Category: Dairy Free

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How To Make Sausage Fried Rice

Sausage fried rice is a savory egg and rice dish that is simple and quick to throw together. Much like a stir fry, fried rice is a fool proof meal that can be a great option when you have proteins and veggies on hand but you aren’t sure what to do with them. Our recipe uses sausage links, and a mixture of fresh or frozen mixed vegetables. However, you can substitute in ground sausage, italian sausage, breakfast sausage or pretty much any ground meat you have on hand. 

Ease of Making: Easy

This sausage fried rice recipe uses a traditional whole grain rice but if you’re looking for a lower carb option you can substitute in cauliflower rice like we did in these recipes:

How to Make Sausage Fried Rice

There are many variations of fried rice that is influenced by cultures and meals across the country. The most popular variations are Chinese sausage fried rice, Italian sausage fried rice, and breakfast sausage fried rice. 

For the most authentic experience, try cooking this up in a wok but if you don’t have one then a skillet or frying pan will do the trick. 

How to Cook Fried Rice

Start by mincing garlic, dicing your bell pepper, and slicing sausage into quarter inch circles. If using ground sausage, simply ignore the last step. Once your ingredients are prepped, add oil to a heated wok on medium high heat and saute garlic and sausage until the sausage heats through. Then add in your vegetables and stir. When your vegetables are cooked through, add in the cooked rice and season with soy sauce and garlic powder. Stir the rice well until completely covered with the soy sauce. You can add more soy sauce if needed. 

Now that your base is complete, make a hole in the middle of the pan and crack two eggs into the center. Lightly whisk the eggs with a fork until they scramble and have cooked and firmly set. Incorporate eggs with the rest of the mixture by stirring all ingredients together.

Top off the rice with sprinkles of sesame oil, sesame seeds or sriracha for more flavor and heat. 

Meal Prep Tips for Making Sausage Fried Rice

  • Use rice you’ve already prepared for the week. Day old rice works best in our fried rice recipe. 
  • Sub in mushrooms or tofu for the sausage to make this recipe vegetarian friendly. 
sausage fried rice

Sausage Fried Rice

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • wok

Ingredients
  

  • 2 each sausage links (3 oz each)
  • 1 each large egg
  • 2 cups cooked rice (best if using day old rice)
  • 2 each garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 each red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh mixed vegetables (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Slice sausage into 1/4 inch coins
  • Add oil to a heated pan on medium-high heat. Saute the garlic, vegetables, and sausage for about 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and sausage heats through
  • Then, add cooked rice to the wok
  • Season with soy sauce and pepper. Mix the rice well until it is completely coated with the soy sauce. (add more soy sauce if needed)
  • Then, spread the rice mixture to the edges of the pan and create a hole in the middle of the pan. Crack the egg into the middle and stir and scramble the eggs until they have cooked and firmly set. Once cooked, mix it well into the rice mixture.
  • At the end, top off the rice with sprinkles of sesame oil for more flavor. Eat and enjoy!
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How To Make Soba Noodle Chicken Stir Fry

noodle stir fry

Our soba noodle chicken stir fry is a great option if you’re at home and craving a Chinese food delivery. This recipe comes together faster than you can list all of the delivery restaurants in your area. But seriously, you can whip this up in under twenty minutes. It’s also loaded with vegetables and protein that make the dish a healthy alternative to add into your clean eating routine. 

Ease of Making: Easy

How to Make Soba Noodle Chicken Stir Fry

Soba noodle stir fry is a wonderful and nutritious twist on your traditional stir fry that features rice. Soba (meaning buckwheat in Japanese) noodles, are thin noodles resembling spaghetti but are made from buckwheat flour, like the Japanese name implies. 

The best stir fry vegetables are:

  • Snow peas
  • Red peppers
  • Snap peas
  • Carrots
  • Peas
  • Onion

How to Make Soba Noodles

We love the versatility of the soba noodle. It can be served cold, warm, dripped, or drunken and more. To make soba noodles, boil the noodles according to package instructions (usually 3 to 5 minutes). It’s important when cooking soba noodles that you have plenty of room in your pot for the noodles to move around. Size up from the normal pot you might use to cook spaghetti. This helps prevent sticking and clumping. 

After your noodles have cooked, be sure to rinse them in cold water. This can help remove the excess starch in the noodle that is notorious for making the noodles stick together. Rinse for about a minute or until the water runs clear through the colander. 

Set aside. 

 How to Cook Chicken Stir Fry

Prepare your stir fry by cutting the onions, bell peppers, chicken into one-inch chunks and mincing your garlic and ginger. Heat oil to a pan over medium-high heat and add in the chicken, cooking until it is fully cooked and a nice golden brown. This should take about five to seven minutes. Once cooked, season your chicken with garlic powder and salt and add the onions, ginger, and garlic to the pan. Stir well to combine. 

