Whether you’re craving a delicious appetizer or a hearty meal, wings are always a winning choice. When paired with a perfectly cooked wing and a thoughtfully crafted sauce, it’s hard to beat . While many of us have our go-to spots for wings, with Wingstop often topping the list, we’ve discovered that these eight wing spots offer an even better experience.

There are many different restaurants on this list, and they all offer great wings. From sit-down restaurants like Pizza Hut to places that specialize in wings, like Pluckers Wing Bar, there’s a lot to offer. Try one of these eateries next time you pass by, and you may have your new favorite. 

Pizza Hut

One of the best wing spots is actually a pizza place, but it’s well worth the trip. Pizza Hut has been increasing in quality over the years. In addition to the tasty pizza, the restaurant also has great wings. They’re made just right, and you can get them in a variety of flavors. They’re also quite affordable.

Try These Menu Options

There is a nice variety of options for wing flavors at Pizza Hut. Personally, we recommend their honey BBQ flavor. It is smoky, sweet, and perfectly juicy. They rival the wings at other major chains. Other tasty flavors at Pizza Hut include buffalo mild, cajun-style dry rub, spicy garlic, buffalo medium, and Hawaiian teriyaki. We even recommend the naked version without sauce.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings may be the very best place to get wings. Though it won’t be for everyone, there is a lot to love. They offer tasty and tender wings and a huge menu of 26 signature sauces. If you choose to eat in, then Buffalo Wild Wings also has a great atmosphere. However, the wings are great when delivered to your home as well.

Try These Menu Options

Since Buffalo Wild Wings has 26 flavors, the flavor you love the most will be up to your personal opinion. However, we recommend starting with the hot BBQ sauce. It’s smooth and tasty and not overly spicy. However, if you like your wings hot, then go for the mango habanero, buffalo hot, and jamming’ jalapeño flavors.

Slim Chickens

If you happen to see a Slim Chickens restaurant in your area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Currently, there are over 100 locations, and they offer a wide selection of wings, salads, sandwiches, and more. The wings are especially tasty. They have just the right amount of crispiness and they’re super tender. Plus, you get some great sauces that kick the whole meal up a notch.

Try These Menu Options

Slim Chickens is one of the best wing spots for a reason. If you go there, you can see what they’re all about by ordering the 5 by 5 meal. It includes five chicken wings and five chicken tenders. The wings are made from all-natural chicken with very few artificial flavors. When you order, you get your choice of sauces. Personally, we recommend either devil’s smoke, sweet red chili, or the incredible garlic parmesan.

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is a restaurant found around the nation. It’s similar to Buffalo Wild Wings in that they serve wings in addition to many other menu options. Critics say that the wings at Twin Peaks are smaller, but they are packed with flavor. Kids probably shouldn’t go to this restaurant. But if you order for delivery, you’ll find that the wings rival those at Wingstop when it comes to flavor and quality.

Try These Menu Options

In addition to offering many tasty flavors, you also have several options for the types of wings you can get at Twin Peaks. The smoked and grilled wings are cooked over hickory wood and smothered in sauce. There are also breaded wings that are quite large and packed with flavor. If you want a little more out of your wings, you can also try the spicy Thai chili and spicy cajun rub wings.

Applebees

You can go to a sit-down restaurant like Applebees and try just about any type of food you can imagine. Most people don’t immediately go for the wings, but you should. The wings at Applebees are huge so you get a big bang for your buck. They’re also perfectly tossed so that the sauce clings to each wing perfectly. You will never be short of sauce. These are wings with a nice crunch, so they’re worth a try.

Try These Menu Options

In 2024, Applebees was voted “America’s Favorite Boneless Wings,” and it’s no surprise as to why. The large wings are perfectly breaded and loaded with heaps of sauce. If you want to see for yourself, then try their classic bone-in wings. When it comes to flavors, try either the sweet Asian Chile, hot honey glaze, garlic parmesan, or classic buffalo sauces. Dip them in the house-made buttermilk ranch for the perfect bite.

Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s is a great restaurant that you can find in many states across the country. They’re famous for all things chicken. They have chicken fingers, sandwiches, and, of course, tasty wings. They’re essentially like Popeye’s, but Zaxby’s has a bit more pop. The wings at Zaxby’s are perfectly cooked and well seasoned. They’re also loaded with meat, so you’ll get a great meal that will put Wingstop to shame.

Try These Menu Options

If you’ve never been to Zaxby’s, then start by getting the boneless wings meal. You’ll also get fries and bread, so it’s a full meal. One of the best things about the wings is their selection of sauces. You can start by choosing from “wimpy” sauce for a casual bite or go with “nuclear” if you’re feeling brave. The other must-try sauces include teriyaki, buffalo garlic blaze, and “tongue torch,” among others.

Chili’s

Chili’s is another one of those restaurants where just about everything you order is good. The wings are no exception. There are several different varieties of which to choose. The bone-in wings are exceptional when paired with the house-made ranch. The boneless wings are also great, and they provide an amazing bite. The wings are perfect as a side or a main dish.

Try These Menu Options

There are many tasty flavors to try at Chili’s depending on your taste and heat tolerance. Some of the best flavors include Garlic Parmesan and Honey Chipotle. You could even go with the house BBQ sauce. It has the perfect mix of peppery and sweet flavors. If you like a good bit of spice with your wings, then the mango habanero is the perfect choice. For something different, try the sweet chili zing sauce.

Pluckers Wing Bar

One of the best wing spots in the nation is Pluckers Wing Bar. You may never have stopped there before, but once you try it, you may never turn back again. Go there for burgers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and desserts, including fried Twinkies and brownies. The wings are great here because they seem to be larger than at the competitors. Plus, they’re full of flavor.

Try These Menu Options

At Pluckers Wing Bar, they pride themselves on their sauces, so you’re in for a treat. They have many sauces that are exclusive to their restaurant, such as garlic sriracha, jamango jerk, maple chipotle, baker’s gold, and vampire killer, among others. Choose based on your spiciness preference. You can get boneless or bone-in wings. They’re all great.

The post Elevate Your Wing Game at These 8 Unbeatable Spots appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer or a full meal, you can’t go wrong with a plate of wings. Pair a perfectly cooked wing with a masterfully crafted sauce, and there’s nothing better in the world. Most people have a short list of favorite wing spots. For us, Wingstop has always been at the top of the list. However, over time, we’ve realized that these eight wing spots are better.

There are many different restaurants on this list, and they all offer great wings. From sit-down restaurants like Pizza Hut to places that specialize in wings, like Pluckers Wing Bar, there’s a lot to offer. Try one of these eateries next time you pass by, and you may have your new favorite. 

Pizza Hut

One of the best wing spots is actually a pizza place, but it’s well worth the trip. Pizza Hut has been increasing in quality over the years. In addition to the tasty pizza, the restaurant also has great wings. They’re made just right, and you can get them in a variety of flavors. They’re also quite affordable.

Try These Menu Options

There is a nice variety of options for wing flavors at Pizza Hut. Personally, we recommend their honey BBQ flavor. It is smoky, sweet, and perfectly juicy. They rival the wings at other major chains. Other tasty flavors at Pizza Hut include buffalo mild, cajun-style dry rub, spicy garlic, buffalo medium, and Hawaiian teriyaki. We even recommend the naked version without sauce.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings may be the very best place to get wings. Though it won’t be for everyone, there is a lot to love. They offer tasty and tender wings and a huge menu of 26 signature sauces. If you choose to eat in, then Buffalo Wild Wings also has a great atmosphere. However, the wings are great when delivered to your home as well.

Try These Menu Options

Since Buffalo Wild Wings has 26 flavors, the flavor you love the most will be up to your personal opinion. However, we recommend starting with the hot BBQ sauce. It’s smooth and tasty and not overly spicy. However, if you like your wings hot, then go for the mango habanero, buffalo hot, and jamming’ jalapeño flavors.

Slim Chickens

If you happen to see a Slim Chickens restaurant in your area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Currently, there are over 100 locations, and they offer a wide selection of wings, salads, sandwiches, and more. The wings are especially tasty. They have just the right amount of crispiness and they’re super tender. Plus, you get some great sauces that kick the whole meal up a notch.

Try These Menu Options

Slim Chickens is one of the best wing spots for a reason. If you go there, you can see what they’re all about by ordering the 5 by 5 meal. It includes five chicken wings and five chicken tenders. The wings are made from all-natural chicken with very few artificial flavors. When you order, you get your choice of sauces. Personally, we recommend either devil’s smoke, sweet red chili, or the incredible garlic parmesan.

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is a restaurant found around the nation. It’s similar to Buffalo Wild Wings in that they serve wings in addition to many other menu options. Critics say that the wings at Twin Peaks are smaller, but they are packed with flavor. Kids probably shouldn’t go to this restaurant. But if you order for delivery, you’ll find that the wings rival those at Wingstop when it comes to flavor and quality.

Try These Menu Options

In addition to offering many tasty flavors, you also have several options for the types of wings you can get at Twin Peaks. The smoked and grilled wings are cooked over hickory wood and smothered in sauce. There are also breaded wings that are quite large and packed with flavor. If you want a little more out of your wings, you can also try the spicy Thai chili and spicy cajun rub wings.

Applebees

You can go to a sit-down restaurant like Applebees and try just about any type of food you can imagine. Most people don’t immediately go for the wings, but you should. The wings at Applebees are huge so you get a big bang for your buck. They’re also perfectly tossed so that the sauce clings to each wing perfectly. You will never be short of sauce. These are wings with a nice crunch, so they’re worth a try.

Try These Menu Options

In 2024, Applebees was voted “America’s Favorite Boneless Wings,” and it’s no surprise as to why. The large wings are perfectly breaded and loaded with heaps of sauce. If you want to see for yourself, then try their classic bone-in wings. When it comes to flavors, try either the sweet Asian Chile, hot honey glaze, garlic parmesan, or classic buffalo sauces. Dip them in the house-made buttermilk ranch for the perfect bite.

Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s is a great restaurant that you can find in many states across the country. They’re famous for all things chicken. They have chicken fingers, sandwiches, and, of course, tasty wings. They’re essentially like Popeye’s, but Zaxby’s has a bit more pop. The wings at Zaxby’s are perfectly cooked and well seasoned. They’re also loaded with meat, so you’ll get a great meal that will put Wingstop to shame.

Try These Menu Options

If you’ve never been to Zaxby’s, then start by getting the boneless wings meal. You’ll also get fries and bread, so it’s a full meal. One of the best things about the wings is their selection of sauces. You can start by choosing from “wimpy” sauce for a casual bite or go with “nuclear” if you’re feeling brave. The other must-try sauces include teriyaki, buffalo garlic blaze, and “tongue torch,” among others.

Chili’s

Chili’s is another one of those restaurants where just about everything you order is good. The wings are no exception. There are several different varieties of which to choose. The bone-in wings are exceptional when paired with the house-made ranch. The boneless wings are also great, and they provide an amazing bite. The wings are perfect as a side or a main dish.

Try These Menu Options

There are many tasty flavors to try at Chili’s depending on your taste and heat tolerance. Some of the best flavors include Garlic Parmesan and Honey Chipotle. You could even go with the house BBQ sauce. It has the perfect mix of peppery and sweet flavors. If you like a good bit of spice with your wings, then the mango habanero is the perfect choice. For something different, try the sweet chili zing sauce.

Pluckers Wing Bar

One of the best wing spots in the nation is Pluckers Wing Bar. You may never have stopped there before, but once you try it, you may never turn back again. Go there for burgers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and desserts, including fried Twinkies and brownies. The wings are great here because they seem to be larger than at the competitors. Plus, they’re full of flavor.

Try These Menu Options

At Pluckers Wing Bar, they pride themselves on their sauces, so you’re in for a treat. They have many sauces that are exclusive to their restaurant, such as garlic sriracha, jamango jerk, maple chipotle, baker’s gold, and vampire killer, among others. Choose based on your spiciness preference. You can get boneless or bone-in wings. They’re all great.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Karthik_2411/Shutterstock.com.

The post Skip the Wingstop Order, These 8 Wing Spots Are Better appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When you’re struggling to come up with ideas for dinner for the week, trying to come up with quick yet healthy dinner ideas often be a struggle. Or maybe you have a bunch of picky eaters in your household and all they really want to eat is chicken nuggets and fries. It can be hard to please everyone, but these tasty, quick, and healthy chicken dinner ideas. Will be a hit with your family members.

From creamy pasta dishes (yes, we said pasta) two an easy slow cooker recipe that’s great to throw together before work, these 7 recipes that are also under 500 calories will most likely remain in your rotation. So, without further ado, here are some great low-calorie chicken dinner recipes for you to try.

Slow-Cooked Honey Pineapple Chicken

If you’re looking for a sweet and tangy recipe, but also healthy, this Honey Pineapple Chicken recipe will become your ew favorite. And the best part? Just throw all the ingredients in a slow-cooker in the morning, and you have a tasty and nutritious meal when you get home. At just over 300 calories for the main dish, you can’t go wrong.

Skinny Cacciatore

If you’re skeptical that you can have pasta and still be healthy, this recipe will change your mind. This Skinny Cacciatore dish is just under 400 calories but will make you feel like you’re having a cheat meal. Plus, it’s packed with veggies, so it’s definitely a feel-good meal.

Mustard Seasoned Chicken Strips

These Mustard Seasoned Chicken Strips are a great healthy dish to add into your weekly routine and take less than 20 minutes to cook. Serve these crispy chicken strips with brown rice and broccoli and you have a healthy meal that your family and kids will be asking for over and over again.

Chicken Asparagus Bundles

These Chicken Asparagus Bundles recipe is simple and incredibly healthy. No need to decide on a vegetable with this main dish, because it’s bundled right into the chicken. It’s nutritious, easy to make, and great to pair with rice or a side salad.

Bow Tie Lemon Chicken

We have another delectable pasta recipe for you here. This Bow Tie Lemon Chicken recipe has the tanginess of lemon with the creaminess of cream cheese. Plus, there’s healthy veggies included in this dish so you know you’re getting a nutritious and tasty meal.

Herbed Chicken Lasagna

Who knew that you could have lasagna and still have a healthy meal? This Herbed Chicken Lasagna is a twist on the traditional lasagna with chicken instead of beef. It has fresh ingredients and we’re certain your little ones won’t turn their noses up to it.

Quick and Easy Chicken Fried Rice

We don’t know what could be better than an easy, healthy, and quick recipe for the week. Especially when your’e trying to make each family member happy but also pull something together in no time. That’s why we love this Quick and Easy Chicken Fried Rice. Plus, it makes great leftovers.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©CuruiaAna/Shutterstock.com.

The post 7 Low-Calorie Chicken Dinner Ideas Under 500 Calories appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Are you looking for a delicious, nutritious, and healthy meal that can be ready to eat in 30 minutes? Then look no further and learn how to make sheet pan chicken thighs. Sheet pan chicken thighs are simple to make, perfect for busy weekday meals, and can be made in a variety of flavors. Such as lemon and herb, parmesan, garlic soy chicken, BBQ chicken thighs, salt and vinegar, honey-glazed chicken thighs, and more. Once you have learned how to make sheet pan chicken thighs, you’ll want to try different recipes each week. Furthermore, you’ll appreciate the fact that you have far fewer dishes to clean up after the meal. Let’s get cooking!

1. Equipment Needed

First, gather your equipment.

• Half sheet pan
• Mixing bowl
• Chopping board and knife
• Kitchen thermometer (optional)
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Aluminum foil (optional)

2. Gather Your Ingredients

Sheet pan chicken thighs are versatile and can be customized to your preferred taste. In this example, our main ingredients will be salt, pepper, and mustard to create a toothsome marinade.

• 6x chicken thighs (bone-in skin on) chicken fillets can be used; however, they may dry out.
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil divided
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt divided
• 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2-3 cups of your choice of vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or pumpkin)
• 1 red onion, sliced into wedges

3. Prepare the Marinade

I know life can get busy, but chicken does taste better if it is left in marinade. For best results, marinate the chicken in the fridge overnight or for at least 30 minutes before cooking. First, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Then, place them in a large bowl. Next, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half a teaspoon of salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and stone ground mustard. Toss the chicken and make sure everything is covered with the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight.

4. Prepare the Vegetables

Next, preheat the oven to 400°F and chop your desired vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to chop them all the same size to ensure even cooking.

5. Place the Ingredients on the Sheet Pan

Place your chopped vegetables on the sheet pan. To avoid overcrowding, leave a small gap between each piece, followed by the garlic cloves and red onion. Additionally, you can first put some aluminum foil or parchment paper on the sheet pan before adding the vegetables. This way, you can avoid too much mess on the sheet pan and throw the parchment paper or aluminum foil away. Therefore, cleanup is a breeze. Next, drizzle with the remaining olive oil and season with the remaining salt and pepper or your choice of spice (paprika or red chili flakes; the choice is yours). Toss well.

6. Add the Chicken Thighs

Finally, add the marinated chicken thighs to the sheet pan with the skin side up. Then place the sheet pan in the oven uncovered and cook for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through at 400°F. Additionally, if you like a crispy skin, brown it under the broiler (grill) for a couple of minutes.

7. Serving Suggestions

Finally, once cooked, serve with your favorite side dish. I love side dishes, and there are plenty that pairs well with sheet pan chicken thighs. For example, spicy egg fried rice, chili tomato salsa, fresh ciabatta bread, hummus, parmesan mashed potatoes, hash browns, and more. Gosh, this is making me feel hungry already! 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Angelika Heine/Shutterstock.com.

The post How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs appeared first on Moms Who Think.

With rising food costs, it is becoming more difficult to feed your family well while also sticking to your grocery budget. If your family enjoys chicken, we have eight budget-friendly dishes that cost less than $20 to make and are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Moreover, most of these dishes require minimal cleanup time. In many cases, these dishes yield leftovers that can feed the family again, saving you even more money.

In addition to providing you with carefully selected and tested recipes, we also offer detailed tips and strategies for planning affordable and delicious chicken dinners. Our goal is to help you make the most of your budget by maximizing the value and flavor of your meals.

The Best Money-Saving Tips for Chicken Dinners

When planning budget-friendly family meals, follow these general guidelines to stretch your money. Here are some of the best money-saving tips for preparing delicious chicken dinners on a budget.

• Buy family packs of meat and freeze them in individual bags. This method is more cost-effective than buying smaller packages of chicken. You can store any leftover chicken in freezer bags. A whole chicken can be stored for up to one year, while chicken pieces like cutlets will last in the freezer for up to nine months. Ground chicken can be safely stored for up to three months.
• Later in the day, supermarkets often discount rotisserie chicken for a quick sale before closing, so try to buy them at the end of the day.
• Cutting up a whole chicken can help you save money, as whole chickens are typically cheaper per pound than chicken breasts.
• You can always substitute the type of chicken in the recipe with whatever is on sale at the supermarket that week. For instance, using thighs instead of chicken breasts will not dramatically affect the taste of the recipe.
• Keep meals simple by preparing easy dishes like baked chicken and rice. Purchase vegetables that are on sale, as out-of-season veggies tend to be more expensive.

Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken Bake

This inexpensive one-pan recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Since it only requires one pan to make, the cleanup is also quick. While this barbecue bake can be a meal in itself, cole slaw, baked beans, or French fries are easy and inexpensive sides you can serve with this meal.

For this recipe, if preferred, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders. Onions are optional but will add flavor. Furthermore, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Finally, top with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and optional green onions.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

These chicken enchiladas require only eight ingredients and can be prepared in just 30 minutes. All you need is red chile sauce, shredded chicken, cheese, and onions. In about 20 minutes, they bake in a 9×13 casserole dish and come out golden brown and delicious. If you like, you can garnish your enchiladas with cilantro and serve them with an inexpensive side dish like refried beans.

Creamy Ranch Chicken

This Ranch Chicken recipe is a quick skillet dish with a creamy sauce and zesty Ranch seasoning. Serve it over baked potatoes for an especially delicious experience, although this dish is also great with a side of vegetables.

Moreover, it is important to use Ranch seasoning mix for this recipe, not Ranch dip mix, as they taste different and have different uses. For a bacon ranch chicken dinner, you can also add bacon and cheese to this meal.

This dish is so delicious that you probably will not have any leftovers. However, if you do, you can store them in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are quick and easy to make. First, you cook the filling, then place it into a tortilla and fold it over to cook in the pan. If you are in a big hurry to make dinner, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken and save even more time. Furthermore, many inexpensive sides pair well with chicken quesadillas, including rice, refried beans, or salsa.

Easy Orange Chicken

This simple orange chicken recipe requires affordable ingredients: one bag of frozen popcorn chicken, one jar of orange marmalade, one cup of barbecue sauce, six tablespoons of soy sauce, and your choice of white or brown rice.

As the popcorn chicken heats up in the oven, mix the orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium-low until everything combines and the marmalade is completely melted. This process takes about five minutes. Once the popcorn chicken is done, pour the sauce over the chicken and mix well. Finally, serve this easy orange chicken over rice or with some inexpensive veggies.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken

This one-pan chicken dinner is incredibly inexpensive and easy to make. You can prep this Mexican street food dish and have it in the oven in as little as 10 minutes. Furthermore, the protein and the vegetables are combined in a single casserole dish. This combination not only enhances the overall flavor of the meal but also simplifies the preparation process. Finally, clean-up is a breeze since you only have to clean up one pan.

