Tag: quick & easy

  • Budget-Friendly Chicken Piccata

    Budget-Friendly Chicken Piccata

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Chicken Piccata

    Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish featuring briny capers and fresh lemon. The chicken is pounded thin and lightly breaded with breadcrumbs making it tender and crispy. This budget-friendly recipe is quick and easy to make. Serve over a bed of spinach and with a side of whole-wheat pasta for a light Italian dinner.


    20 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    4servings


    1 chicken breast and 1 tbsp sauce

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
    2. Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise and then pound to 1/4-inch thickness. Season each chicken breast with salt and ground black pepper.
    3. Set up three wide bowls or flat-bottom containers. Fill the first bowl with the whole wheat flour, the second bowl with the egg and 1 tsp lemon juice, and the third bowl with the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. Whisk the egg and lemon juice together. Combine the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning and mix well.
    4. Dredge one chicken breast in the flour and shake off the excess. Then dip the chicken breast in the egg, and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the baking sheet. Repeat this process for the remaining three chicken breasts.
    5. Spray the top of each chicken breast with cooking spray and bake for 8 minutes. Turn the chicken breasts over and bake for 5 more minutes. Ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
    6. While the chicken is baking, heat the oil and a generous amount of cooking spray over medium heat in a small nonstick skillet. Add the capers and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
    7. Add about 1 tbsp lemon juice and cook until the lemon juice is completely reduced. Add the chicken broth and simmer until reduced by half. Stir in the parsley.
    8. Remove the chicken from the oven and serve with 1 Tbsp. of sauce drizzled over the chicken.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 chicken breast and 1 tbsp sauce


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      280

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.9g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      130mg

      43%

    • Sodium
      470mg

      20%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      35g

    • Potassium
      380mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    boneless skinless chicken breasts
    20 oz

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    whole wheat flour
    1/4 cup

    eggs
    1

    juice of 1 lemon
    1

    bread crumbs
    1/2 cup

    Italian seasoning
    1 tsp

    olive oil
    1 tsp

    capers (drained and rinsed)
    2 tbsp

    low sodium chicken broth
    1/2 cup

    chopped fresh parsley
    1/4 cup

  • Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    How to Make Bruschetta Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    You should try to fill half your plate nonstarchy veggies, which means you have to be creative so you don’t get bored with the same recipes. These zucchini boats are quick, easy and a delicious change to steamed veggies.


    5 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    4servings


    1/2 zucchini

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Trim and discard the zucchini ends. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise.

    2. Using a spoon, scoop out the middle of the zucchini and leave a thin base at the bottom so the “boat” can be stuffed. Place the scooped-out centers into a small bowl; set aside.

    3. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the zucchini boats just until they begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Immediately place the zucchini boats in a bowl of iced water. Drain the zucchini and place it on a baking sheet.

    4. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the reserved zucchini mixture with black pepper; add to the pan, and sauté about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the bruschetta; lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

    5. Spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly into the four zucchini boats. Sprinkle each zucchini boat with 1 Tsp. parmesan cheese.

    6. Heat the broiler. Broil the stuffed zucchini boats until slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes; watch closely to avoid burning.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 zucchini


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      75

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      220mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      530mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    zucchini
    2 large

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

    jarred bruschetta
    1/2 cup

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    4 tsp

  • Brown Rice and Pinto Bean Bowl with Chicken and Pico de Gallo

    Brown Rice and Pinto Bean Bowl with Chicken and Pico de Gallo

    How to Make Brown Rice and Pinto Bean Bowl with Chicken and Pico de Gallo

    Making your own pico de gallo in this recipe helps skip the sodium found in jarred store-bought salsas. The fresh flavor is a bonus! This all-in-one meal is perfect for meal prepping.


    10 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    6servings


    1 bowl

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add oil to a sauté pan over medium heat. Add half the diced onion and the pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper and water. Sauté, slightly mashing the beans as you sauté until the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
    2. In a small bowl, mix together the tomato, jalapeño pepper, remaining diced onion, cilantro and lime juice. Set aside.
    3. Season the brown rice with the salt.
    4. In six salad bowls or soup bowls, divide and layer the brown rice, topped with the cooked pinto beans, chicken, tomato mixture, sliced avocado and 1 slice of lime.
    5. COOKING DRY PINTO BEANS: Add 1 lb (16 oz.) dry pinto beans to a large pot of boiling water (at least 6 cups of water). Boil rapidly for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 1 hour.

      Drain and rinse beans. Add 6 fresh cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for one hour or until the beans are soft but not split. Makes 5 cups cooked beans. These beans can be used in any recipe calling for cooked or canned beans. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 days or package in freezer bags in one cup increments for up to 6 months.