When your seasonings and herbs  are thoroughly mixed, add in the hoisin, sriracha, and soy sauce. Mix until chicken is coated in the sauce. Toss in your peas, bell peppers, and your rinsed the soba noodles.

Top it off with sesame oil, sesame seeds and more sriracha if you’d like. 

Meal Prep Tips for Soba Noodle Chicken Stir Fry

  • Keep your extra takeout packets of soy sauce, sriracha, salt, and pepper to take with you on the go to add on top of your prepped meal. 
  • Rinse your soba noodles to prevent sticking. 
  • Substitute in tofu or edamame for vegetarian protein options or leftover salmon, and shrimp for you pescatarians. 
noodle stir fry

Soba Noodle Chicken Stir Fry

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • boiling pot
  • wok
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz boneless chicken thighs
  • 4 oz soba noodles
  • 10 oz snap/snow peas
  • 1 each bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/4 cup red onions (sliced)
  • 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
  • 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
  • 1 each lime
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • Boil soba noodles according to package instructions (usually 3 to 5 minutes). Drain in a strainer and rinse under cool water, and set it aside.
  • Cut the chicken into one-inch cubes
  • Add oil to a heated pan on medium-high heat. Saute the chicken until it turns golden brown and fully cooks (5 to 7 minutes). Season with garlic powder and salt.
  • Add the onions, ginger, and garlic. Mix well for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Then add the hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce, and soy sauce. Mix well so that the chicken is completed coated.
  • Add the snap/snow peas and bell peppers, then toss in the soba noodles (drained).
  • Finish it off with the sesame oil and fresh lime juice. Eat and enjoy!

If you love this recipe, check out these other recipes we know you’ll love too:

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Oven-Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Oven-Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Oven baked salsa chicken really couldn’t be an easier dish to make, which is why we love it. So when you’re short on time but still craving something homemade, opt for this recipe and you won’t be disappointed. You can prep this entire meal in under ten minutes, which is fantastic for busy work nights. Another option you gave with this recipe is to pop all of it in a crock pot and let it cook for about four hours while you work and the flavors combine in a magnificent way. 

Ease of Making: Easy

However, if you have extra time, you can even try making a homemade salsa to accompany the chicken, otherwise any jar of chunky salsa will work. Simply dump and go. 

How to Make Baked Salsa Chicken

Salsa chicken can be made with most cuts of chicken but we think chicken thighs work best. Thighs provide a more tender and rich experience for this Mexican inspired dish. Another great thing about this dish is that you can use your favorite salsa and cater the heat to your liking. Mild, medium, and hot salsas will all work with this recipe. 

If you’re wondering what to serve with our baked salsa chicken, try these ideas:

How to Cook Salsa Chicken

To make our delicious salsa chicken, preheat your oven to 400℉ and prep your bell pepper by slicing into thin strips. Take your jar of salsa and cover the bottom of your baking dish with about one cup of chunky salsa. Layer on your chicken and season with garlic powder and salt. Top the entire dish with the rest of the salsa and bell peppers. 

Your salsa chicken should bake in the oven for 30-45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F. You can also take out your chicken five minutes early and top with cheese, returning to the oven to melt over the dish.

Meal Prep Tips for Salsa Chicken

  • Salsa chicken is great for tacos, quesadillas or on top of salad. Shred the chicken and incorporate it into one of your favorites.
  • Pre-portion sides of guacamole, sour cream and pico to grab on the go with your salsa chicken.
  • Use a crockpot and cook for four hours to have a versatile shredded chicken option to throw into meals.  
Oven-Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

Easy Baked Salsa Chicken

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • baking dish
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 1 each bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 400F
  • Cover the bottom of the baking dish with half of the salsa
  • Arrange the chicken on top of the salsa. Season with garlic powder and salt
  • Pour the rest of the salsa on top of the chicken
  • Place the bell peppers on top
  • Bake in the oven for 30-45 minutes until internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F
  • Remove from the oven. Slice into bite size pieces. Serve with tortillas or on top of a bed of rice.
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Quick & Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Meatballs With Brussel Sprouts

Meatballs and brussel sprouts

Chicken meatballs are a meal prepping wonder and a fantastic addition to any chef’s arsenal of easy to prep items. These juicy, healthy, and freezer friendly balls of goodness paired with our balsamic brussel sprouts will have you coming back time and time again. 

Ease of Making: Easy

How to Make Chicken Meatballs with Brussel Sprouts

If you love easy to prep, and even easier to cook recipes, look no further than our chicken meatballs with balsamic roasted brussel sprouts. We use a premade chicken meatball in this recipe which reduces your prep and bake time, making it even easier to pull together on a busy night. If you want to make your own meatballs, that’s fine too! 

