Authors: Carrie S. Forbes
Per Serving: Calories: 141 | Fat: 5 g | Protein: 22 g | Sodium: 35 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Carbohydrate: 5 g | Sugar: 3 g | GI: Low
Sautéed tomatoes and pine nuts add a nice, nutty flavor to an ordinary dish. This topping can be added to fish or beef just as easily.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 2
1
⁄
4
cup olive oil
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1
⁄
4
cup chopped green chilies
1
⁄
4
cup cilantro
1
⁄
2
cup pine nuts
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Per Serving: Calories: 595 | Fat: 45 g | Protein: 44 g | Sodium: 6.5 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Carbohydrate: 8 g | Sugar: 3 g | GI: Low
This pecan crust recipe is quite versatile. It works for fish as well as chicken, and other nuts can be substituted for different flavors.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
1 cup finely chopped pecans
2 large eggs, beaten
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Per Serving: Calories: 377 | Fat: 24 g | Protein: 40 g | Sodium: 32 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Carbohydrate: 4 g | Sugar: 0 g | GI: Low
Coating your chicken with nuts adds a crispy skin to keep the breast inside moist and tender.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 6
1
⁄
4
cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon chili powder
1
⁄
4
cup olive oil
1
1
⁄
2
pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1
1
⁄
2
cups white grapes
6 cups salad greens
To awaken the natural flavor of the nuts, heat them on the stovetop or in the oven for a few minutes. For the stovetop, spread the nuts in a dry skillet, and heat over a medium flame until their natural oils come to the surface. For the oven, spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, and toast for 5–10 minutes at 350°F, until the oils are visible. Cool nuts before serving.
Per Serving: Calories: 220 | Fat: 13 g | Protein: 21 g | Sodium: 11 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Carbohydrate: 5.5 g | Sugar: 5 g | GI: Low
Wraps are a great way to get the feel of a tortilla wrap without the forbidden carbohydrates. You can easily substitute your favorite meat or fish for the chicken to vary your lunchtime menu.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 8
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked (baked, poached, or broiled)
2 celery stalks, chopped
1
⁄
4
cup chopped basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 head of radicchio or romaine lettuce
Per Serving: Calories: 123 | Fat: 3.5 g | Protein: 9 g | Sodium: 14 mg | Fiber: 0.5 g | Carbohydrate: 1 g | Sugar: 0 g | GI: Very low
This marinated chicken dish is great to make in large quantities for eating throughout the week. It is a fantastic summer dish to cook outside on the grill.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
5 cloves chopped garlic
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1
⁄
2
teaspoon ground allspice
1
⁄
2
cup lemon juice
1
⁄
2
cup red wine
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Per Serving: Calories: 161 | Fat: 1.5 g | Protein: 35 g | Sodium: 0.5 mg | Fiber: 0 g | Carbohydrate: 2 g | Sugar: 2 g | GI: Low
This is an easy way to add some flavor and crunch to the chicken (it can be easily adapted to use on firm fish and shrimp). It is also a great way for little kids to enjoy eating with their hands.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 8
1 cup ground almond meal
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 cup ground unsweetened coconut flakes
1
⁄
2
cup flaxseed meal
16 chicken tenderloins
4 tablespoons coconut oil
Per Serving: Calories: 323 | Fat: 19 g | Protein: 37 g | Sodium: 21 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Carbohydrate: 4 g | Sugar: 2 g | GI: Low
This recipe is great chilled, sliced, and served on a crispy green salad.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
4 (5-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1
⁄
2
teaspoon seasoned salt
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated ginger
2 teaspoons orange zest
1
⁄
2
cup pure orange juice
Use fresh boneless, skinless breasts; they’re available in the meat section at the local grocery. Use a good reputable brand and check the freshness date.
Per Serving: Calories: 240 | Fat: 9.5 g | Protein: 34 g | Sodium: 138 mg | Fiber: 0 g | Carbohydrate: 3 g | Sugar: 3 g | GI: Very low
You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the chicken. Adjust the quantity of pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
1 pound ground chicken breast
1
⁄
4
cup finely chopped yellow onion
1
⁄
4
cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1
⁄
4
cup thinly sliced scallions
1
⁄
2
teaspoon hot pepper flakes
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Per Serving: Calories: 145 | Fat: 3 g | Protein: 27 g | Sodium: 20 mg | Fiber: 0 g | Carbohydrate: 1 g | Sugar: 0 g | GI: Very low
Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits add a wonderful flavor to chicken. Try it, and use the sauce over rice!
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 2
1
⁄
4
cup orange juice
1
⁄
4
cup fresh grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon orange Curaçao, or other liqueur
1 teaspoon dried savory
1
⁄
2
teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1
⁄
2
pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in chunks
Salt and pepper, to taste
Make a poaching liquid with the orange juice, grapefruit juice, Curaçao, savory, lemon zest, and olive oil. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Poach for 10 minutes and serve over rice or chilled in a salad.
Per Serving: Calories: 274 | Fat: 10 g | Protein: 40 g | Sodium: 1199 mg | Fiber: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Sugar: 6 g | GI: Very low
Garam masala is a combination of spices used in most Indian cooking. A basic recipe contains coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cumin. Try
1
⁄
2
teaspoon of each as a base, and then make changes to suit your taste.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded thin
1 tablespoon garam masala
2 cloves garlic, mashed
1 cup low-fat yogurt
Don’t be afraid to ask the manager or owner of an Asian market about items you find unfamiliar. You’ll open yourself to discovering such goodies as premade garam masala, tamarind pulp, lemongrass, and other delicious additions for your cooking.
Per Serving: Calories: 169 | Fat: 6 g | Protein: 28 g | Sodium: 28 mg | Fiber: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Sugar: 4 g | GI: Zero
This is a quick chef’s delight. It’s excellent, and everyone at your table will want to know your recipe.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons raspberry white-wine vinegar
1 small (2
1
⁄
2
–3 pound) chicken, cut in quarters
Celery salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, as needed
Per Serving: Calories: 358 | Fat: 20 g | Protein: 16 g | Sodium: 630 mg | Fiber: 1.5 g | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Sugar: 0.5 g | GI: Very low
This is a different and delectable take on two holiday classics. Sweet rum-raisin sauce is often used in desserts—this one is not so sweet.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless duck breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons brown rice flour or almond flour
1
⁄
4
teaspoon ground nutmeg
1
⁄
4
teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1
⁄
2
cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons golden rum
1
⁄
2
cup golden raisins (sultanas)
1 teaspoon brown rice flour or almond flour
1
⁄
4
cup light cream