You can serve this hearty meal on flour tortillas or even on chips with salsa and guacamole. This chicken dinner also pairs well with Mexican rice, black beans, sautéed onions and peppers, or a side salad.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

This cheesy chicken broccoli and rice dish is a straightforward one-pot dinner recipe that can be effortlessly prepared on the stovetop. It requires only five simple ingredients: tender chicken, broccoli, rice, a flavorful chicken broth, and cheddar cheese. By combining these ingredients, you can have a satisfying and comforting meal on the table in just 30 minutes.

This recipe is also very adaptable. You can make it spicier by adding shredded pepper jack cheese. You can also add chili powder or cayenne pepper with the salt and pepper. Other great options include garlic powder, onion powder, diced onion, or fresh garlic.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

We love one-pot dinners that can be baked in the oven. This family-friendly one-pot dinner features tender, flavorful chicken baked with fluffy butter rice. Even better, it requires very little prep time and is a breeze to clean up.

While this meal is substantial enough to be served on its own, plain natural yogurt or Greek yogurt is an amazing addition to chicken and rice. Additionally, pairing a simple leafy green salad with a basic vinaigrette is perfect for this dish. Finally, consider roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans as possible side dishes.

In Summary

These eight chicken dishes are perfect for families who enjoy chicken and want to stick to a budget. Each dish is affordable, costing less than $20 to make, even if you decide to include additional side dishes. Furthermore, these recipes are easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup, making them ideal for busy families. Even if you are on a tight budget, you can still prepare delicious and healthy meals for your family with our suggestions, even when you are on the go.

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The image featured at the top of this post is ©Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com.

The post 8 Chicken Dinner Recipes That Cost Less than $20 and Are Easy to Make appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Chicken cordon bleu is believed to have originated in France or Switzerland, although its exact origin is not entirely clear. The traditional recipe includes chicken wrapped in a thin slice of ham and cheese, usually Swiss or Gruyère, breaded and then either baked or fried to a golden brown color. Additionally, a cream sauce flavored with Dijon mustard is often added to the dish.

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that has evolved over time, resulting in many variations. It is often served at formal events and is associated with high-quality food. The term “cordon bleu” means “blue ribbon” in French and is linked to prestigious chefs. If you plan to serve chicken cordon bleu for dinner, we suggest pairing it with some of these healthy and easy-to-prepare side dishes.

Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce

This incredibly easy recipe is full of flavor and remarkably nutritious. You can also add your own variations to this basic recipe, such as garlic. If you prefer a creamier asparagus sauce, gradually add more butter.

Easy Spinach Salad With Pears

This spinach salad combines baby spinach, pecans, gorgonzola cheese, and pomegranate for a sweet and savory flavor. Not only does it pair perfectly with chicken cordon bleu, but it can also be made quickly.

Green Beans and Bacon

This recipe for green beans and bacon is perfect as a side dish for chicken cordon bleu or for a holiday dinner. It is a simple recipe that packs both a nutritional and flavor punch. Moreover, if you are concerned about the fat content of this dish, you can substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon.

Garlic Butter Parmesan Baked Butternut Squash

Thinly sliced butternut squash is roasted with garlic butter, sage, and Parmesan cheese in the oven. Finally, add a squeeze of lemon juice to give it a tangy flavor. If you do not eat all of it, store the leftovers in an airtight sealed container, and it will stay fresh for up to two days.

Healthy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Our healthy garlic mashed potato recipe is super-easy and makes about four servings. Although mashed potatoes are higher in calories than some of the other sides mentioned here, they also offer a number of health benefits, including Vitamin C and potassium.

Honey Butter Roasted Carrots

This oven-roasted carrot recipe is a perfect side dish for chicken cordon bleu. To prepare it, roast the carrots at high heat until they turn brown and caramelize. Then, coat them with honey butter and sprinkle some thyme on top. The glaze will make the carrots sweet and tender. For best results, cut the carrots in half and place them flat-side down to ensure even browning.

Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are delicious when baked. Unlike boiling, baking them eliminates their unpleasant sulfur odor. To bake Brussels sprouts, preheat the oven to 425 degrees, arrange the sprouts on a baking sheet, and bake for about twenty minutes or until they reach your desired level of crispiness and golden brown color. The creamy and sweet taste of baked Brussels sprouts perfectly complements chicken cordon bleu.

Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes

This side dish is both quick and easy to make, and requires simple seasonings. However, taking a little extra time to peel and cut the sweet potatoes will make it even better. For a consistent bake, we recommend cutting the potatoes about ¾-inches thick. Peeling the potatoes will also help them caramelize, giving them a golden outside crust and creamy insides.

Parmesan Risotto

Parmesan risotto is an incredibly versatile dish, so it is no surprise that it pairs well with chicken cordon bleu. Our recipe takes the stress out of making risotto, allowing you to whip up this delicious dish quickly and easily to please your family and guests.

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas make for a wonderfully healthy and easy side dish to accompany chicken cordon bleu. This recipe provides the perfect combination of crunchiness and tanginess. If you are short on time but still want to impress, this dish is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your meal without much effort.

Scalloped Potatoes

Martha Stewart's recipe for scalloped potatoes is a great side dish that goes well with chicken cordon bleu. The freshly grated Gruyère cheese adds a delicious flavor to the potatoes. For the best results, weigh your potatoes and use a shallow baking dish.

Tomato Avocado Salad

Prepare this salad with fresh ingredients, including tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, lime, salt, and pepper, in just five minutes. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it is also delicious and healthy.

In Summary

Whether you are planning to serve chicken cordon bleu to your family, friends, or guests, consider pairing it with any of these side dishes. They are not only nutritious but also easy to prepare. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a formal dinner party, any of these side dishes will be a perfect match for this classic chicken dish.

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Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
• salt and pepper to taste
• 6 slices cooked ham
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place milk and bread crumbs in two separate shallow bowls.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on each piece of chicken; roll, and secure with toothpicks.
3. Dip each chicken roll into milk, and then into breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown rolled chicken on all sides.
5. Arrange the chicken in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. In a small saucepan over medium heat, blend soup and cream; season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Pour over the chicken. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/bhofack2.

The post The 12 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu – Easy & Healthy Pairings appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Every home chef should have their go-to casserole recipe or dump dinner. If you don't have one, though, consider this your new favorite! This is perhaps the easiest chicken casserole recipe you'll ever find — you literally dump all of the ingredients into a bowl, stir it around, put it in a pan and bake for 25 minutes — hence the name “dump dinner.”

Chicken Casserole Ingredients

While some chicken casseroles are made with noodles, this recipe's carb is long-grain and wild rice. And thanks to products like Uncle Ben's Ready Rice, which is already cooked, your time savings and ease of execution level just went through the roof. Grab a rotisserie chicken at the grocery along with a handful of other ingredients (green beans, pimentos, water chestnuts, mayo, cheddar and cream of celery soup), and you'll have tonight's meal ready in no time.

How to Make This Dump Dinner

As the name implies, you literally dump all of these ingredients into a bowl, stir it until well-combined, and then pop it in the oven for 25 minutes until it's bubbly and hot. It's the very definition of a dump dinner.

When to Serve This Chicken Casserole

While we most often lean on this go-to recipe for family dinners in a pinch, this is also a great dish to bring to someone who just had a baby or experienced a loss. It's an easy dish to make several batches at once, so it's a great one to feed a crowd. There really isn't a bad time to serve this casserole.

Chicken Casserole Side Dish Ideas

If you're wondering what to serve with this chicken casserole, we don't blame you. It's tough because there are so many amazing flavors already present in the recipe itself. However, we often serve some sort of dinner roll or bread. Other options include a fresh fruit salad, sauteed Brussels sprouts, or some steamed broccoli.

The Easiest Chicken Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Ashley Haugen

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This is the easiest family dinner you'll ever make. Keep it nearby as it will be in constant rotation in your home.

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 4 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 bag of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice, long-grain and wild
• 2 cans green beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4-oz) jar pimentos
• 1 (8-oz) can of sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup mayo
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until combined. 
3. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and back for 25 minutes. It's ready when it's bubbling.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©MomsWhoThink / Ashley Haugen.

The post The Easiest Chicken Casserole Recipe (Your New Favorite Dump Dinner) appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Let's taco 'bout something seriously saucy today – a truly epic face-off between enchiladas and chimichangas! We're diving into the world of scrumptious Mexican-American cuisine, where tortillas, sauces, salsas, fillings, and flavors collide. We'll dig into the different flavor profiles of each, the nutritional properties including which dish is healthier, and substitution options for nights when you're only prepared-ish to make dinner. 

Are Enchiladas and Chimichangas the Same Thing?

While enchiladas and chimichangas are both firmyl rooted in the history of Mexican cuisine, they are very distinct dishes. Think of enchiladas as the cool, saucy cousin who's all about the flavor infusion. On the flip side, chimichangas are the crispy, crunchy sibling to the burrito with a love for deep-fried indulgence. All of this to say: chimichangas are rolled and fried, while enchiladas are rolled and baked. But the differences don't stop there.

Enchiladas: Sauced, Slathered, and Straight from the Oven

Imagine this: soft corn (or flour) tortillas, wrapped around a tantalizing filling of shredded meats, beans, rice, and veggies. Now, tuck it in, all cozied up in a blanket of rich, flavorful sauce. That's an enchilada dinner for you! While the mis en place for the dish can call for a million tiny prep dishes, these are essentially a one-dish baked dinner where a little work goes a long way toward feeding everyone at your table. They're like a culinary hug that's baked to perfection. 

Chimichangas: Crunchy Cousin to the Burrito

Chimichangas, on the other hand, are here to add some crunch to your munch. Imagine making a tortilla loaded with a mouthwatering filling, rolled up like a burrito's stylish cousin, and then deep-fried until it's golden and irresistibly crispy. Magic, you say? We tend to agree with you. The filling options are virtually endless, and you can serve them up with sour cream, queso, salsa, salad, or whatever else tickles your fancy.

Nutritional Differences: Are Enchiladas or Chimichangas Healthier for You?

Let's taco 'bout the nutrition nitty-gritty because making informed choices can be a game-changer for our health. Which dish is healthier for you? The most straightforward answer is the enchilada because it's not deep-fried. But it's more nuanced than that, as each dish is endlessly customizable, and all those little variables add and subtract significantly to the overall nutritional value of the recipe.

Enchiladas: Healthy Fillings with Sensational Sauces

• We get the non-confrontatinoal appeal of flour tortillas. They're stretchy, they steam well, they can take a saucing without going all to pieces. But using corn tortillas in enchiladas are like inviting the friendly fiber fairies – they keep your digestion dancing and hunger at bay. 
• Opt for lean proteins like grilled chicken or beans as your filling – they'll give you that satisfying “yum” without the extra “yikes.”
• Watch the cheese and cream toppings – a little goes a long way in making your taste buds happy. If you really need that creamy mouth-feel, dial down your cheese and other dairy-based components and punch up the avocado (looking at you, guacamole) and beans, which bring healthy fats, fiber, slow carbs, and protein to the party.

Chimichangas: A Deep-Fried Delight

• If chimichangas were in a popularity contest, they'd probably win the crispy, golden crown! But the reality is that deep-frying anything adds unhealthy calories and fats, and destroys the nutritional value of the dish's healthier components. As an occasional indulgence, they're the clear winner. But as a weekly dinner? They really don't serve your family when compared with some of the other fresh, flavorful food options that Tex-Mex cuisine has to offer. 
• Modern cooking technology really does want to save us all. Thanks to the marvel of air-frying you can consider giving your chimichangas the 20th Century treatment of popping them into your favorite countertop cooker. If you're more of a traditionalist or cannot figure out how to work your air fryer (like me), you can also bake them in your plain old standard-issue oven. Think of it as giving them a makeover without compromising their crunchy charm.

How Do You Make Enchiladas and Chimichangas Healthier?

Giving these dishes a health glow-up is pretty straightforward. As long as you aren't concerned with culinary or cultural authenticity, these modifications will get you back within the caloric and nutritional ranges that your doctor will approve of.

How to Make Enchiladas Healthier

• Whole Wheat Tortillas: Swap the regular tortillas for whole wheat versions – they bring fiber and more complex, earthy flavors to the party.
• Veggie-licious Fillings: Load up on veggies as fillings – they say to “eat the rainbow,” and bulking your wraps up with veggies adds color, crunch, and nutrients to your dish.
• Lighter Sauces: Opt for tomato-based or fresh salsa sauces instead of heavy cream or queso-based options. The flavors are brighter, they often contain an acid of some sort, and you can sneak super-health herbs into them as well. 

How to Make Chimichangas Healthier

• Choose Lean Proteins: Whether it's chicken, turkey, or tofu, lean proteins keep the flavor high and the calorie count low, so the total caloric impact of the chimichanga is a little more balanced.
• Pile on the Veggies: Give your chimichanga that extra oomph with veggies like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Double down on this by adding the flavorful, fresh salsas we talked about above.
• Baking Magic: Like we said before, you can transform your chimichangas with a bake instead of a fry. Even air-frying offers you the same crunchy texture you know and love without the added nutritional hit that deep-frying brings.

Can Enchiladas and Chimichangas Be Substituted for Each Other?

These two dishes can seamlessly switch in and out with one another; it just takes a little finesse. Keeping in mind the variances in nutritional value, dial your healthy fillings up (or down) depending on your personal preference. 

Substitutions for Enchiladas

• Enchilada Casserole: Imagine the delicious love child of enchiladas and lasagna. You'd have layers of tortillas, filling, and sauce baked together. Adorned with the cheese and salsa of your choice, we're willing to bet this would be a fast family favorite.
• Enchilada Bowls: Who needs a tortilla when you can toss the enchilada goodness into a bowl? Top it with fresh veggies, avocado, and a spoonful of yogurt, queso fresco, or sour cream for that zing.

Substitutions for Chimichangas

• Baked Chimichangas: Look, we know we're hitting this point pretty hard, but we really want to drive home the fact that this one simple swap means less guilt and more pleasure. They might not be as flaky and crispy (because some magic is exclusive to a dip in a vat of hot fry oil), but they're still a crunch-worthy delight.
• Burritos: If chimichangas are the wild child in the family, burritos would be the sensible cousins. Again, this substitution makes the whole dish healthier, something we know you value.

Other Substitution Options for Enchiladas and Chimichangas

The fiesta is far from over. Here are a few more culinary creations from the Mexican menu that will satisfy your cravings if enchiladas and chimichangas aren't hitting the spot:

• Tacos are versatile, crunchy, customizable, and utterly delicious. Stuff 'em with anything from beans to fish, and let the flavor fiesta begin!
• Quesadillas are effortlessly cheesy and oh-so-tasty. They're a fan-favorite for a reason. Fill 'em with cheese, chicken, or even roasted veggies, and watch the melty magic happen. Don't forget to punch them up with some bright, fresh dipping sauces like salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole. 
• Tostadas are like tiny edible canvases, waiting for you to create your masterpiece. Top those crispy tortillas with refried beans, avocado, and a splash of salsa for a flavor explosion. Don't foget the cheese, hot sauce, and raw shaved onion — or, better yet, pickled red onion.

Best Enchilada Recipes

• Enchiladas vs. Quesadillas: Which is Healthier?
• Cilantro and Lime Beef Enchiladas
• Oven Enchiladas

Best Chimichanga Recipes

Baked Chicken Chimichanga

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Ingredients

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup onions, diced
1 cup green bell pepper, diced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne red pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup thick and chunky salsa (medium or mild)
16 (8 inch) flour tortillas
4 cups four cheese Mexican shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet with 4 tablespoons olive oil, brown the chicken on medium high heat until no longer pink. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the cooked chicken in a bowl, set aside.

2. Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion, green pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper, and oregano until tender. Add the chicken back to the pan and cook until heated through, stirring often. Stir in the salsa and heat for one minute. Set the pan aside.

3. Divide the chicken mixture evenly between 2 one-quart freezer bags; seal and set aside. Place 8 flour tortillas into 2 one-quart freezer bags; set aside. Divide cheese evenly between 2 one-quart freezer bags. Place one bag chicken mixture, one bag tortillas, and one bag of cheese into each of the one-gallon freezer bags.

To Serve:

1. Remove one entrée from the freezer and place in the refrigerator to thaw completely.

2. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a large sheet pan with nonstick spray; set aside.

3. For each chimichanga, place ½ cup of the chicken mixture in the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle ¼ cup of the cheese on top. Fold in the opposite sides of the tortilla over the chicken mixture. Roll up the tortilla, enclosing the mixture, and place it seam-side down on the sheet pan. Make the rest of the Chimichangas and place them on the sheet pan. Spray the tops of the Chimichangas with nonstick spray. Bake 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

• Baked Chimichangas Recipe
• Salsa Roja vs. Salsa Verde: Which Chimichanga Sidekick is the Best?
• Cotjia Cheese vs. Queso Fresco: The Melty Heart of the Chimichanga
• Chicken Chimichangas (The Recipe Critic)

 You've just unlocked the delicious secrets behind enchiladas and chimichangas – the saucy versus the crispy, the oven versus the fryer versus the air fryer. Remember, it's all about balance. Like Oscar Wilde, we believe in everything in moderation… especially moderation. 

The post Enchilada vs. Chimichanga: Which is Healthier for You? appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When it comes to preparing a scrumptious chicken dish for your family, selecting the right cut of meat can make all the difference. But with so many options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Today, we're tackling a common question: should I cook with chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts? And what's the difference between the two?

In short, the tenderloin is a tiny muscle found between the breast and the breast bone itself, whereas the chicken breast is a larger muscle found on the underside of the bird. Because these muscles are located in slightly different areas, they tend to differ in terms of flavor, texture, and size.

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In this post, we'll not only discover the subtle differences between these two cuts of chicken meat but also give you the knowledge you need so you can decide which one is best for your next meal. Let's dive in!

Chicken Tenderloin vs. Chicken Breast: What are the Differences?

As mentioned, the chicken tenderloin and chicken breast are muscles that are located in two different places on a chicken. The tenderloin tends to be more tender (hence its name) while chicken breast tends to be a bit more firm and mild. Let's take a closer look at what truly sets these two cuts apart.

Location

Chicken breasts are located on the front of the chicken's chest, known as the breastbone. They are the whole breast portion, including both the upper and lower parts. Chicken breasts are situated above the wings and extend to the chicken's back. They are the largest cut of meat obtained from the breast area.

Chicken tenderloins, on the other hand, are a specific muscle group found underneath the chicken breast. They are located on the inner side of the breastbone, closer to the chicken's rib cage. Tenderloins are slender strips of meat that run parallel to the breast, separate from the main breast portion.

Keep in mind that sometimes stores will slice up chicken breasts and use them to make chicken tenders. This is not the same as a chicken tenderloin. The tenderloin itself is a specific cut from a specific location on a chicken. They are not always used to make chicken tenders.

Size and Shape

As mentioned, chicken breasts are a larger cut of meat and are typically boneless. When purchasing them from your local grocery store, they may weigh anywhere from 3 to 8 ounces. They are also usually oval or teardrop-shaped and can be quite thick, especially in comparison to tenderloins. A chicken breast is typically larger and plump at one end, then taper to a point on the other end.

Chicken tenderloins are smaller and narrower in size compared to chicken breasts. They're typically about a quarter to a third of the size, too. Tenderloins are long and thin, resembling small strips or fillets, and can be paler in color than chicken breasts.

Texture and Tenderness

Chicken breast meat is lean and known for its firm texture. It has a slightly fibrous nature due to the presence of more muscle fibers. When cooked properly, chicken breasts can be tender and moist, but they will always be a bit coarser than the tenderloin.

Chicken tenderloins are naturally more tender than chicken breasts. When cooked, they have a softer texture with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Their tenderness makes them a popular choice for various recipes, especially those requiring quick cooking methods.

Flavor

Chicken breast has a mild and versatile flavor. It provides a neutral base that can easily absorb flavors from marinades, spices, and sauces. These marinades can also affect the finished flavor of the chicken. Additionally, the flavor of chicken breasts can change depending on whether you're using a skin-on or skinless version, as well as a bone-in or boneless variety.

Due to the location of their cut being right next to the breast, chicken tenderloins taste extremely similar to chicken breasts. However, because they are slightly higher in sodium and fat and they have a more delicate texture, some argue that tenderloins are more flavorful. Like chicken breasts, tenderloins easily absorb marinades and seasonings which can affect the final cooked flavor of the meat.

Cooking Method

Due to their larger size and thicker texture, chicken breasts are often suitable for grilling, baking, roasting, and sautéing. They require longer cooking times to ensure they are cooked through without becoming dry. Additionally, chicken breasts are an excellent choice for marinades. The liquid from the marinade can help to improve their dry texture and mild flavor.

Chicken tenderloins are quick-cooking and well-suited for recipes that require shorter cooking times. They are ideal for stir-frying, breading and pan-frying, and grilling. They take less time to marinate due to their smaller size and are often used in dishes like salads, wraps, or stir-fry recipes. When cooking chicken tenderloins, keep an eye on the time. These don't take long to cook through and can become dry and tough if overdone.

