Easy Smoked Chicken Sticks

With summer coming it is time to start thinking about picnics again. This year steer away from the old classics and give them a makeover. Here is and example of Easy Smoked Chicken Sticks:

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 lbs. chicken tenders
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• dash salt and pepper
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil

 Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. If the chicken tenders are too wide, cut in half, so you have strips about 1 inch wide.
3. Note: you can also use regular boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the seasonings and oil.
5. Add the chicken strips to the spice mixture and toss until chicken is well coated.
6. Remove the chicken and arrange in single layer on large baking sheet.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink. The time will depend on how thinly you sliced the chicken strips.
8. Remove from oven and cool on a rack.
9. These may be chilled, then packaged up for a picnic, or may be served warm or at room temperature.

 To make your cooking even more special why not use freshly ground spices. It is easy with a Cuisinart SG 10 Electric Spice And Nut Grinder.