A friend recently shared an article on BBQ flavored chips and their history. I have to say that BBQ chip flavor is familiar and appealing today, but that was not the case years ago. Far more interesting than history, I was impressed with a discussion on how food brand marketing companies take the taste introduction process to the furthest extreme, to open remote markets. They learn from and adapt to foreign food, culture and regional likes/dislikes to better understand the target. The article also talked about chips and soda companies daringly reinventing products to win the Asian market. For example, one of  them recently came up with Chicken-Cola flavored chips in Asia. “It’s apparently a favorite flavor there!” What a concept! I was also greatly surprised to learn that there are 205 types of chip flavors available worldwide.

Two points in my post: ‘Adaptability and diversity.’ Thinking about these bold flavor combinations encouraged me to get into my kitchen, be creative, mix familiar ingredients with totally new ones, innovate, come up with different ideas and flavors. Kids are great for this! They’re creative, explorers, fun! When it comes to cooking, I am with them… After all, we should at least attempt to have fun cooking! 🙂

So, from BBQ chips to BBQ chicken… What could I do different this time? Since winter is still here, I went from outdoor BBQ to indoor BBQ on my electrical skillet! Talk about adaptability… It turned out to be a great (and super easy) recipe, I hope you agree.

Recipe

Ingredients: Boneless chicken thighs (1 or 2 per person), BBQ sauce (your favorite brand; Use 1 bottle), salt, pepper.

1. Add 1 TBSP of canola oil to the electric skillet. Place the thighs on the electric skillet.

2. When brown, add salt and pepper. Add the BBQ sauce on top and cover with lid.

3. Lower setting to 250 degrees on the electric skillet and let it cook for 20-30 minutes. Turn pieces so both sides cook well. Let it cook for another 20 minutes. Finally, check the chicken to make sure it’s cooked all the way through.

Serve with rice and veggies or with salad greens. 🙂