Hearty Chicken and Broccoli Bake for Chilly Nights

A Family-Friendly Recipe for Quiet Evenings

Sometimes, the best meals come from a little improvisation. This chicken and broccoli bake, reminiscent of a heartier chicken and dumpling soup, is designed for those unexpected chilly nights when grilling just isn’t feasible. With a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a topping of bubbly cheese, this dish is both comforting and delicious. It's a great way to use up ingredients you already have on hand while creating a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Join us as we transform a few simple ingredients into a cozy, fork-friendly dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

3 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

1/4 cup shredded carrots

12 oz bag frozen broccoli cuts

1 can cream of chicken soup

+/- 1 1/2 cups milk

1/3 cup shredded cheese

1 can crescent rolls

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

salt and black pepper, to taste

olive oil

Tools:

Large lidded skillet

baking dish

spoon

knife

cutting board

grater (if not using pre-shredded carrots and cheese)

measuring cups and spoons

plate

tongs

In short: this is basically chicken and dumpling soup, but heartier, and designed to be eaten with a fork. It makes a better cold weather meal than warm, but sometimes there's just no getting around the weather outside to fire up the grill, and some changes must be made.

We intended to make some grilled chicken, but the wind was high, we were under an "extreme fire danger" red flag warning, and it was unseasonably cold with little warning anyway. So we chose to pivot, use up some odds and ends from the fridge, and save some of that chicken we'd defrosted for another day.

If you're not starting with ready to eat produce, please give it a quick wash before you really get rolling.

In the event you're using fresh produce that needs prep work, prep it before the chicken. Even though we intend to cook it all, this simple rule of thumb for preventing cross-contamination is a good one to follow constantly. 

Once you have your veggies ready, cut the chicken thighs into one inch chunks. Heat a little olive oil in the skillet and add the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder and stir to coat. Cook covered for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is done.

Pop the can of crescent rolls and lay out the triangles on a plate while you wait for the chicken to cook through, then preheat the oven to 375.

Once the chicken is done, hold it in place with the tongs and drain off the excess oil (or put it through a colander if you're more comfortable with that; we just find it easier to wash tongs than a colander). Add the condensed soup and the milk to the pan and stir. Use less milk if you want the sauce/filling to be thicker. The condensed soup is gloopy and will just kind of squish around the pan until it gets warm enough to melt, so be aware you'll likely be stirring for a minute or two.

After the soup and milk have combined and the only chunks left are the chicken pieces, add the shredded carrots and mix them in. Allow everything to simmer uncovered for two minutes before cutting the heat.

Grease the inside of the baking dish you'll be using and grab a triangle of dough. Lay the triangle into the pan with the base in the pan and the pointed top poking out. Using a spoon, transfer a scoop of the chicken soup mixture to the base of the triangle. Roll the triangle so that you have the chicken in the middle and the point ends up near or at the bottom, held in place by the weight of the dough and filling.

Repeat with the rest of the dough, leaving a little space between each roll so that they'll have some room to expand while they bake.

Dump the broccoli on top and sort of spread it out so each part of the pan dhas some florets, then pour the remaining soup in the pan over the top of everything as a sauce.

Cover it lightly in a layer of cheese before baking for 20 minutes. If you'd like the cheese to develop the bubbly, crispy-edged texture, turn the heat up for the last five minutes of the cooking time (this works much better with cheese you've shredded at home than with the pre-shredded stuff covered in anti-caking agents).

Serve with a salad for extra veggie points!

We hope you enjoy this comforting chicken and broccoli bake, perfect for those unexpected cold nights when grilling isn't an option. With its creamy sauce and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Remember, cooking is all about creativity and making the most of what you have. If you ever find your kitchen appliances in need of some TLC, don't hesitate to call Appliance Rescue Service. They're here to ensure your culinary adventures continue smoothly. Happy cooking, and enjoy every warm and delicious bite with your loved ones!

Take Care Of Your Appliances Today

Call Us: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Easy No-Cook Not Quite a Cannoli 

Spicy Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Pepperoni & Canadian Bacon Stromboli 

Lost in Translation: Why No Two Appliances Use the Same Symbols

How the Lack of Standardization Makes Everyday Appliances a Challenge

In the age of user-friendly technology, one would expect household appliances to be intuitive and straightforward. Yet, a simple glance at the control panel of a microwave or washing machine reveals a mess of icons that can baffle even the most tech-savvy among us. How did we end up with such a confusing array of symbols? And why does it seem like there’s no universal standard to guide us? Worse still, why are the symbols on your appliances completely different from the ones your old appliance had? 

