Boring Chicken, Again?

Happy July Bella Diva

 

Summer Sizzle is in full effect. It seems like a lot of the world has had some serious summer sizzle heat lately. So with that said, even on your non workout/sweat days, be sure to stay extra hydrated. It is super easy to go ALL day and only have a glass of water.  YIKES!  So set a timer or, like myself, carry a pretty water bottle with you at all times.  My Favs:

SIC and Corkcirlce.  They keep your water super cold even if they are left in the car.

 

Chicken Breast is Boring

By now, when we think of eating healthy or “getting back on track” what are the first lean proteins that come to mind??  1. Boring ass Chicken 2. Well, for me…eggs

Chicken can be super blah and boring if you bake or sauté or even grill it up the same way EVER time.

However if you have some Diva-lish go-to recipes that you can mix up in 10 minutes or less, then lets give chicken a go again and actually enjoy it.  As much as I love other lean proteins like tuna, shrimp, crab, OK most seafood..ground turkey and beef….chicken is SO universal and can be seasoned so many ways. a 4 oz chicken breast is only 2-3g of fat, 24-26g of protein and about 120 calories.  Super lean. Now you can add some yummy flavorful good fats to make if taste amazing.

Frozen & Fresh

The following recipes/marinades are so Ahhhh-mazing because you can either prepare them and use it for that night and have leftovers for lunches OR you can make them, freeze and store them for those crazzyyyyyyy busy weeknights.  Yes Please!! Especially when we loose the lazy summer days and school starts again.

Freezing the chicken and then thawing truly did not take any of the flavor away from any of the recipes. Be sure to take them out the night before and place them in your fridge for at least 24 hours.  Never run it under warm water or even sit in a sink of warm water.

Let’s checkout 2 new very different yet classic recipes to spice up your chicken.

Side note: Both recipes can be baked or grilled.  The 2nd recipe is best baked.  If you don’t use a thermometer while baking or grilling your chicken, I highly advise you do.  A lot of times we can tend to overcook ( I know I used to because I was afraid of Salmonella and always overcooked my breast) and that is another turn off…dry rubbery blah chicken breast!

Diva-Licious Recipe

Smokey Orange Chicken

Sweet, zesty, a tiny bit of spice & a smoky hint at the end! Definitely not your boring chicken.  Low fat and low in sodium.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp lime zest 
• ½ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried coriander
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and cut
• 6  boneless and skinless chicken breast

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together, except for the chicken. Put the marinade into a large freezer bag and add chicken. 

1. Seal the plastic bag with the chicken in it, and remove as much air as possible. 
2. Massage the marinade into the chicken to make sure all of the liquid is evenly spread on the chicken breast. 
3. If wanted to use for a later time, this can be placed flat in the freezer for up to 2 months. 
4. When ready to eat, remove bag with marinated chicken from the freezer. Place this on a large dish and let it thaw. 
5. Preheat the oven to 375ºF or fire up the grill.
6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it onto a lined baking sheet. Use parchment paper for lining. Or spray grill with non stick spray.
7. Discard the remaining marinade.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or grill 12-15 minutes. Thermometer inserted into the breast should read 165ºF.

 

Diva-Licious Recipe

Bella Diva Buttermilk & Herbs

A Bella Diva Approved recipe for a classic creamy southern dish. Using whole milk is a ok for this super lean protein. Just add a side of sliced tomatoes and cauliflower “potato salad” (see under recipes on website) you have a summer southern dish without all the calories! belladivafitness.com

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole buttermilk
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• 6 5-oz boneless and skinned chicken breasts

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together, except for the chicken, Put the marinade into a large freezer bag and add chicken. 
2. Seal the plastic bag with the chicken in it, and remove as much air as possible. 
3. Massage the marinade into the chicken to make sure all of the liquid is evenly spread on the chicken. 
4. If wanted to use for a later time, this can be placed flat in the freezer for up to 2 months.
5. When ready to eat, remove bag with marinated chicken from the freezer. Place this on a large dish and let it thaw. 
6. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
7. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place breasts onto a lined baking sheet. Use parchment paper for lining.
8. Discard the remaining marinade.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes. By this time, the juices should run clear and a thermometer inserted into the breast should read 165ºF.

 

Cooking Class

Hopefully these 2 new ideas help you get creative in the kitchen.  We all meed motivation in this area.

Also, if you are looking for some motivation & new ideas in the kitchen, join me for a fun night of cooking, demoing, eating and drinking with like minded women. All details are on: Belladivafitness.com

Seats are limited so grab your spot now!

Look for some new recipes and advice in a few weeks after I return from our summer vacation.

Until then, Buon Appettio