If making your own, choose a sausage with less than 8% saturated fat and one that is at least 90% meat so that it doesn’t have any fillers or other byproducts. Chicken and turkey sausage make the best healthy alternative to a traditional pork sausage with only 140-160 calories and 7-10 grams of fat per link compared to otherswhich can have up to 290-455 calories and 23-38 grams of fat. 

How to Cook Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts typically come on a giant step or pre-plucked at your local grocery store. If you’re lucky enough to find already halved sprouts at your market, skip this next step. 

If your chosen brussel sprouts are whole, slice them in half and trim off the bottom of the sprouts. Next you want to marinate the sprouts with the concentrated balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. 

Concentrated balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction can be found at grocery stores, online or you can make your own. To make your own reduction, add balsamic vinegar to a non-stick pot or pan over a medium low heat and reduce it until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon with a smooth thick layer. Once you make your balsamic reduction you can store it in an airtight container for up to three months in the fridge. 

How to Cook Chicken Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉. Prep your vegetables by slicing your onion and rough chopping your garlic. Did you know garlic is actually a vegetable but is most referred to as an herb or spice?

Arrange your meatballs and brussel sprouts on your baking pan and top it off with the prepared onions and garlic. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs heat through and the veggies are properly roasted. Another option is to pop all of this into your air fryer for a crispier experience.

Meal Prep Tips for Chicken Meatballs with Brussel Sprouts

  • Using pre-made chicken meatballs reduces prep time and the amount of dishes you need to wash afterwards.
  • Easily substitute in turkey, beef or pork meatballs if that’s what you have on hand.
Meatballs and brussel sprouts

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage Meatballs with Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • sheet pan
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 each pre-cooked meatballs
  • 2 cups brussels sprouts (sliced into halves)
  • 1/4 each red onions (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp concentrated balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400F
  • Marinate the brussels sprouts with concentrated balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil
  • Place the meatballs and brussel sprouts on the sheet pan and top it off with the red onions and garlic.
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs heat through and the veggies are roasted. Eat and enjoy!

If you love this recipe, check out these other recipes we know you’ll love too:

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Healthy Shrimp And Bacon-Wrapped Broccolini

shrimp and asparagus

Perfect for a party appetizer, side dish, or as a pre-meal snack to impress, our shrimp with turkey bacon wrapped broccolini is a crowd pleaser no matter the crowd you’re trying to please. Who doesn’t love bacon? Psychopaths that’s who. (Sorry vegans, we will let you slide.)

Ease of Making: Easy

In this recipe, we use turkey bacon because it’s a healthier version of the bacon we really want but still gives us the satisfaction of crispy roasted meat dripping in flavor. Turkey bacon is a pretty popular option for those looking to lower their fat and caloric intake because it has 35% less saturated fats and 25% fewer calories. 

How to Make Healthy Shrimp and Bacon Wrapped Broccolini

Coupled with the turkey bacon, broccolini and shrimp round out the dish providing more nutrients, vitamins and protein. You can use either fresh, frozen or pre-cooked shrimp when assembling these “broccolinis in a blanket.” 

 How to Cook Healthy Shrimp and Bacon Wrapped Broccolini

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉. Next, wrap one piece of bacon around a couple broccolini stems and lay it on the baking sheet. Try to make sure that the bacon ends are under the broccolini when you place it down, to prevent it from coming unraveled. 

Arrange your fresh or frozen shrimp around the broccolini on the sheet pan and drizzle the entire pan with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt and red pepper flakes. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes and you’re done!

Meal Prep Tips for Shrimp and Bacon Wrapped Broccolini

Pop these babies in the air fryer or broil in the oven to reheat, so the bacon becomes crispy and delicious all over again. 

shrimp and asparagus

Shrimp with Turkey Bacon Wrapped Broccolini

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • sheet pan
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 10 oz broccolini
  • 4 slices turkey bacon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 400F
  • Wrap one piece of turkey bacon around 2-3 broccolini stems and lay it on the sheet pan
  • Then place the shrimp around the broccolini
  • Drizzle the broccolini with olive oil
  • Season all ingredients with garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes

If you love this recipe, check out these other recipes we know you’ll love too:

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Steak and Asparagus Quinoa Bowl

steak & quinoa
steak & quinoa

Steak and Asparagus Quinoa Bowl

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • boiling pot
  • spatula
  • saute pan