Regardless of how either cut of chicken is cooked, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F according to the USDA. This internal temp helps to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and void of bacteria that can cause food illnesses.

Chicken Tenderloin vs. Chicken Breast: Nutritional Value

Both chicken tenderloins and chicken breasts are lean sources of protein and are widely viewed as healthy choices. There are, however, some slight differences between the two cuts.

According to the USDA's food data center, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of cooked chicken tenderloins contain:

• 89 calories
• 19.6 grams of protein
• 0.45 grams of fat

And, according to Healthline, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of cooked chicken breasts contain:

• 165 calories
• 31 grams of protein
• 3.6 grams of fat

As you can see, chicken tenderloins tend to be a bit lighter all around. Chicken breasts are higher in protein, though, so if you're seeking a high-protein diet, you may want to opt for breasts over tenderloins.

It's important to note that the exact nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the cooking method and any added ingredients or marinades. Additionally, the nutritional content may differ based on the specific type of chicken (like organic, free-range, etc.) and any variations in fat content. Therefore, it's always a good idea to refer to the specific nutritional information provided on the packaging.

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Can you Substitute Chicken Tenderloin for Chicken Breast?

Yes, you can substitute chicken tenderloin for chicken breast and vice versa in your next recipe! Just keep in mind that while these are easy to substitute, they are not the exact same.

For instance, chicken tenderloin tends to be smaller than chicken breasts, so you may not have the exact amount that you need for your next recipe. Chicken tenderloins also tend to cook more quickly and be more tender. This may mean you'll need to adjust your cooking time and seasoning depending on what your recipe calls for.

Overall, substituting chicken tenderloins for chicken breasts works well in many recipes, especially when you're looking for a quicker cooking time and a more tender texture. Before making the swap, however, be sure to consider the specific recipe you're working with and the cooking method needed.

Chicken Tenderloin Recipes

Potato-crusted Chicken Casserole

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• Author: Moms Who Think
• Yield: 6 servings

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Ingredients

1 large potato, thinly sliced*
1 Tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

FILLING:
1½ pounds chicken tenderloins, cut into ½-inch cubes
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon butter
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups fat-free milk
¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2 cups frozen peas and carrots
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried basil
Dash rubbed sage

CRUMB TOPPING:
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 Tablespoon butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder

*Potato slices tested at ¹/₁₆ of an inch using a mandolin

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss potato slices with oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Arrange slices onto the bottom and sides of an 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until potato is tender. Reduce heat to 350°.

3. Meanwhile, for filling, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in oil until no longer pink. Remove from skillet.

4. In the same skillet, sauté onion in butter.

5. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

6. Reduce heat; stir in cheeses until melted.

7. Stir in vegetables, seasonings and chicken. Spoon into potato crust.

8. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over chicken mixture. Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly and topping is golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 340
• Sodium: 674mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Mustard Seasoned Chicken Strips
• Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Chicken Breast Recipes

• Mozzarella Chicken
• Baked Chicken Nuggets
• Baked Pesto Chicken

Final Thoughts

• Chicken tenderloin is cut from the inner part of the breastbone, while chicken breast is cut from across the entire breastbone. Although these cuts are close in location, they are distinct.
• As you might expect, chicken breasts are larger than chicken tenderloins.
• Chicken tenderloin is always going to be more tender than chicken breast. Don't mistake a chicken breast for dry and coarse, though; when cooked well, it can be plenty moist and tender.

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When it comes to comparing chicken tenderloins and chicken breasts, both cuts have their own unique characteristics. Chicken tenderloins, a smaller and more delicate muscle, are known for tenderness and a quick-cooking quality. Chicken breasts, on the other hand, are larger and firmer, providing a substantial texture and versatility. Whichever option you choose is sure to provide a delicious chicken dish your family will love. Happy cooking!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©60694/Shutterstock.com.

The post Chicken Tenderloin vs. Chicken Breast: What’s the Difference Between These Two Cuts? appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Are you wondering what the difference between chicken tenders and chicken breast is? When it comes to chicken, there is no denying it. This delicious meat contains excellent nutritional benefits in many ways. For starters, it contains protein that your body relies on. Chicken also is filled with iron, B12, and zinc. So, chicken is the way to go if you are looking for healthy food or meat to substitute for red meat. However, there are many different forms of chicken.

One of the two most popular types of chicken are chicken tenders and chicken breast. They are basically the same thing, right? Actually, they have some fundamental differences that we will cover in this post. One of the main differences between the two is where each one is cut from the chicken. Chicken tenderloin is cut from the underside of the chicken breast and is a long thin muscle that is often cut away from the breast. There are a few more differences that this post will cover below. 

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Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Breast: What are the Differences?

Chicken breasts are exactly what they sound like. They are the cuts of meat that come from the breast of a chicken. Chicken tenders, on the other hand, are cut from the chicken breast. They are long, thin muscle that runs below the breast. Typically, they are cut off from the breast and sold separately. 

When shopping in a store, you will notice a couple more differences. Chicken tenders are more petite than chicken breasts. The price is also different. Chicken tenders are pricier than chicken breasts. The price difference could be because more chicken breast meat is within a bag than chicken tenders. Both chicken tenders and chicken breasts are tender, juicy, and white. They are excellent sources of vital nutrients and are a great alternative to any meal if you want to make it a bit healthier. 

Another main difference between chicken tenders and chicken breasts is in the preparation method. Chicken tenders typically have a crispy outer layer made by adding a breading, whereas one of the most common ways to prepare chicken breast is by marinating it or adding oil and seasoning. 

Cooking Methods

When it comes to cooking methods, there are many ways to cook chicken breasts and chicken tenders. Baking is one of the favorite ways to cook these two different cuts. Another way is pan frying, air frying, or even grilling. Chicken tenders do not take as long to cook as a chicken breast does. Tenders will usually be done baking within 20 minutes, whereas chicken breasts can take anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breast. You will want to cook your chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Chicken tenders usually cook in various ways, but the prominent characteristic of this type of chicken lies within the breading. To make breaded chicken tenders, you must dip them in flour, an egg mixture, and then in the breading. Afterward, they can take well to air-frying, pan-frying, or baking from there. 

Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Breast Nutritional Value

Regarding the nutritional value of these two types of chickens, they contain excellent nutrients and minerals. Chicken tenders are higher in calories and carbohydrates simply because of their coating. However, they are both excellent protein sources, vitamin B12, and more. Take a look below at the comparisons of the two. 

What is Chicken Anyway?

Chicken is one of the go-to meats that you will find in many weeknight recipes. It is also at the top of most health recipes. There's no denying this meat is both versatile and healthy. However, what exactly is chicken? Well, a chicken is a bird. It is classified as a bird because it has feathers, not fur or hair. Chickens also have wings! It cannot fly very well though this fact doesn't stop chickens from trying.

Many people will keep chickens for a variety of reasons. While we like to buy chicken cuts from the grocery store, using meat is not the main reason people keep chickens. First, they typically will provide eggs, which also include a variety of nutrients, including protein, vitamin D, and much more. Chickens are also excellent at keeping bugs off of your garden or lawn. This marvelous characteristic makes them excellent pest control. Another fun fact, many people like to enter chickens into show competitions, adding a fun spin on watching these gorgeous birds. Along with all these incredible facts is the knowledge that chicken provides excellent white meat for our dinners. That leads us to the difference between chicken tenders and chicken breasts. 

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What Are Chicken Tenders?

Chicken tenders can be an excellent way to get children to eat chicken. They are small enough for little hands, take well to being dipped, and are versatile! 

Chicken tenders are the cut of meat from the bottom of a chicken breast. Therefore, because they are long and thin, they are perfect for breading and baking with an outer crispy crust, similar to fried chicken, but without all the added oils. While you can bake chicken tenders, others enjoy deep frying them. The breading will get you close to the chicken fried taste, yet with a smaller chicken. 

This type of meat is a white meat. Tenders are very tender and juicy when they are not overcooked. The crispy outer layer creates a delicious crunch that makes children everywhere giddy. 

 What is Chicken Breast?

Chicken breast is what it sounds like. The meat comes from the breastbone of a chicken. Chickens have one breast bone with two halves. The meat is white, juicy, and very versatile. It has an earthy and mild taste. Sometimes, the taste of chicken can be a bit bland. However, it is versatile, meaning it takes well to marinade for an extended time and is generously seasoned. 

Many people enjoy chicken breast with a side of vegetables or fruit. Others will wrap it in a tortilla or toss it on a salad. Chicken breast takes well to grilling, baking, or even frying. The versatility is impressive! 

Can You Substitute Chicken Tenders for Chicken Breast?

The short answer is yes, chicken breast and chicken tenders are essentially from the same place on a chicken. They taste very similar and, when cooked correctly, are both juicy and tender. Therefore, if you want to substitute one for the other, it is entirely possible. Likewise, if you want to omit the breading that many people enjoy on chicken tenders and use them like you would use chicken breast, it is absolutely possible! 

It is important, though, to pay attention to the cook times and cooking methods of the two. Chicken tenders are smaller than chicken breasts. The small size means they will cook faster. Therefore, keep a close eye on your dish so you can cook your chicken sparingly. Chicken, when it is overcooked, will have a very rubbery and tough taste that can be hard to chew! When watching your chicken, check the internal temperature often; it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Any hotter, and you risk the chicken overcooking. 

What are Substitutes for Chicken Tenders?

If you enjoy the crunch of chicken tenders but want to try something new, you can try a few different substitutes. For example, fried chicken offers the same crunch as chicken tenders, yet more meat is available. You could also try breaded chicken cutlets, fingers, or chicken schnitzel. 

If you prefer to try vegan and omit the meat altogether, there are still some fantastic substitutes. For example, you could try tofu, jackfruit, soy curls, or chickpeas. These alternatives have excellent nutrients, vitamins, and a melt-in-your-mouth flavor, much like chicken tenders. There are even options for breaded tofu that can replace chicken tenders! 

What are Substitutes for Chicken Breast?

One of the reasons people enjoy chicken breast is because of its versatility, price, and health benefits. However, if you are growing tired of eating chicken or simply want to try an alternative, there are a few that you can try today instead of chicken breast. If you enjoy meat yet are looking for the benefits that chicken offers in a different form, there are a few healthy meats out there to try. Sometimes turkey breasts, ground turkey, or lean beef make excellent substitutes. 

If you are looking for a substitute that goes the other direction and eliminates meat altogether, you could try tofu, beans, soy products, or even tempeh. 

There are many options when it comes to substitutes and alternatives for chicken. Feel free to experiment and figure out what exactly you like! Many foods offer the same benefits as chicken and have similar tastes! 

In Conclusion

• Chicken tenders do actually come from the breast of the chicken, but they are a specific cut from that breast. A chicken tender is cut from a long, thin muscle under the breast.
• Chicken breast tends to be more affordable than chicken tenders.
• Many people bread chicken tenders before cooking, giving them a crispy exterior. Chicken breast is often marinated or seasoned, and then prepared on a grill or skillet.

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When it comes to chicken, there's no denying that the health benefits that we garner from eating this meat are high! Chicken is filled with protein, minerals and is also low in calories. In addition, one of the best characteristics of chicken is that fact that it is so versatile. This is why creating various ways to eat this meat has become so easy. Whether you enjoy grilled chicken for its low-calorie content and smokey flavor, fried chicken for the crunch and comfort feeling, or even chicken tenders that make it easy to dip in your favorite sauces, there are plenty of choices for chicken. 

If you are trying to decide between chicken tenders and chicken breast, it really comes down to personal preference. Chicken tenders and chicken breast usually cook similarly; baked, grilled, pan-fried, or air frying are all options! Chicken tenders are typically breaded. The breading creates a crunch that is equal to fried chicken. However, it is entirely possible to omit the breading altogether. Regardless of which one you enjoy, both types of chicken are delicious, flavorful, tender, and versatile! It is hard to go wrong with either one. 

Chicken Breast Posts

• From Fresh to Foul: Understanding Good vs. Bad Raw Chicken Breast
• Chicken Cutlets vs. Chicken Breast: Health Benefits, Recipes, and More
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• Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
• Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Chicken Tenders Recipes

Buffalo Chicken Tenders

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• Yield: Serves 4

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Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
½ cup broken reduced-fat shredded wheat crackers
½ cup broken honey wheat pretzel rods
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 eggs
¼ cup fat-free milk
1½ pounds chicken breast tenderloins
⅓ cup light mayonnaise
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
½ cup buffalo sauce
Celery sticks

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil; coat foil with cooking spray. Set pan aside.

3. Place crackers in a food processor, cover and process until coarsely ground.

4. Add pretzels to food processor, cover and process until pretzels are coarsely ground.

5. Transfer pretzel mixture to a shallow dish; stir in cayenne pepper.

6. In another shallow dish whisk together eggs and 2 tablespoons milk.

7. Dip chicken into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dip chicken into crumb mixture, turning to coat. Arrange chicken in prepared pan.

8. Lightly coat breaded chicken with cooking spray. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until no longer pink.

9. Meanwhile, for blue cheese dip, in a small bowl stir together mayonnaise, blue cheese, the remaining 2 tablespoons milk, and the garlic. Serve chicken tenderloins with blue cheese dip, buffalo sauce, and celery sticks.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per serving
• Calories: 265
• Sodium: 444mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 145mg

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The post Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Breast: Flavors, Versatily, and Nutrients of the Two appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Chicken has become a staple in many recipes. One of the reasons is that chicken is a healthy alternative to many different types of meat. It contains vital nutrients and vitamins that we need in our everyday life. Also, the versatility makes cooking and adding chicken to salads, casseroles, or stir-fries easy. There are also many different ways to cook chicken. Two of the most popular ways to cook this meat include grilling and frying. Both grilled and fried chicken are bursting with flavor. The main difference between grilled and fried chicken lies in the cooking methods. Grilled chicken uses the heat of a pan or grill to cook, while fried chicken uses hot oil and grease. There are many more differences between the two, which this post covers. Read on for more information on the difference between grilled and fried chicken. 

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Grilled Chicken vs. Fried Chicken: What are the Differences?

When it comes to eating chicken, many people have their own personal preferences. It can be hard to beat the smell and taste of delicious fried chicken, especially if it comes from your grandma's kitchen! However, on the other hand, grilled chicken offers many excellent health benefits. So, what are the top differences between the two? The main differences between grilled and fried chicken are the cooking methods, cook time each takes, flavor, texture, and nutrients each offer. We are going to explore each category in depth below. 

Cooking Methods and Time

The cooking methods may be the most predominant difference between these two types of chicken. Grilled chicken uses direct heat to grill the meat. The chicken cooks directly on the grill and uses no other cooking medium. Additionally, the versatility of chicken means grilled chicken can adapt well to many different types of seasoning and marinades.

On the other hand, fried chicken has a very strategic cooking method. First, fried chicken is covered in a seasoned batter or flour. Next, fried chicken requires immersing the meat in hot cooking oil. The cook time is also different. Grilled chicken takes more time to cook than fried chicken. On the other hand, fried chicken takes less time to cook because the oil is at a higher temperature typically than the grill. 

Flavor and Texture

Fried chicken requires dipping it in seasoned flour or seasoned batter several times. The seasoned batter creates the outer layer that gives the chicken its crunch. While the batter or flour is typically covered in seasoning well, the flavor is less pronounced on fried chicken than on grilled chicken. Therefore the taste of fried chicken may be less intense than grilled, depending on the chicken's seasoning or marinade. Grilled chicken also has a smoky, intense flavor. 

Regarding texture, the fried chicken has a crunchy outer layer and a soft and tender middle. Grilled chicken, on the other hand, is typically the tougher of the two chickens because it doesn't have the outer flour layer protecting it while cooking. 

Grilled Chicken vs. Fried Chicken Nutritional Value

Another difference between grilled chicken and fried chicken lies in the nutritional value of the two. Grilled chicken beats out fried chicken as being healthier. Fried chicken requires dipping in hot oil and breading with flour or batter, decreasing the health benefits and increasing calories. If you are looking for a versatile, healthy alternative to fried chicken, grilled chicken is it. Chicken is adaptable, meaning you can season, marinade, and cook it in many different ways. The adaptability of chicken means it is also possible to toss grilled or fried chicken on your salads and eat them alone or on a wrap. There are many ways to experiment with chicken and the excellent nutritional benefits of this protein-packed meat! 

What is Grilled Chicken?

Grilling chicken uses the cooking process with no medium on direct heat, typically a grill. The heat will cook the outside first and then move into the middle of the chicken. This type of chicken is versatile and takes well to many different seasonings and marinades. The taste of grilled chicken is typically smoky and juicy. Grilled chicken is often a top choice for those choosing a healthy diet because of the nutrients, including iron and protein, that it packs. Chicken is also lower in calories, making it a favorite choice. 

What is Fried Chicken?

Fried chicken uses the cooking method of dipping in hot oil and breading in seasoned flour or batter. After dipping the chicken in hot oil and it is cooked through. Usually, when cooking fried chicken, regular flour is best, though other forms of starch can be a substitute, including corn or potato starch. Fried chicken also uses brining in some form of milk, generally buttermilk. When brining the chicken, you lock in the moisture and add flavor.

Grilled chicken is the healthier choice, although fried chicken makes a delicious meal and goes great with many different sides! 

Can You Substitute Fried Chicken For Grilled Chicken?

Yes. You can substitute fried chicken and grilled chicken. In doing so, it is essential to remember the nutrient value. Many people will substitute grilled chicken for fried chicken because they want a healthier protein option. However, enjoying fried chicken occasionally can complete a great family meal.

What are Substitutes for Grilled Chicken?

If you aren't a big fan of chicken but still would like to enjoy its benefits, you can try many different substitutes! If you want a meatless option, nuts, beans, sprouts, and even tofu offer similar nutritional benefits, including protein and essential vitamins like vitamin C. You can substitute ground turkey, burgers, lean beef, or pork if you are okay with eating meat. These meats offer delicious and tender flavor, texture, and beneficial vitamins and minerals. 

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What are Substitutes for Fried Chicken?

When substituting fried chicken, it is typically for the health benefits. You can alternatively eat any of the foods mentioned above and receive a healthy boost to your diet. However, you can also try a few more substitutes, especially if you enjoy the crunch of fried chicken. For example, aside from grilled or baked chicken, you could try fried tofu. Fried tofu doesn't offer much in taste. However, it absorbs seasoning and marinades very well. There are also baked or fried vegan chicken options with fewer calories and fat than typical fried chicken. 

One Final Note

• Grilled chicken has a strong, smoky flavor that many people love. Fried chicken has a milder taste, but is loved for its crunch.
• Fried chicken cooks in hot oil, while grilled chicken cooks on direct heat.
• Grilled chicken has significantly less fat and fewer calories than fried chicken, making it a lot healthier.

Chicken is an excellent source of protein, iron, and many other vitamins. Its versatility has made it adaptable to being cooked in various ways, including grilled and fried. Grilled chicken wins by a long shot regarding which form is healthier. Fried chicken is cooked in fatty oils and covered in high-calorie and high-fat batter. The oil and batter alone increase calorie and fat intake even higher than grilled chicken. That doesn't mean fried chicken still can't be enjoyed. It can! Grilled chicken is the way to go if you want a healthy alternative to fried chicken. Other than the main difference, the texture, taste, and cooking methods also differ.

Grilled chicken is typically firmer and has a smokier taste than fried chicken. Fried chicken is milder in flavor yet has a delicious crunchy outer layer. No matter what version of chicken you prefer, one thing is for sure; chicken is hard to beat! 

Grilled Chicken Recipes

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Fried Chicken Recipes

Saltine Fried Chicken

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Ingredients

30 saltine crackers
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons dry potato flakes
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 egg
¼ cup vegetable oil
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

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Instructions

1. Place crackers in a large resealable plastic bag; seal bag and crush crackers until they are coarse crumbs.

2. Add flour, potato flakes, seasoned salt, and pepper to bag and mix well.

3. Beat egg in a shallow dish or bowl; heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

4. One by one, dredge chicken pieces in egg beat, then place in bag with crumb mixture, seal bag and shake to coat.

5. Reduce heat to medium and cook coated chicken in skillet for 15 to 20 minutes, turning frequently, until golden brown and juices run clear.

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The post Grilled Chicken vs. Fried Chicken: Exploring The Different Nutrition, Texture, And Taste Of The Two appeared first on Moms Who Think.

As parents, we strive to provide our children with healthy and nutritious meals, and chicken often finds its way to the top of the menu. Whether it's a succulent roasted chicken dinner or a quick stir-fry, this versatile protein is a household favorite. However, it's important to understand the differences between cooked and uncooked chicken for the safety and well-being of our family.

There are many differences between cooked and uncooked chicken, including taste, texture, and appearance. The biggest difference between the two, however, is the color. Cooked chicken will be white or tan in color with no traces of pink, while uncooked chicken will be noticeably pink.

In this post, we'll uncover the in-depth contrasts between cooked and uncooked chicken, shedding light on everything from appearance and flavor to nutritional profiles and the importance of proper cooking techniques. By understanding these differentiations, we can ensure the safety of our family while also enjoying delicious chicken-based dishes. So let's dive in and explore the world of cooked and uncooked chicken!

