Tag: low carb

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Easy Balsamic Baked Chicken Recipe With Zucchini

Easy Balsamic Baked Chicken Recipe With Zucchini

There’s something about the sweet tang of a balsamic glazed chicken breast that really gets our mouth watering. Our balsamic baked chicken with zucchini is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. You’ll also only use one bowl and a sheet pan when cooking which helps to keep the kitchen clean and the chef happy. Most people love to cook but we’ve never met someone that actually enjoys washing the dishes, which is why we turn to sheet pan meals quite frequently. Check these other ideas out:

Easy of Making: Easy

This baked balsamic chicken will be an instant staple in your kitchen once you get a taste of our sticky glaze, that is baked onto the chicken and caramelized. 

How to Make Balsamic Baked Chicken with Zucchini

Our juicy and tender balsamic chicken is a fan favorite and can be thrown together in a matter of minutes, giving you time to enjoy time with your family or catch up on your favorite tv show. Served alongside zucchini and roasted cherry tomatoes that will have your mouth bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest of taste buds.

 How to Cook Balsamic Baked Chicken

Start by seasoning you chicken in a bowl with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and coat with olive oil. Mix well and place in a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes and remove chicken from the oven. 

Using a basting brush, paint the chicken with balsamic glaze. For this recipe, you can use a store bought balsamic glaze or make your own. To make your own, simply simmer balsamic vinegar in a separate pan and reduce until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. 

Once your chicken is coated, put it back in the oven to bake for another 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Remove from the oven and enjoy!

How to Cook Zucchini and Roasted Tomatoes

Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch half coins or circles, by slicing the squash in half lengthwise. When you have two even halves, slice quarter inch slices across the width of the zucchini. After your zucchini is prepped, slice cherry tomatoes in half and mince your garlic. 

Add the zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic combination to the top of the chicken once you’ve removed it from the oven the first time and basted it with the balsamic glaze. 

Meal Prep Tips for Balsamic Baked Chicken with Zucchini

  • Save some of your balsamic glaze to put on top of your meal before you reheat it throughout the week. 
  • Add a starch like rice, quinoa or even cauliflower rice to round out the meal.
Easy Balsamic Baked Chicken Recipe With Zucchini

Balsamic Baked Chicken With Roasted Zucchini

Sheet-pan balsamic chicken makes for a quick, flavorful and easy meal no matter the day of the week.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 4 each chicken thighs
  • 1 each zucchini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 400F
  • Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch half coins, slice cherry tomatoes in half, mince garlic
  • In a bowl, season chicken with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and coat with olive oil. Mix well and place in a baking dish.
  • Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes remove it from the oven.
  • Using a brush, carefully baste the chicken with balsamic glaze. Add zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and garlic on top. Season with salt.
  • Place it back in the oven to cook for another 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
  • Remove from the oven. Eat and 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.

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

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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 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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Buffalo Chicken Salad

Buffalo chicken salads offer a delicious and nutritious option for those seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal. Combining the tangy taste of buffalo chicken with crisp greens, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. One compelling reason to indulge in buffalo chicken salads is their versatility and adaptability to various dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you’re following a keto, paleo, or gluten-free diet, buffalo chicken salads can easily be customized to suit your needs by adjusting the ingredients and dressing options. A

Buffalo chicken salads are a great way to incorporate lean protein into your diet, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied while supporting muscle growth and repair. With their bold flavors, nutrient-rich ingredients, and customizable nature, buffalo chicken salads are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal that’s both easy to make and enjoyable to eat.

Buffalo Chicken Iceberg Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • baking dish
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz boneless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
  • 1 each red bell pepper
  • 1 cup celery sticks
  • 1/4 cup diced red onions
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce
  • 4 tbsp ranch dressing

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 425F
  • Slice all your veggies into small bite size pieces
  • Place chicken in a baking dish. Cover the chicken with buffalo sauce and mix well
  • Place in the oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes. Use a thermometer to ensure that the chicken has cooked to an internal temperature of 165F
  • After the chicken has cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool before slicing into bite size pieces
  • Assemble the chicken on top of the salad ingredients and serve with ranch dressing
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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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Shrimp and Sausage Boil

shrimp and sausage
shrimp and sausage

Shrimp and Sausage Boil

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

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • sheet pan
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz shrimp (peeled)
  • 1 each pre-cooked sausage links (3 oz each)
  • 1 medium zucchini (sliced)
  • 1 medium yellow squash (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp green onions (chopped)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 /4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/8 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 425F
  • Add all ingredients on the sheet pan.
  • Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil on top and mix ingredients well.
  • Place in oven for 10-15 minutes until the shrimp is cooked and opaque.
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Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya with Cauliflower Rice

sausage jambalaya
sausage jambalaya

Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya with Cauliflower Rice

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

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • saute pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 each andouille sausage links (3 oz each)
  • 8 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1/4 cups red onions (diced)
  • 1/4 cups celery (diced)
  • 1 each green bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 tbsp green onions (chopped)
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups cauliflower rice
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/8 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp thyme
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 1 each bay leaves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Slice sausage into coins
  • Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add in the red onions, bell pepper, and celery. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the sliced sausage. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sausage heats through
  • Then, mix in the crushed tomatoes, spices, and bay leaves and stir well. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 5 minutes to 7 minutes.
  • At the end, add the shrimp and cook through for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns opaque. Season with salt to preferred taste and garnish with green onions.
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Cajun Chicken with Butternut Squash Spirals

cajun chicken and spirals
cajun chicken and spirals

Cajun Chicken with Butternut Squash Spirals

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

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • saute pan

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz boneless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1 each red bell pepper (diced)
  • 10 oz butternut squash spirals
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp thyme
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Dice red onions and bell peppers into small pieces. Chop green onions. Dice chicken into small 1 inch squares. Drain the corn.
  • Heat the saute pan to medium-high heat and add olive oil
  • Saute the chicken and red onions until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (about 6 to 7 minutes) Add the seasonings and mix well.
  • Next, add garlic, green onions and sliced mushrooms. Mix it around until mushrooms soften (about 3 to 5 minutes)
  • Then, add the bell peppers and squash spirals. Continually stir until the bell peppers and squash are tender. Finally, mix in the corn.
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Chicken and Artichoke Bake

chicken artichoke
chicken artichoke

Chicken and Artichoke Bake

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz chicken tenders
  • 12 oz canned artichoke hearts
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Pre heat oven to 425F
  • Grease baking dish with olive oil
  • Drain artichoke hearts
  • Season chicken tenders with garlic powder and salt
  • In a bowl, mix together the artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  • Layer the chicken tenders in the bottom of the greased baking dish
  • Cover the chicken evenly with the artichoke mixture
  • Bake in the oven uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and it is no longer pink in the center