Chicken Kiev Meatballs

I don’t know where to start! I grew up eating Chicken Kiev. I LOVE it! We didn’t have it all the time, as it was considered one of those “fancy dinners”. And what’s not to love about chicken, garlic, butter, and parsley?!?! I hadn’t thought about it in years…until…I had a dream  that I made little meatballs out of them which got me on the Rachael Ray show! It was the best dream, EVER! Of course, I woke up and realized it was only a dream…however, that didn’t stop me from trying to come up with a recipe and make them! I am so, so proud of this one! Totally took me back to my childhood. I called my mom to tell her. Understandably so, she wants me to make them for her. I cannot wait for her and YOU ALL to try these too!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kid-friendly, kidney-friendly, diabetes friendly

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Chicken in Cheesy Poblano Sauce

This is one of my favorite Rachael Ray recipes, and great for a family dinner! The sauce is so creamy yet so fresh, with very very soft heat from the poblano peppers. I adjusted it to use lower fat ingredients to be able to enjoy it more often. I especially love the melted cheese on top. As long as you serve alongside some roasted veggies, it’s completely fine =)!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, low carb

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Buffalo Chicken Salad

Hot summer days equals light, healthy meals! The hubby wanted buffalo wings, and I wanted something lighter, but something that would hit the same bells and whistles! When I told him I’d be making my buffalo chicken salad, he was very happy. He LOVES this salad! You can always buy your own blue cheese dressing, but I like to make my own dressings from scratch because you can control the quality and quantity of ingredients. My husband does NOT like blue cheese dressing; the moldy cheese, it freaks him out! However, he does love feta cheese. So I make his “blue cheese” dressing into a “feta cheese” dressing. I still prefer blue cheese, so I divide the base mix into 2 bowls-one for me with blue cheese, and one for him with feta cheese. Feel free to make your own! Or you can always go out a buy  a bottle. They have great yogurt-based dressing in the produce section. Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, low carb

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Grilled Greek Chicken & Cucumber Noodle Salad

I’ve been wanting to post a greek-marinated chicken recipe and while exploring for inspiration, found another tasty alternative to traditional green leaves and zucchini noodles…cucumber noodles! And how perfect is that with a greek-inspired dish right!? This recipe is so flavorful, yet so light and summery. The light saltiness of the Kalamata olives and feta cheese really compliment the bright herby and lemony flavors of the chicken and dressing. Being a huge cucumber fan (He just snacks on it whole, like a giant carrot), my husband said he prefers this over any other type of salad!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy, low fat, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendly, low carb

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Asian Chicken Drumsticks with Green Beans

It’s so funny where dinner might take you! I was inspired by Clinton Kelly’s Korean BBQ Chicken Drumsticks! I decided to create my own Asian-style green beans to go with it! Then, of course, my daughter asked for rice…and so…dinner was created. I cannot say it’s the most “kidney-friendly” (because of the amount of sodium), but it can be diabetes-friendly (minus the rice). 🙂 So cheers to all who decide to make this meal. It’s fricken delicious!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kid-friendly, diabetes-friendly

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Curried Chicken Salad

It’s definitely hot out there so I’ve been trying to find some no-cook recipes to avoid any heat from the stove and oven. Thank you to our friend Gaby as well for your no-cook ideas question. It’s really inspired us to go on the hunt for creative and quick ways to whip up delicious meals without that added heat. I love the exotic flavor of curry, especially on chicken, and wanted to find a way to enjoy it as a summer treat. Ina Garten’s curried chicken salad recipe is fabulous! The use of the chutney really brings it to a whole new level and there is great texture with the celery and cashews. I lowered the fat by using light mayo and non-fat greek yogurt and also lowered the salt. This is a must try!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy, low fat, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendly and low carb (if eaten on wheat or without bread)

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Burger

I was watching  the Rachael Ray show the other day. Every month she creates a “Burger of the Month” recipe for her magazine. Rachael asked a friend of hers what her favorite meal was growing up. Her friend told her that she liked when her mom made pepper steak. So Rachael created a pepper steak burger. You can check out that recipe here. But this made me think; what was one of my favorites growing up? I loved when my mom made chicken Cordon Bleu in the slow cooker. And so, the inspiration was created!  Thank you mom for your delicious take on Chicken Cordon Bleu! And I’ve turned it into a burger! I even give you a choice of two different condiments to add: a creamy, garlicky mustard sauce, or a creamy honey mustard (inspired by Rachael Ray). Now everyone else can enjoy it too!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kidney friendly, diabetes friendly*, kid-friendly

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Kenan Family’s Italian Chicken & Spinach Pasta Salad

My good friend Stacey had the girls over the other week to catch up and enjoy dinner together. She whipped us up a light, delicious salad that her mom always makes her. I fell in love with it and asked her if I could share it with you fine folks. This is super quick to make and is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Salads don’t typically fill me up enough but this one is wholesome and very satisfying!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy; low carb, diabetes friendly and anti-inflammatory (if pasta removed or wheat used); low fat

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Orange BBQ Chicken and Quinoa Fried Rice

Enjoy the flavors of Chinese takeout orange chicken with American BBQ in this mouth-watering dish! I was inspired by the Neely’s Honey Orange BBQ Chicken for this recipe. The glaze is so good you’ll want to drink it haha. The chicken is most flavorful marinated overnight so remember to plan ahead. I also created a healthy take on fried rice using wholesome quinoa. You will not miss the rice! Grill this up for your family and friends this summer!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carbRead More »

Chicken with Cauliflower Alfredo

I’ve recently heard about cauliflower alfredo sauce. Sounds pretty temping, so I decided  to try and create my own. And it turned out really yummy! Your typical alfredo sauce is made up of mostly butter, cream, and parmesan cheese, which is oh, so delicious. I definitely couldn’t hit the same bells and whistles without adding the cheese, but the rest of it is pretty darn healthy! I decided to make chicken alfredo with it. I made zucchini noodles for myself and the hubby, but used whole wheat fettuccini for the kiddos. So if you are looking for a low-carb option, I say go with the zucchini noodles!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  gluten free*, diabetes friendly*

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