Cooked vs. Uncooked Chicken: What are the Differences?

As mentioned, one of the key differences between cooked and uncooked chicken is the change in color from pink to white. But there are other variations like the texture, flavor, and safety of cooked vs. uncooked chicken as well. Let's take a closer look at what sets these two apart and how you can tell if your chicken is undercooked or cooked to perfection.

Appearance and Texture

Cooked chicken has a firm texture and often changes color, depending on the cooking method used. The meat may turn white, golden brown, or have a charred appearance, depending on how it was prepared. Uncooked chicken, on the other hand, has a soft and flexible texture. It appears pinkish or pale in color, with a smooth surface. Keep in mind that the texture can vary depending on the cut and quality of the chicken.

Flavor

Cooked chicken develops a rich and savory flavor during the cooking process. Depending on how it's prepared and the seasoning used, it may have a slightly smoky, roasted, or grilled taste. Uncooked chicken does not have a distinct flavor, but it may carry a mild poultry aroma. The true flavors are only developed when the chicken is cooked and seasoned.

Food Safety

According to USDA recommendations, properly cooked chicken is considered safe to eat as long as it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Cooking chicken to this temperature helps eliminate harmful bacteria which can cause food poisoning.

Uncooked chicken carries a higher risk of bacterial contamination, especially with Salmonella and Campylobacter. These bacteria are commonly found in poultry and can lead to foodborne illnesses if consumed raw or undercooked. It is crucial to handle uncooked chicken with care to prevent cross-contamination and ensure thorough cooking.

Cooked vs. Uncooked Chicken: Nutritional Value

The nutritional profile of cooked chicken can vary depending on the cooking method and whether or not you consume the skin. It remains an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, vitamins (B6, B12), minerals (iron, zinc), and healthy fats (especially in the skin).

The nutritional composition of uncooked chicken is similar to that of cooked chicken. However, consuming raw chicken presents an increased risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

The National Chicken Council provides an in-depth look at the nutritional value of cooked chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is often viewed as the healthiest option as it only contains 165 calories and 3.57 g of fat, but still 31.02 g of protein. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a whole chicken including light meat, dark meat, and the skin comes in at 239 calories per serving and 13.6 g of fat with only 27.3 g of protein.

Guidelines to Make Sure Chicken is Fully Cooked

Being able to tell the difference between cooked and uncooked chicken is, of course, crucial to food safety in the kitchen. But how do you make sure your chicken really is fully cooked and you're not serving undercooked poultry at your next family meal?

Use a Meat Thermometer

This is one of the safest and easiest ways to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. Oftentimes, the outside of the chicken will appear done, while the inside is still pink and undercooked. By inserting a thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked to the 165°F USDA recommendation, you can feel safe serving the chicken to your family.

Check the Color and Texture

While color and texture can provide some indication of doneness, they are not always reliable on their own. Cooked chicken should have an opaque white or tan color throughout, with no traces of pink or rawness. The texture should also be firm.

Follow Cooking Times

Cooking times may vary depending on the cut and size of the chicken, as well as the cooking method. It's important to follow recommended cooking times and temperatures for various chicken dishes. Refer to recipe instructions or reputable cooking resources to ensure proper cooking times are followed.

Check the Juices

When cutting into your cooked chicken, the juices should run clear, not pink or red. Colored juices may indicate that the chicken is not fully cooked and needs more time.

Use a Resting Period

After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before cutting it. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist chicken.

By following these steps and using a food thermometer as your primary guide, you can confidently ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly, safe to eat, and free from harmful bacteria.

Cooking Methods to Ensure Fully Cooked Chicken

There are many different ways to cook chicken. Here are a few ways to ensure you're fully cooking your chicken using the most popular methods.

Oven and Stovetop Cooking

When cooking chicken in the oven, preheat it to the recommended temperature and place the chicken on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Cook until the internal temperature reaches the recommended 165°F. For stovetop cooking methods like sautéing or pan-frying, cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

Grilling and Barbecuing

When grilling or barbecuing chicken, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook with the lid closed. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking. Again, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

Boiling

Boiling or simmering chicken is often used for soups, stews, and shredded chicken dishes. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, bring the liquid to a boil, add the chicken, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Stir-Frying

Stir-frying chicken involves quickly cooking it in a hot skillet or wok with high heat. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, cut it into small, evenly-sized pieces. Cook the chicken over high heat, stirring continuously until it is no longer pink in the center. A food thermometer can again be used to ensure each piece reaches the recommended 165°F.

Chicken Recipes

You need to try this great slow-cooked chicken recipe, along with these other suggestions:

Slow-cooked Chicken

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Ingredients

4 medium carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1 celery rib, cut into 2 inch pieces
2 cups cut fresh green beans (2 inch pieces)
5 small red potatoes, quartered
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 3½ pounds), cut up
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1½ cups hot water
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried basil
Pinch pepper

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Instructions

1. In a 5 qt. slow cooker, layer the first seven Ingredients: in order listed.

2. In a small bowl, combine the water, bouillon, salt, thyme, basil, and pepper; pour over the top. Do not stir.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until vegetables are tender and chicken juices run clear.

4. Remove chicken and vegetables. Thicken cooking juices for gravy if desired.

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Final Thoughts

• Cooked chicken is white, golden brown, or charred in appearance. Uncooked chicken is fairly recognizable by its pink or pale appearance.
• Uncooked chicken may contain harmful bacteria that can make you ill. By cooking the chicken, you'll kill off this bacteria and make it safe to eat.
• Cooked chicken has a rich and savory flavor that can vary depending on the seasonings used. Uncooked chicken is virtually flavorless.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between cooked and uncooked chicken is crucial for the well-being of our families. While chicken remains a popular protein choice in our kitchens, it's important to understand the significance of proper cooking techniques and food safety measures. From the visible differences in color, texture, and taste to the hidden risks of bacterial contamination, these factors play a vital role in ensuring that our meals are both delicious and safe.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Mironov Vladimir/Shutterstock.com.

The post Cooked vs. Uncooked Chicken: Understanding the Differences and Ensuring Food Safety appeared first on Moms Who Think.

As parents, we strive to provide the best for our families. This is especially true in the kitchen as we work to prepare family meals. We want to be confident in our choices and one food item that can sometimes leave us scratching our heads and questioning our family's safety is raw chicken. Raw chicken is a staple in many households, but knowing how to identify the signs of good and bad chicken breast is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure the well-being of our loved ones.

In general, chicken that is still fresh and raw is pink and meaty, while chicken that has spoiled is discolored and has a dull, grey hue. There are other differences between fresh and raw chicken breast as well.

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In this blog post, we will delve into the important characteristics that set apart good and bad raw chicken breasts. From appearance and smell to texture and proper handling, we'll explore the key factors to consider when assessing the quality of chicken before it hits the pan. Let's dive in!

Good vs. Bad Raw Chicken Breast: What are the Differences?

As mentioned, fresh raw chicken is pink in color while chicken breast that has gone bad will look dull and greyish. Good and bad raw chicken will also smell differently and have different textures that set them apart. Let's take a closer look at the differences between fresh and spoiled raw chicken breasts so you can feel confident with the meat you use in your next meal.

Appearance

Fresh raw chicken breast should have a pale pink color with a smooth and moist surface. It should be firm to the touch. Chicken that has gone bad may have a grayish or greenish hue. It may appear slimy or discolored. If the chicken looks or feels slimy, that's a strong indication that it's spoiled.

It's also important to note that if you begin cooking chicken that has already gone bad, it may not change color like fresh chicken does. Fresh chicken breast will often change from pink to white as it cooks while spoiled chicken will remain a greyish hue.

Additionally, if you notice any visible signs of spoilage such as mold growth, you'll definitely need to toss that chicken in the trash can. Unlike cheese where you can remove the mold spot and consume the rest, chicken can make you ill if moldy and consumed.

Smell

Fresh raw chicken has a mild, neutral smell or a slightly sweet aroma. While not all spoiled chicken has a textbook smell, use your best judgment. If the chicken has a strong, unpleasant odor or emits a sour or rotten smell, it's best to discard it.

Some people also describe rotten chicken as having an ammonia-like smell. If you find this is the case for the chicken you're about to use, be sure to toss it and cook your meal with fresher chicken.

Texture

The texture of fresh raw chicken should be firm and pliable. It should bounce back when pressed lightly and it should be smooth and shiny on the outside. If the chicken feels slimy, sticky, or has a mushy texture, it's likely spoiled and should not be consumed.

Additionally, spoiled raw chicken breast can sometimes have a film on top or leave a slimy residue on your hands after touching it, indicating it's gone bad.

Expiration Date

Always check the expiration date on the packaging of the chicken. If the chicken is within the expiration date and meets the other criteria mentioned above, it is likely safe to consume. If the chicken is past its expiration date, it should be discarded, regardless of its appearance or smell. Also, if it hasn't passed its expiration date but doesn't meet the criteria above, it's best to also discard it. In the case of raw chicken, it's always better to err on the side of caution and discard anything that raises concerns.

Depending on where you shop and what you purchase, you may also notice that there are two dates on your package of chicken. One is a “packaging date” and one is a “sell by” date. The first is self-explanatory – it's the date on which the manufacturer packaged the item. The sell-by date, however, is the one you should pay attention to. Storing chicken in the fridge past this date likely means it has already spoiled.

Appropriate Storage and Handling of Raw Chicken Breast

Proper storage and handling practices are crucial for maintaining the quality of raw chicken. Chicken can spoil quickly if not stored or handled properly.

So how long do you have to use your chicken before it goes bad? According to the USDA guidelines, fresh poultry should be used or frozen within 1 to 2 days of purchasing. Also, be sure your refrigerator is at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). This may seem like a short time frame, but it's best not to risk ingesting bacteria or a food-born illness from spoiled chicken. Additionally, if you don't get a chance to use your chicken within the timeframe recommended, the USDA reports that fresh poultry can be kept in the freezer anywhere from nine months to a full year.

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It's also important to note that leaving raw chicken at room temperature for too long can facilitate bacterial growth, leading to foodborne illnesses. The USDA also recommends focusing on the “2-hour rule.” This rule suggests not leaving food out at room temperature (40° to 140°, also known as the “danger zone”) for more than 2 hours as it can lead to an increase of bacteria.

In short, keep your chicken refrigerated, use or freeze it after 1-2 days of purchasing, and use or toss it after nine months to one year in the freezer. Keeping these basic storage rules will ensure your chicken remains fresh!

Proper Preparation of Raw Chicken Breast

It is important to note that even if the chicken appears and smells fine, it's still necessary to cook it thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria. Salmonella or Campylobacter may still be present.

The CDC released a few guidelines for safely handling raw chicken, including:

• Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw chicken.
• There is no need to rinse or wash the chicken before cooking. Doing so can spread germs and cause potential cross-contamination with other foods.
• Use a separate cutting board when cutting or preparing raw chicken.
• Do not let the juices of raw chicken spread to other foods.
• Be sure to use separate utensils and plates when dealing with both raw and cooked chicken.
• Cook your chicken to a safe internal temperature of at least 165° F.

Safely cooking raw chicken can be tricky. It's best to follow these guidelines to keep everyone in your household safe and healthy.

Chicken Breast Recipes

Mozzarella Chicken

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Ingredients

• 4 whole chicken breasts (boneless)
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 stick butter (add more as needed, butter reduces with cooking)
• 1/2 lb. Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms (optional)

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into serving size pieces. Place chicken in slightly beaten egg for 1 hour and refrigerate.
2. If using mushrooms, sauté and set aside.
3. Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on a shallow plate. Roll chicken pieces in breadcrumb mixture and fry in butter until brown (about 10 minutes). Add additional butter as needed for frying.
4. Place chicken in 9 x 13 dish and place mushrooms on top (if using).
5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in a preheated 325 degree oven.
6. Remove from oven, place Mozzarella cheese cheese on top.
7. Place chicken back in oven until cheese melts.

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Final Thoughts

• Fresh chicken should be pale pink, smooth, and moist. If your chicken has a gray or greenish hue, or if it feels or looks slimy, it's definitely gone bad and should immediately be discarded.
• Spoiled chicken will have a foul odor; this is often one of the most tell-tale signs that chicken has gone bad. Fresh chicken should have a mild, neutral, and possibly sweet smell.
• Fresh chicken will be firm and pliable; it should bounce back when pressed down upon. Bad chicken will be sticky or mushy, and may have a film coating it.

Remember to trust your senses when it comes to identifying if your chicken is still fresh or if it has gone bad. Using your sense of smell and sight can help you determine if the chicken you're about to use is safe to eat.

In our quest to create delicious meals for our families, understanding the differences between good and bad raw chicken breast is critical. By paying attention to key characteristics such as appearance, smell, texture, and proper handling, we can confidently navigate the realm of raw chicken and ensure the health and well-being of our loved ones.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©aleksandr talancev/Shutterstock.com.

The post From Fresh to Foul: Understanding Good vs. Bad Raw Chicken Breast appeared first on Moms Who Think.

As parents, we often find ourselves on a never-ending quest to discover new and exciting dishes that not only taste great but are also a hit at the dinner table. Today, we're going to explore the sizzling showdown between two popular Mexican cuisines: chipotle chicken and pollo asado. These two chicken dishes sound similar, so what sets them apart?

The biggest difference between these two cuisines is the ingredients used and how they are prepared. Chipotle chicken offers a smoky, spicy flavor profile and is often marinated before grilled, whereas pollo asado has a citrusy, tangy taste and is often char-grilled on an open flame.

Whether you're a fan of smoky spices or crave a zesty citrus kick, we've got you covered. Let's dive in and take a closer look at the difference between these two popular types of chicken dishes!

Chipotle Chicken vs. Pollo Asado: What are the Differences?

While both of these dishes are inspired by Mexican culture, they have different regional influences. They also have different flavor profiles and are prepared in varied ways. Chipotle chicken stands out with its smoky and spicy flavor, thanks to the inclusion of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce in its marinade. On the other hand, pollo asado shines with its citrusy and tangy profile, achieved through the use of citrus juices, garlic, and spices.

Let's take a closer look at each of these chicken dishes.

What is Chipotle Chicken?

Chipotle chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that takes inspiration from Mexican cuisine, particularly the use of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. This type of chicken has become popular in Tex-Mex cuisine and is widely popular in America.

Here's a more in-depth look at Chipotle chicken.

Origin

The origin of chipotle chicken can be traced back to Mexican cuisine, specifically the culinary traditions of the country. Chipotle peppers themselves have a long history in Mexican cooking. According to Chef Gourmet, the word “chipotle” comes from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, and it translates to “smoked chili.”

Chipotle chicken, as a specific dish, likely emerged as cooks and chefs experimented with using chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to marinate and flavor chicken. While the exact origin of chipotle chicken as a specific recipe is difficult to pinpoint, it's a widely popular dish in Mexican cuisine and over time, has made its way into Tex-Mex and American cuisine.

Flavor

Chipotle chicken is known for its smoky and spicy flavor. It is marinated with a mixture that often includes chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, and other spices. The chipotle peppers are the star of the show and contribute to the smoky and mildly spicy taste of the chicken.

Ingredients Included

As mentioned, the most important ingredient in chipotle chicken is the chipotle peppers. Chipotle peppers are smoke-dried jalapeño peppers that are known for their distinctive smoky flavor and moderate heat. They are often sold in canned form, packed in a flavorful adobo sauce made from a blend of tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and sometimes additional peppers. This adobo sauce acts as a marinade and adds a rich and tangy dimension to the chicken.

Cooking Method

To prepare chipotle chicken, boneless chicken pieces, such as chicken breasts or thighs, are typically marinated in a mixture that includes chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, and other spices. The chicken is allowed to soak in the marinade, absorbing the flavors and developing a rich and complex taste.

Once marinated, the chipotle chicken can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky char and enhances the overall flavor while baking or pan-frying can also yield delicious results. The chicken is cooked until it reaches the desired level of tenderness and is often served with sides like rice, beans, tortillas, or as a filling for tacos, burritos, or salads.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken at Home

Looking to create this delicious chicken dish for your next family meal? Good news! Chipotle chicken is a delicious and easy recipe you can make in your own kitchen. While there are variations of the exact spices needed for this dish, Taste of Home suggests the following ingredients:

• Adobo sauce from canned chili peppers in adobo sauces
• Spices, such as chili powder, cumin, oregano, pepper, and salt
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic
• Red onion
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Combine all ingredients except for the chicken to make the marinade. Then, allow the chicken to marinade in the sauce for at least eight hours or overnight. After marinating, the chicken can be grilled or sauteed. Chop the cooked chicken and use it in tacos, burritos, or bowls to your liking. Enjoy!

What is Pollo Asado?

Like chipotle chicken, pollo asado is a flavorful and vibrant dish that originates from Mexican cuisine. Unlike chipotle chicken, however, pollo asado's flavor focuses on a citrusy blend of ingredients along with other spices.

Here's everything you need to know about this delicious and fresh chicken dish.

Origin

According to Culinary Depot, pollo asado originates from Mexican cuisine, where it's been a staple for centuries. It's thought to have its origins in the Yucatán peninsula before it was brought to Puerto Rico during the Spanish reign. Traditionally, this dish is grilled either over an open flame or a charcoal grill.

Pollo asado is heavily influenced by the flavors and cooking techniques of the region which it originated from. The use of citrus juices, herbs, and spices in marinades is a characteristic feature of northern Mexican cuisine, which showcases the vibrant and bold flavors associated with the area.

As Mexican cuisine gained popularity worldwide, so did pollo asado. Today, it can be found in Mexican restaurants and various international culinary scenes. It's even been introduced into Chipotle's commercial chain restaurants as a protein option for burritos, tacos, and bowls.

Flavor

Pollo asado is known for its citrusy and tangy flavors. It is typically marinated with ingredients like citrus juices (such as lime or orange), garlic, herbs (such as oregano), and various spices. The marinade gives the chicken a bright and refreshing taste.

Ingredients Included

As mentioned, the main ingredient in pollo asado is the citrusy blend of juices combined with various spices. Lime and orange juice are most commonly used, and herbs like oregano and cilantro are often combined to make the delicious marinade.

Cooking Method

Pollo asado is traditionally cooked on a grill or open flame, which imparts a distinctive charred flavor to the chicken. The grilling process helps to achieve crispy skin and tender meat. However, it can also be baked or pan-fried if grilling is not an option.

Additionally, traditional pollo asado tends to be cooked as a whole chicken, though it can also be made using chicken thighs, breasts, or other parts of the chicken.

How to Make Pollo Asado at Home

Pollo asado is also an easy recipe to make at home. The Food Network (via Ree Drummond) indicates you'll need the following ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Orange, lemon, and lime juice
• Salt, pepper, and garlic
• Chicken legs
• Onions

Combine the juices and spices to create a marinade, then pour the marinade over the chicken, onions, and juiced pieces of fruit. Allow to sit for at least two hours, though longer is better. Once marinaded, grill the chicken legs and serve with tortillas, refried beans, pico de gallo, and salsa.

Can you Substitute Chipotle Chicken for Pollo Asado?

Yes, these chicken dishes are easy to substitute! Depending on your preferences and favorite flavors, you can easily swap out one for the other.

Keep in mind, however, that chipotle chicken has a higher level of spice to it due to the chipotle peppers that are used. Pollo asado, on the other hand, has more of a citrusy and fresh flavor. Swapping one for the other will likely alter the taste of your dish.

Because both of these meals have chicken as the main ingredient, you can also alter your seasonings and recipes to your liking. You can also decide if you want to grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken as you prepare it.

Other Tex-Mex Recipes

• Tex Mex Fiesta Skillet Recipe
• Tex Mex Lasagna
• Mexican Chicken Casserole

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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(6 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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4 from 6 reviews

• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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Description

Get Mexican flair on the table with this easy Mexican chicken casserole. With only six ingredients, it comes together in no time. Filled with creamy cheese and layered with Doritos, this will easily satisfy even picky eaters.

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 6 chicken breasts, boneless
• 10 oz. Velveeta cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup mixed with 1 cup milk
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes
• 1 bag Doritos tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Boil chicken until cooked through. Cut into bite sized pieces.
2. Combine Velveeta, soup mixture, and tomatoes; bring to a boil.
3. Add chicken and simmer 5-10 minutes, stirring often.
4. Place a layer of Doritos in long casserole dish, then add a layer of the chicken mixture.
5. Add another layer of chips, another layer of the chicken mixture, ending with chips on top.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 15 Minutes
• Cook Time: 35 Minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Final Thoughts

• Chipotle chicken has a smoky and spicy flavor, while pollo asado has a citrusy and tangy flavor. It's important to keep these flavor differences in mind if you decide to swap the dishes.
• Pollo asado uses citrus juice, garlic, and spices in the recipe. Chipotle chicken, meanwhile, uses chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. These differences in ingredients give both chicken dishes their own unique flavor profiles.
• Pollo asado can be prepared in pieces, but traditionally a whole chicken is used. Chipotle chicken, meanwhile, uses chicken pieces, such as breasts and thighs.

