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.

We love a good casserole dish, especially one that’s easy, delicious, and includes a secret ingredient. This secret ingredient just so happens to be the ever-popular tater tots. Because honestly, who isn't a fan of a crispy tater tot?

Thankfully, you don’t just have to have it as a side dish anymore. These casserole recipes that incorporate tater tots are fantastic dish ideas for those busy weeknights. Plus, we are so sure that your family will be begging you to make these over and over again. So, on that note let’s dive into the top 11 casserole dishes with tater tots. Enjoy!

Tater Tot Casserole

Our very own website holds a tasty recipe that we are definitely big fans of: a delicious tater tot casserole. It’s cheesy and crispy and only requires a few ingredients and very little time to make. Plus, it makes great leftovers.

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

This recipe includes tater tots, ground beef, and of course, cheese. You can also throw in different vegetables and herbs, such as scallions and corn. It lives up to its name that it is one of the best tater tot casserole that you can make on a Sunday night or just during the week.

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

This tasty recipe is as nostalgic as it sounds. Who didn't love a good Sloppy Joe when they were a kid? Now you can try it in a casserole and with tater tots! Top it with cheese, and you have a full meal.

Slow Cooker Taco Tater Tot Casserole

If throwing your ingredients into a crockpot and letting your dinner cook itself is more your style, look no further than this Slow Cooker Taco Tater Tot Casserole (say that three times fast). It will definitely become a family favorite.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Looking for a tasty breakfast idea that your family will go in for seconds? This tater tot breakfast casserole has all the makings of a tasty sundae brunch for your family or even to bring to a potluck. Whatever occasion you decide to make this dish for, it will definitely be a popular one.

Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

You are, of course, familiar with McDonald's Big Mac, and you may have even heard of the popular deconstructed version, the Big Mac salad. but we can almost bet that you haven't seen one like this before. Enter the Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole. It's just as delicious as it sounds and you won't feel the need to stop the drive-through to get that same great taste.

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This recipe has a funny name, but that left us even more intrigued to find out just how delicious. Meet the Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. With ranch, bacon, and (of course) tater tots, where can't wait to make this tasty dish.

Cheesy Loaded Tater Tots

Bacon, cheese, tater tots…What more could you want out of a recipe? You've likely had loaded tater tots at one of your favorite restaurants, so why not try making it for yourself?

One Skillet French Onion Tater Tot Casserole

If you're a fan of French onion soup, we're convinced you're going to love this one. It has the classic taste of that same soup that you have loved for years, but in a tater tot casserole.

Tator Tot Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Warm up your weeknight dinners with this Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole. Instead of topping this classic dish with a pastry crust, top it with crispy tater tots. You're kids will love it!

Lightened Up Tater Tot Casserole 

We're going to end this journey of tater tot casserole recipes with a semi-healthy take on classic tater tot casserole. It's still cheesy and creamy, but this recipe includes veggies, ground turkey, and veggie tots.

Takeaways

As this article details, there are so many different recipes that you can make with tater tots. If you were not a fan of the tater tot as a side dish, we are sure you're going to love them in a casserole. Enjoy!

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

The post 11 Delicious Casseroles That Contain Tater Tots appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Who doesn’t love this delicious Asian and Middle Eastern fried rice? Fried rice is one of the best ways to use up leftover rice and create a quick and easy weekday meal or a BBQ side dish. It, of course, contains rice and often protein such as pork, shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu, and vegetables. Fried rice is so versatile that it can complement any meal. However, there is a debate as to whether fried rice is healthy. In this article, we explore the origins, versatility, nutritional information, health benefits, and ways to create a healthy fried rice dish. Read on to learn more!

History of Fried Rice

In China, during 589-618 AD the Sui dynasty was the earliest recording of fried rice. However, the first stir-frying method was noted much earlier. Later, through the late Ming dynasty during 1368-1644 AD, stir-frying became popular. It is said that fried rice originated as a way to use leftover rice from the day before and add meat, vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, and lard to the dish to make a hot flavorful dinner. Fried rice is a popular dish in some South Asian, East Asian, and Southeast Asian cuisines and is a staple dish in Indonesia. Furthermore, it has gained popularity throughout the rest of the world. This is because it is a versatile and affordable dish for many households.

What is Fried Rice?

Fried rice is rice that has already been cooked, it is then stir-fried in a frying pan or wok and has other ingredients added to it such as meat, vegetables, seafood, and eggs. It can be a dish enjoyed on its own or added as a side dish to roasts, BBQ, and more. Fried rice is quite diverse however, certain dishes require their own distinct ingredients.