How Did These Concepts Develop?

Icons are meant to save space and convey information quickly. Their use has spread due to their ability to transcend language barriers, especially in diverse linguistic regions like Europe. Icons are used everywhere in and out of the home.  From your phone, to your oven, to your HVAC system, to your local grocery store icons are used to direct the viewer quickly. However, this seemingly efficient solution has turned into a user experience nightmare for many. There are too many icons, and no consistency between them, leading to us getting our symbols mixed up or forgetting them outright. 

The Microwave Dilemma

Courtesy of Panasonic

Microwaves are a prime example of non-standardization in appliances. Each brand seems to have its own unique set of symbols and functions, leading to widespread confusion. In theory, a microwave should be easy to use – set the time, press start. In reality, users often find themselves guessing which button does what, with features like "express cook" complicating the interface. You end up spending as much time guessing what different buttons do as you do getting to eat. This lack of consistency is a significant pain point for consumers who expect simplicity in everyday appliances.

Washers and Dryers: A Symbolic Free-for-All

Courtesy of LG

Washers and dryers, on the other hand, are another story. They present a complicated mix of symbols and settings unique to each major brand. Whether you're dealing with a Whirlpool, LG, Bosch, or Samsung appliance, deciphering the control panel can feel like navigating a complex puzzle. From cycle options to temperature settings, each washer and dryer comes with its own array of icons, leaving many users scratching their heads in confusion. Despite the availability of online resources and user manuals, understanding these symbols often requires trial and error, leading to wasted time and frustration for consumers.

Ovens: A Rare Case of Standardization

Courtesy of Whirlpool

In contrast, ovens tend to follow a more standardized set of symbols. While the icons can still be obscure, once you learn them, you can navigate most ovens with ease. This standardization helps ensure better cooking and baking results across different brands and models. The consistency in oven symbols is a relief in the otherwise chaotic world of appliance icons. 

The European Perspective: A Different Set of Challenges

European appliances add another layer of confusion. The symbols used are markedly different and often even more baffling for those accustomed to American appliances. This difference is partly due to Europe's linguistic diversity, which makes the use of icons over text a necessity. However, the result is a set of controls that can seem almost inscrutable to both Europeans and Americans alike. Many symbols are so stripped down that you can only guess at their original meaning. Does the two squiggly lines mean heat? Or does it mean microwave?  We have no idea, and we doubt anyone other than the manufacturer does either. 

Why Are Icons So Hard to Understand?

The development of icons is rooted in the desire to save space and create a sleek, modern design. However, research shows that people struggle to remember the meaning of many icons, particularly abstract ones. Icons need to be intuitive, and when they’re not, they can hinder rather than help usability. Adding text labels to icons can significantly improve user understanding, but this practice is not as widespread as it should be. There’s also a hard balance to strike between when to use text versus icons, because text needs to be at a size large enough to be read by all. 

After unraveling the mystery of appliance symbols, if you find yourself still struggling with your microwave, oven, washer, or dryer, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Appliance Rescue Service. Our team of experts is here to help diagnose and fix any issues with your major appliances, ensuring your household runs smoothly. Contact us today for reliable and efficient service! We’ll work with you to set up a time and date that works for your schedule to send one of our technicians to get your home running smoothly again. 

Website

Call (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading 

Appliance Deep Dive Round Up 

Kickstarter in the Kitchen

Why Is My Refrigerator Making Weird Noises!?

Is Your Stove on the List? Frigidaire & Kenmore Recall Details

 Ensure Your Home's Safety: Details on the Recent Stove Recall

Understanding Recalls: What They Are and What Happens

Before delving into the specifics of the latest Frigidaire recall, it's essential to understand what a recall entails and the processes involved. A recall occurs when a manufacturer or regulatory authority determines that a product poses a safety risk or fails to meet regulatory standards.  (In the United States, this is most often the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.) This action is taken to protect consumers from potential harm and ensure the integrity of the product.

Recalls can be initiated for various reasons, including defects in design or manufacturing, safety concerns, or failure to meet regulatory requirements. In the case of appliances like stoves or ranges,, recalls may be issued due to issues with components such as burners, electrical systems, or structural integrity.