In conclusion, chipotle chicken and pollo asado are two distinct and delicious Mexican-inspired chicken dishes that bring unique flavors to the table. Chipotle chicken entices with its smoky and spicy allure, while pollo asado delights with its tangy and citrusy flavor. Whichever option you choose at your next family meal is sure to be delicious!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Julia Mikhaylova/Shutterstock.com.

The post Exploring Flavors: Chipotle Chicken vs. Pollo Asado appeared first on Moms Who Think.

A classic comfort food, chicken cordon bleu is a delicious trio of chicken, ham, and cheese. The boneless and skinless chicken breast is wrapped around the ham and cheese and coated with breadcrumbs. As fancy as it appears, chicken cordon bleu is amazingly easy to prepare. The necessary tools to ensure delicious, tender chicken cordon bleu are a mallet (or rolling pin) to prepare the chicken breast and an instant-read thermometer to easily check the internal temperature. But what about side dishes for chicken cordon bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu pairs remarkably well with a variety of side dishes. Your choice of sides comes down to your preferences, how much time you have, and what is available locally. Many recipes listed here require seasonal ingredients, while others can be made entirely from common pantry items.

Layered Salad

Chicken cordon bleu can be a little rich and heavy, so it's nice to pair it with something light. Consider fixing this quick and easy layered salad to go alongside. This salad looks like an impressive and time-consuming side dish, but nothing could be further from the truth. It's actually quite easy to put together!

Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Another quick and easy salad option is chopped salad with buttermilk dressing. While prepackaged salad options are easy to find, spending a little time whipping up this chopped salad is worth the commitment. The homemade buttermilk dressing is simple and pairs well with the cheesy goodness of chicken cordon bleu.

Easy Vegetable Salad

If you are looking for an eye-catching side to serve alongside your chicken cordon bleu, consider this easy vegetable salad. With bright chunks of broccoli, red onion, and bell peppers, the bright appearance matches its flavor. Your family will love how the tangy vinaigrette and feta cheese bring out the salty quality of the chicken cordon bleu.

Cheddar Corn Bake

If you love cheese, pairing chicken cordon bleu with this amazing cheddar corn bake is the perfect meal. Easy to prep ahead of time, the cheddar corn bake is a nice choice when you are feeding a hungry crew.

Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles

Fried cabbage and noodles is a hearty side that pairs well with chicken cordon bleu. An added benefit of this side is that it is economical to make. If you are keeping an eye on your grocery budget, adding this substantial side is a good way to get great value for your money.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

For a more laid-back side dish option, consider having a loaded baked potato salad. It is easy to make this dish ahead of time, and the ingredients pair well with chicken cordon bleu. As an added bonus, you are likely to have enough leftovers for another meal later in the week.

Scalloped Potatoes

A traditional side dish, scalloped potatoes pair well with chicken cordon bleu. They do require a bit of prep work, but once you get them in the oven, you are free to turn your attention to other things.

Garlic Butter Rice

Quick, easy, and inexpensive, garlic butter rice is a terrific side option for busy nights. Once you have the chicken cordon bleu in the oven, this side comes together quickly. And don't let the simple name fool you; this rice is loaded with flavor.

Broccoli Cheese Bake

Broccoli cheese bake is a popular side that goes well with chicken cordon bleu. Pairing a nutrient-rich vegetable like broccoli with cheese ensures that even your pickiest eaters will be willing to give this winning casserole a try.

Pan-Fried Asparagus

For more sophisticated palates, pan-fried asparagus is a great choice as a side for chicken cordon bleu. Unlike many side dishes, pan-fried asparagus adds plenty of flavor without stacking up the calories. If you are watching your weight, this choice allows you to enjoy chicken cordon bleu without guilt.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A flavorful twist on a classic, garlic mashed potatoes add the perfect amount of zest to this traditional chicken dish. Easy to make, garlic mashed potatoes are filling and go with many different main dishes.

Skillet Zucchini and Yellow Squash

The perfect side for warm weather, skillet zucchini and yellow squash is easy to prepare and is a perfect accent for the heavier main of chicken cordon bleu.

Corn Fritters

A fun side dish perfect for summer, corn fritters are popular with all age groups. The sweet taste of the corn accents the cheesy richness of chicken cordon bleu.

Sweet Potato Casserole

If you are looking for a heartier side dish, try this sweet potato casserole. Filling and easy to make, this vitamin-rich side provides a great contrast to the traditional chicken cordon bleu.

One Pan Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole

This easy-to-put-together side is hearty enough for a main but perfectly accompanies chicken cordon bleu. In this one pan broccoli cheese and wild rice casserole, shallots and fresh herbs add a depth of flavor to an otherwise conventional dish. The addition of Gruyere and sharp cheddar cheese pull the flavors together.

Zucchini Cheese Bake Recipe

If you are looking for another perfect summertime option, give this zucchini cheese bake a try. Zucchini is at its best during the summer months, making this an affordable, seasonal choice.

Pomegranate Cranberry Salad

For something a little fancier, prepare a pomegranate cranberry salad to serve as a side. The rich, jewel-like colors are lovely for fall and look great alongside chicken cordon bleu. And the unexpected tart flavor perfectly contrasts the chicken.

Glazed Carrots

For a simple side dish that the whole family will eat, try this glazed carrot recipe. Healthy and affordable, it is a great side to go alongside the more time-consuming chicken dish.

Baked Parmesan Cream Corn

If you are looking for a comfort dish to go alongside your chicken cordon bleu, look no further than this baked parmesan creamed corn recipe. Conveniently pull it together with ingredients from your pantry.

Green Bean Casserole

A traditional choice, green bean casserole is the perfect companion for chicken cordon bleu. Often relegated to the holidays, green bean casserole is fine for any time of year. It pairs great with the cheese, ham, and chicken combination of your main dish.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Olga Mazyarkina .

The post Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you’re grabbing Chinese takeout for dinner, you’re likely craving one of two dishes: sesame chicken or General Tso’s. These dishes include delicious, sticky pieces of chicken on top of vegetables and rice. What could be more comforting to eat?

Many of the dishes you’ll find while getting takeout may taste similar, and you may have wondered if is there a difference between sesame chicken vs. General Tso. Keep reading to find out the taste differences between sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken as well as their nutritional value.

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Sesame Chicken vs. General Tso: What Is the Difference?

The main difference between General Tso's and sesame chicken is their flavor and sauce ingredients. General Tso's is sweet and slightly spicy with ingredients that include garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and red chili peppers while sesame chicken is mostly sweet with a little nuttiness from sesame oil.

The sauce difference between the two dishes is also important. General Tso's has a sauce that often includes soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and vinegar (along with added sugar), whereas sesame chicken has some combination of honey or brown sugar along with vinegar, soy sauce, and a thickening agent like cornstarch. Of course, sesame oil is also a key to its flavor.

More background on Sesame Chicken and General Tso's

Sesame chicken and General Tso’s are both delicious and popular dishes found in Chinese restaurants in America. Both are American-Chinese dishes because even though the idea behind them may be Chinese in origin, you won’t find either dish on a menu in China.

The sesame chicken we’re familiar with here in America was inspired by a dish that originated in China. Supposedly, the Red Chamber Restaurant in Hong Kong was the first to create a chicken dish with sesame seeds and oil back in the 1980s. This idea eventually made its way to North America, and some adjustments were made to the recipe.

Many American-Chinese recipes, like sesame chicken, came from traditional Chinese meals but were changed based on the tastes and preferences of Americans. This is how many popular Asian restaurants started serving dishes like sesame chicken, orange chicken, and General Tso’s, which are all fried and covered in a sugary sauce. The average American diet consists of a lot of processed meats, fat, and sugar, whereas the diet in Asian countries includes less sugar and more vegetables.

Both sesame chicken and General Tso’s are made from chunks of chicken, typically dark meat, that are battered and fried in their signature sauces. Most restaurants serve them over rice or noodles with a pile of vegetables. The distinguishing factor between the two meals is their sauce.

The sauce of sesame chicken is sweet and slightly tangy, with sesame oil and seeds providing the desired flavor. On the other hand, General Tso’s chicken has a sticky and spicy sauce made with chili peppers. It’s similar to the flavor of barbecue sauce but with more spice.

What is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame chicken is the kind of dish that many people put their own spin on. However, if you order sesame chicken from different American-Chinese restaurants, you’ll likely find similar flavors there.

Like General Tso’s, sesame chicken is a dish made from cuts of boneless chicken. It’s usually made of dark meat such as chicken thighs, but some restaurants may use chicken breasts. The cuts of chicken are battered, fried, and then slathered in the sesame sauce before being placed on a bed of rice or noodles and vegetables.

The ingredients of sesame chicken are usually chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. The sesame flavor comes directly from the sauce. 

Sesame oil is essential to distinguish this meal from similar meals like orange chicken, which includes orange juice or peels in the sauce. Sesame chicken is also topped with sesame seeds at the end to add to the sesame flavor and overall appearance. For extra flavor, the sesame seeds are sometimes toasted before adding them to the chicken. Corn starch is often used to thicken the sauce, which ends up being a reddish brown color. 

What is General Tso?

General Tso’s chicken is a popular chicken dish served at American-Chinese restaurants. In fact, it was previously rated the top Chinese dish in America by Grub Hub. Despite the popularity of this dish in American-Chinese restaurants, it’s not actually a dish you would find in China or any other Asian country.

Even though the chef who created the original version of General Tso was from Hunan, the dish we know today is far from the one Chef Peng Chang-Kuei originally created. The dish we know as General Tso’s chicken is actually closer to a recipe created by TT Wang, a New York chef who created a dish based loosely on the original General Tso’s recipe.

General Tso, which is undoubtedly a unique name for a chicken dish, was named after a real general. His name was Tso Tsung-t'ang, also known as General Tso. Oddly enough, this dish had nothing to do with this general, and considering it’s an American invention, it’s not something this Chinese general would have ever tried.

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Much like sesame chicken, General Tso is usually served on a bed of rice or noodles and with a hearty serving of vegetables. The sauce of General Tso’s chicken has a similar base to sesame chicken but also includes chili peppers, which is what gives it the signature spice. This sauce is sometimes likened to that of a barbecue sauce, although it is spicier than the typical barbecue sauce.

Is General Tso's Spicier Than Sesame Chicken?

General Tso is one of the top to-go meals in America, but if you're not a fan of spicy food, it's not the dish for you. Sesame chicken brings a lot of the same flavors as General Tso's, however, sesame chicken isn’t spicy. Sesame chicken is a sweet dish since the sauce is made with brown sugar or honey.

One of the signature flavors in General Tso's chicken comes from dried chili peppers. In most cases, there are dried peppers mixed in the sauce, and pieces of peppers added to the top of the chicken as well. The amount of spice may vary depending on where you order it from, but you can generally count on General Tso's being a spicy entree. 

Nutritional Value of Sesame Chicken vs. General Tso

Sesame chicken or General Tso’s probably isn’t the go-to meal when you’re looking for something healthy or low-calorie, but they’re still delicious anyways. Both these meals are served with white rice, fried rice, or noodles. To compare these two dishes, here are the nutritional values of both excluding the rice or noodles and vegetables:

Sesame Chicken Recipes

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli

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• Author: Moms Who Think

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Ingredients

5 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
5 teaspoons honey
1¼ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
2 scallions, thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons greens reserved
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon chili paste
3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Cooked brown rice, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and 2 teaspoons honey.

2. Add the chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for 20 minutes.

3. Heat 2 teaspoons canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon and discard the marinade.

5. Add half of the chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, turning once or twice, about 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a large serving platter.

6. Repeat with 2 more teaspoons of canola oil and the remaining chicken. Transfer to the serving plate.
 
7. Add the broccoli to the pan along with 2 tablespoons water, cover and steam for 4 minutes.

8. Create a hole in the broccoli by pushing it aside and heat the remaining 2 teaspoons canola oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallions, ginger, and garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

9. In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, the remaining 3 teaspoons honey, the cornstarch, vinegar, and chili paste until the cornstarch and honey are dissolved. Add the mixture to the pan and cook, stirring, until the mixture is thickened and darkened in color, 2 to 3 minutes.

10. Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons sesame oil.

11. Pour the sauce and broccoli mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons scallion greens. Serve with brown rice, if desired.

• Honey Baked Chicken
• Sesame Chicken and Rice
• Sesame Chicken

Takeaway

• The taste of sesame chicken is mostly sweet with a little nuttiness, while General Tso's has a sweet and lightly spicy taste.
• The standout ingredient in sesame chicken is, you guessed it, sesame oil! With General Tso's chicken, garlic, ginger, and red chili peppers are all major ingredients.
• General Tso's chicken is covered in a sauce that includes soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and vinegar, while brown sugar and honey are the major components of sesame chicken's sauce.

Both sesame chicken and General Tso’s are popular choices at American-Chinese restaurants, although you’re unlikely to see either of these entrees in an authentic Asian restaurant here or in another country. 

These chicken dishes are similar in many ways from the way they’re cooked to the way they’re served, but the main difference between them is the sauce. Sesame chicken comes with a sweeter, tangier sauce, while General Tso’s chicken comes with more of a kick from the chili peppers. No matter which one you prefer, they’re delicious and filling meals to order, or you can try your hand at making them at home!

The post Sesame Chicken vs General Tso: Taste Differences & Which is Healthier appeared first on Moms Who Think.

General Tso's and orange chicken are both fried and covered in syrup, which…. Frankly, they're delicious! So it's no surprise that while they're not the most authentic dishes, they're also some of the most popular in America.

Despite their lack of authentic flavor, they taste delicious with rice and vegetables and they’re two of the most sought-after dishes in American-Chinese restaurants. Due to their similarities, you may wonder if there’s any difference between orange chicken vs. General Tso. 

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Orange chicken and General Tso are both made of boneless chicken chunks and have a sauce with a soy base. However, the sauce in orange chicken is made with orange juice or orange peel and is sweeter than the sauce of General Tso’s chicken. The sauce from General Tso’s is spicier and is similar to a barbeque sauce.

Keep reading for the difference in ingredients and nutritional values of these two chicken dishes.

Orange Chicken vs. General Tso: What Is the Difference

The main difference between orange chicken and General Tso is that General Tso has a more complex flavor with sweet, spicy, and tangy while orange chicken is generally sweeter with less spice. Both dishes generally include deep-fried chicken, but General Tso's Chicken includes vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers while orange chicken is typically served without vegetables.

If you head to your favorite Chinese restaurant, whether it’s a large chain or a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, you’ll likely find orange chicken and General Tso on the menu. Despite the popularity of these dishes in Asian restaurants in America, you wouldn’t find anything like them in China.

Orange chicken and General Tso are both made from boneless cuts of chicken. Typically, chicken thighs or another dark meat would be used, but they’re sometimes made from boneless chicken breast as well. 

Both meals are generally breaded, deep-fried, and served on a bed of rice and vegetables. Sometimes, General Tso’s chicken is stir-fried instead of deep-fried, but the recipe will vary by restaurant.

A key difference between the two dishes is the sauce. Although they both use the same type of meat and are often cooked and served the same way, the sauces have different ingredients and a much different flavor. 

The sauce for orange chicken is sweet and tangy, with a little bit of spice. There is often a bit of chili or chili powder added, but not enough for it to be considered a spicy dish. The sweetness often comes from brown sugar and orange juice or peel.

The sauce for General Tso’s chicken is not as sweet and has more spice from the chilis. The inclusion of dried red chili peppers, garlic, and brown sugar makes General Tso’s chicken a sweet and spicy dish.

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange chicken is a sweet and tangy dish found in most North American Chinese restaurants. Although you won’t find this dish on a menu in China, it likely originated from a similar dish called tangerine chicken. However, the tangerine chicken was said to be much tangier and bitter than the orange chicken we’re familiar with. It was also stir-fried instead of breaded and deep-fried.

The orange chicken many Americans know and love was first created by the popular chain Panda Express over 30 years ago. This dish is created with cuts of dark meat chicken that are battered and fried before tossing them in a sweet, tangy sauce.

Depending on where you buy it, the orange flavor may come from orange juice or orange zest. At Panda Express, they fry the chicken in the oil from orange peels to give it the signature orange flavor. The ingredients for orange chicken usually include chicken, orange juice, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, and a small amount of red chili. The chili gives it a little bit of a kick, leading to a milder spice than General Tso’s chicken.

What is General Tso?

General Tso’s chicken is a popular chicken dish also found in most North American Chinese restaurants. In fact, it’s so popular that Grub Hub discovered back in 2014 that General Tso’s chicken was the most popular Chinese dish in America and the 4th most popular dish overall. 

This sweet and spicy dish was named after a Chinese statesman and general named Tso Tsung-t'ang, also known as General Tso. Despite this dish being named after the 19th-century general, he definitely never tried it according to Smithsonian Magazine. Instead, the popular chicken dish was originally created by a Hunan chef named Peng Chang-kuei, although the version Americans know today is vastly different from Peng’s original version.

The Food Substitutions Bible

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• Includes more than 8,000 substitutions for ingredients, cookware, and techniques.
• Save time and money on by avoiding trips to grab that "missing" ingredient you don't really need.

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The recipe for General Tso’s chicken will vary depending on the restaurant. Typically, the ingredients will include chicken, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce. Hoisin sauce is a type of thick sauce used in a lot of Asian dishes. It’s most often used for stir fry, as a glaze for meat, or as a dipping sauce. General Tso’s chicken is often served on a bed of broccoli and rice or noodles.

As with many American Chinese dishes, the origin of General Tso’s isn’t what most people think. There’s been so much interest in the origin of American Chinese food there’s even a documentary on it called The Search for General Tso.

Is General Tso Spicier Than Orange Chicken?

If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you’re better off choosing orange chicken over General Tso’s. Although orange chicken does have a little bit of chili powder, it’s more sweet than it is spicy. General Tso’s, on the other hand, does a more significant portion of red chili peppers, making it a spicy dish.

The specific recipe and ingredients used will vary based on where you order from, but General Tso’s will have a kick to it and be spicier than orange chicken no matter where you go. If you’re looking for something sweet, sour, and tangier, try the orange chicken instead.

Nutritional Value of Orange Chicken vs. General Tso

When it comes to the nutritional value of orange chicken vs. General Tso, they’re actually pretty similar. Both meals are made of the same type of chicken which is then battered, deep-fried, and covered in sauce.

If you’re ordering orange chicken or General Tso’s, it’s more of a comfort food than it is a healthy, nutritious meal. Orange chicken and General Tso’s are both high in sodium and carbs.

You can make a healthier version of either dish at home, but if you order orange chicken or General Tso’s at a restaurant, here are the nutritional values of the two dishes:

These nutritional values are for the chicken alone and don’t include any rice or vegetables that go with the meal.

Orange Chicken Recipes

Chicken in Orange Sauce

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• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Ingredients

• 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Combine orange juice, brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce in a microwave safe bowl.
2. Heat until just warm, about 1 minute on high.
3. Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with sauce.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F and baste with the sauce every 10 minutes until done. Serve over rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Fireworks Grilled Chicken Orange BBQ Glaze
• Chicken in Orange Sauce Over Fluffy Rice
• Orange Burgundy Chicken 

Takeaway

• The sauce used on orange chicken is made with orange juice or orange peel, giving it the signature orange color and sweet taste.
• Orange chicken is sweeter than General Tso's, which has a spicier taste to it.
• General Tso's chicken often comes with vegetables, such as broccoli, while orange chicken usually comes on its own. Of course, you can always have vegetables with your orange chicken if you want!

No matter which one you prefer, orange chicken and General Tso’s are both sweet, sticky, and taste great with rice, vegetables, or noodles. Although they're very similar recipes, orange chicken has a sweeter sauce while General Tso's has more spice to it.

There are plenty of restaurants that serve a version of these two favorite meals. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you might even try making orange chicken or General Tso’s at home.

The post Orange Chicken vs General Tso: 3 Key Differences & Full Health Comparison appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Unless you’re roasting a whole chicken at home, you probably buy cuts of chicken meat at the store. The two most popular cuts are chicken thighs and chicken breasts. Even though they're simply different parts of the same animal, there are some differences between chicken thighs vs. breasts.

Chicken thighs are considered dark meat while the chicken breast is white meat. The main difference between dark and white meat is the type of muscle fibers found in that part of the animal. Chicken thighs are higher in fat, juicier, and more flavorful. Chicken breasts, on the other hand, are leaner and have a milder flavor.

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Keep reading to find out about the differences between chicken thighs and chicken breasts. 

Chicken Thigh vs. Breast: What Is the Difference?

The main difference between chicken thighs and breasts is their flavor and texture. Chicken breasts are lean cuts with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture while chicken thighs have a deeper, richer flavor and a more tender, juicy texture that's higher in fat content.

Chicken thighs and breasts are two cuts of meat from different parts of the chicken. The type of muscle fibers found in the different regions impacts the proteins, nutrients, and taste of the meat.

First off, chicken thighs are dark meat and are higher in fat than chicken breast. The higher fat content leads to more flavor, and it also makes chicken thighs easier to cook so even if you cook chicken thighs for a long time, it’s difficult to overcook them.

On the contrary, chicken breasts are white meat and have lower calories than chicken thighs. The leanness of chicken breasts makes them easy to overcook. Since they have a lower fat content, the meat can dry out quickly if cooked too long.