    6. COOKING BROWN RICE: Add 1 lb (16 oz.) of long grain (not instant) brown rice to a large soup pot with 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Makes 10 cups cooked brown rice. This rice can be used in any recipe calling for cooked brown rice. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 days or package in freezer bags in one cup increments for up to 6 months.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 bowl


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      330

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      40mg

      13%

    • Sodium
      260mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      39g

      14%

      • Dietary Fiber
        9g

        32%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      22g

    • Potassium
      700mg

      15%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    medium onion (diced, divided use)
    1

    cooked pinto beans
    2 cup

    chili powder
    1 tbsp

    ground cumin
    1 tsp

    ground cayenne red pepper
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    water
    1/2 cup

    medium tomato (seeded and diced)
    1

    medium jalapeño pepper (seeded, deveined and minced)
    1

    cilantro (chopped)
    1/4 cup

    Juice of 1 lime
    1

    cooked brown rice (warmed)
    2 cup

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    cooked chicken (shredded, warmed)
    2 cup

    avocado (peeled, seeded and sliced)
    1

    lime (sliced)
    1

  • Broiled Cod

    Broiled Cod

    How to Make Broiled Cod

    The American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend eating at least 2 servings of fish per week. This broiled cod is a tasty option. If you’re not a fan of cod, feel free to substitute any fish here.
    Click here for more heart-healthy recipes


    5 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    4servings


    1 filet

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat broiler. Spray a baking sheet or broiler pan with cooking spray.
    2. In a small bowl mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, paprika, parsley and ground black pepper.
    3. Place cod filets on broiler pan and spread mayonnaise mixture evenly among the cod filets. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of filets.
    4. Broil filets for 8-10 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 filet


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.8g

        4%

    • Cholesterol
      50mg

      17%

    • Sodium
      170mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      0g

      0%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      21g

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    light mayonnaise
    3 tbsp

    lemon (juiced)
    1/2

    paprika
    1/2 tsp

    parsley (dried)
    1 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    cod filets (about 1 pound total)
    4

    Parmesan cheese (grated)
    1 tbsp

  • Broccoli-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Broccoli-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    How to Make Broccoli-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Sweet potatoes are a healthy carbohydrate full of fiber and vitamin A. They can make a great, quick side dish! You could also stuff this sweet potato with spinach and pine nuts.


    5 min prep time


    15 min cook time


    4servings


    1 sweet potato

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Pierce each sweet potato with a fork in a few spots. Arrange the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave until soft, about 12 minutes.
    2. Place 3/4 to 1 inch of water in a saucepan with a steamer and bring to a boil. (If you don’t have a steamer, you can simply put the broccoli directly into 1 inch of boiling water.) Add the broccoli to the steamer and cover; reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for 6 minutes.
    3. Using a knife, slit each sweet potato in half and pinch the sides to open it up. Fill each sweet potato with 1 Tsp. margarine, 2/3 cup broccoli and 1 Tbsp. toasted almonds.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 sweet potato


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      190

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.2g

        6%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      85mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      28g

      10%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        9g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      770mg

      16%

    Ingredients

    medium sweet potatoes
    4

    broccoli florets
    3 cup

    margarine (trans-fat-free)
    4 tsp

    slivered almonds (toasted)
    4 tbsp

  • Broccoli Amandine

    Broccoli Amandine

    How to Make Broccoli Amandine

    Have you had green beans amandine? Now try Broccoli Amandine! Almonds and nuts contain the heart-healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least 4 servings per week of nuts, legumes or seeds.


    5 min prep time


    12 min cook time


    6servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    2. In a small bowl mix together broccoli, olive oil, garlic, almonds and black pepper. Pour mixture onto baking sheet.
    3. Bake for 10-12 minutes until broccoli tips are slightly brown.
    4. Pour broccoli into a bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      70

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.7g

        4%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      15mg

      <1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      220mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    broccoli florets
    12 oz

    olive oil
    1 1/2 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    slivered almonds
    3 tbsp

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

    lemon juice
    1 tbsp

  • Braised Herbed Chicken

    Braised Herbed Chicken

    How to Make Braised Herbed Chicken

    Need a quick, easy and healthy dinner? This is the meal for you. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and then simmers for 30 minutes for a delicious flavor that will have your house smelling delightful too.


    15 min prep time


    4servings


    1 chicken thigh + ½ cup vegetables

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder and black pepper.
    2. Heat the oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 3 minutes per side.
    3. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
    4. Add the potatoes and carrots around the chicken in the pan. Pour the herb mixture over the chicken and potatoes.
    5. Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; cover and cook for 30-35 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 chicken thigh + ½ cup vegetables


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      260

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.1g

        11%

    • Cholesterol
      105mg

      35%

    • Sodium
      265mg

      12%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      21g

    • Potassium
      765mg

      16%

    Ingredients

    dried rosemary
    1 tsp

    dried thyme (dried)
    1 tsp

    dried oregano (dried)
    1 tsp

    garlic powder
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
    1 lbs

    garlic
    2 clove

    low sodium chicken broth (fat-free, reduced sodium)
    2 cup

    large carrots (cut into 1-inch chunks)
    3

    fingerling potatoes (cut in half)
    12 oz

  • Breakfast Egg and Ham Burrito

    Breakfast Egg and Ham Burrito

    How to Make Breakfast Egg and Ham Burrito

    If you are tired of the same boring breakfast, try this satisfying and tasty burrito. You can experiment with different veggies in this recipe too.