Furthermore, in Japan, chāhan is believed to be a Japanese-Chinese dish. Chāhan is cooked by stir-frying the ingredients in a wok. Cooked rice is the main ingredient and numerous supplementary components such as shiitake which is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, vegetables, garlic, onion, pork, tofu, scrambled egg, salmon, roe, crab meat, octopus, and more. Oils such as sesame, sunflower, and olive oil are used when frying to add that extra richness. These dishes are often seasoned with katsuobushi which is flaked dried tuna, soy sauce, salt, oyster sauce, pepper, and sesame oil. Edible seaweed known as Nori is often used as garnish in Japanese fried rice.  

Is Fried Rice Healthy?

When you first look at fried rice you see a healthy, tasty, colorful dish filled with vegetables, meats, or seafood. However, looks can be deceiving with too much soy sauce that can be high in sodium, oils, and MSGs these meals can be unhealthy and high in calories, and fat and should be eaten in moderation. To add, you can still enjoy this dish and make it healthy. Let’s dive into fried rice, the different types of rice, the calories involved, and how you can enjoy this dish in alternative ways.

Calories and Nutrients in Fried Rice

When preparing fried rice you should consider the nutrients involved. Fired rice is typically higher in calories because of its oil and soy sauce content. However, did you know that there are over 40,000 types of rice? I’m surprised too, and each one contains different nutritional values which we will discuss below.

Plain-fried white rice is usually cooked using a wok or fry pan and contains vegetable oil and no other ingredients. One cup has approximately 706 mg of sodium which is almost one-third of the recommended daily intake for for an adult. It also contains 41 grams of carbohydrates. Your daily intake of carbohydrates should be between 225 and 325 grams per day. One cup of fried white rice contains 242 calories and 8 grams of fat.

Using whole grains such as brown rice and lean proteins such as chicken breasts, shrimp, eggs, and a variety of vegetables can help improve the nutritional value of fried rice.

Cauliflower rice is another healthy option, and it is super easy to make. Cauliflower is a good source of folate which is important during pregnancy as it supports cell growth. It is also high in vitamin K and C and low in calories. One cup of cauliflower has 5 grams of carbohydrates and only 25 calories.

How To Make Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is the perfect substitute for white or brown rice and only takes 5 minutes to prepare. It is vegan-friendly and gluten-free and can be frozen uncooked for up to one month.

Ingredients

• 1x cauliflower head
• 1 tablespoon of oil

Directions

1. First, wash and dry the cauliflower and remove the green.
2. You can either use a cheese grater or a food processor with a grater attachment to grate it into rice.
3. Next, heat a skillet and add the tablespoon of oil, sauté the cauliflower, and cover with a lid for 5-8 minutes season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy.

What are the Benefits of Fried Rice

• As previously mentioned fried rice is high in calories, and it often contains a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, for a healthier alternative brown rice should be considered first, this is because it is an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals, manganese, magnesium, and fiber as well as containing phenols and flavonoids which are two beneficial antioxidants that reduce the risk of early aging and damage to cells within the body.
• Studies have shown that eating whole grains three times per day can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 32%. One of the advantages of brown rice is that it has a low GI (glycemic index) that prevents blood sugar levels from rising contains fewer calories than white rice and helps you feel fuller for longer.

Conclusion

Fried rice can be associated with unhealthy eating habits however, it can still be enjoyed in moderation. It is best to opt for brown rice, choose lean meats, and add plenty of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots also reduce the amount of oils and soy sauce. By doing this you can still enjoy fried rice and maintain a healthy balanced diet.

Recipe Card for Fried Rice

Try this tasty fried rice dish for your next dinner. Enjoy!

Healthy Fried Rice

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com
• Yield: 10 servings

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup chicken stock or broth
• 1 1/3 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 2 Tablespoons onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons green pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/2 cup water chestnuts, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring water and stock to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Add rice and stir. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Reserve.
4. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet.
5. Sauté onion and celery over moderate heat for 3 minutes.
6. Stir in the remaining ingredients, including reserved cooked rice.
7. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 139
• Sodium: 86 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

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

The post Is Fried Rice Healthy, Actually? What Science Says appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When you go to a steakhouse and you're looking at the menu, there are several cuts that are generally offered. Two of the most popular steakhouses cuts are the porterhouse steak and the t-bone steak. Both of these cuts of meat are filling, a bit expensive, but delicious in all respects.

Steak lovers often order both on a menu when looking for a nice steak experience. Both porterhouse steaks and t-bone steaks are very popular with steakhouses and home chefs, but have differences in their look, taste, and overall consistency.