The skin of the chicken can add a lot of flavor to chicken thighs or chicken breasts, but you’re unlikely to find skin-on chicken breasts unless you purchase a whole chicken.

Compared to chicken breasts, chicken thighs are a much more affordable option. You can purchase chicken thighs boneless or bone-in. If you do purchase them with bones, you might consider saving the bones to make homemade chicken stock or bone broth.

What Are Chicken Thighs?

Chicken thighs are a cut of meat from the top of the chicken leg. This cut is considered dark meat because of the percentage of red fibers in the meat. Dark meat contains about 50% muscle fibers compared to only 10% red fibers in white meat. The amount of myoglobin, a type of protein found in muscles, contributes to the darker color.

Chicken thighs contain more tendons because they’re dark meat, but this makes it easier to avoid overcooking them. You can cook chicken thighs in numerous ways such as grilling, slow cooking, frying, or roasting. Due to the higher fat content, they are usually more flavorful than chicken breast.

You can also purchase several different types of chicken thighs depending on your preferences. Usually, they’re sold boneless or bone-in, skinless or with the skin on, or as a combination of the two options. If you purchase bone-in chicken thighs, they can be cooked with the bones although this will affect the cooking time.

Chicken thighs are significantly cheaper than purchasing chicken breasts, especially when you buy them bone-in. Generally, bone-in chicken thighs are about a third of the price of boneless, skinless chicken breast. 

What Are Chicken Breasts?

Chicken breasts are a white cut of meat that comes from the breast or pectoral muscle of the chicken. They’re the most popular cut of chicken meat because they’re lean and high in protein.

Although it can be challenging to cook chicken breasts properly without drying them out, chicken breasts are a versatile cut that can be used in a variety of recipes. Chicken breast is also high in vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium, and iron. Additionally, chicken breast has zero carbs and the fat in chicken breast is better than the fat in red meat. This is because red meat has more saturated fat, which can lead to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.

Chicken breasts can be prepared in a myriad of ways such as baking, frying, sauteing, or grilling. You can add it to pasta or pan-roast it with a diverse range of vegetables.

Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are more expensive than purchasing thighs. However, if you don’t plan on using the bones, the extra cost is likely worth the convenience of being able to easily add them to any recipe. 

Can You Substitute Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breast?

Chicken thighs and chicken breasts have different vitamins, nutrients, and a difference in flavors, but one can be substituted for the other in most cases. If you prefer white meat over dark meat chicken, you might prefer to switch out the chicken thighs in a recipe for chicken breast or vice versa.

When you substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast, keep the cooking times and method of cooking in mind. Since chicken thighs have a higher fat content, it’s a lot more difficult to overcook thighs and they’re usually juicer even when you cook them for a long time.

Chicken breasts are a lot easier to overcook and they dry out pretty quickly when you cook them too long.

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Some recipes are going to be better suited for chicken thighs vs. breast. Thighs work well when you need more flavor and fat in the recipe, or when you’re using the slow cooker and don't want the meat to dry out. 

Chicken breasts are excellent in a variety of recipes and they can be grilled, stuffed, or even wrapped in bacon to add more flavor! Although, you may want to avoid the bacon if you're looking for a low-fat meal. 

Are Chicken Thighs Healthier Than Chicken Breasts?

If you’re trying to decide between using chicken thighs or chicken breasts, you might wonder which one is healthier. Although the nutritional value of chicken thighs vs. chicken breasts is different, one aspect of how healthy they are is going to be how you cook them.

Whether you choose chicken thighs or chicken breasts, they’re not going to be as healthy when fried as they would be if you used a slow cooker (even though fried chicken is delicious!) Aside from how you cook your chicken, skinless chicken breast is going to be leaner with fewer calories and fat than chicken thighs.

Chicken thighs aren’t all bad though, and there are many nutritional benefits to thighs as well. Some nutrients and vitamins in chicken thighs are higher than that of chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts may be lower in calories and fat, but chicken thighs are higher in zinc and potassium, and vitamin A.

If you’re trying to lose weight or are following a low-fat diet, chicken breast will usually be better since it’s much leaner than chicken thighs. If you want to limit the fat found in chicken thighs, you can also make sure they’re skinless since this is an option with fewer calories and fat.

Nutritional Value of Chicken Thigh vs. Chicken Breast

Even though chicken thighs and breasts are part of the same animal, they have different nutrients, vitamins, and calories. Chicken breast and thighs, like other poultry, are a great source of nutrients in a balanced diet. Here’s a look at the difference in the nutritional value of a chicken thigh vs. chicken breast:

Chicken Thigh Recipes

• Chicken with Potatoes and Tomatoes
• Crock Pot Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
• Skillet Chicken with Yellow Rice
• Skillet Chicken Divine
• Healthy Chicken Nuggets

Chicken Breast Recipes

Crab Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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• Author: Moms Who Think
• Yield: 6 servings

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Ingredients

6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup canned crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
¼ cup sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
2 Tablespoons dry bread crumbs
2 Tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 teaspoons marinade for chicken, divided
2 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
3 slices reduced fat Swiss cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Flatten chicken to ¼ inch thickness; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

2. In a small bowl, combine the crab, water chestnuts, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, parsley, mustard, 2 teaspoons marinade for chicken, and half of the onions.

3. Chop one cheese slice; stir into crab mixture. Spread over chicken; roll up and secure with toothpicks.

4. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, brown chicken on all sides. Place seam side down in a shallow 3 qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Brush with remaining marinade for chicken.

5. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25 minutes. Cut each remaining cheese slice into six strips; place two cheese strips over each chicken breast. Bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 170°. Discard toothpicks. Sprinkle remaining onions over chicken.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast half
• Calories: 225
• Sodium: 469mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Coca-Cola Chicken Recipe
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• Rice Stuffed Chicken Breasts
• Portabello Chicken Breasts
• Veggie Baked Chicken Breasts

Takeaway

• Chicken thighs have a deep, rich flavor that contrasts the mild sweetness of chicken breasts.
• If you're on a diet, it's a good idea to keep the higher fat content of chicken thighs in mind.
• The location that these two cuts of meat are from differs. Chicken thighs come from the top of the chicken leg, while chicken breast is cut from the breast or pectoral muscle.

Chicken breasts and thighs are both an excellent part of a healthy diet. The biggest difference between chicken thighs and breasts is that chicken thighs are dark meat while chicken breast is white meat. Dark meat is higher in fat and calories, while white meat like chicken breast is leaner and has a milder flavor.

Even though chicken thighs and breasts can be used interchangeably in most recipes, you may need to adjust the cooking times, especially if you substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs. While it’s nearly impossible to overcook chicken thighs, chicken breast is easy to overcook, leading to dry and stringy meat. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there are plenty of delicious chicken recipes out there that the whole family will love.

The post Chicken Thigh vs Breast: Taste, Cooking, and Calorie Differences appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When it comes to chicken, many have a preference for white meat or dark meat. Some prefer the more mild flavor of white meat while others argue it can't compare to the more flavorful taste of dark meat. When cooked properly, both white and dark meat make a delicious meal. 

White meat and dark meat come from different parts of a chicken. While chicken breast and wings are considered white meat, dark meat comes from the legs of the chicken. Regarding the taste and nutritional value of white meat vs. dark meat chicken, dark meat is more flavorful, but white meat is lower in calories and fat.

Keep reading for a closer look at the difference between white meat vs. dark meat chicken.

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White Meat vs. Dark Meat Chicken: What Is the Difference?

The most important difference between white meat and dark meat is their taste. Dark meat is juicier, richer in flavor while white meat has a more mild and slightly sweet flavor.

White meat comes from the lean, fast-twitch muscles of a chicken and is thus more difficult to cook as it becomes dry when overcooked. Dark meat on the other hand is more forgiving as it stays tender and moist even when left over heat for longer.

Nutrition-wise, white meat has fewer calories while dark meat is higher in fat. However, beyond calorie counts dark meat contains more vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.

Why do white meat and dark meat have different colors? One of the main differences between white meat and dark meat is the amount of myoglobin in the muscles. Myoglobin is a protein found in skeletal muscle that plays a significant role in oxygen storage. It also impacts the color of the meat.

Chicken meat is made of two different muscle fibers: white fibers and red fibers. Myoglobin is one of the proteins that help convert the fat in red muscle fibers into energy, and it also gives the red fibers a darker color. To understand the difference between white and dark meat, it’s important to know that white meat only contains about 10% red fibers while dark meat contains about 50% red fibers. The higher percentage of red fibers is what leads to the darker color and higher amount of fat.

What Is the Difference in the Flavor of White Meat vs. Dark Meat Chicken?

The two types of muscle fibers that make up chicken meat have different functions. White fibers are responsible for quick movements while red fibers are used for slower, long-duration movements. The color and amount of proteins and tendons in the fibers are different. Simply put, the composition of the muscle fibers impacts the consistency and flavor of the meat.

Red fibers are fueled by fat, leading dark meat to have more flavor and fat than white meat. Since white meat is mostly made up of white fibers, it also has lower calories, fat, and not as much flavor. 

You can’t change the composition of white or dark meat, but the flavor will also have a lot to do with how you cook the meat. Both white and dark meat can be delicious in numerous recipes if you cook and season them properly.

Can You Substitute White Meat for Dark Meat?

There's no reason why you can't substitute white meat for dark meat in an entree, or vice versa. However, due to the differences in the contents of white meat vs. dark meat, you will likely have to adjust your cooking times to fit the type of meat you’re using.

Since dark meat chicken is higher in fat, it can cook for a lot longer without drying out. On the other hand, white meat is leaner and will dry out quickly when it’s overcooked. Depending on what you’re using the chicken for and how you’re cooking it, this is something to keep in mind.

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Whether the chicken meat is boneless or skinless is also going to impact the cooking time. If the meat is bone-in, it’s going to take longer to cook than boneless chicken. Whether you want to use dark meat or white meat for a recipe is ultimately up to you, but if you use white meat as a substitute for dark meat, cook it for less time to avoid dry chicken.

Is White Meat Healthier Than Dark Meat?

How healthy your chicken dish is will depend on how the chicken is cooked, but there is a difference in the nutritional value of white meat vs. dark meat chicken. Skinless chicken breast, for example, is lower in calories and fat than the dark meat of a chicken thigh or drumstick. However, there are nutrients in dark meat chicken that aren’t as high in white meat. While white meat is higher in protein, dark meat contains more zinc, iron, and vitamin C.

The method you use to cook your chicken is going to have a significant impact on how healthy it is as well. Of course, fried chicken breast isn’t necessarily healthier than baked chicken thighs. 

When you choose a method such as grilling or searing, chicken breast is going to be leaner and better for those on a low-fat diet. Both dark and white meat chicken be healthy when you cook them without frying or unnecessary additives. The best way to ensure you’re getting a variety of vitamins and nutrients is to eat a combination of white and dark meat chicken.

Nutritional Value of White Meat vs. Dark Meat Chicken

Since white and dark meat chicken are made up of different percentages of muscle fibers, there is a difference in their nutritional value.

Both white and dark chicken meat are a great source of protein. Although most poultry meat can be beneficial, chicken meat especially is seen as a beneficial part of a balanced diet. Here’s an idea of the difference between a cut of white meat vs. dark meat:

Does White Meat Taste Better Than Dark Meat?

Many people have a specific preference for either white meat or dark meat. Typically, dark meat is seen as more flavorful than white meat because of its high fat content. Dark meat is also juicier since white meat can easily be overcooked.

More Americans may prefer white meat to dark meat simply because it’s often portrayed as healthier than dark meat. White meat does have a milder flavor than dark meat, so some may also prefer it to the richer flavor of dark meat. Either way, both white and dark meat chicken can taste great when cooked properly.

White Meat Chicken Recipes

Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken

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• Author: Moms Who Think
• Yield: 4 servings

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Ingredients

3 cups fresh baby spinach
1¾ cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 green onions, sliced
2 Tablespoons chopped pecans
1½ teaspoons olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
½ teaspoon rotisserie chicken seasoning
2 slices reduced fat provolone cheese, halved

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, sauté the spinach, mushrooms, onions, and pecans in oil until mushrooms are tender. Set aside and keep warm.

2. Sprinkle chicken with seasoning.

3. Using long handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170°.

4. Top with cheese. Cover and grill 2 to 3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. To serve, top each chicken breast with reserved spinach mixture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast half
• Calories: 203
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 68mg

• Crab Stuffed Chicken Breasts
• Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Feta, Spinach, and Ham
• Garlic Fried Chicken Breasts
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• Chicken Breasts Florentine

Dark Meat Chicken Recipes

• Garlic Chicken Thighs
• Chicken Thighs with Brown Sugar Glaze
• Healthy Chicken Thigh Recipe
• Slow Cooker Picnic Chicken
• Crock Pot Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

FAQS

What part of the chicken is white meat?

If you’re looking to cook white meat chicken for a meal, the chicken breasts and wings are white meat. 

What’s the best way to cook white meat chicken?

Due to its lower fat content, it’s easier to overcook white meat leading to it drying out. White meat chicken can be cooked in various ways. Some of the best ways to cook it are to broil or saute the chicken. Chicken breast is also great for grilling or cutting up and adding to a stir-fry recipe.

What part of the chicken is dark meat?

The parts of the chicken that are considered dark meat are the chicken thighs and drumsticks.

What’s the best way to cook dark meat chicken?

Dark meat is the fattier part of the chicken, so it will cook a little differently than the chicken breast or wings. Roasting and frying are some great alternatives for cooking dark meat chicken. 

Because of the fat content, it’s harder to overcook it and this makes it perfect for slow cooking or cooking in a soup or stew as well.

Takeaway

• Dark meat is known for being juicier and richer in flavor than white meat, which is why some prefer it!
• White meat is harder to cook than dark meat. Dark meat is more forgiving when overcooked, since it retains its tenderness for longer.
• Dark meat is higher in calories and fat compared to white meat, which is an important consideration for those on a diet.

You may enjoy white and dark meat chicken or strongly prefer one over the other. Dark meat and white meat come from different parts of the chicken and differ in flavor and nutritional value. Overall, both white and dark meat chicken can be a delicious and healthy staple in your diet.

The post White Meat vs Dark Meat Chicken: Full Health Comparison with Calories, Fat, and More appeared first on Moms Who Think.

A meal of grilled chicken is a healthy and delicious option to serve your family. Perhaps you have a favorite recipe for grilled chicken, or you prepare it in a special way on your backyard grill. Well, one of the best things about serving grilled chicken is there are dozens of satisfying side dishes that pair well with it. Whether you're looking for something sweet, spicy, or somewhere in-between, you’re sure to find a side dish on this list that suits your tastes.

1. Healthy Potato Cakes

Do you like to serve potatoes alongside your grilled chicken? If so, this is a straightforward recipe that puts a new twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Combine flour, milk, eggs, and, of course, potatoes to create your potato cakes. Fry them in a skillet with olive oil, and you have a crunchy, delicious side dish.

2. Simple Biscuits

Chicken and biscuits are a favorite in many households. As a bonus, you probably already have the flour, baking powder, milk, salt, and butter required for this recipe. These golden brown, fluffy biscuits will be an enticing side dish on your table. Be sure to have plenty of jam, honey, and butter for family members who enjoy their biscuits with a little extra something.

3. Broccoli Salad

Serving broccoli as a side dish offers you lots of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and more. This recipe dresses up a plain bowl of broccoli with dried cranberries, almonds, and crumbled bacon. Mix and match these toppings to satisfy the tastes of your family members. Not only is this a flavorful dish, but it also looks so colorful on the dinner table.

4. Healthy Baked Beans

Chances are, you have a couple of cans of baked beans stashed away in your pantry. This side dish starts with three cups of baked beans, then simply mix in brown sugar, and ketchup. Minutes later, you have a delectable side dish to spice up your grilled chicken.

5. Honey Glazed Carrots

Try this recipe and find out how a mixture of honey, brown sugar, butter, lemon juice, and a few other ingredients can turn a simple bowl of baby carrots into an attractive side dish. Spoon your carrots onto your plate, drop them on top of your chicken, or eat them right out of the bowl.

6. Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Do you like having both a fruit and a vegetable on your table with your grilled chicken? If so, this is the side dish for you! A combination of apples and sweet potatoes gives your family plenty of healthy ingredients in an appealing side dish. This option is especially delicious to serve in the autumn when apples are at their tastiest.

7. Dolly Parton Coleslaw

Do you have some fans of coleslaw sitting down at your dinner table? If you do, the red pepper in this slaw recipe gives it a sweet, tangy taste. It takes just minutes to make and is ready to serve after chilling for fifteen minutes in the fridge. Oh, and by the way, this recipe is a favorite of Dolly Parton. Enough said.

8. Healthy Parmesan and Rice Pilaf

Chicken and rice just seem to go together, am I right? So, give this unusual rice recipe a try with your next grilled chicken meal. The addition of parmesan cheese, vermicelli, and onions provides this rice side dish with extra pizzazz.

9. Healthy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Give a bowl of traditional mashed potatoes a dash of spice. Along with potatoes and milk, this mixture also includes two garlic cloves and white pepper. These two ingredients will make this side dish a standout on your dinner table.

10. Healthy Pasta Salad

Pasta salad makes the perfect companion to an entrée of healthy grilled chicken. With plenty of zucchini, carrots, and onions mixed in with the macaroni, this side dish delivers your vegetables in the tastiest way possible.

11. Peas with Lemon

A bowl of peas is an appealing side dish for grilled chicken. This recipe makes peas even more enticing with the addition of lemon zest, garlic, butter, and olive oil. You’ll want to have this appealing side dish with every meal!

12. Cucumber Celery Salad

If you have cucumbers and celery in your vegetable drawer, then you have the foundation for this recipe. Mix those two veggies with garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and salt, and you have an instant splash of flavor.

13. Honey Roasted Vegetables

Eating your veggies has never been sweeter with this side dish recipe. Mix together sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips with honey, walnuts, olive oil, and salt. Don’t forget to drop a sprig of thyme into this dish before putting it into the oven to roast for one hour. The pleasant fragrance adds to the beauty of this dish.

14. Glazed Pearl Onion

Have you ever tried making glazed pearl onions? If not, this is your chance to give it a try. A side dish of glazed pearl onions will look good on your dinner table and taste even better. And, as a bonus, they are easy to make. Simply brown your small, whole onions in a pan of melted butter. Then, add in some brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle a bit of rosemary on top of the dish as a finishing touch.

15. Tennessee Onions

Do you like sweet onions, cheese, and butter? If so, you’ll enjoy this recipe for Tennessee onions. After slicing your onions into rings, put them into a bowl and toss them with seasonings including thyme, oregano, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Next, place the onions in a pan, add butter and cheese, and set it to bake in a 350-degree oven. Enjoy a bubbly, delectable side dish of cheesy onions with your grilled chicken.

16. Sauteed Green Beans

Perhaps you enjoy your grilled chicken entree with green beans on the side. Well, you’re in for a treat because this version of green beans is both satisfying and flavorful. You can use fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe. Simply sauté a yellow onion in vegetable oil and add your beans, salt, pepper, and parsley.

17. Corn Fritters

This corn fritter recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Its basic foundation is corn, flour, and eggs. You can add carrots, zucchini, spinach, or other vegetables to add extra flavor. Or you can bring sweet potatoes into the mix to add color to your side dish. Regardless of the adjustments you make, these corn fritters are bound to be a popular side dish on your table.

18. Jalapeno Pimento Deviled Eggs

A plate of deviled eggs is a simple, go-to side dish. But, with jalapeno peppers, Dijon mustard, and pimento cheese, this recipe puts a bit of spice into this familiar option. Sprinkle some paprika on the top of your eggs to give them a finished look.

19. Roasted Zucchini

If you plan to serve zucchini with your grilled chicken, consider roasting it. Seasonings, including Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, give your zucchini side dish extra zing.

20. Roasted Asparagus

Give your asparagus side dish a little flare by putting it in a roasting pan and drizzling it with olive oil. A sprinkle of salt brings out the flavor as it roasts in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This easy-to-make side dish is a satisfying addition to any meal.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock.com.

The post 20 Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Even though many use chicken stock and broth interchangeably, there is a difference in how they’re made and what they’re used for. Chicken broth is usually lighter and thinner than stock. While chicken broth is made by simmering the meat in water, chicken stock is made by boiling the bones or cartilage of the chicken.

If you spend any amount of time in the kitchen, you’re going to come across a recipe that calls for chicken broth or chicken stock. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between them and when you should use chicken stock vs. broth in your recipe.

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Chicken Stock vs. Broth: What's the Difference?

The primary difference between chicken stock and broth is that chicken broth is made by simmering chicken meat while chicken stock is made by simmering the chicken's bones. Chicken broth is lighter and thinner while chicken stock has a more gelatinous texture.

Beyond ingredients and texture, there are also differences in consistency and flavor. Chicken broth is often described as being “thinner” and having a more subtle flavor. It's important to note that both chicken broth and stock can have added herbs and vegetables to give them more flavor. In addition, broth sometimes can add some amount of bone for more texture while chicken stock will often add meat for additional flavor.

Broth and stock can be used for some of the same dishes, but pay attention to the seasonings and consistency of your dish if you swap out stock for broth or vice versa. Let's explore each in more detail!