When a recall is initiated, the manufacturer typically works with relevant regulatory agencies to notify consumers of the issue and provide instructions on how to address it. This often involves contacting affected consumers directly, issuing public announcements through various channels, and coordinating efforts to repair or replace the affected products. 

For consumers, being informed about recalls is crucial for your safety and well-being. It allows you to take appropriate actions to mitigate risks and ensure the continued safe use of your appliances. In the case of the Frigidaire stove recall, understanding the nature of the issue and how to respond is essential for protecting both individuals and families from potential harm.

Recall Announcement: Frigidaire & Kenmore Electric Range

As of May 16, 2024 Frigidaire and Kenmore have announced a recall for stoves produced between 2001 and 2009.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has has received over 212 reports of these stoves functioning inconsistently and strangely. 14 fires have been reported as well as eight reports of burns to hands and arms and smoke inhalation. 

The recall is for 203,000 electric stoves that were made and sold in the time period noted. The stoves are smooth-top electric ranges that have their knobs on the rear panel, as well as digital displays. They came in colors of white, black, stainless steel and bisque.  They were sold from June 2001 to August 2009 at many different independent appliance stores for prices ranging from $1000 to $2,500. The units were sold in both the United States and Canada during the time frame. 

The stoves have been recalled due to several issues, including spontaneously turning on, refusing to turn off when switched off, and heating to temperatures other than what the user selects. 

Included in the recall are Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery and Frigidaire Professional, Kenmore Elite with the model numbers listed below. Numerous model numbers are included in the recall. For Frigidaire models, the recalled units have a serial number range of VF122xxxxx - VF936xxxxx. For Kenmore Elite models, the recalled units have a serial number range of VF122xxxxx - VF334xxxxx.

You can locate the model number for your appliance by looking in the drawer below the oven. It will be on the right side of the drawer’s frame. 

FEFBZ90GC

FEFLMC55GC

FEFLZ87GC

GLEF396AB

GLEF396AQ

GLEF396AS

GLEF396CQ

GLEF396CS

GLEFM397DB

GLEFM397DQ

GLEFM397DS

GLEFM97FPB

GLEFM97FPW

GLEFM97GPB

GLEFM97GPW

LEEFM389FE

PLEF398AC

PLEF398CC

PLEF398DC

PLEFM399DC

PLEFMZ99EC

PLEFMZ99GC

PLEFZ398EC

PLEFZ398GC

790.990121

790.990131

790.990141

790.990191

Incidents and Previous Recalls

The recall was issued originally in 2009 by Electrolux due to similar issues with the stoves. Since then, though, over 200 more issues have been reported as being caused by the faulty burners.  The recall will not expire, so even if you discover ages from now that your stovetop is one of the ones that has been an issue, you are still entitled to compensation and assistance from Electrolux.  

Taking Action

The first step is to guarantee whether or not yours is one of the ones affected by this recall. You can look in the drawer underneath the stove on the right hand side to find the serial number and match it against the list of the ones affected. If it is, keep reading. If not, and your stove is giving you similar issues, feel free to skip to the bottom.

Start by reaching out to Electrolux to see if you are eligible for a free inspection and repair. If it is repairable, that will be at no cost to you.
"If the range is not repairable, consumers will receive a refund in the form of a $50 electronic gift card and reimbursement of up to $60 for the haul-away fee for their recalled range, once they have submitted proof of purchase of a new range and the haul-away fee paid," the CPSC said in the announcement. 

You can call Electrolux Group's toll-free phone number at 888-845-8226 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also email at potentiometerrecall@electrolux.com or online at https://www.ema-recall.com/potentiometer or www.potentiometerrecall.com or www.frigidaire.com.
If you are having trouble with a recall remedy or feel that a company is being non-responsive to your request, you can also reach out to  CPSC and explain your concerns to them. 

While you wait for someone to get back to you though, you still have a faulty stovetop in your kitchen. So you have to consider what to do. 

Start by making sure that you don’t leave anything on the burners when the stove isn’t in use. This way you don’t step out and come back to a fire. 

You can also unplug your stove when not in use, to fully eliminate any risk of fire or burn. 

What if Your Appliance Isn’t Part of the Recall? 

If you find that your stove isn’t part of this recall but is still causing you issues, Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Whether your stove refuses to heat properly, has unreliable burners, or any other problem, our expert technicians can diagnose and fix the issue promptly. Don’t let a malfunctioning stove ruin your cooking plans or risk your safety.

Additionally, if you want to ensure all your major appliances are running smoothly year-round, consider creating a maintenance plan with us. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your appliances.

