How many times have you stopped at the store after work because you needed something to cook for dinner? You may be tired, irritable, and just want to grab something easy to fix and get home.
When I am in the store at dinner time, there are people at the deli, the hot wok, or circling the rotisserie chickens. You can rely on the old standbys and mix mayonnaise into tuna or chicken and make sandwiches. Grab a bag of chips and dinner is served.
Of course, you can always join the fast-food crowd at the drive-thru, but if you’re trying to eat healthier, there are better options.
Eating healthy requires some advance preparation, which means you need to do some meal prep. I know you would probably prefer to sit on the couch and binge-watch your favorite shows, but if you want to be healthy, you need to get out of your comfort zone.
Chicken is a healthy dish you can use in so many ways. Cooked chicken can become pre-portioned, healthy dinners or lunches you will look forward to.
Choose chicken thighs or breasts, cook, and season to taste. Dice, shred, or slice to add to your weeknight recipes.
Here are six tasty dishes you can make with chicken:
Pita Pockets
Your pita pockets will be a lot healthier if you use whole-grain pita bread. You can either make your own pesto or use the store-bought version. Roast chicken breasts and vegetables together, then pack the mixture into pita pockets.
Burrito Bowls
You don’t have to stand in a long line to buy fast-food burrito bowls. Tasty chicken is mixed in with corn, rice, and beans. Bump up the nutrition factor by adding kale and cherry tomatoes.
It looks so good if you layer it in a glass dish, and you’ll be tempted to dive in as soon as it is ready.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
It’s customary to use chicken thighs in this recipe, but if you prefer breast meat, go ahead and substitute. If you’re short on time, use bottled teriyaki sauce from the store, but homemade has less sugar.
Add your favorite vegetables and brown rice for a stir-fry that takes less time than ordering takeout.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
I like sandwich wraps, especially spinach tortillas. Healthy ingredients help you power through your day and skip the vending machine. Lean chicken provides protein, buffalo sauce adds flavor and spice, avocado or a light dressing offers healthy fats, and vegetables deliver fiber and vitamins.
Keep the chicken, sauce, and vegetables in separate containers, then assemble when it is time to serve.
Mason Jar Salad
Packing your salad in a mason jar makes it look appealing, portable, and ready to take to work or school for a nutritious lunch. Just stash it in the office refrigerator, and you’re good to go.
This recipe calls for chicken, dried cranberries, apples, grapes, and pecans for extra crunch. Greek yogurt adds a protein boost.
Chicken Spaghetti
When I was growing up, we had spaghetti with garlic bread once a week. We made it with traditional tomato sauce, and everyone enjoyed it.
Chicken spaghetti is gaining popularity, and it’s easy to make. Leave out green chili powder if you don’t like it too spicy.
Final Thoughts
Have fun trying these chicken recipes and see if one becomes your new favorite. It’s the best of both worlds when you make a healthy recipe and really enjoy it.