What is Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth is a liquid made by simmering the meat of a chicken in water. Typically, when making homemade chicken broth, you would add seasonings and vegetables such as carrots or celery to the water as well. These are called aromatics because they add flavor and a delicious aroma to the broth.

When making chicken broth, you start with raw chicken or chicken pieces and allow the meat to cook in the liquid. The broth can simmer for up to 5 hours, however, the chicken only takes about an hour to cook. Once the chicken is fully cooked, you would remove it to prevent the meat from drying out.

Chicken broth, once strained, is relatively thin and full of flavor. Even though you might use it as the base for a soup or stew, you can also drink or sip broth without adding anything. Homemade chicken broth is great to make ahead of time. It stays fresh in the fridge for 5 days or you can freeze it for several months.

What Is Chicken Broth for?

When you’re feeling under the weather, many would recommend you curl up with a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Although chicken noodle soup isn’t the cure for all ailments, there is some evidence that the nutrients in chicken broth make it a perfect food for when you’re not feeling well.

Chicken broth can be homemade or purchased at the grocery store. It’s typically used as a base for soups or stews but you can also add flavor to rice, quinoa, or pasta by cooking them in chicken broth instead of water. Chicken broth is also delicious on its own and can be prepared for sipping on colder days or when you’re fighting off an illness.

What is Chicken Stock?

Chicken stock is made by simmering the chicken bones or cartilage in water for an extended period of time. Most of the time, chicken stock doesn’t contain added seasoning so it can be used with various recipes. However, if you’re making chicken stock at home, you can choose to use aromatics or seasoning if want a more flavorful stock. Chicken stock has a thicker texture than broth and is great as a base for sauces, soups, or stews.

The thick, gelatinous texture of chicken stock comes from the collagen-rich chicken bones. When boiled or simmered in water, the collagen is released. Collagen is a type of protein found in the bones and skin of animals. Gelatin, which is used to make jello, comes from boiling collagen, hence the jello-like feel of chicken stock. 

While broth is usually used in soups, stews, or casseroles, stock is more commonly used in sauces or gravy. Generally, chicken stock is higher in calories as well as other nutrients such as protein and minerals from the chicken bones.

What is Chicken Stock for?

Chicken stock, while often less flavorful than chicken broth, is great as a base for soups and stews. If you make your stock at home, you can choose to add seasoning or vegetables to give it more flavor.

Since chicken stock is thicker and has more fat than chicken broth, it’s often used to make thicker soups, sauces, or gravy. It can also work when sauteing or steaming vegetables to add extra nutrients and flavor. 

Is Bone Broth a Broth or Stock?

Considering stock is made by simmering animal bones, you might wonder how bone broth fits into the equation. Despite the misleading name, bone broth is actually a type of stock made from simmering animal bones. Bone broth, or stock, has become popular in recent years due to numerous health benefits including its anti-inflammatory properties.

Can You Substitute Chicken Stock for Chicken Broth?

In most cases, chicken stock can be substituted for chicken broth and vice versa. They are often used interchangeably even though they’re made from different parts of the chicken. Since chicken broth and stock have different consistencies and ingredients, pay attention to the amount of liquid and sodium in the dish you're making if you need to substitute.

When purchasing chicken broth at the store, you can typically find ones with or without added sodium. Also, if you're substituting broth in a recipe that calls for stock, keep in mind you may need to add less salt than the recipe calls for. 

Most of the time, you can substitute broth for equal parts stock, but the taste and texture of your recipe might change slightly depending on which one you substitute. Broth makes more sense to use when it’s the main part of a meal instead of just a base.

Is Chicken Stock Healthier than Broth?

Chicken broth can be substituted for chicken stock if you're in a pinch. However, when given a choice, you might wonder which is healthier. Generally, chicken stock is healthier than chicken broth because it has higher amounts of protein. It also includes other nutrients such as thiamine, folate, and selenium.

Stock also contains glycine, an amino acid that improved sleep quality in one study. Glutamine, another amino acid found in stock, may also benefit your gut health.

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Another factor to consider when choosing between chicken stock vs. broth is the amount of sodium. We need about 500 mg of sodium for our nerves and muscles to function properly. However, too much sodium can cause health issues such as poor kidney function. Chicken stock is usually lower in sodium than chicken broth. If you purchase broth, try to find a lower-sodium version. Alternatively, you can make the broth at home to control how much sodium goes in it.

Chicken Broth Recipes

Broccoli Chicken Noodle Bake

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• Yield: 6 servings

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Ingredients

3 cups cubed chicken breast
4 cups uncooked egg noodles
4 teaspoons butter
5 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 can (14½ ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup fat-free milk
3 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick saucepan over medium heat, cook chicken until cooked through. Remove from pan but keep warm.

3. In same pan, melt the butter.

4. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper until blended.

5. Gradually stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.

6. Remove from the heat. Drain noodles; place in a 13×9 baking dish coated with cooking spray.

7. Stir in 1 cup sauce. Layer with the chicken, broccoli, and remaining sauce.

8. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

9. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 354
• Sodium: 601mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 102mg

• Freezer Cooking Dump and Go Chicken
• Just Like Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken Stock Recipes

• Scalloped Chicken and Pasta
• King Ranch Chicken
• Creamy Chicken Potato Delight
• Chicken Adobo Recipe

Takeaway

• Chicken stock is made by simmering chicken bones, while chicken broth is made by simmering chicken meat. Both of these products are fairly easy to make at home.
• The texture of chicken stock is more gelatinous, while chicken broth has a light and thin texture.
• Chicken stock is higher in calories and fat than chicken broth, an important difference to note if you're watching your diet.

Chicken broth and chicken stock are both pantry stables that are great to keep on hand for a variety of dishes. From soups to stews or casseroles, broth, and stock are excellent bases for endless recipes. Although chicken broth is lighter and thinner, stock has many nutrients and can be an excellent base for thicker sauces or gravy. They certainly both have their place in the kitchen and are necessary to make delicious home-cooked meals.

The post Chicken Stock vs. Broth: What’s the Difference & Which is Healthier appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Steak vs. chicken, how are they different and how do these two popular forms of protein compare? Many people like both, but they differ in where they come from, how much fat they have, and cooking times. In this article, we'll look at the differences between steak and chicken and how to cook them.

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Steak vs. Chicken: The Main Differences

The primary difference between chicken and steak is that steak comes from beef whereas chicken is poultry. Beef has higher fat content while chicken is generally lower in calories. Here is a summary of the primary differences:

1. Where it came from: Steak comes from beef, which is red meat, and chicken is poultry which comes from birds.
2. Nutritional profile: Beef is rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Whereas chicken is lower in these nutrients but higher in niacin and vitamin B6.
3. Fat content: Steak can be high in saturated fat, depending on the cut of the steak. Saturated fat can leave to health risks. Generally lower in fat and calories, chicken is a great choice for people who choose to diet.
4. Cooking times: Steak can be cooked at a lower temperature with its inside still raw. You have to cook chicken fully to avoid the risk of illness.

Steak

Steak is a tasty type of meat people have enjoyed for centuries worldwide. It gets primarily made with beef, but other types of meat can also get used. Depending on the cut, you can grill, broil, or fry steak until it has a crispy outer layer and a juicy, tasty center. Steak's flavor and texture vary greatly depending on the cut and cooking technique, making it a versatile and delicious dish.

Steak has a lengthy history dating back to when humankind first started cooking meat over fire. During the Middle Ages, Europeans would prepare large amounts of meat, especially steak, for significant occasions and feasts. As a result, steak is now a popular cuisine in many nations, particularly the United States, where it is an essential component of American dining culture.

Nutritional Value of Steak

The calories in steak versus chicken depend on which cut of steak you're eating. A ribeye steak has about 83 calories per ounce whereas skinless chicken breast can have as little as 27 calories per raw ounce. While both types of meat are rich in protein, the caloric difference generally comes from steak having a much higher fat content.

Steak is a popular meal choice worldwide for its flavor and versatility. But, aside from its culinary appeal, steak contains critical nutrients such as iron, protein, fat, and cholesterol.

Iron

Steak is high in heme iron, which our bodies can absorb more quickly than iron found in plants. Iron is essential for your health because it aids in developing hemoglobin, a protein found in your red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Iron also aids in producing energy, creating DNA, and preserving a healthy immune system.

Protein

Steak is an excellent protein source, a vital nutrient our bodies need for growth and repair. Proteins get made up of building blocks called amino acids, and some of these are essential, meaning our bodies can't make them. Steak provides all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.

Fat

Steak contains several forms of fat, which can be healthy and harmful depending on the type and amount. Monounsaturated fat, contained in steak, is known for its potential to help maintain your heart's health. This fat is linked to reducing your LDL cholesterol levels and higher HDL cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk of heart disease.

However, steak contains saturated fat, which, in excess, can contribute to elevated LDL cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. The key to healthy steaks is to choose lean cuts of steak, such as sirloin, tenderloin, or round, which have less saturated fat than fattier cuts, such as ribeye or T-bone. It is possible to enjoy the benefits of steak while reducing health risks by including it in a well-balanced diet and being cautious of portion amounts and fat types.

Chicken

People enjoy chicken all across the world. It is a lean protein, vitamin, and mineral-rich meat. You can cook chicken in various methods, including roasting, grilling, baking, and frying, and used in soups, salads, curries, and sandwiches. This adaptable meat is a favorite among meat eaters, whether crunchy fried chicken or tender roasted chicken.

With its origins dating back to ancient civilizations, chicken has been a popular meal for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that the domestication of chickens began around 7,000 years ago in Southeast Asia when they got bred for meat and eggs. This type of meat got introduced to many parts of the world as trade routes grew, and their appeal as a food source increased, leading to the widespread consumption of chicken meat that we know today.

Nutritional Value of Chicken

Because it tastes excellent and is high in essential nutrients, chicken is a nutritious meat that is enjoyed worldwide. We will go through these various aspects of chicken nutrition in greater depth so you can better understand this meat's health benefits.

Protein

As a great source of protein, chicken is a necessary source of nutrients that aids our bodies in developing and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells. A 3-ounce serving of chicken breast includes roughly 27 grams of protein, making it an excellent food choice for active individuals, athletes, or those seeking muscle mass. Eating protein can also help with weight management since it keeps us filled for longer, lowering our chance of overeating or snacking on unhealthy snacks.

Vitamins and Minerals

Not only is chicken an excellent source of protein, but it also contains numerous vitamins and minerals. One of the most important vitamins found in chicken is vitamin B6, which is vital for brain development and function and supports the immune system. This meat also contains niacin, which helps to regulate cholesterol levels, and phosphorus, which is critical for healthy bones and teeth.

In addition to vitamins, chicken is also rich in essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium. Iron is vital for healthy blood circulation and oxygen transport, while zinc is crucial in immune system function and wound healing. Selenium is an important antioxidant that helps to protect the body against damage from free radicals, which can cause cell damage and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Overall, chicken is a nutrient-dense food that can help to provide the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally.

Fats

While chicken is generally considered a lean protein source, it does include some fat. The fat content of chicken varies depending on the cut, with dark meat holding more fat than white meat. However, the majority of the fat in chicken is unsaturated, which is a better type of fat than saturated fat. This meat contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, both of which have gotten linked to various health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

Preparation Methods

Steak and chicken are both popular dishes that you can prepare in a variety of ways. They're simple to use, which makes them ideal for experimenting with new recipes and culinary techniques. There are many methods to produce delicious meals with steak and chicken, from grilling and frying to baking and slow cooking, making them favorites for home cooks and professional chefs.

Preparation of Steak

Steak is an excellent protein source that you can cook in various ways to make flavorful and fulfilling dishes. Here are four ways you can cook steak:

• Braising: Braising is an incredible technique for tenderizing harder steak slices because of the long cooking process. In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, sear the seasoned steak, add liquid (such as broth, wine, or water) and aromatic vegetables, cover, and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
• Grilling: When a steak gets grilled, it has a smokey flavor and attractive grill marks. Before putting the steak on the grill, let it come to room temperature and season it with salt and pepper. Then, you cook it over medium-high heat until the meat gets cooked to your liking. For medium-rare, this usually takes 3–5 minutes per side.
• Pan-searing: When you pan-sear a steak, it has a tasty crust outside. Add healthy oil to a heavy skillet (cast iron is best), heat it over medium-high heat, and sear the steak for 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
• Sous vide: In sous vide, you cook steak in a water bath with the temperature controlled. This makes the steak soft and evenly cooked. Put the seasoned steak in a plastic bag, seal it with a vacuum sealer, and cook it in a water bath for 1-2 hours at the temperature you want (usually 130°F/54°C for medium-rare). After the steak finishes, brown it in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side to make a crispy outer layer.

Preparation of chicken

You can prepare chicken in many different ways to make a tasty and filling dish. Here are four ways to prepare chicken, along with some pointers to help you get started:

• Pan-frying: Pan-frying chicken is a quick and tasty way to cook chicken. In a skillet over medium-high heat, preheat the healthy oil. Season the chicken, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Cooking under pressure: Pressure cookers are the best way to cook chicken fast while keeping it tender. First, season the chicken and put it, along with liquid and other ingredients, in a pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, then follow the manufacturer's directions to let the pressure out. Before serving, ensure the temperature inside reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Stir-frying: Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to make a tasty and tender chicken. Cut the chicken into thin strips, heat healthy oil in a skillet or wok over high heat, and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, tossing often. Add your favorite vegetables and sauces.
• Baking: One straightforward and healthful way to cook chicken is to bake it in an oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), add your favorite spices to the chicken, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

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Similarities

Here are some steak and chicken similarities:

1. Protein content: Steak and chicken are both excellent providers of high-quality protein, which is necessary for the body's muscles, bones, and other tissues to create and repair.
2. Cooking methods: Steak and chicken can get cooked in various ways, including grilling, broiling, baking, and frying. Both types of meat can be marinated, seasoned, and served with different sauces and side dishes.
3. Nutrient content: Iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 can get found in steak and chicken. However, the nutritious value of meat varies depending on the cut and way of preparation.
4. Flavor and texture: Depending on the cut and cooking method, steak and chicken have a variety of flavors and textures. You can use these meats in various recipes and cuisines, ranging from simple grilled chicken or steak to more elegant dinners.
5. Health benefits: Steak and chicken can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation and prepared correctly.

Steak Recipes

• Mushroom Pepper Steak Recipe
• Steak with Mashed ‘Potatoes’ Recipe
• Steak Tacos with Cucumber-Avocado Salsa Recipe

Recipes for Chicken

Baked Chicken Nuggets

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Ingredients

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Cut chicken breasts into one-and-one-half-inch size pieces.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, cheese, salt, thyme and basil. Mix well.
4. Put melted butter/margarine in a bowl or dish for dipping.
5. Dip chicken pieces into the melted butter/margarine first, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place well coated chicken pieces on a lightly greased cookie sheet in a single layer, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

• Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Salsa
• Slow-Cooked Honey Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Conclusion

• Steak has more calories and higher fat content than chicken. This is the main reason that chicken is generally considered healthier than steak.
• Both meats have their share of nutrients. Steak will give you a good dose of iron, zinc, and B12, while chicken will provide you with niacin and B6.
• Steak can be cooked at lower temperatures than chicken. Chicken needs to be cooked all the way through, since otherwise there's a good chance it will make someone sick.

Steak and chicken are both popular protein sources with their tastes, textures, and health advantages. Steak is a red meat that is strong in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. However, chicken is a leaner meat that contains more niacin and vitamin B6. The choice between the two can be personal taste, nutritional considerations, or your desired taste. With so many ways to cook each, such as grilling, pan-searing, sous vide, and braising, there are many ways to prepare each dish. By knowing the distinctions between steak and chicken, you can choose your meals wisely and eat a well-rounded, balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs.

The post Steak vs. Chicken: Side By Side Nutrition Comparison appeared first on Moms Who Think.

These aren't your ordinary fast-food chicken nuggets. Coated in a flavorful blend of cheese and seasonings, these baked chicken nuggets are easy enough to make that you'll never want the unhealthy and bland fast-food variety again!

When the kids beg for McDonald's, give them this recipe instead. It may not be as fast as getting McDonald's, but it's certainly healthier. It's also a better option than frozen chicken nuggets. Your kids might be disappointed to hear that McDonald's isn't on the menu, but they'll brighten up as soon as they try these.

To further satiate those fast food cravings, serve these nuggets with some fries. French fries can be made in either the oven or the air fryer, giving you flexibility. You can create your very own replica McDonald's meal right in your own kitchen!

After giving this nuggets recipe a try, take a look at our other awesome chicken recipes. We have so many available for you to choose from, including ones that are as healthy as can be. With its high protein content, chicken is a great addition to your diet.

Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Cut chicken breasts into one-and-one-half-inch size pieces.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, cheese, salt, thyme, and basil. Mix well.
4. Put melted butter/margarine in a bowl or dish for dipping.
5. Dip chicken pieces into the melted butter/margarine first, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place well-coated chicken pieces on a lightly greased cookie sheet in a single layer, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/douglas324.

The post Kids Will Love This Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Chicken doesn't have to be boring or complicated. These ten chicken recipes will have your taste buds tingling and everyone asking for more. There's a flavor for everyone, from Asian inspired to sweet crunchy coated tenders. All of these recipes are easy to make, so dinner can be on the table in no time at all.

Depending on the size of your family, you may even be left with leftovers! Leftovers are a great way to feed a hungry family for less. They'll also save you time and energy in the kitchen, so that you can use it on other things. Without further ado, let's check out these deliciously easy chicken recipes.

10 Deliciously Easy Ways to Make Chicken

Restaurant Bourbon Chicken

You don't have to give up taste by cooking at home. This recipe is money-saving and quick, so you'll be better off cooking it yourself instead of ordering takeout. You don't need to worry about giving this dish to the little ones, since the alcohol will burn off during cooking. All you'll be left with is a delicious taste!

Pulled Smoky Chicken Sandwiches with Cheddar

Liquid Smoke is all natural (it comes from actual hardwood and mesquite chips) and adds the flavor of a backyard smoker without the wait. Pairing it with chicken in this recipe is a heavenly duo. You don't need to spend the money at a BBQ restaurant to get that authentic, delicious BBQ taste.

Mozzarella Chicken

This recipe has only five ingredients, but they simply deliver great taste in an easy weeknight dinner favorite, especially for cheese lovers! This one is sure to be a hit with kids, especially if you serve it with some French fries. Who can turn down a combo of chicken, cheese, and fries?

Captain Crunch Chicken

Captain Crunch isn't just for breakfast anymore. It's a delicious coating for chicken that can be mixed with a few spices to produce a sweet, crunchy chicken tender that kids and adults alike can't get enough of. This is a great copycat of the restaurant version served at Planet Hollywood. If you've ever wanted to have a callback to your childhood in the form of dinner, this is the recipe for you.

Sesame Chicken Recipe

This sesame chicken recipe will satisfy your taste for take-out Chinese Sesame Chicken. Since the chicken is not deep fried, you get all the take-out taste without the added pounds. Whether you're on a diet or simply looking to eat healthier, this sesame chicken recipe is a great one to keep on hand.

Smothered Chicken

The South is known for barbecues, ranches, and tight knit families, where a hearty crowd-pleasing recipe is a must to have on hand. No matter where you're from, this is a family meal that will bring everyone to the table and asking for seconds. Even the name sounds delicious!

Potato Chip Chicken Casserole

With just enough potato chips to top this casserole, this casserole is a kid favorite. They get their favorite snack with dinner while eating a great, hearty meal. This casserole may not be the healthiest recipe in the world, but it's a great way to indulge without going over-the-top.

Honey Baked Chicken

Coated with a honey glaze and a hint of curry, this is an easy five ingredient baked chicken recipe that requires almost no time in the kitchen. When you're busy during the week, you don't have the time to spend ages in the kitchen. With a great recipe like this one, you can have dinner on the table in no time.

Chicken Pot Pie

If you thought frozen chicken pot pie was good food, you need to try this homemade version. It's easy to make and will convert you from frozen chicken pot pie. Forever. Making high-quality, homemade chicken pot pie doesn't have to take a long time or a lot of effort. With a great recipe like this one, you'll be wanting to make it yourself again and again!

Chicken Scampi

If you're not a fan of seafood or you want a budget version of shrimp scampi, this recipe uses chicken instead of shrimp with all the robust flavor of the scampi sauce. Chicken is often cheaper than shrimp, making this a great recipe for families on a budget. Who said eating for cheap has to be boring and bland?

Deliciously Easy Smothered Chicken

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Ingredients

Units USM

One 2–3 pound broiler-fryer, cut up
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons self-rising flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup half and half
1 cup whole milk

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Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a shallow dish.

2. Dredge the chicken well in the flour to coat, gently shaking off the excess.

3. Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add the chicken to the oil, and brown well on both sides.

5. Turn the chicken skin side up, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Remove the chicken and pour off all but 1/4 cup of the drippings in the skillet.

7. In a bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons flour, half and half, milk, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth.

8. Stir into the skillet and cook over medium heat until thickened; stirring constantly.

9. Add chicken, turning often to coat with the gravy. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anna_Shepulova/ via Getty Images.