Contact Appliance Rescue Service today for all your appliance repair needs or to set up a maintenance plan. We’re dedicated to keeping your home running efficiently and safely.

Call us at (214) 599-0055 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Kid-Approved Dinner Idea: Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Strips

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Your Go-To Chicken Recipe

Some days you need to feed the picky eaters some chicken in order to avoid an uprising, but can't fire up the oven thanks to the heat. This was our solution.

Ingredients:

three large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

2 cups pretzel sticks

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup stone ground mustard

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon parsley

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

black pepper to taste

spray cooking oil

Tools:

knife

cutting board

measuring cups and spoons

spoon

tongs

shallow dishes for mixing and dredging

aluminum foil

plastic bag and rolling pin or food processor (for pretzels)

Pour pretzel sticks into the food processor and pulse a few times until you have coarse chunks. If you're not using a food processor, instead put the pretzel sticks into a sealed plastic bag and hit or flatten with a rolling pin (or similar) until thoroughly smashed. If using the plastic bag approach, be sure to keep an eye out for pokey bits of pretzel putting holes in the bag and leaking crumbs everywhere, as the mess potential is high. Once the pretzels are crushed, toss them into a shallow dish and set the dish aside.

Take the thawed boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it into roughly three inch long by inch wide strips. Just kind of pile them on the cutting board, since you'll be grabbing them one by one for dredging shortly. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Measure your mustard, honey, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, parmesan cheese, and pepper into a shallow dish. Crack an egg into this mixture and stir well to combine. We used stone ground mustard because we received some as part of a gift and the container was sitting untouched two months later. We also ran a little shy on the mustard mix (most likely because we started with nearly four pounds of chicken) and ended up making a second batch with spicy brown mustard and a dash of garlic hot sauce for the adults. We digress like this to say, in short, that you're welcome to use whatever mustard you have lying around. It'll work. Just mind your audience. We doubt the kiddos would have been happy with spicy chicken, but we sure were!

Once you have all three stages - chicken, mustard mixture, and pretzels - ready to go, lay out a sheet of aluminum foil and spritz it lightly with cooking oil. Grab a piece of the chicken with tongs, dredge it through the mustard mixture, flip it over, and dredge again to make sure you've coated all sides, then move it to the pretzel crumbs and roll it around until it's covered. Again using the tongs, remove the chicken from the pretzel crumbs and set on the foil.

Repeat until your foil sheet is half full. At this point, lift up the edges and pull the foil mostly closed over the chicken. Be sure to leave some room for moisture to vent. Get another foil sheet, spray it with oil, and fill it up with chicken the same way. Repeat these steps until you run out of chicken.

Put your foil packets of chicken onto a heated grill - we set our digital smoker to 425 degrees - and cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. This took us about 25 minutes. Remove the packets carefully because the foil sometimes tears. A pizza peel is an ideal tool for this task if you have one, but in the likely event you don't, using a spatula or set of tongs ato nudge the foil packet off the grate and onto a baking sheet is also a perfectly serviceable solution.

In just a few steps and less than an hour you’ve got dinner on the table that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. You can stash this meal in your recipe list for times when you need something fast or if you’re just not feeling up to doing a lot of cooking. Fire up the grill, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a fantastic meal that’s sure to please. Enjoy! 

In the event that you’re turning to your gril because your stove isn’t working, rather than needing to keep the oven off, we’re here to help. Just give our offices a call and we’ll work with you to  figure out a date and time that works for your schedule. At Appliance Rescue Service our goal is to get your home running smoothly again, without all of the hassle that a broken appliance causes. 

Website 

Call (214) 599-0055

Is a Bosch Refrigerator Right for You? A Comprehensive Review

Price vs. Value: Is a Bosch Refrigerator Worth the Investment?

When it comes to hunting for a new refrigerator many of us look for years before finding the right one. You weigh the list of your ideal traits, you save up money so that you don't have to be restricted by price, and you write out the pros and the cons. And that's what we're doing with this post. We're looking at one of the appliances that we see often in our maintenance runs, a Bosch refrigerator. As always we don't want to push for getting new appliances until your old ones are completely dead, but we do believe that doing your research ahead of time ensures that you are happiest with your appliances. 

You might start by looking at who has received the best rankings for their appliances, year after year, and find out that Bosch has the market cornered on that. Bosch received the highest numerical score in the proprietary Lifestory Research 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 America’s Most Trusted® Kitchen Brands study.  