Porterhouse vs T-Bone: The Key Differences

The primary difference between porterhouse and T-bone steaks is their size. Porterhouses are required to be at least 1.25 inches thick at their widest point while T-bone steaks are thinner. Which is to say, the filet section of the porterhouse is generally larger.

Both steaks share similarities. They're both cut from the short loin of a cow and feature a “T” shaped bone with meat on each side. One side is a filet (tenderloin) while the other is a top loin (strip steak). Both porterhouses and t-bones are prized for their combination of textures and flavors with the tenderloin being tender while the strip steak portion is more robust.

What is a Porterhouse?

Porterhouse steaks come from the short loin section of the cow. It's an extremely large cut in comparison to other cuts of steak. It is a combination of two types of steaks, a tenderloin and a strip steak that is separated by a bone. The tenderloin is a very tender, soft piece of steak and smaller than the strip section. The strip section is extremely flavorful. For the steak to be a porterhouse steak, it has to have specific measurements and sizes.

What is a T-Bone?

A T-bone steak comes from the short loin section of the cow, much like a porterhouse steak. This is why the two are sometimes confused for each other. Like a porterhouse steak, it is two cuts of meat on one steak, separated by a bone. T-bone steaks are also made up of a tenderloin and a strip steak separated by the bone in the middle; hence its name.

Size Differences

Sizes of steaks can vary depending on where you are ordering or purchasing the steak from. However, in order to tell the two steaks, a porterhouse and a T-bone, apart it comes down to the size of the tenderloin part of the steak. In order for the steak to be a T-bone steak, the steak's tenderloin should be 0.5 inches wide or more at its widest point. However, T-bones that reach 1.25 inches wide at their widest points reach the classification of becoming a porterhouse. This size specification was created by the USDA.

Prices Differences

Both porterhouse steaks and T-bone steaks are on the pricier side. Due to the strip and the tenderloin portion of the steaks, they tend to be expensive. Many steakhouses offer different sizes of each, such as a porterhouse for two. The bigger the steak, the more expensive. However, between a porterhouse and a T-bone, porterhouse steaks tend to be more expensive because of the size of the tenderloin. All in all, you get more meat on a porterhouse steak than a T-bone, hence the higher price.

Cooking Differences

The two steaks come from the same portion and section of the cow, therefore they cook relatively similarly. However, the porterhouse will take longer to cook because of the size of the filet. A larger steak ultimately takes a longer time to cook. Many like to use a cast iron skillet when cooking these cuts of meat, although a grill can work as well.

How to Choose

• The main difference between a porterhouse and T-bone steak is the thickness of the meat. A porterhouse is at least 1.25 inches thick at its thickest point.
• Because of the size differential, porterhouse steaks are typically more expensive. Both of these steaks are on the expensive side, however.
• In addition to raising the price, the size of a porterhouse makes it take longer to cook.

Mushroom Pepper Steak Recipe

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• Yield: 4

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 6 Tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce, divided
• 1/8 Teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound beef top sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup reduced sodium beef broth
• 1 Garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 Teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
• 3 Teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 1 cup julienned sweet red pepper
• 1 cup julienned green pepper
• 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2 Medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 6 Green onions, sliced
• 3 cups hot cooked long grain white rice

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Instructions

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 3 Tablespoons soy sauce and pepper; add beef.
2. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, broth and remaining soy sauce until smooth; set aside.
4. Drain and discard marinade from beef.
5. In a large nonstick frying pan or wok, stir fry the garlic and ginger in 2 teaspoons oil for 1 minute.
6. Add the beef; stir fry for 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove beef and keep warm.
7. Stir fry the peppers in remaining oil for 1 minute.
8. Add mushrooms; stir fry 2 minutes longer or until peppers are crisp tender.
9. Stir broth mixture and add to vegetable mixture.
10. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
11. Return beef to pan; add tomatoes and onions. Cook for 2 minutes or until heated through.
12. Serve over hot cooked rice.

Nutrition

• Calories: 394
• Sodium: 841mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 64mg

When choosing between a porterhouse and a T-bone steak, it all comes down to how much you want to spend, and how much you want to eat. A T-bone steak is a better choice if you want to keep the cost a bit lower and you also are not going to eat a huge meal. Porterhouse steaks are good to share with a partner, as they're much bigger, and also if you're celebrating because of the price point.

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

The post Porterhouse Steak vs. T-Bone Steak: How To Know the Difference appeared first on Moms Who Think.