Tag: lunch

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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 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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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
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Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

basil pesto pasta salad
basil pesto pasta salad

Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

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

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • tongs
  • boiling pot
  • saute pan
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz boneless chicken thighs
  • 4 tbsp basil pesto sauce
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced)
  • 1 cup dry rotini pasta

Instructions
 

  • Gather your equipment: knife, cutting board, skillet, sheet pan, tongs, bowl
  • Then, boil the pasta and cook according to packaged instructions
  • Next, marinate chicken with half of the basil pesto sauce
  • Then, add olive oil to a skillet on medium high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until it is golden crispy and cooks to an internal temperature of 165F
  • After the chicken has finished cooking, let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing. Slice it into bite size pieces
  • Once the pasta has cooked, drain it and set it aside
  • In a bowl, add pasta, chicken, arugala, cherry tomatoes, and the rest of the basil pesto sauce. Mix all ingredients well
  • This dish can be served hot or you can chill it in the refrigerator and eat the next day
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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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Balsamic Steak with Roasted Delicata Squash

delicata steak
delicata steak

Balsamic Steak with Roasted Delicata Squash

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

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • mixing bowl
  • sheet pan
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz sirloin steak
  • 1/4 each red onion
  • 1 large delicata squash
  • 1 tbsp green onion (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp concentrated balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp sriracha sauce
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

Pre-Cook (Mise En Place):

  • Gather your equipment: knife, cutting board, sheet pan, oven
  • Pre-heat oven to 425F
  • Cut the delicata squash in half and scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Slice them into 1/4 inch half moons. Slice the steak into thin 1/2 inch cuts
  • In a mixing bowl, marinate the steak and sliced delicata squash with concentrated balsamic vinegar, worcestershire sauce, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper
  • Thinly slice the red onions and chop the green onions and add it to the mixing bowl. Drizzle everything with olive oil and mix well
  • Place all the ingredients on a sheet pan lined with foil or parchment paper
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Steak should reach internal temperature of 145F, and the veggies should be golden brown
  • Serve steak and squash with a side salad or choice of grain
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Asian Beef Salad

asian beef salad
asian beef salad

Asian Beef Salad

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • saute pan

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz lean ground beef
  • 1 each cucumber
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 2 tbsp coco aminos
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Dice onions, chop green onions, slice cucumbers lengthwise into 1/4 inch rectangular pieces
  • Pre-heat saute pan to medium high heat
  • Coat the saute pan with olive oil and add the diced onions. Saute the onions until they soften and turn translucent
  • Then, add the ground beef and break it into smaller pieces. Continue to stir for another 6 to 7 minutes until all meat turns brown
  • Add the coco aminos, hoisin sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix well
  • Remove from the pan and let it cool
  • Place the meat on top of the shredded lettuce. Add the rest of the veggies: cucumber, shredded cabbage, green onions, and shredded carrots. Serve with your choice of vinaigrette (Recommend sesame ginger vinaigrette)