Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad

This was super yummy. I love the marinade, but I might put less cabbage and more romaine {especially for Scott}.

Photo Credit to Cooking Classy

Grilled Ginger-Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad

Dressing and Marinade
1/4 c low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp finely minced ginger
3 Tbsp canola oil
2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil (I used regular un-toasted since it's all I had)
1 tsp Sriracha (I didn't even notice it, so if you like heat add a little more)
1/2 tsp salt, then more to taste as desired
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped green onions, green and white parts
Salad
2 (9 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 lb napa cabbage, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise {or Romaine lettuce}
1 1/2 - 2 cups matchstick carrots, or 2 medium carrots cut into matchsticks
2/3 cup slivered or sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
3 chopped green onions, green and white parts
1 tsp white sesame seeds, toasted
1 tsp black sesame seeds (or an additional 1 tsp white, toasted)

For the marinade:
In a mixing bowl (or 2-cup liquid measuring cup), whisk together soy sauce, ginger, canola oil, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha and 1/2 tsp salt (adding more salt to taste as desired, original recipe calls for 1 tsp salt, I added 3/4 tsp and I still thought that was too much, especially for a healthy salad). Add chicken breasts to a large resealable bag and add 3 Tbsp of the marinade mixture, reserving remaining. Seal bag and rub marinade over chicken, then transfer chicken to refrigerator and let rest at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 day.
For the dressing:
Add red wine vinegar and 1/4 cup chopped green onions to marinade mixture and whisk to blend. Set aside (chill in refrigerator if marinating chicken longer than 1 hour).
For the salad:
Heat a grill or grill pan over stove top over medium-high heat. Brush grill lightly with canola or vegetable oil, then place marinated chicken on grill and cook, about 4 minutes per side, or until chicken has cooked through (it should register to 165 degrees in center of chicken when tested with a meat thermometer). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes. Then, cut chicken crosswise into strips about 1/4-inch thick.

In a large bowl toss together cabbage, chicken, carrots, almonds, 3 chopped green onions, and cilantro with enough dressing to coat salad. Sprinkle top with sesame seeds and serve.

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwiches

These were delicious and so much more healthy than any other chicken salad sandwiches I've ever made. I made them for Lilian's 3rd birthday at the park and it was perfect. The recipe was just a template, I changed a lot about it. Except for the ingredients you see...

Photo Credit to Damn Delicious

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwiches

1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded {I used a whole roasted chicken, so good}
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced apple
2/3 cup grapes, halved
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds {or cashews, or peanuts...}
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more, to taste {I used red wine vinegar}
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 rolls ciabatta bread, toasted, for serving {I used whatever bread I had, white rolls, wheat bread...}

In a large bowl, combine chicken, red onion, apple, grapes, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, In another bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste. Combine the dry stuff and chicken mixture and fold gently.
Serve sandwiches on bread with chicken mixture.

Recipe Source: Damn Delicious

Sweet n' Spicy Asian Chicken

This is a perfect stir-fry chicken. A little spice with sweet and a happy tummy-maker.

Photo Credit to Mrs Harding Cooks

Sweet n' Spicy Asian Chicken
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons oil (for pan-frying)
cornstarch (for dusting)
Sauce:
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon ginger (I used ground ginger)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup apple juice
⅓ cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
½ cup water
⅓ cup soy sauce

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and lightly dust with cornstarch. Heat oil in your wok and fry chicken bits in batches until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

In a bowl combine all sauce ingredients. Pour into wok and bring to a boil. Add chicken bits back to the pan, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve over rice, or by its self. Would also be great mixed with vegetable stir fry.

Recipe Source: Mrs Harding Cooks

Chicken Pot Pie Crumble

This stuff is so delicious, and doesn't have condensed cans of soup which makes it lighter and healthier. Not to mention it's delicious {Did I say that already?} Unfortunately this ended up on our my "will not make list" for a couple of years because I might've been in my first trimester with Lil when I made it. Oops. It's back on the list now and it's awesome!