 Next, you might be looking for a company that is paying attention to its environmental impact. Every appliance starts its journey at the production facility. Where all of the magic starts long before it ever gets to you. Something that many companies say they do, but as well all know, the proof is in the numbers. Bosch however can prove that they do just that. 40% of all of the patents that they apply for are environmentally focused, and that is before things are even being built. 

At Bosch facilities, they have managed to get to a point that 92% of their production waste is recycled. Instead of going to a landfill, they managed to either reuse it or melt it back down to original components. 

Once an appliance is built, you have to worry about shipping. One of the ways that Bosch cuts down on costs and material usage is at this stage. By trimming down and packing more efficiently they've managed to reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions.  (Which translates to a lower price for you.) 

One of the most important questions when it comes to a refrigerator is food storage. Bosch is tackling two of the most important issues: temperature control and freshness.    

Temperature control 

Courtesy of Bosch

Bosch has engineered their refrigerator so that once you program in the temperature, they hit as close to that temperature as possible and then stick. As we've mentioned in other posts, this is an issue that refrigerators struggle with because of defrost cycles and having the door open and close 20 billion times. Bosch though manages to course correct very quickly once the doors are shut. And as for defrost cycles, the temperatures barely budge at all. 

Crispers + optional (but highly useful) ethylene gas filter 

Crispers are a balancing act. On one hand, we want them to keep our fruits and vegetables in peak condition. This means keeping the temperatures cold but also maintaining humidity, which we try to avoid in the rest of the fridge.  You need enough humidity to keep things crisp, but not so much your food mold. Bosch has figured out that balance though, along with fighting another vegetable foe: ethylene gas. With the Fresh Protect filter, the fridge sucks up the gas that the food produces, keeping it in peak condition for longer.  

Courtesy of Bosch

Finally, you've got some of the best temperature control on the market right now. At Appliance Rescue Service, we're quick to point out useless apps and Internet of Things additions that make your home needlessly complicated. Bosch though had created an app that does what it says it will, without all of the extra clutter. It lets you set the exact temperatures you want in your fridge in all of the different zones, and then check that its working. That's it. It's an astounding idea somehow to have an app that does precisely what it says and no more, but Bosch has. 

Warranties

Of course, you don't want to ever think about a brand-new appliance breaking. Honestly, neither do we, but they do, and that is where warranties come in. This is one of the reasons that we say warranties should be part of your pro and con list when it comes to purchasing new appliances. In the case of Bosch specifically, not only do they offer extended warranties on key components but they also go above and beyond the industry standard of one-year warranties.

Non-electric components are guaranteed for 2 years. Electric components are covered for five. And anything that is stainless steel is a lifetime guarantee. Bosch really does put their money where their mouth is by offering warranties like this.

Courtesy of Bosch

Not everything is sunshine and roses, though. As with any proper consideration, you need to look at the cons as well. The biggest one in terms of a Bosch refrigerator is the price. At the bare minimum, a Bosch refrigerator new, is $2500. That is the bare minimum. The more advanced models can run you $5,000 or more. And while we know we have reviewed refrigerators at much higher price points, we also understand that it can be a bit of sticker shock if you're not expecting it. 

Another complaint that we ran across with great surprise, was the refrigerator over-cooling. While this does tie back to the reliability of the appliance, it's not one that we see often as a complaint. However, this along with several other complaints, does lead us to suspect that in order to keep your refrigerator running properly, you need to schedule regular cleaning for the underside and back of it. If as we suspect, the issue is from the compressors and the coils, those need to be kept clean. This can be more work than some people want to do so it should properly go in the con section.

Bosch refrigerators stand out for their impressive temperature control, eco-friendly initiatives, and robust warranties. However, their premium price and the need for regular maintenance might give some buyers pause. If you're contemplating a Bosch fridge or any other appliance and find yourself facing issues with your current setup, Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Our skilled technicians specialize in maintenance and repair, ensuring that your existing appliances perform at their best for as long as possible. Whether it's dealing with over-cooling problems, cleaning compressors and coils, or addressing any other concerns, we’re just a call away. Don’t let appliance troubles disrupt your home—reach out to us for expert care and keep your appliances running smoothly.

Call: (214) 599-0055

Website 

Additional Reading

An In-Depth Look At Refrigerators

Energy Efficient Refrigerators: What Makes Them Tick? 

Why Is My Refrigerator Making Weird Noises!?