The post You Need to Try These 10 Deliciously Easy Chicken Recipes appeared first on Moms Who Think.

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If you are looking for new ways to prepare chicken, this chicken, and creamy lemon broccoli meal is highly recommended. It makes an elegant dish on date night, but it also provides a great way to disguise the taste of broccoli for young eaters who don’t want to eat their veggies.

Despite this dish is so versatile, it is relatively easy to make. Read on to find out how it’s done and to learn other ways you can prepare chicken and broccoli dishes for your family.

Easy Chicken and Broccoli

To make this recipe, start with 4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves. Season with salt and pepper.

Add chicken and 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes turning the chicken once.

Shred 2 teaspoons lemon peel and set aside. Slice lemon. Add lemon slices and broccoli to skillet and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes.

Place the chicken and vegetables on plates. Add one container of Alfredo sauce to the skillet and heat through. Spoon on top of chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with lemon peel and pepper and serve.

Not only is this dish easy to make, versatile and delicious, it’s also quite healthy.

Chicken is a lean source of protein that can boost the immune system and relieve stress.

Broccoli is a good source of vitamins K and C, folate, potassium and fiber. Its high content of antioxidants protects the body from free radicals while the fiber promotes digestive health and lowers cholesterol.

Mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants as well as several other vitamins and minerals.

Alfredo sauce is really the only guilty pleasure in this meal. However, if you are looking to make a healthier low-fat version, there are plenty of recipes available online.

Here is one we recommend.

Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan for over medium heat. Sprinkle with cornstarch and cook for one-minute stirring constantly.

While whisking, add broth and milk. Continue whisking until smooth. Then raise heat to bring mixture to a simmer.

Simmer for 2 minutes whisking constantly. Then remove from heat and gradually whisk in Greek yogurt.

Once combined, return to heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Bring to a simmer and stir an additional two minutes whisking constantly.

Serve over the meal of your choice.

Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli

If you are looking for variations on your chicken and broccoli dish, one way to change up the flavorings a bit is to prepare it in a crockpot.

Crockpots are great for cooking because they allow your meats and veggies to cook until they achieve the perfect state of tenderness. They also allow foods to marinate so they have time to absorb flavorings perfectly.

Crockpots are also easy to use. Just throw in the prepared ingredients, let cook, and in a few hours you will have a hot, fresh meal that is ready to eat.

If you are looking for crockpot chicken and broccoli recipes you can make for your family, here are a few we recommend.

Asian Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli: This dish is great if you are looking for a chicken and broccoli dish infused with Asian flavorings.

You start by making a sauce that’s a combination of chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic.

Place chicken and sauce in crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours.

Stir in cornstarch to thicken the sauce and then stir in broccoli.

Let cook on high for one hour.

Serve over rice.

Crock Pot Chicken and Broccoli: This recipe offers a bit of a kick. Start by making a sauce by whisking together garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ketchup, Sriracha and sesame oil.

Add chicken to slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper and pour the sauce over the chicken.

Cook on low for four hours.

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with water and stir in to thicken the sauce. Add broccoli and cook one more hour.

Transfer chicken to a cutting board and cut into small pieces. The return to the slow cooker and toss until combined.

Put rice on plates and top with chicken and broccoli mixture. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and serve.

Chicken and broccoli make a great base for any meal no matter what recipe you choose. How will you be preparing it for your family tonight?

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Summertime Chicken and our Olive Oil Garlic Chicken.

Chicken and Creamy Lemon Broccoli Recipe

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(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Chicken gets an elegant makeover with alfredo, mushrooms and the slight tangy hint of lemon. It’s a beautiful meal to make when you want something special but you don’t have a lot of time.

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Ingredients

• 4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, halved
• 1 lemon
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 (10 ounce) container refrigerated light Alfredo sauce

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Instructions

1. Sprinkle chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and mushrooms to skillet; cook for 4 minutes, turning chicken once.
3. Meanwhile, shred 2 teaspoons lemon peel; set aside. Slice lemon. Add lemon slices and broccoli to skillet; cook, covered, about 8 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink (170°F).
4. Place chicken and vegetables on plates. Add Alfredo sauce to skillet; heat through. Serve with chicken. Sprinkle with lemon peel and pepper.

• Prep Time: 10 Minutes
• Cook Time: 15 Minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: American

The image featured at the top of this post is ©David Moreno / savoryexperiments.

The post Chicken and Creamy Lemon Broccoli Recipe appeared first on Moms Who Think.

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Chicken makes a great base for any meal. Its neutral taste makes it ideal for picking up the flavorings of the seasonings and other ingredients that are added.

Thinking outside the box, fruity flavorings can give chicken an exotic taste that takes it to the next level. Mango is a favorite as it lends a tangy edge that can work perfectly in any chicken meal.

Read on to find out more about this triple mango recipe and what makes it so special.

Zucchini and Chicken Recipe

To make this recipe, start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6 minutes, then turn.

Add mango cubes from one mango, seeded, peeled and cubes, ½ cup mango blend fruit drink and ¼ cup mango chutney to chicken. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink.

While the chicken is cooking, put 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise in a microwave-safe 2-quart dish with ¼ cup water. Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes stirring once. Then drain.

Divide zucchini among four plates. Place chicken and mango mixture on top of zucchini. Season with salt and red pepper and serve.

This dish is especially flavorful as we use three different types of mango products to give it that extra boost. It is also exceptionally healthy.

Chicken is a lean protein that has immune-boosting properties. It is also known for reducing stress.

Mango is a fruit that is high in nutrients and antioxidants. It may boost immunity, support heart health, improve digestive health and be beneficial to the eyes, hair, and skin. It may also lower the risk of certain cancers.

Zucchini is another ingredient that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It contributes to healthy digestion, may reduce blood sugar levels, may improve heart health, may strengthen the vision and may aid weight loss.

The combination of these ingredients makes a delicious meal you can feel good about serving to your family.

Mango Chutney

One of the key ingredients in giving our chicken recipe its flavoring is the mango chutney.

Chutney is a sauce or dry base for the sauce. It originates from the Indian subcontinent and often uses the flavorings associated with that region of the world. However, there is really no right or wrong way to make chutney.

Chutney can be fresh or cooked and it is made from a variety of ingredients; usually a combination of fruits and vegetables and spices. It can be sweet, sour, spicy or mild or any combination of these. The texture can be thin or chunky.

There are many different types of chutney that are popular all over the world. In Britain, chutneys are sweet and tart usually made with fresh or dried fruit. In the Caribbean, mango or papaya chutney are more common.

Mango chutney can be bought at a store, but home cooks may prefer to make their own.

If you prefer to make your own mango chutney, here is a recipe we recommend.

To make the chutney, start by combining sugar and vinegar in a 6-quart pot and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Add remaining ingredients of 6 cups mango, medium onion, ½ cup raisins, ¼ cup crystallized ginger, minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, ¼ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered until syrupy, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally.

Once mango chutney is made it can be stored for a while. You can do this by filling clean, hot jars ensuring there is a ½” headspace. Jars should not be closed too tightly.

If you are planning to store the chutney in jars for a while, you can put a rack in the bottom of a tall, large pot. Place the sealed jars on the rack. Fill the pot with water that covers the jars by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and let boil for 15 minutes.

Remove jars from the pot and let them sit at room temperature to cool.

There are many ways to prepare chicken and this mango flavoring gives it a taste explosion that your family will love. Adding homemade chutney will give it that extra special touch. What will you be doing to take your mango chicken to the next level?

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Summertime Chicken and our Olive Oil Garlic Chicken.

Triple Mango Chicken Recipe

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(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Fresh mango, mango juice, and mango chutney give chicken a flavor explosion in this recipe. It's an island inspired dinner to turn a regular meal into something exotic.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 mango, seeded, peeled, and cubed
• ½ cup mango-blend fruit drink
• ¼ cup mango chutney
• 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
• ¼ cup water

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Instructions

1. In a very large skillet heat olive oil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium. Add chicken; cook for 6 minutes; turn.
2.  Add mango cubes, mango drink, and mango chutney to chicken; cook for 4 to 6 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink (170°F), stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe 2-quart square dish place zucchini and the water. Cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 2 to 3 minutes; stir once; drain.
4. Divide zucchini among 4 plates. Place chicken and mango mixture on top of zucchini. Season to taste with salt and crushed red pepper.

• Prep Time: 10 Minutes
• Cook Time: 15 Minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: American

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Michael_Matera / Pixabay.

The post Triple Mango Chicken Recipe appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Chicken is a great protein because its neutral taste makes it perfect for absorbing other flavorings.

However, despite chicken working as a great base for a variety of meals, many of us may still find chicken and raspberry to be an unusual combination. Yet, we feel this recipe has the ingredients that make the two foods work together perfectly.

Read on to find out more about this recipe and similar creations you can make in your kitchen.

Raspberry Chicken Recipe

To make this recipe, we start by sautéing the onion until its tender.

Then sprinkle thyme and ¼ teaspoon of salt over the chicken and put it in the skillet with the onion. Cook for 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Next add raspberry preserves, balsamic vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and the remaining salt to the skillet. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until the preserves are melted, and the sauce is heated through.

Spoon the mixture onto a platter and put the chicken on top.

When thinking of sides for the meal, you must be a bit creative as anything served on the same plate will absorb the raspberry so it should have a complementary taste.

Some will find that rice will work well in absorbing the fruity taste. Others might think a salad will be the perfect side as the preserves can substitute as a fruity balsamic.

However, if you’re fussy about mixing flavors in your food, you may be better off eating a side that is served in a separate dish.

Another meal idea is to serve your raspberry chicken on a sandwich. The preserves can work as the sandwich’s dressing giving it a great tangy flavor.

A chicken raspberry sandwich can make a terrific lunch, or you can serve it with a side for a meal that is heartier and more filling.

Raspberry Balsamic Chicken

Aside from the raspberry, another thing that gives this recipe its unique flavor is the addition of balsamic vinegar.

Balsamic vinegar varies greatly from other types of vinegar. Real vinegar comes from the fermentation of alcohol into wine into acetic acid. Balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, is made from the juice of white Trebbiano grapes. Juice from other varieties of grapes may be mixed in as well.

The juice is boiled down to make a thick syrup called mosto cotto.

Then strong, older balsamic vinegar is added to ensure the sugar will turn into alcohol and then acetic acid. This occurs during a 12-year aging process where the vinegar is transferred into different wood barrels.

Because this process is not simple, some use alternate methods such as adding colorings and flavorings to the vinegar. The result is a vinegar that is cheaper and easier to produce but does not come near the aged balsamic in terms of taste.

Of course, there are many variations you can make on the raspberry balsamic chicken recipe. Most involve coating the chicken in the glaze rather than having the chicken sit on top of it.

One recipe that uses that method is this one for Raspberry Balsamic Chicken with Shallots.

To make the recipe, start by combining raspberry jam and vinegar in a small pan over medium to low heat. Stir 3 to 4 minutes or until jam is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in salt and pepper letting it cool slightly.

Reserve a ½ cup of the sauce. Place the chicken breasts and the rest of the sauce in a large, sealable plastic bag. Shake gently to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 1 ½ hour.

Heat oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and thyme and cook stirring often until shallots begin to soften about 1 minute.

Remove chicken from marinade and add to the pan. Cook until beginning to brown, 2 minutes on each side.

Add reserved raspberry sauce, stir to melt jam and coat the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until chicken is cooked through 6-10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Raspberry balsamic gives a unique flavor to chicken that is surprisingly delicious and a definite crowd-pleaser. With several variations available, there is no end to what you can do. How will you be preparing this dish for your family tonight?

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Summertime Chicken and our Olive Oil Garlic Chicken.

Raspberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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4 from 2 reviews

• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Description

Aside from the raspberry, another thing that gives this recipe its unique flavor is the addition of balsamic vinegar.

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Ingredients

• ½ cup chopped red onion
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1½ teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
• ⅓ cup seedless raspberry preserves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

1.  In a nonstick skillet, sauté the onion in oil until tender.
2. Sprinkle thyme and ¼ teaspoon salt over chicken; add to skillet. Cook for 5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Remove chicken and keep warm.
3. Add the preserves, vinegar, ⅛ teaspoon pepper, and remaining salt to skillet. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until preserves are melted and sauce is heated through. Spoon onto a serving platter; top with chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 Minutes
• Cook Time: 15 Minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sauteing
• Cuisine: American

The image featured at the top of this post is ©David Moreno / homemaderecipes.

The post Raspberry Thyme Chicken Recipe appeared first on Moms Who Think.

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Chicken makes a great base for any meal. Not only is it lean and healthy meat, but its neutral taste also makes it perfect for absorbing a wide variety of flavors.

When we think of Hawaiian cooking, we think of tropical fruits and exotic flavorings. These are tastes that take us away from every day transporting us to a beach on an island far away from it all.

If you want to give your family these adventurous flavorings, read on to find out how to create a Hawaiian baked chicken dish and other exotic dishes they are sure to love.

Hawaiian Chicken

To make this Hawaiian chicken recipe, start by arranging 12 skinless, boneless chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish coated with non-stick spray.

In a separate bowl, combine (2) 8-ounce cans of unsweetened crushed pineapple with sherry, mustard, honey, and butter. Mix well, spoon over chicken and sprinkle with paprika.

Bake for 35-45 minutes at 400 degrees.

This dish is great when served over rice but other sides like vegetables, potatoes or a nice, light salad will work well too.

We love this dish for the health benefits it provides.

The chicken is low fat and a great source of protein. It also boosts the immune system and eliminates stress putting us in the perfect mood to enjoy a relaxing island dish.

Pineapple is rich in vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants making it another ingredient with immune system boosting properties. It is also rich in dietary fiber and bromelain.

Honey has gotten a bad rap in the past but more recent research shows that it provides health benefits like improving heart health and wound healing. It can also boost antioxidants in the blood. This makes it a great sugar substitute.

And let’s not forget about the spices. Not only do the spices give this dish an exotic kick, but they also fight inflammation, reduce damage to the body’s cells and kickstart the metabolism to promote calorie burn.

Pineapple and Chicken

Pineapple and chicken are two healthy ingredients that are often used together to give dishes an exotic flavoring. Let’s take a look at some recipes that use this combination to give meals a tropical taste.

Pineapple and Chicken Pizza: Even though a classic Hawaiian pizza usually has ham and pineapple toppings, chicken can make a great substitute. You can make a pizza at home using a store-bought crust or your own dough made from scratch.  Top it with tomato sauce, cheese, chicken, pineapple and any other topics you think will work.

Don’t’ feel like cooking? Order a chicken pineapple pizza from your favorite local pizza place!

Crock-Pot Pineapple Chicken: A crockpot is a great way to prepare a chicken and pineapple meal. The crockpot allows the chicken to achieve the perfect state of tenderness while giving it time to absorb the other flavorings…In this case the taste of the tangy pineapple juice.

Crockpots are also perfect for busy parents because they allow them to cook meals quickly and easily. Just prepare the ingredients, throw them in a crockpot and look forward to a tasty meal that you can eat when you get home.

To make this crockpot pineapple chicken recipe, start by coating the slow cooker with baking spray and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the top.

Drain pineapple juice from your can of pineapples into a mixing bowl. Whisk in cornstarch until smooth. Then stir in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pour over chicken, add pineapple chunks and red pepper.

Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and vegetables. Then strain sauce into a small saucepan. Simmer over high heat until it reduces by half, about 4-5 minutes

Add back to the slow cooker with chicken mixture. Add water chestnuts and green onion. Stir.

Serve hot with cauliflower rice, brown rice or quinoa.

Pineapple and chicken make a tasty mixture that can work well in several dishes. Try them together in our Hawaiian baked chicken recipe or one that you create or stumble across. How do you like to use this exotic combination in your family’s meals?

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Summertime Chicken and our Olive Oil Garlic Chicken.

Hawaiian Baked Chicken Recipe

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(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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4 from 2 reviews

• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 1 hour

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Description

Pineapple and chicken make a tasty mixture that can work well in several dishes. Try them together in our Hawaiian baked chicken recipe.

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Ingredients

• 12 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (3 pounds)
• 2 (8 ounce) cans unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• ¼ cup sherry
• ¼ cup spicy brown mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken in a shallow baking dish coated with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, combine the pineapple, sherry, mustard, honey, and butter; mix well. Spoon over chicken; sprinkle with paprika.
3. Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 35-45 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 180°F.

• Prep Time: 15 Minutes
• Cook Time: 45 Minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Pacific

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Archie Binamira / Pexels.

The post Hawaiian Baked Chicken Recipe appeared first on Moms Who Think.

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Mmmm… who doesn’t love a nice steaming cup of soup on a cold winter day?

A creamy chicken spinach soup is hearty and delicious, and it contains healthy ingredients that can boost your immune system preparing you for cold and flu season.

Read on to find out more about this recipe and other soup variations you can make for your family.

Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup

The recipe we have here is pretty easy to prepare. You start by taking a 9-ounce package of refrigerated cheese tortellini and preparing it according to package directions except you cook it in 1 can of fat-free chicken broth instead of water.

Then you add the remaining ingredients which include reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, a package of frozen spinach, chicken breast, 2 cups fat-free soup, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook until thoroughly heated.

One of the reasons we love this chicken soup recipe is because it’s so healthy. The soups used are fat-free or reduced-fat and sodium-free.

Both chicken and chicken soup have immune system boosting properties, have been shown to reduce stress and are good sources of protein.

Spinach is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. It is also rich in manganese, magnesium iron, and vitamin B2. Its high vitamin A content makes it perfect for supporting bone health.

While this creamy chicken spinach soup is a tasty and comforting recipe, there are other variations of creamy chicken soup that can be made. Here is one we recommend for a creamy chicken and mushroom soup.

To prepare the soup, start by heating olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the stockpot and cook 2-3 minutes.

Melt butter in a stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic, mushrooms, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in thyme and cook an additional minute.

Whisk in flour. Then add chicken stock, bay leaf and chicken thighs. Cook whisking constantly.

Stir in half and half and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thin, add more half and a half until the desired consistency is reached.

Serve immediately. Garnish with parsley and rosemary if desired.

Chicken and Spinach Soup

Of course, not all chicken soup has to be creamy. If you are looking to make a chicken soup with a thinner consistency, here are some recipes we recommend.

Chicken, Spinach and Potato Soup: To make this recipe start by bringing chicken thighs, chicken stock, and water to simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes. Remove chicken thighs and set aside to cool. Reserve broth.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic. Cook until onion has softened, about five minutes.

Add potatoes, then strain the leftover cooking liquid into the pot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer about 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Cut chicken into cubes and add to simmering potatoes. Cook 5 minutes, then stir in garbanzo beans, spinach, and roasted pepper. Simmer an additional ten minutes then season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and serve.

Chicken, Bean and Spinach Soup: To make this healthy recipe, start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook 1 minute. Then add chopped green bell pepper and cook for one more minute. Remove vegetables from pan.

Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and heat it on medium-high heat. Slice chicken into small pieces and season with paprika, oregano, basil, and salt. Sautee on medium-high heat until browned on both sides.

Return onions and pepper to pan and add chopped carrots, tomatoes, red kidney beans, spinach, and minced garlic. Add chicken broth and water as well as a ½ teaspoon oregano and a half teaspoon basil.

Bring to a boil, then simmer 15-20 minutes. Season with salt to taste and serve.

Chicken soup is a great meal to serve to your family on a cold day. How will you be preparing for your hungry crew tonight?

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Summertime Chicken and our Old Fashioned Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings.

Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup Recipe

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(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
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4.7 from 3 reviews

• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Description

A creamy chicken spinach soup is hearty and delicious, and it contains healthy ingredients that can boost your immune system preparing you for cold and flu season.

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Ingredients

• 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 (14½ ounce) can fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (10¾ ounce) cans reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 (9 ounce) chicken breast, chopped and cooked
• 2 cups fat-free milk
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions, using 1 can broth instead of water. Add soup and remaining ingredients stirring well.
2. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook until thoroughly heated.

• Prep Time: 15 Minutes
• Cook Time: 30 Minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Tatyana Consaul.

The post Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup Recipe appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Leftover Thanksgiving Lunch

Ingredients:

4 refrigerated biscuits
1 (8 ounce) tub cream cheese spread with chive and onion
¾ cup milk
2½ cups coarsely shredded cooked turkey
1 (6 ounce) package fresh baby spinach (6 cups)
Salt and black pepper
½ cup whole cranberry sauce

Directions:

1. Prepare biscuits according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a 4-quart Dutch oven heat cream cheese over medium-low heat to soften.

3. Whisk in milk until nearly smooth.

4. Add turkey; heat through.

5. Stir in spinach until coated and slightly wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

6. Carefully split warm biscuits; place biscuit bottoms on plates. Spoon turkey mixture onto biscuit bottoms. Top with cranberry sauce; add biscuit tops. Serve immediately.

Serves 4

Per serving
Calories 530
Total Fat 28g
Sat 16g
Protein 32g
Carb 33g
Fiber 2g
Cholesterol 125mg
Sodium 808mg

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Elena Veselova/Shutterstock.com.

The post Leftover Thanksgiving Lunch Recipe appeared first on Moms Who Think.