Photo Credit to Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Chicken Pot Pie Crumble
Chicken and Sauce:
1 ½ pounds chicken (about three medium-size chicken breasts)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion , chopped fine (about 1 cup)
3-4 carrots, peeled and sliced (about 1 cup)
2-3 stalks celery, chopped (about ½ cup)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
½ cup flour
1 cup milk
3/4 cup frozen peas
Crumble Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and chilled
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS
To prepare the chicken, place the chicken and broth in a large Dutch oven or pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook the chicken until it is just done (don’t overcook or it will dry out) – about 10-12 minutes. Alternately, if you are planning in advance, you can place the chicken and broth in a slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Transfer the cooked chicken to a medium bowl. Pour the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a liquid measuring cup and reserve. Return the pot to the stovetop (no need to wash if you used it to cook the chicken).
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Sprinkle the chilled butter pieces over the top of the flour. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add the cream and stir until just combined. Crumble the mixture into irregularly shaped pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the crumble topping until fragrant and starting to brown, about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. Set aside.
For the filling, heat the olive oil in the now-empty pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, salt and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes. While the vegetables are cooking, shred the chicken into small bite-size pieces. Transfer the cooked vegetables to the bowl with the chicken; set aside.
Over medium heat melt the butter in the empty pot. Stir in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the reserved chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes, taking care not to burn the bottom. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Remove from the heat and stir the chicken, vegetables and peas into the sauce.
Pour the mixture into a 9×13 pan. Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the filling. Place the 9X13-inch pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees until the topping is well browned, about 15-20 minutes. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla

I love simple, easy, and quick. This is definitely one of those! You for sure need to add a side of vegetables, or fruit, or, in our case, both.

Photo Credit to Mrs Harding Cooks

Barbeque Chicken Quesadillas
onion, sliced (one small onion was about right for two quesadillas)
olive oil
dash salt
dash sugar
chicken, cooked and shredded (we had 2 leftover drumsticks)
sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
mozzarella cheese, shredded (any kind of cheese you have will do)
barbecue sauce
tortillas

Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil over medium-low heat (about 1 T to 1 onion), add onions, salt and sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes.

Wipe out the skillet from the caramelized onions and heat to medium. Pile onions, shredded chicken and cheese on tortilla. Drip a few dollops of barbecue sauce over it, then top with a second tortilla. Toast quesadillas in skillet for a couple minutes on each side, till cheese is melted and tortillas are lightly browned.

Serve with extra barbecue sauce for dipping, if desired.

Recipe Source: Mrs Harding Cooks

Chicken Chili

Hey-o. This is my favorite chili recipe right now...and by right now, I mean for the last 5 years. It's delicious, healthy and yummy, plus scrumptious. Get the picture?

Photo Credit to Mrs Harding Cooks

Chicken Chili
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
4 cups chopped yellow onion {2-3 onions}
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 bell peppers {I used 1 red, 1 green and 1 yellow}
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
½ tsp. dried oregano
1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, finely diced {I couldn't find this, left it out}
2 tsp. kosher salt
2 (28 oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes in puree, not drained
2 (15 oz.) cans beans, drained and rinsed {I used 1 can black and 1 can pinto beans}

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions 5 minutes, or until tender and translucent. Add the garlic to the pot and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Mix in the chopped bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, oregano, chipotle, and kosher salt. Cook 5 more minutes. Place the canned tomatoes in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse briefly so the tomatoes are cut to large chunks. {You could also break the tomatoes up with your fingers.} Add the tomatoes with the puree to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the shredded chicken and the beans, and allow to simmer for another 20 minutes.

It's very healthy on it's own, but I like to serve it with chips, cheese and sour cream.

Recipe Source: Mrs. Harding Cooks

Tuscan Garlic Chicken

I made this for Valentine's Day. No, not for a romantic dinner for me and Scott, but as a fun special dinner date with the entire family. That is our new tradition for every day. Neither Scott nor I like to be anywhere near a restaurant on Valentine's Day, so we're making it a family affair. It was such a fun night and I can't wait to do it again next year!

Photo Credit to Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Tuscan Garlic Chicken
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (about 4-5 cloves)
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips or chopped
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
6 ounces fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup lowfat milk
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound fettuccine

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a shallow pie plate or similar dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, basil and oregano. Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture until both sides are well coated.
In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat until the oil is hot and shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden and browned but not cooked all the way through (they’ll finish up in the oven). Don’t scoot the chicken around once you lay it in the hot oil! Let the oil work it’s magic to sear the crust on the chicken. If you get all antsy and try flipping too early and/or moving the chicken around the pan, the breading is lightly to fall off. Gently remove the chicken to a foil-lined, lightly greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Set aside and tent with foil until ready to use.
While the chicken is cooking, heat a large pot of water to a boil and add the noodles, cooking until al dente. Also, wipe out the skillet with a couple paper towels and return it to medium heat, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and bell pepper, sauteing for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in one tablespoon flour and stir constantly while cooking for another minute. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a low simmer, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. In a small liquid measure, whisk together the cornstarch and cream. Add the spinach, milk and cream mixture to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and sauce is slightly thickened, about 2-4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
When the pasta has finished cooking, drain and return it to the pot. Toss the pasta with half of the cheese sauce. Place some of the coated pasta on each plate. Top with a breaded chicken breast and spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken and pasta. Serve immediately.

