Spring Chicken

The term 'spring chicken' evolved from an English saying intended to hurt someone's feelings, as in 'you're no spring chicken'. Technically, it means a young chicken or poussin, like a Cornish game hen. But I don't think about the pejorative meaning of that phrase, I automatically think of chicken cooked with lemon, asparagus, peas, and other spring ingredients.

These quick and easy recipes will delight your family and friends. And even if the weather isn't quite like spring outside, these dishes will conjure up that magical feeling.

Spring Chicken Recipes

• Chicken and Pasta with Lemon Pesto
  This dish is similar to Salmon with Pesto Fettuccine, but with lemon added to brighten up the flavor a bit.
• Lemon Chili Chicken
  Chili powder and mustard along with lemon add a nice kick to a simple broiled chicken recipe.
• Tarragon Chicken
  Tarragon adds a slight licorice flavor to this pretty and easy main dish recipe.
• Lemon Chicken and Pasta
  I love this recipe; the light sauce and bright lemon flavor complement the asparagus, peas, and chicken. It's perfect for a cool spring night.
• Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry
  Oh yay - a five ingredient recipe! Serve this one over some hot cooked brown rice and pair with a baby spinach salad.
• Lemon Thyme Grilled Chicken
  If you don't have your George Foreman® grill out yet, pull it out of the cupboard for this easy and flavorful recipe.
• Tuscan Chicken Sandwiches
  This recipe is made in the crockpot. I love the combination of hot chicken and vegetable filling with the cool pesto tomato topping.
• Chicken Risotto
  This simplified version of a classic risotto is really delicious and easy; you just have to keep stirring! Add some cooked asparagus or baby peas when you stir in the Parmesan cheese for a bit of color.
• Lemon Basil Drumsticks
  You can find fresh herbs at the supermarket now. That wasn't the case 20 years ago! Buy some fresh basil for this fabulous chicken drumstick recipe.
• Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
  Cashew pieces add some crunch to this simple five ingredient stir-fry recipe that your family will love.
• Lemon Tarragon Scalloppini
  Chicken thighs are simmered to perfection in a rich sauce with the bright flavors of lemon and tarragon. Yum.
• Microwave Sweet and Sour Chicken
  This easy microwave recipe cooks tender chicken in a delicious sweet and sour sauce. The grapes add a nice burst of sweetness.
• Roast Chicken
  There's something about spring that makes me crave roast chicken. Add lemon and garlic and you have a real treat in an easy recipe that's special enough to serve to company.