation: Local Food Column Writer Hometown: Eagle, Idaho
Jenni DeyliusRecipe: Where's the Beach? Chicken Katsu Occupation: Satellite Systems Engineer Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Eboni Williams -- Winner!Recipe: Chicken Wings w/ Pomegranate & Mango BBQ Sauce Occupation: Stay-at-Home Mom/Writer Hometown: Damascus, Md.
Chicken (Soups/Stews)
Lauren Wyler -- Winner!Recipe: Chicken Tasso & Andouille Gumbo Occupation: Stay-at-Home Mom Hometown: San Marcos, Calif.
Rita LindaRecipe: Rita's Family Matzo Ball Noodle Soup Occupation: Operates an online clock business Hometown: Coral Springs, Fla.
Miriam ChaikenRecipe: African Ground Nut Stew Occupation: Anthropologist Hometown: Penn Run, Pa.
Chicken (Whole)Amparo Alam -- CHICKEN GRAND PRIZE WINNER!Recipe: Roasted Chicken with Yucca Root Occupation: Works in bakery Hometown: Syracuse, Utah
Steven PayneRecipe: St. Nino's Chicken Occupation: Student Hometown: College Station, Texas
Catherine WilkinsonRecipe: Roasted Pineapple Chicken with Cilantro Cream Sauce Occupation: Assists husband with his business Hometown: Dewey, Ariz.
Michael returns to his days in Miami for this inexpensive party full of hot and hearty Cuban favorites. With recipes for Ropa Vieja, Double Fried Plantains, Black Beans and cumin scented rice, Caipirinha
Gameplan 1 Day Before Party:
Simmer steak and vegetables for Ropa Vieja.
Soak and rinse black beans for Cuban Black Beans. Simmer beans with ham hock. Chop and sauté onion, garlic and chilies and blend with one half of cooked beans. Mash mixture, return to pot and cook.
Remove steak from broth to cool. Strain broth and return to pot to simmer and reduce.
Tear steak into bite-size strips.
Chop and sauté onions, garlic and peppers for Ropa Vieja.
Season black bean mixture.
Dice tomatoes and add to Ropa Vieja mixture with reduced broth. Simmer mixture and finish with shredded meat and parsley. Cool and store in refrigerator overnight.
Strain black beans, cool and store in refrigerator overnight.
1 Hour Before Party:
Peel and slice plantains for Fried Plantains. Deep fry plantains, smash, and fry again. Season and keep warm.
Sauté rice in cumin and butter for Cumin Scented Rice. Simmer rice mixture with lime juice and water. Keep warm.
Reheat Ropa Vieja.
Reheat Cuban Black Beans.
At the Party:
Blend and serve Caipirinha Cocktails.
Serve Ropa Vieja with Cuban Black Beans, Cumin Scented Rice and Fried Plantains.
Eat and Enjoy!