Recipe Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Swiss Chicken Breasts & Stuffing

This is what I have come to call a "Mormon meal." You can whip it up super quick, but it's not very healthy, and almost all of these meals have cream of chicken soup in them. Don't get me wrong, this is delicious...but it's so not healthy, so I make it only when I don't have the time (or energy) to make anything else :)

Photo credit to Pinterest Created

Swiss Chicken Breasts & Stuffing
3-4 Chicken breasts
Swiss cheese slices
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 package stuffing
3/4 can water

Make stuffing, set aside. Put chicken breasts in a 9x13 pan with a slice of cheese on each. Mix cream of chicken soup with water & pour on chicken. Add stuffing on top. Cover and bake for 1-1 1/2 hours depending on size of chicken pieces.

Recipe Source: Mamacita

Paella

Beth got this recipe straight from Spain, baby. you can tell by the recipe. But it's super delicious and not that hard, although it does require seafood, which can be expensive. We don't make it often, but we love this one.

Photo Credit to ifood.tv

Paella
a chicken
a rabbit
mixed seafood
3 cups rice
1 onion
1 teaspoon saffron {I looked, there's no real substitute, but this kind of needs it}
garlic
red pepper
green pepper
3 spoons tomato paste
6 cups broth
1 teaspoon paprika
salt
olive oil

Using about 2 teaspoons olive oil, heat in a big pan. Add chicken/rabbit until cooked through. Remove meat, then add onion, garlic, peppers and cook until crisp tender. Add the seafood and cook until done. Add the meat back and the tomato paste. Mix well, then add rice, broth and spices. Cook on low for about 20 minutes. Serve warm!

Recipe Source: Elizabeth via man from Spain

Chicken of the gods

Scott's missionary "recipe book" included this one. We have many great recipes from that little thing. Thank you Sharrie for sending it with him!

Chicken of the gods

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or pork chops)

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 envelope onion soup mix

1/4 cup milk

Put chicken in a greased baking dish. Mix the rest of the ingredients and pour over chicken {I have doubled the sauce ingredients with great success}. Bake at 325 for 1 hour & 15 minutes. {I love to serve with rice.}

Recipe Source: Sharrie Webster

Creamy Italian Chicken & Artichokes

This is a find from Lesa Swenson and her cooking class that I took with my mom for awhile. She had some great "home cooked" meal ideas and this is one of them. Super creamy and delicious and very quick. Got to love it!

Creamy Italian Chicken & Artichokes

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 envelope Italian dressing mix

1/4 cup water

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 4 ounce can mushrooms, drained

1 can artichokes, drained {and I like to chop mine up}

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Combine the dressing mix and water until smooth, pour over chicken. Cover; cook on low for 4 hours. Combine cream cheese and soup until smooth and blended. Stir in mushrooms and artichokes. Pour mixture over chicken and cook for one more hour. Serve with cooked rice/pasta and asparagus. {Or whatever}

Recipe Source: Lesa Swenson

BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken

I got this from a friend that I used to work with. It's one of those "doesn't really have a recipe" recipes, so she just wrote some ingredients down on a sticky note and that's what I've worked with. I'll give you my "measurements" but it's all up to you!

Photo Credit to Chef in Training

BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken
2 big squirts Italian dressing
1/4 cup brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
3/4 small bottle Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce
3-4 breasts of chicken

Place all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook for 4-5 hours on low.

General Tso's Chicken

This pregnancy has had me craving chinese food like crazy. So I try to make my own even though it doesn't taste as good as takeout (probably because I have to clean up after myself). I've never actually had General Tso's chicken from a restaurant, but this is awesome!

Photo Credit to Tracey's Culinary Adventures

General Tso's Chicken
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup water
3-4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes {I used 1 3/4-2 lb}
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
6-8 spring green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely chopped or grated {I just used ground ginger, 1/2 tsp maybe}
hot pepper flakes (optional) {I will use it next time}

Mix together the first 6 ingredients (through the water) and set aside. This is the sauce.

Dredge the chicken cubes in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and saute the chicken until browned. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Wipe pan clean with paper towel and add sesame oil with onions and chopped ginger. Fry about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add sauce mixture. Bring to a boil and simmer about 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens a bit. Add the chicken back to the skillet, toss to coat with sauce and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through. Serve garnished with green onion tops and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Recipe Source: Tracey's Culinary Adventures

Creamy Orzo with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Red Peppers

So we had a billion pounds of turkey leftover when I decided to randomly cook one. So I used turkey in place of chicken this recipe and it was delightful! I'm sure it would be just as good or better with chicken, so I'll make it again to see.

