Ep 1. Chicken Crossing

Valerie's Home Cooking season 8 episode 1, titled "Chicken Crossing," follows the lovely host Valerie Bertinelli as she prepares some delicious dishes centered around one of her favorite ingredients - chicken! In this episode, Valerie is joined by her friend Maneet Chauhan, a popular chef and TV personality, as they enjoy some great food and conversation.

The show starts with Valerie introducing her viewers to some classic chicken dishes that they can use as a base for creating their own versions. She talks about how chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in so many different ways, from soups and stews to crispy fried chicken and healthy grilled options. Valerie then shares a few tips on how to properly and easily cut up a whole chicken, which can be intimidating for some home cooks.

The first recipe that Valerie and Maneet work on is a chicken tetrazzini, which is a creamy pasta dish that is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Maneet mentions that she loves this dish because it's the perfect comfort food, and Valerie agrees, adding that it's also a great way to use up leftover chicken. As they work on the dish, Valerie and Maneet share some funny stories about their kids and what they like to cook.

Next up, Valerie shows us how to make a healthy and flavorful chicken taco salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner. She talks about how she loves to experiment with different dressings and toppings, and encourages viewers to do the same. Maneet agrees, stating that one of the advantages of cooking at home is that you can make your dishes exactly the way you like them.

The last dish that Valerie and Maneet tackle is a classic Southern recipe - chicken and dumplings. Valerie talks about how this dish is a beloved comfort food in her family, and shares a few secrets on how to make the dumplings light and fluffy. Maneet also adds in some of her own touches, using different spices and herbs to give the dish a unique flavor.

Throughout the episode, Valerie and Maneet share some great cooking tips and advice, as well as some hilarious stories and insights into their lives as chefs and mothers. They both agree that cooking at home is one of the best ways to gather loved ones around the table and create unforgettable memories.

Overall, "Chicken Crossing" is a delightful and informative episode of Valerie's Home Cooking that is sure to inspire viewers to get into the kitchen and experiment with some delicious dishes using everyone's favorite protein - chicken!