Lovers' Chicken

April 1, 2013: Andy and I have gone to the Texas Rangers opening day together since we started dating. The past two years, Opening Day has been a home game in Arlington. We've spent the days grilled out, drinking some beers, and last year jamming out to Josh Abbott Band. This year, however, the season opener was in Houston, Texas, against the Astros.

Andy and me at Rangers Season Opener- Houston, Texas

Andy and I decided to make a weekend out of it. He found us a great hotel within walking distance from Minute Maid Park. We left on Friday, March 29 for Houston. We used Andy's Yelp app, and had a Mexican dinner down the street from our hotel at a fun, hip place called Guadalajara del Centro. They had yummy margaritas, and the walk was nice in the cool weather.

Michael, Becca, me, and Andy at Rangers Opening Day- Houston, Texas

Saturday we met my friend Hayley and her fiance for lunch at Cedar Creek- Cafe, Bar, and Grill. It was very Austin-like, and a beautiful day to be on a patio with my old friend.  We were lazy for the rest of the day, and had a sushi dinner date night at Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar, which happened to be in the same place as where our friend, Emily's, wedding was last year. After dinner, our friends Michael & Becca who were in town met us in Rice Village to go to a few bars.

Andy and me at the Rangers @ Astros game

Sunday was the big day. We had lunch at Barnaby's Cafe- another eclectic restaurant with fun decor and delicious food. We headed over to Minute Maid Park a few hours before the game started. Right when we got there, the sky unleashed absolute insanity. It began pouring rain so hard, blowing in all directions, and drenched us to the bone, even under the covered area where we stood.

We made our own kiss cam :)

When we got inside, we met up with my DG sister, Elaine, and her boyfriend, Brant. I hadn't seen Elaine for three years, and I was ecstatic to catch up with her. We finally met up with Michael and Becca and headed to our seats. Becca is an Astros fan, so she was much happier with the turn out than we Rangers fans were. The Rangers lost 8 to 2, but we had a blast.

Andy and me watching the Rangers home opener at The Pour House- Fort Worth, Texas

After having so much delicious food for the weekend, I wanted to stick with the Houston/Austin vibe we had going. I found a recipe for chicken from Austin's The Salt Lick, and it was some of the best chicken I've ever made. It was super spicy, but not overwhelmingly so. It was juicy and fresh, and a fabulous way to end our fun weekend!

Lovers' Chicken
Adapted from The Salt Lick
Servings: 2; Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 8

Lovers' Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 serrano chile
• 1 tsp shallot, finely diced
• 1 tsp roasted garlic
• 8 Tbsp butter, unsalted
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano, fresh finely chopped

1. Season chicken with salt & pepper
2. Preheat your oven or a grill set up for indirect heat to 400
3. Mix all other ingredients together
4. Smother chicken with mixture
5. Bake at 400 for 35-45 mins or until juices run clear

Keep on cookin'!

-Katherine