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz steak
  • 10 oz asparagus
  • 1/4 cup red onions (diced)
  • 2/3 cup dried quinoa
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Cook quinoa according to package intructions
  • Cut the asparagus into 3-inch pieces and slice the steak into thin strips
  • Heat oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute until it softens and turns translucent (about 2 to 3 minutes)
  • Next, add the steak and sear it until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. (about 5 to 7 minutes)
  • Then, add the asparagus and seasonings. Stir well until the asparagus is slightly tender (about 3 to 4 minutes)
  • Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan and scrape and stir the browned bits at the bottom of the pan to create a sauce. Then add worcestershire sauce and mix it well.
  • Remove from the pan and serve with cooked quinoa. Eat and enjoy!
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Steak and Eggs with Asparagus

Steak and Eggs with Asparagus

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • tongs
  • saute pan
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 each top round steaks (thinly sliced, 6 oz each)
  • 2 each large eggs
  • 6 oz asparagus
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tsp parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Tenderize the meat by pounding it with a meat mallet OR marinate the meat with an acidic component such as balsamic vinegar for 30 minutes
  • Season the meat with garlic powder and salt
  • Heat a tsp of oil in a pan on low medium heat. Gently crack the eggs into the pan and cover it with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes until the egg whites are set. After it has cooked, remove the cooked eggs from the pan.
  • Using the same pan, turn up the heat to medium-high heat. Add a tbsp of olive oil and sear the steaks on each side for 3 to 5 minutes until it reaches your desired doneness
  • Then, add the asparagus to the same pan. Season with garlic powder and salt. Cover with a lid and let it steam for 3 to 5 minutes
  • Remove both the steak and asparagus from the saute pan. Serve the meal with the eggs.
  • Optional: Sprinkle the eggs with red pepper flakes and add parmesan cheese on top of the asparagus for added flavor. Enjoy!
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BBQ Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

bbq chicken and green beans

BBQ chicken with roasted vegetables is one of the most classic Americana dishes. It’s flavorful, nostalgic, and can actually be really healthy. Chicken is already a lean meat with a good amount of protein while the roasted veggies are a great source of fiber and nutrients. Picking the right bbq sauce is the key. You can find low sugar sauces if you’re watching calories or simply sauce it a little lighter.

This bbq chicken recipe is also perfect for meal prep as the chicken can be cut up and mixed with other sides. It works well on salads or as a sandwich. The roasted veggies can be paired with another protein easily. Both parts also reheat well although the chicken is likely to last a day or two longer so make sure to eat your veggies first.

The one sheet pan is a great way to cut down on dirty dishes and save time. You also don’t have to worry about multiple timers. Set it in the oven, remove the veggies at the 30 minute mark, and finish up the chicken. That’s what makes this version of bbq chicken and veggies a great choice for busy meal preppers.

bbq chicken and green beans

BBQ Chicken With Roasted Vegetables

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • sheet pan
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 4 each chicken leg quarters
  • 12 oz green beans
  • 2 each sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 each small red onion
  • 1/2 cup bbq sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 425F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Slice red onions. Peel sweet potato and slice into 1/4 inch circles
  • Place all ingredients on the sheet pan. Season with paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Coat with olive oil
  • Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Place the vegetables on a plate.
  • Keep the chicken on the sheet pan. Baste the chicken with the bbq sauce and completely cover with the sauce. Place it back into the oven for 10-20 minutes until it is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165F.
  • Remove from the oven and serve with the veggies. Enjoy!

Notes

Note: After the chicken cooks, you can split the recipe in half and shred half of the chicken meat, and use it as your protein for a lunch salad or in a sandwich.
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Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry
Ground beef stir fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • wok
  • spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz lean ground beef
  • 2 cups stir fry vegetable mix (pre-packaged section of produce aisle)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat a wok to medium-high heat and add olive oil
  • Add ground beef to the pan. Break into pieces and saute until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6 to 7 minutes)
  • Add garlic powder, salt and the stir fry mix. Mix well until veggies are tender
  • Add hoisin sauce in the end and mix well
  • Serve with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps. Enjoy!
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Tomato Pesto Chicken Potato Salad

tomato pesto spinach salad
tomato pesto spinach salad

Tomato Pesto Chicken Potato Salad

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • boiling pot
  • mixing bowl
  • indoor grill pan
  • tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz boneless chicken thighs
  • 4 tbsp tomato pesto sauce
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 2 each small red potatoes (diced)

Instructions
 

  • Boil the potatoes in a pot and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender
  • Meanwhile, marinate chicken with half of the tomato pesto sauce
  • Then, heat an indoor grill pan on medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides for about 5 to 6 minutes until it is golden crispy. Make sure it fully cooks to an internal temperature of 165F
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-size pieces
  • Once the potatoes have cooked, drain it and set it aside
  • In a bowl, add the potatoes, chicken, spinach, and the rest of the tomato pesto sauce. Mix all ingredients well
  • This dish can be served hot or cold