Ogden resident Ruth Kendrick — and her recipe for ginger-scented honey hoisin chicken thighs — will be one of nine regional finalists in this year's National Chicken Cooking Contest.

The grand prize is $50,000

Kendrick, a long-time Utah cooking instructor and chocolate maker (pictured here), represented Utah in yesterday's Mountain Regional competition, besting state winners from Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming.

As the regional winner, she received $1,000, and advances to the May 2 finals in San Antonio.

Here's her recipe:

Ginger-Scented Honey Hoisin Chicken Thighs with Sesame

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons pepper
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
4 cups cooked white rice
1/4 cup sliced scallions, green tops included

Heat oven to 325 degrees. In large skillet, heat cooking oil over medium high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides. In medium bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, ginger and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken, turning to coat. Cover pan and place in oven. Bake about 20 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in sesame seeds. Place hot rice on serving platter, add chicken and sauces and garnish with scallions. Makes 4 servings.