Photo Credit to Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Creamy Orzo with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Red Pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 average-sized chicken breasts (about 1 to 1 ½ pounds), cut into chunks
1-2 red bell peppers, cut into ½-inch pieces
8 ounces white button mushrooms, quartered
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 pound orzo pasta
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (can use 1/3 less fat cream cheese)
1 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until tender. When the orzo is ready, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water (ladling it into a small bowl is my method) and then drain the orzo and set aside.
While the orzo cooks, in a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot oil and brown on all sides. When nicely browned (but not all the way cooked through), add the peppers, mushrooms and thyme. Stir and let cook for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the mushrooms and peppers have softened and browned and most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
In the skillet over medium heat, add the softened cream cheese (if you forgot to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature, no worries! Pop it in the microwave for one minute on 40% power) in bite sized chunks and stir so that the cream cheese melts and coats the chicken and vegetables. Add the reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer. Add ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir. Add the orzo, Parmesan, lemon juice and fresh parsley. Stir to combine and heat through. Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley.

Recipe Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Hoisin Rice Noodles with Shrimp

This recipe is so easily adapted. We've only used it with chicken, but I bet it would be awesome with shrimp. Also, I cook my vegetables, and I use a LOT of them. It's basically a stir fry, but amazing. The sauce is SO amazing!!

Photo Credit to Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Hoisin Rice Noodles with Shrimp

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/2 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons peanut butter or tahini
1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 ounces rice noodles
Grated carrots, chopped green onions, chopped peanuts, chopped cilantro, chopped red pepper for topping

Prepare the rice noodles according to package directions by soaking in hot water.
For the sauce, whisk together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, hoisin and peanut butter. Set aside.
Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pat the shrimp {or whatever protein you use} dry and season them on both sides with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp with about 1/3 cup of the sauce until they are bright pink and cooked through, flipping once or twice, about 3-4 minutes. Scoop the shrimp and sauce onto a plate and set aside.
Drain the noodles and add them to the hot skillet with another 1/2 cup of the sauce. Cook over medium heat, tossing the noodles with the sauce, about 3-4 minutes until the noodles have soaked up a lot of the sauce and become even more tender.

Cook Vegetables with another 1/2 cup of sauce.

Place noodles, protein, and vegetables in separate bowls; then the leftover sauce in another bowl.
Allow everyone to dish up themselves and en.joy!

Recipe Source: Adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

{Healthy} Stuffed Chicken Parmesan

So I got this recipe calendar from Live Better America once and it had some awesome recipes in it. And this was one of them. It was super delicious although time consuming.

Photo Credit to Live Better America

{Healthy} Stuffed Chicken Parmesan
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5 oz each)

1 box (10 oz) frozen organic cut spinach, thawed, well drained

2 oz 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/4 cup fat-free egg product

12 stone-ground wheat crackers, crushed (about 1/2 cup)

1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 cup Italian herb {or any red} pasta sauce

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (1 oz)

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Between pieces of plastic wrap or waxed paper, place each chicken breast smooth side down; gently pound with flat side of meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick.

In medium bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon basil and the garlic until blended. Spread about 1 tablespoon spinach mixture over each chicken breast; roll up tightly. If necessary, secure with toothpicks.

In small shallow bowl, place egg product. In another small shallow bowl, mix cracker crumbs, 1 teaspoon basil and the pepper. Dip each chicken breast into egg product; coat with crumb mixture. Place seam side down in baking dish.

Bake uncovered 20 minutes. Pour pasta sauce over chicken; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until thermometer inserted in center of chicken reads 165°F. Remove toothpicks from chicken before eating.

Recipe Source: Live Better America

Easy Delicious Fajitas

Got these from Sharrie. Like most of her recipes, super easy, healthy and too delicious. Thank you for easy, Sharrie!

Photo Credit to Taste of Home

Easy Delicious Fajitas

1 pound beef, chicken, or pork, sliced thin {or shrimp, halibut…whatever you feel}

1/2 cup italian dressing

1/2 cup salsa

2 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 onion, sliced

1 red/green pepper, sliced

Optional, for toppings:

Tomatoes, diced

Sour cream

Cheese

Tortilla shells

Avacado/Guacamole

Place meat, dressing, salsa, and lime juice in a bag and squish together. Place in fridge for at least two hours. Heat skillet, pour meat and marinade in pan and boil for 2-3 minutes. Add onion, pepper and cook for 3 more minutes.

