Alex & Sonja Overhiser: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introduce yourself to Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the vibrant husband-and-wife duo who have been motivating home cooks globally with their enthusiasm for straightforward, seasonal dishes. As the writers of two celebrated cookbooks and the founders of the well-known food blog, A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have committed their lives to spreading the joy of cooking to others.

Their culinary adventure commenced in 2010 when they established A Couple Cooks, a platform that has evolved into a treasure chest of unique recipes, cooking advice, and meal planning inspiration. What distinguishes their work is the genuineness and warmth they contribute, both in practice and in spirit. Every recipe results from their joint endeavor, with Alex and Sonja carefully writing, photographing, and testing each meal in their kitchen, frequently enlisting the help of their children.

As active parents, Alex and Sonja grasp the difficulties of crafting healthy and delightful meals amidst the chaos of everyday life. Their recipes aim to be user-friendly and uncomplicated, facilitating families in enjoying nutritious meals together. From colorful salads and robust soups to indulgent desserts, their culinary offerings accommodate a diverse array of tastes and dietary needs.

In addition to recipes, A Couple Cooks serves as a resource for both aspiring chefs and veteran cooks. The website provides practical cooking insights and meal planning techniques that assist in simplifying the cooking experience, motivating more individuals to adopt the craft of home cooking. Alex and Sonja’s friendly approach and sincere passion for food have garnered them a devoted audience, with readers returning repeatedly for inspiration and support.

Through their cookbooks and digital presence, Alex and Sonja Overhiser continue to leave a substantial mark on the culinary sphere. Their dedication to advocating for simple, seasonal eating resonates with those wishing to pursue healthier, more sustainable ways of living. As they keep cooking, creating, and sharing their food passion, Alex and Sonja remain cherished staples in the realm of home cooking, demonstrating that the kitchen is genuinely the heart of the home.

Grilled Chicken with Honey Sriracha

Preparation Time: 5 minutes Marinating Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Duration: 20 minutes Yield: 4

A simple and quick recipe for grilled chicken thighs infused with a sweet and spicy honey and sriracha marinade!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 pound boneless thighs or breasts, flattened

For the honey sriracha marinade:

• 4 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1/2 tablespoon lime juice (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
• Salt and pepper to your preference

Instructions

For the chicken:

1. Soak the chicken in half of the honey sriracha mixture for 20 minutes to overnight.
2. Remove excess marinade and grill (or pan fry) on medium-high heat until cooked through (165F), approximately 3-5 minutes per side.
3. Serve with the leftover honey sriracha sauce.

For the honey sriracha mixture:

4. Thoroughly combine all the ingredients.

Tip: Modify the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha!
Alternative: Pan fry in oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked (165F), around 3-5 minutes per side.
Alternative: Bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 425F until done (165F), for about 20-30 minutes!

# Air Fryer Tacos with Succulent Chicken and Cheese

Crispy tacos crafted from corn tortillas, loaded with succulent chicken and cheese, then crisped in the air fryer offer a delightful experience. Drawing inspiration from a memorable road trip across New Mexico, these air fryer tacos embody the spirit of Southwestern fare.

## The Motivation Behind the Tacos

Last summer, a journey to New Mexico unveiled a spectrum of flavors, particularly crispy chicken tacos. The encounter at El Parasol, where the chicken tacos were flavorful and the tortillas superbly crispy, ignited the creation of these air fryer tacos. The blend of flavors and textures pays homage to the culinary treasures of New Mexico.

## How to Prepare Chicken Tacos

### Ingredients

– **For the Chicken:**
– 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp neutral oil
– 1 tbsp white vinegar
– 1 tbsp chile powder (optional)
– 2 tsp ground coriander
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp kosher salt

– **For the Tacos:**
– 12 (4-inch) corn tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (optional)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped
– Diced onion
– Optional toppings: guacamole, diced avocados, salsa, hot sauce, lime wedges

### Instructions

1. **Marinate the Chicken:**
In a spacious bowl or ziplock bag, whisk together orange juice, garlic, oil, vinegar, chile powder, coriander, paprika, oregano, cumin, pepper, and salt. Incorporate chicken thighs and let them marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

2. **Cook the Chicken:**
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Lightly grease the basket and arrange the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be slightly undercooked as it will be reheated when assembled into tacos.

3. **Shred the Chicken:**
Take the chicken out of the air fryer and chop or shred it into small pieces.

4. **Prepare the Tortillas:**
Heat the tortillas in the microwave to make them flexible. Brush both sides with oil, then add a layer of chicken and cheese to one half of each tortilla. Carefully fold them over.

5. **Crisp the Tacos:**
Place the folded tacos in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 6-7 minutes, flipping once, until they are crispy and the cheese has melted. Let them cool slightly to enhance the crunch.

6. **Serve:**
Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and any other toppings you desire. Indulge in your crispy air fryer tacos!

## Why Choose Air Fryer Tacos?

Air fryers offer a healthier option compared to conventional frying techniques, utilizing less oil while achieving the desirable crunch. They are simple to use and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for preparing homemade crispy tacos.

## Alternatives to Air Frying

While an air fryer is optimal, these tacos can also be baked in a conventional oven. If you prefer softer tacos, simply modify the cooking time and choose flour tortillas for a different texture.

## Homemade Taco Seasoning

Making your own taco seasoning provides healthier and more flavorful choices than store-bought options. The spices included in this recipe not only elevate the chicken but can also be utilized for beef or pork.

## Nutritional Overview

Each serving (3 tacos) has approximately:
– **Calories:** 646
– **Fat:** 22.8g
– **Protein:** 70.4g
– **Carbohydrates:** 37.7g

These air fryer tacos are not only delectable but also bursting with flavor, making them an ideal choice for taco night or any informal gathering. Relish the crunch and enjoy the flavors of homemade tacos!

Spoiler: They’re a thousand times better than I thought they’d be.
READ MORE…

‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice!
READ MORE…