Ever wondered why chicken is a staple food for many athletes, bodybuilders and healthy individuals worldwide? Because it’s an abundant source of the essential nutrient protein – supporting weight loss, muscle recovery, growth and all round optimal health.
Chicken happens to be one of the cleanest and leanest meats, it’s readily available and easy to cook. Taste wise, “plain chicken” is quickly transformed using a variety of complementing herbs, spices and ingredients.
After a hard day at work or gruelling workout, a healthy chicken based meal will kickstart your physical recovery. Here are 10 glorious chicken recipes that go from prep to plate in under 30 minutes!
1. Yakisoba Chicken Recipe
This exciting Japanese dish is as healthy as it is delicious. It’s packed with nutrient dense vegetables and canola oil will even help to lower your overall cholesterol.[1]
- Grab a skillet and heat chilli paste, canola oil and sesame oils
- Add garlic for 30 seconds then introduce chicken and soy sauce
- Bring noodles to a boil and cook in a separate pan
- Once the meat is cooked, remove it and begin to stir fry vegetables
- Combine chicken, vegetables and noodles together before serving
Take a look at the recipe here.
2. Romano Chicken Recipe
A truly mouth-watering dish, cheesy chicken rollups with ham and spiced up with herbs. Enjoy a potent dose of bone-strengthening calcium alongside illness-fighting antioxidants from paprika.[2]
- Wrap swiss cheese and ham on chicken breasts and roll them up
- In a separate bowl, mix parmesan cheese, garlic, paprika, tarragon, basil and bread crumbs
- Smoother chicken with the mix and coat with butter
- Set the microwave to high and cook for 5 minutes
Check out the recipe here.
3. Katsu Chicken Recipe
A traditional Japanese treat of delicous fried chicken. For a healthier option choose olive oil, the mono-saturated fats will help maintain balanced cholesterol.[3]
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper
- Coat chicken with flour, dip in egg and cover with panko crumbs
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and introduce chicken
- Cook both sides until golden brown and serve
Try the recipe here.
4. Grilled Peanut Chicken Recipe
Distinctively tangy and nutty, guaranteed to impress your guests. Be generous with the peanuts, they offer significant protection against heart disease.[4]
- Mix peanut butter, garlic, curry powder, cayenne pepper and lime juice in a bowl
- Brush chicken with half and then grill for 8 minutes
- Smother chicken with the rest of the sauce and return to grill until ready
Try the recipe here.
5. Lime Garlic Chicken
A delightful chicken recipe, cooked in butter and garlic then drizzled with fresh lime. The anti-inflammatory nature of garlic works wonders for numerous conditions relating to heart, cholesterol and hypertension.[5]
- Using a re-sealable plastic bag, mix flour, salt and pepper
- Place chicken in the bag and shake until coated
- Sauté chicken in a skillet with butter and garlic for 10-15 minutes
- Squeeze lime and sprinkle lemon pepper over chicken before serving
Find out more about the recipe here.
6. Rosemary and Bacon Grilled Chicken Recipe
This tasty chicken dish has a unique aroma thanks to the heavenly herb rosemary. It will also help to reinforce your immune system, blood circulation and ingestion.[6]
- Preheat grill on medium-high heat
- Season chicken breast using garlic powder, salt and pepper
- Lay rosemary sprigs on chicken and wrap with bacon
- Cook breasts for approximately 8 minutes on each side before serving
Check out the recipe here.
7. Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe
A tantalizing chicken recipe, spicy and bursting with flavor! The key ingredient Dijon mustard contains compounds that can inhibit cancer cell growth.[7]
- Fry chicken on medium heat using a skillet
- Gradually introduce lime, lemon, Dijon, black pepper and creole seasoning
- Flip chicken whilst cooking for 15 minutes and then serve
Take a look at the recipe here.
8. Spicy Basil Chicken Recipe
Bring home an authentic taste of Thailand with this hot dish. Go heavy on the basil, it’s an abundant source of antioxidants with anti-aging properties.[8]
- Heat garlic and chile peppers using a skillet until golden brown
- Add chicken and season with sugar, garlic, salt and pepper
- Add oyster sauce, mix in mushrooms and onions
- Cook until chicken is done and onions are tender and then serve
Find out more here.
9. Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe
Honey brings an amazing natural sweetness to this family favourite. Rename honey to “liquid gold”, it’s antibacterial and has plenty of antioxidant firepower.[9]
- Mix honey, red pepper flakes and soy sauce in a small bowl
- Cook chicken in a skillet for 5 minutes
- Introduce honey mix and cook until ready to serve
Learn more about the recipe here.
10. Wild Whisky Chicken Recipe
Grab your whisky of choice and excite your guests with this sweet recipe! If you are jokingly accused of being an alcoholic, mention that studies have linked whisky to a number of benefits including weight loss.[10]
- Sauté chicken until cooked through
- Mix soy sauce, garlic powder, whisky, pineapple juice, pepper and sugar in a separate bowl
- Pour the whisky mix over chicken and simmer for 10-15 minutes before serving
Take a look at the recipe here.
Final Thoughts
Chicken can be monotonous on its own. With a few extra ingredients, you can transform chicken into the star of a flavor-packed dish.
Furthermore, chicken dishes can be quick and simple to prepare, which is ideal for busy people who want to cook their own food while staying healthy!
Featured photo credit: ziashusha via shutterstock.com
Reference
[1] | ^ | WebMD: Canola Oil |
[2] | ^ | Healthifyme: How does Paprika Benefit Your Health? |
[3] | ^ | NHS: Fat the Facts |
[4] | ^ | Harvard Health Publishing: Peanuts linked to same heart, longevity benefits as more pricey nuts |
[5] | ^ | Medical News Today: What are the benefits of garlic? |
[6] | ^ | WebMD: Health Benefits of Rosemary |
[7] | ^ | The Guardian: Why mustard is good for you |
[8] | ^ | Medical News Today: Health Benefits of Basil |
[9] | ^ | Asian Pac J Trop Biomed.: Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity |
[10] | ^ | WebMD: Whiskey: Is It Good For You? |