Serve with tortilla shells and other toppings.

Recipe Source: Sharrie Webster

Grilled Lime Coconut Chicken and Coconut Rice

Lime plus coconut chicken. Why would you not try this? And love it?

Photo Credit to Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Grilled Lime Coconut Chicken and Coconut Rice
Chicken and Marinade/Sauce:
3 tablespoons oil
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 cup canned coconut milk, light or regular
pinch cayenne pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (see note above)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Fresh limes, cut into wedges

Coconut Rice:
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup canned coconut milk, light or regular
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the oil, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, coriander, soy sauce, salt, sugar, curry powder, coconut milk, and cayenne pepper. Place the chicken in a large ziploc bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.

For the coconut rice, bring the rice, coconut milk, water and salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan. 

Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-16 minutes until the liquid is mostly evaporated. remove from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
Preheat a charcoal or gas grill (see note above if not grilling) to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (actual time will depend on the thickness of the chicken). While the chicken is cooking, pour the marinade into a small or medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Place the grilled chicken on a serving platter or plate. Drizzle with sauce (reserve the remaining sauce to serve separately) and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top. Serve with lime wedges and additional sauce.

Recipe Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Apple Stuffed Chicken Breasts

These were so delicious! And so good! Very healthy {unless you put too much cheese in…which I always do}, and seriously awesome.

Photo Credit to melskitchencafe.com

Apple Stuffed Chicken Breasts
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts {I will only do 4 from now on, I love more stuff!}
2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium firm, crisp apples, peeled and cored)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 tablespoons bread crumbs or 5-6 saltine crackers, crushed finely
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

If the chicken breasts you are using are on the thicker side, slice a pocket in the center of the thickest part to use for stuffing in the apple mixture (similar to this method). If the chicken breasts aren't thick enough to cut a pocket, pound each of them to a thickness of 1/4-inch. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, shredded cheese, bread crumbs and garlic salt. Divide the apple mixture between the chicken breasts, stuffing it into the pockets, if that is the method you used, or topping the flattened chicken breast with the mixture and rolling up and securing with a toothpick.

In a large, 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until rippling. Brown the chicken breasts in a single layer, about 5 minutes per side (make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken so it browns nicely on each side). After browning the second side, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and simmer the chicken for 10-15 minutes, until cooked through.

Remove the stuffed chicken to a plate or serving platter. In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch and stir the cornstarch slurry into the juices left in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking or stirring, until the mixture is bubbling and thickened slightly. Pour the gravy through a fine mesh strainer (optional - only if you want to get rid of any larger ingredients that leaked out while the chicken was simmering). Pour some of the gravy over the chicken. Garnish with parsley and serve, passing the extra sauce at the table.

Recipe Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Chicken with Creamy Braised Leeks

Sometimes I order a Bountiful Basket just to try new things, because I like to do that a lot (just in case you were wondering). It gives me a lot of fresh produce while kind of forcing me to try new things. So after I received so many leeks I didn't know what to do with...I searched and searched. Then I found this and thought "Hm...I'll try it." Holy crap. Yes, I just said crap. It was delicious. So delicious Scott raved about it for 2 days (which is a long time for him). If you ever need to get rid of leeks...try it!!!

Photo Credit to Eating Well

Chicken with Creamy Braised Leeks

4 Servings
8 medium or 4 large leeks
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
6 cloves garlic, halved
6 sprigs fresh thyme
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-6 ounces each), trimmed and tenders removed (see Note)
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Trim roots and dark green tops from leeks, leaving 5 to 6 inches of white and light green parts. Cut the leeks in half lengthwise (or in quarters, if large); rinse well. Place the leeks in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, on their sides if necessary, nestling them together. Pour in broth; submerge the garlic and thyme in the broth between the leeks.
Bake the leeks for 40 minutes.
After about 30 minutes, sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the chicken and cook until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from the heat.
After 40 minutes, remove the leeks from the oven and nestle the chicken into them. Add cream and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to the hot skillet (but do not turn the burner back on). Stir up any browned bits and let the cream heat up from the warmth of the pan. Pour the cream mixture over the leeks and chicken.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast registers 165°F, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve the chicken with the braised leeks, spooning the sauce over both.

*Note: It’s difficult to find an individual chicken breast small enough for one portion. Removing the thin strip of meat from the underside of a 5-ounce breast—the chicken tender—removes about 1 ounce of meat and yields a perfect 4-ounce portion. Wrap and freeze the tenders and when you have gathered enough, use them in a stir-fry or for oven-baked chicken fingers. {I just used the whole breast, but only used 3}

Recipe Source: Eating Well