Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

chicken

Recipe of the Week: Vegetarian Gyros

Looking for dinner that’s an easy, meatless meal? Think Greek! These Vegetarian Gyros are made with strips of Portobello mushrooms and a homemade Tzatziki Sauce. Just top with fresh veggies and dinner is served!

Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 4 gyros

INGREDIENTS:

For the Gyros

  • 8 ounces portobello mushroom caps (2 large or 3 medium caps), don’t remove gills
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning*
  • 4 pita bread rounds
  • Toppings: sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, sliced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • ½ cup grated English cucumber, squeezed to remove water
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a large baking sheet (or two smaller baking sheets) with parchment paper.
  2. Gently rub portobello caps with a paper towel to remove any dirt. It is not necessary to remove the gills (they will add more flavor). Slice each portobello into ¼-inch-thick strips (and no thicker than ?-inch-thick strips).
  3. In a bowl, gently toss portobello strips with oil and Greek seasoning. Spread out portobello strips and pieces in an even layer on the baking sheet(s) – it’s OK to place them somewhat close together as they will shrink during cooking. Bake the portobello strips for 12 minutes.
  4. While the portobello strips are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients; mix gently to combine.
  5. To serve, heat pita rounds directly on the rack in the hot oven for 1 minute. Divide the baked portobello strips among the pita rounds and top with tomato slices, red onions, cucumber, feta, and a drizzle of Tzatziki Sauce.

NOTE: Make your own Greek seasoning: combine 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried onion flakes (or onion powder), ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp dried dill, ¼ tsp marjoram, ¼ tsp dried thyme.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Serving Size: 1 gyro with 1/4 cup Tzatiki sauce

Calories: 377

Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrate: 66 g, Protein: 15 g

Original recipe from the Real Food RDs can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Instant Pot Greek Chicken

Fall off the bone chicken in an hour? Sign us up! This Greek chicken serves up perfectly with a high-fiber grain, like quinoa or farro, and a side of vegetables. Enjoy!

Active time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium lemon
  • 1 (6-inch/15cm) fresh rosemary sprig
  • 2 (6-inch/15cm) fresh oregano sprig
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (4-pound/1.8kg) whole chicken, giblets and neck removed from cavity, if present
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 1/4 cup (104g) pitted Castelvetrano olives, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar-packed capers, rinsed and drained

Directions

  1. Zest the lemon onto a cutting board. Cut the lemon in half and juice it into a measuring cup. Add enough water to make 1/2 cup, set aside. Pull the rosemary and oregano leaves off the woody stems and discard stems. Mound the herbs and garlic on top of the lemon zest and chop everything together until the mixture is a coarse paste. Put the mixture in a small bowl, add the pepper and salt and stir to combine.
  2. Carefully slide your fingers under the skin of the chicken covering the breast, thighs and drumsticks. Stuff the lemon zest-herb mixture under the chicken skin, spreading evenly. Tuck the wings tips under the chicken. Remove the blobs of yellow fat inside the cavity of the chicken and discard. Stuff the spent lemon halves into the cavity, tie the ends of the drumsticks together with kitchen string. Spray a trivet with handles with cooking spray and place the chicken breast side up on the trivet. Set aside.
  3. Put the olive oil in the Instant Pot and adjust to high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are tender and beginning to brown, 4 minutes. Press cancel. Add the lemon juice-water mixture and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Add the olives and capers and stir to combine. Place the chicken on the trivet in the pot. Lock the lid and make sure the pressure valve is sealed. Select pressure cook, adjust to high pressure for 24 minutes.
  4. When the cooking program ends, allow the pressure to dissipate naturally for 15 minutes. Release any remaining pressure. Wearing oven mitts, lift the chicken on the trivet out of the pot. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Use a slotted spoon to fish out the onions, capers and olives and transfer to a small gravy boat. Set aside. Pour the cooking liquid into a gravy separator. If you don’t have a gravy separator, pour the sauce into a large glass measuring cup and spoon off the fat floating on top.
  5. Pour the defatted sauce back into the Instant Pot, add the onion-olive mixture, select saute, and adjust to medium heat. Simmer uncovered while finishing the chicken.
  6. Set broiler to high and adjust an oven rack to the upper third of the oven. Broil the chicken, rotating the baking sheet once, until the chicken is golden brown, 3 minutes. Remove from oven. Carve the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Serve with the sauce.

 

Serves: 6 | Serving Size: 1/6 of the chicken (131g), 1/4 cup (59ml) sauce

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 206, Fat: 13g, Carbohydrate: 10g, Protein: 17g

 

Original recipe from My Fitness Pal can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: INSTANT POT CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA

PREP TIME: 5 mins
COOK TIME: 25 mins
TOTAL TIME: 30 mins
YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

Craving Indian food or take out for dinner tonight? Try this lightened up version of Chicken Tikka Masala! Add in the vegetables and you have a whole meal – I’ve even added a can of chickpeas for extra fiber.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger root
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 14 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, for serving

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Season chicken with 1 teaspoon salt.
  • Press sauté button and melt the coconut oil, add onion, garlic, ginger and 6 spices (from coriander to cardamom) and sauté until the vegetables are soft and the spices are fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and use an immersion to blend until smooth (or blend in the blender), add the chicken, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir, cook high pressure 15 minutes. (Note: it takes several minutes for the pot to pressurize.)
  • Quick release, add the cauliflower and peas and cook 3 minutes on high pressure. (Note: add more volume by using the whole head of cauliflower, but increase cook time to 5 minutes.)
  • Quick release, stir in coconut milk and serve garnished with cilantro.
NUTRITION:
Serving: 3/4 cup
Calories: 226kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 10g
Original recipe from Skinny Taste can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Instant Pot Rotini

Use your Instant Pot to put dinner on the table in just 35 minutes from start to finish!

Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons no-salt added tomato paste
  • 4 cups (12 ounces) dry whole-grain rotini pasta
  • 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 small (6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt-free garlic seasoning blend
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (optional)

Directions:

  1. In the pot of an electric pressure cooker, whisk together the broth and tomato paste until the tomato paste is dissolved. Add the pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Stir to combine. Place the bell peppers on top of the pasta. Season the chicken with the garlic seasoning and place on top of the pasta mixture, do not stir.
  2. Lock on the lid, select the Manual/Pressure Cook function. Adjust to high pressure and set timer for 4 minutes. Make sure the steam valve is in the “sealing” position.
  3. When the cooking time is up, carefully quick-release the pressure.
  4. Unlock the lid and transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Slice the meat into bite-size pieces and return them to the pot. Add the spinach and cheese and stir to wilt the spinach. Serve immediately.

Nutrition:

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups pasta mixture
Calories: 407
Fat: 11.2g; Carbohydrate: 66.6g; Protein: 48.5g

 

Original recipe from My Fitness Pal can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

Serves: 4
Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups baked spaghetti squash, patted dry
  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, whole
  • 1/4 cup unsalted cashews, chopped

Directions:

To bake the squash: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Halve the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds, discard. Place the squash, cut-side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes. Bake the squash just until you can separate the strands with a paring knife; don’t overbake. Cool on a rack until you can handle the squash. Scoop out and separate the strands.

Coat a large sauté pan with avocado oil and place the pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast and crushed red pepper and stir frequently until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add the egg whites and stir for a minute to cook, then add the green onions and spaghetti squash and stir.

Mix the tamari, lime juice and zest in a cup, then drizzle over the pan, stirring to combine. When the egg whites are set, sprinkle with cilantro and cashews and serve.

Nutrition:

Calories: 261 per serving
Fat: 8g; Carbohydrate: 15g; Protein: 33g

 

Original recipe from My Fitness Pal can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

Bursting with flavor and easy to make, this chicken soup recipe with sun-dried tomatoes is perfect for a healthy week night dinner. It takes only 5 minutes to throw into the slow cooker and you have an amazing soup ready for dinner!

YIELD: 4 servings
PREP TIME: 5 min
COOK TIME: 4 hours
INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs)
  • 1 sweet onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3-4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for serving
  • Optional: Tortilla strips, sliced avocado, and shredded cheddar for garnish

 

DIRECTIONS:

1. In the bottom your slow cooker, layer the onion and garlic. Add the chicken, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 3 cups chicken stock.

2. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-7 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

3. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! Top with tortilla chips, avocado, cheese and cilantro.

 

Original recipe from Eating Well 101 can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Winter Grain Salad

Makes 4 large meal salads or 6 side salads

Ingredients:

Wild Rice

  • 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
  • 1?4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Carrots

  • 1 pound carrots,* peeled and cut on the diagonal into 1?2-inch-thick slices
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1?4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1?4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Lemon Dressing

  • 1?4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
  • 1?4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Salad

  • 1?3 cup raw pistachios, roughly chopped, or pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
  • 5 to 6 ounces baby arugula
  • 1?3 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese (about 2 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons raisins, preferably golden

 

Directions:

  1. To cook the wild rice: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the rinsed rice and continue boiling, reducing the heat as necessary to prevent overflow, until the rice is tender but still offers a light resistance to the bite, 40 to 55 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, drain the rice, and return it to the pot. Cover and let the rice rest for 10 minutes, then uncover and stir in the salt.
  2. To roast the carrots: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the carrots on the baking sheet and drizzle them with the olive oil. Sprinkle the chili powder, cinnamon, and salt on top. Toss until the carrots are lightly coated in oil and spices. Arrange in a single layer and roast until they are caramelized on the edges and easily pierced through by a fork, 25 to 40 minutes, toss halfway through
  3. To make the lemon dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper to
  4. To prepare the salad: In a medium skillet, toast the chopped pistachios over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and turning golden on the edges, 4 to 6 Set aside to cool.
  5. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked wild rice and When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the mixture with just enough dressing to lightly coat the salad (you might have a little extra) and toss to combine. Arrange the roasted carrots down the center and sprinkle the toasted pistachios, crumbled goat cheese, and raisins on top. Serve immediately. This salad is best the day it’s prepared, but it keeps well, chilled, for 2 to 3 days.

 

Original recipe from Run Fast, Eat Slow can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A healthy twist on a classic lunch recipe- serve it on toast, over a salad, in a wrap or in a lettuce wrap!
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 large green apple, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 large celery stalks, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place shredded chicken, green apple, red onion, celery, and dried cranberries into a large bowl. Mix and set aside.
  2. Create the sauce by mixing together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add sauce to the shredded chicken mixture and mix until combined.

Nutrition:

Serves: 4

Calories per Serving: 194

Fat: 2g Carbs: 16g Protein: 28g

Original recipe from Fit Foodie Finds can be found here!