From Dunder Mifflin to Your Kitchen: Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey’s Chili’s Favorites Recreated!
Have you ever found yourself craving the comforting, familiar flavors of Chili’s, especially after watching an episode of “Office Ladies”? Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, the iconic duo behind Pam Beesly and Angela Martin, have often shared their Chili’s stories and favorite menu items on their podcast. This article is dedicated to recreating some of those beloved dishes, bringing a taste of Scranton (and Chili’s) to your home. Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure inspired by our favorite office ladies!
**Why Chili’s and “Office Ladies”?**
For those who aren’t familiar, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey co-host the podcast “Office Ladies,” where they rewatch episodes of “The Office” and share behind-the-scenes stories, insights, and fun facts. Throughout the podcast, they frequently reminisce about their time filming the show, often mentioning their favorite restaurants and food experiences, including their fondness for Chili’s. Their genuine enthusiasm for the restaurant has made it a recurring theme for fans, and many listeners have expressed interest in trying the dishes they discuss.
This article aims to satisfy that craving by providing detailed, easy-to-follow recipes inspired by Jenna and Angela’s Chili’s preferences. We’ll explore recreating some of their known favorites, incorporating elements that capture the essence of Chili’s while adding our own twist for a delicious homemade experience.
**The Recipes:**
We’ll be focusing on recreating several Chili’s-inspired dishes based on what Jenna and Angela have mentioned on their podcast. Keep in mind that restaurant recipes are often closely guarded secrets, so these are our best interpretations, designed to capture the flavors and spirit of their Chili’s favorites.
**1. Southwestern Eggrolls (Office Ladies Style!)**
The Southwestern Eggrolls are a Chili’s classic, and it’s highly likely Jenna and Angela have enjoyed them at some point. These crispy, flavorful eggrolls are packed with a delicious mixture of chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, and spices, served with a creamy dipping sauce. Here’s how to make them at home:
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Filling:**
* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/2 red onion, diced
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Eggrolls:**
* 12 eggroll wrappers
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Dipping Sauce (Avocado Ranch):**
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1/2 cup ranch dressing
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and cilantro. Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. **Assemble the Eggrolls:** Lay an eggroll wrapper on a flat surface, with one corner pointing towards you. Place about 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll the eggroll tightly towards the top corner. Brush the top corner with the beaten egg to seal the eggroll.
3. **Fry the Eggrolls:** Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the eggrolls in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the eggrolls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. **Make the Dipping Sauce:** In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, ranch dressing, lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. **Serve:** Cut the eggrolls in half diagonally and serve immediately with the avocado ranch dipping sauce.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Baking Option:** For a healthier alternative, bake the eggrolls instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled eggrolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the eggrolls with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the filling. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
* **Cheese Variety:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend, for a unique flavor profile.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the chicken with cooked and crumbled vegetarian ground beef or additional black beans and corn for a vegetarian version.
**2. Mango Chili Chicken (Inspired by Jenna’s Love for Flavor!)**
While Jenna hasn’t specifically mentioned this dish, her appreciation for flavorful food suggests she might enjoy a vibrant and tangy Mango Chili Chicken. This recipe combines sweet and spicy flavors for a delicious and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
* 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/4 red onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or more, to taste)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Chopped green onions, for garnish
* Cooked rice, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help the chicken get crispy when cooked.
2. **Make the Mango Chili Sauce:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Sauté Vegetables:** Add the diced bell pepper and red onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly softened.
5. **Combine and Simmer:** Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the mango chili sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Add the diced mango. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the mango is heated through.
6. **Serve:** Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over cooked rice.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the spice level. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount or use a milder chili sauce.
* **Mango Variety:** Use any type of ripe mango you prefer. Honey mangoes and Ataulfo mangoes are particularly sweet and flavorful.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the dish, such as snow peas, broccoli florets, or water chestnuts.
* **Pineapple:** For an extra tropical twist, add diced pineapple to the dish along with the mango.
* **Cashews:** Sprinkle toasted cashews over the dish for added crunch and flavor.
**3. Cajun Pasta (Angela’s Comfort Food Choice?)**
Angela Kinsey seems to enjoy comfort food, so this creamy, spicy Cajun Pasta is a likely candidate for her Chili’s favorites. This recipe features pasta tossed in a rich and flavorful Cajun cream sauce with chicken or shrimp.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined)
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced
* 1/2 red onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Chopped green onions, for garnish
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Chicken or Shrimp:** In a bowl, toss the chicken or shrimp with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. **Sauté Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and red onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. **Cook the Chicken or Shrimp:** Add the seasoned chicken or shrimp to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken or shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. **Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:** Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Add the cooked pasta and chicken or shrimp to the skillet with the Cajun cream sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Protein Options:** Use different types of protein, such as sausage, Andouille sausage, or tofu, instead of chicken or shrimp.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
* **Cheese:** Use different types of cheese, such as Asiago or Romano, instead of Parmesan.
* **Creaminess:** For a richer and creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese.
**4. Molten Chocolate Cake (For the Sweet-Toothed Office Ladies Fan!)**
Who can resist a decadent dessert? A warm, gooey Molten Chocolate Cake is the perfect way to end a Chili’s-inspired meal. While not specifically mentioned, its popularity makes it a probable favorite.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
* 4 ounces unsalted butter, cut into pieces
* 2 large eggs
* 2 large egg yolks
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* Pinch of salt
* Vanilla ice cream, for serving
* Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour two ramekins (6-ounce size).
2. **Melt Chocolate and Butter:** In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. **Whisk Eggs and Sugar:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually whisk the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until well combined. Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Pour into Ramekins:** Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft and gooey. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
7. **Serve:** Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for a few minutes before inverting them onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chocolate Choice:** Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for the best flavor. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a slightly sweeter cake.
* **Baking Time:** Watch the baking time carefully to ensure the center remains gooey. If you overbake the cakes, they will be more like regular chocolate cakes.
* **Add-Ins:** Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter for a richer chocolate flavor. You can also add a few chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter.
* **Sauce:** Serve the cakes with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or raspberry sauce.
* **Berry Garnish:** Garnish the plates with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
**Bringing the Office to Your Kitchen:**
These recipes are more than just food; they’re a connection to a beloved TV show and the charming personalities of Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey. By recreating these Chili’s-inspired dishes, you can bring a little bit of the “Office Ladies” podcast and the spirit of Scranton into your own kitchen.
**More “Office” Inspired Fun:**
* **Host an “Office” themed dinner party:** Play episodes of “The Office” in the background, decorate with Dunder Mifflin-inspired elements (like a “World’s Best Boss” mug), and encourage guests to dress up as their favorite characters.
* **Create an “Office” cocktail:** Invent a signature cocktail inspired by the show, like a “That’s What She Said” Martini or a “Pam’s Art School Punch.”
* **Play “Office” trivia:** Test your knowledge of the show with a fun trivia game.
Enjoy cooking, eating, and reminiscing about the hilarious moments from “The Office”! And who knows, maybe Jenna and Angela will even see your creations and share them on their podcast!
**Disclaimer:** These recipes are inspired by Chili’s menu items and are not official Chili’s recipes. They are interpretations based on available information and personal taste preferences.