    15 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    6servings


    1 burrito

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg whites, hot pepper sauce, black pepper, and cheese. 

    2. Heat the margarine in a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the ham and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Remove the ham from the pan. 

    3. Add the onions and green peppers to the hot pan and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the ham back to pan. 

    4. Reduce the heat to low and add the eggs to pan. Gently stir the eggs with a spoon or spatula and continue lightly cooking over low heat until the eggs are cooked and set. 

    5. Evenly divide the egg mixture into 6 servings. Spoon each portion of the egg mixture into a tortilla and top each with 1 teaspoon of salsa. Fold the tortilla to close. 

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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 burrito


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      135mg

      45%

    • Sodium
      330mg

      14%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      192mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    eggs
    4 whole

    egg whites
    6 whole

    hot sauce
    1 dash

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    reduced-fat shredded cheddar
    2 tbsp

    margarine
    2 tsp

    deli ham (4 thick slices, reduced-sodium, chopped)
    3 oz

    onion(s) (diced)
    1/4 cup

    green bell pepper (diced)
    1/4 cup

    corn tortillas (heated)
    6 whole

    salsa
    6 tsp

  • Bourbon’d Filet Mignon

    Bourbon’d Filet Mignon

    How to Make Bourbon’d Filet Mignon

    If you’re a steak lover, this quick filet mignon recipe is just for you! Try it out with a side of steamed nonstarchy vegetables like asparagus, or a side of sautéed mushrooms.


    5 min prep time


    8-12 min cook time


    4servings


    1 steak

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Sprinkle 1/4 Tsp. salt and black pepper evenly over both sides of the beef and let stand 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
    2. Meanwhile, stir the coffee, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 Tsp. salt together in a small bowl.
    3. Place a large nonstick skillet over high heat until hot. Coat the skillet with nonstick cooking spray, add the steaks and cook 3 minutes on each side.
    4. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook the steaks 2-6 minutes longer or until they are done as desired. Place them on individual dinner plates in the oven.
    5. Add the coffee mixture to the skillet, bring to a boil over high heat, and boil 2 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to 2 Tbsps. Spoon the sauce evenly over beef and serve immediately.
    6. Cook’s Tip: There’s no need to heat the water before combining it with the instant coffee granules. The granules dissolve just fine in cold water.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 steak


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      195

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        3g

        15%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      378mg

      16%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      26g

    Ingredients

    salt (divided use)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper (1/8-1/4, coarsely ground)
    1/8 tsp

    filet steaks ((or beef tenderloin), 5 oz each, about 3/4 inch thick trimmed of fat)
    4

    coffee (or 1/2 cup water and 1 Tsp. instant coffee granules)
    1/2 cup

    bourbon
    2 tbsp

    Worcestershire sauce
    2 tsp

  • Braised Chinese Shrimp

    Braised Chinese Shrimp

    How to Make Braised Chinese Shrimp

    Stir-frying is a great cooking method for quick and delicious meals. This shrimp recipe can be done in less than 30 minutes!


    15 min prep time


    10 min cook time


    2servings


    5 ounces shrimp, 4 cups vegetables, 1/2 cup rice, 1 Tbsp. sauce, 1 Tbsp. nuts

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Microwave brown rice according to package instructions. Measure out 1 cup and save remaining rice for another meal.
    2. Mix the soy sauce, sherry, and sugar substitute together and set aside.
    3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the cabbage, cucumber, garlic, ginger and cook 2-3 minutes.
    4. Mix the cornstarch into the soy sauce mixture and add to the wok with the shrimp and bean sprouts. Cook 3-4 minutes. Stir in the brown rice. Sprinkle with black pepper.
    5. Divide shrimp, rice and vegetables between 2 dinner plates and pour sauce over top. Sprinkle scallions and sliced peanuts on top.
    6. Cook’s Tip: Slice all vegetables in a food processor and then chop the ginger in the processor.
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    Nutrition facts

    2 Servings



    • Serving Size

      5 ounces shrimp, 4 cups vegetables, 1/2 cup rice, 1 Tbsp. sauce, 1 Tbsp. nuts


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      560

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      16g

      21%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.5g

        13%

    • Cholesterol
      280mg

      93%

    • Sodium
      510mg

      22%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      55g

      20%

      • Dietary Fiber
        10g

        36%
      • Total Sugars
        14g

    • Protein
      48g

    Ingredients

    microwave brown rice (to make 1 cup cooked rice)
    1 package

    low-sodium soy sauce
    1 tbsp

    dry sherry
    1/4 cup

    sesame oil
    4 tsp

    Chinese (napa) cabbage (sliced)
    3 cup

    cucumber(s) (peeled and sliced)
    2 cup

    garlic (minced)
    3 tsp

    fresh ginger or 2 Tsps.. ground ginger (chopped)
    2 tbsp

    Cornstarch
    2 tsp

    peeled shrimp
    3/4 lbs

    fresh bean sprouts
    3 cup

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    green onion (scallion) (sliced (about 2/3 cup))
    4

    unsalted peanuts (sliced)
    2 tbsp

    sugar substitute (Sugar substitute equivalent to 2 Tsps.. Sugar)
    2