Get lean and mean with chicken!
Chicken is a popular food choice for those who want to maintain a healthy diet. It is an excellent source of protein, low in fat, and rich in essential nutrients. This article will explore the benefits of eating chicken, the different ways to prepare it, and some delicious recipes to try.
Benefits of Eating Chicken
Chicken has many benefits for our health, such as:
- High in protein: Chicken provides an essential nutrient for building and repairing muscles and supporting the immune system.
- Low in fat: Chicken breast has less fat, making it a great food choice for weight loss.
- Rich in nutrients: Chicken has essential minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, and selenium, as well as vitamins B6, B12, and D essential to keep the body healthy.
- Versatile: Chicken can be cooked in many different ways, which makes it adaptable for various dishes.
Different Ways to Prepare Chicken
There are various ways to prepare chicken, including:
- Grilled: Chicken can be grilled, which gives it a smoky flavor, and it is also a healthy option since it does not require added oil or fat.
- Roasted: Roasting chicken is another healthy option that requires minimal added ingredients. You can season it with herbs and spices to add more flavor.
- Baked: Baking chicken is a healthy cooking method that also does not require added oil or fat. You can add vegetables to the baking dish to make it a complete meal.
- Stir-fried: Chicken can be stir-fried quickly with vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and broccoli.
Delicious Chicken Recipes
Here are some delicious chicken recipes for you to try:
Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 mango, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve grilled chicken topped with mango salsa.
Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 1 onion, cut into wedges
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon halves, onion wedges, and minced garlic.
- Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Place chicken in a roasting pan and bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Brush the melted butter over the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin pieces
- 2 cups of mixed veggies (bell peppers, broccoli, onions, carrots, and more)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink.
- Add in the mixed veggies and continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
- Season the stir-fry with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Conclusion
Chicken is a healthy protein source and has many benefits for our body. There are different methods to prepare chicken, which makes it adaptable for various dishes. You can try some of the delicious recipes shared in this article and enjoy the health benefits of this amazing superfood.