Sweet and Savory Baked BBQ Chicken

If you enjoy sweet and savory flavors, then this is the recipe for you. It reminds me of the flavors of a bbq sauce; sweet, smoky and full of flavor.

I’ve been spending a lot of money on food this holiday season (which I love), but I needed an inexpensive meal to make. And since chicken was on sale this week, I picked some up. Thighs and drum sticks on sale for .89 a pound! Can’t beat that! This recipe is cheap and cheerful, super simple to make, and smells super delicious while it’s cookin’ up in the oven! I added some smoked paprika to this dish, but the next time I make, I’m going to cook the chicken in my smoker. I only wish I would have thought of this one myself! Enjoy!

Thank you Mrs. Happy Homemaker for the inspiration! 

-Tammy

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Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms and Prosciutto

I love how diverse chicken can be…it’s a blank slate for so many amazing flavors and is a healthy, lean meat. One of my favorite Italian dishes is Chicken Marsala! The flavor is kicked up in this recipe with the addition of Prosciutto and fresh tarragon. Try it this week!

-Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetic friendly, anti-inflammatory

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Macadamia Nut Crusted Chicken Salad

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I had a gut-busting great time with my family. Our day was filled with delicious food, good company, karaoke, and of course, lots of wine! And now that I have gained a few pounds; I wanted something a little lighter this week. I decided to make macadamia nut crusted chicken salad. Holy heck-a-roo, was it good! I could not scarf it down fast enough. I decided to make the chicken two ways (baked and fried); if you want it healthy or healthier, it’s up to you! Both were delicious. And the honey mustard dressing was oh, so yummy! Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  kidney-friendly*, kid-friendly

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Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Thanksgiving leftovers have to be one of my favorite things about the holiday, especially when I’m lucky enough to snag some turkey! As you know, I love soups and this is in my top 3 along with Zuppa Toscana. I was inspired by Panera’s version of this soup, but you don’t have to feel guilty with this recipe. If you want to reduce cooking time, remember to soak wild rice before cooking about 2-8 hours. It’s staying pretty cool out, so sit back by the fire and have a bowl of this yummy goodness this week!

-Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy,

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Chicken Empanadas with Roasted Green Enchilada Sauce

I was organizing my pantry and came across my empanada makers that I bought for three dollars at Ross a few years back. They’re easy enough to make without them, but it’s been a while, so I wanted to give them a try with my kiddos. I thought I’d create a healthier version of my empanadas so we didn’t have to feel guilty about eating them. For times-sake, I bought pre-made Pillsbury pie dough that you roll out yourself. I know I cannot control the sodium since it’s pre-made, so I highly suggest making your own pie dough if you have the time. But since, I made all of the other ingredients (which contained minimal sodium), I knew this recipe would be fine for my husband’s kidney diet. These contain my homemade roasted green enchilada sauce, shredded chicken breast, oh, and they’re baked, not fried…mmmmmm…Happy eating!

-Tammy

Health tips: Kidney-friendly*, kid-friendly

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Spanish Paella…Ella…Ella

I absolutely love big one pot meals, especially for the family or a small dinner party! This recipe combines hearty flavors of traditional Spanish Paella, while still keeping it light. If you like Jambalaya, this is very similar, a mix of delicious “land and sea” meats, rice, peppers and spice! I had some amazing Paella at a friend’s going away party a few weeks ago and the wheels started turning in my head. Hope you enjoy!

-Mel

Health tips: Low fat

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Cheesy, Garlicky, Crusted Chicken

Who doesn’t love to bite into chicken with a crunch!? This healthy recipe is sure to satisfy kids and adults alike.

-Tammy

Health tips: Low carb, kidney friendly, diabetes friendly, kid friendly

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Honey-Glazed Chicken Satay Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Happy Labor Day from Family Apron! This holiday marks the last official summer gathering for many, so why not grill some more before Fall comes around!? Get together with family and friends this holiday weekend and try this recipe for Glazed Chicken Sate Skewers with Peanut Sauce! The chicken is tastier and more tender the more you let it marinate, so start early! Thank you to the amazing Ellie Krieger for your inspiration on this one!

Tip: If you have leftovers, shred or chop chicken and mix with some greens and peanut sauce. This makes a yummy salad or wrap!

-Mel

Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, low carb, low fat, heart healthy, kid friendly

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Healthy Chicken Stock and Creamy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

There’s nothing like comforting, delicious chicken stock…whether it’s in a soup, gravy or rice. It flavors and is the base of so many recipes that we often find ourselves always buying boxes and boxes from the store. This can start getting expensive and the healthy boxes of stock are typically pricier. Making your own stock at home allows you to store or freeze multiple quarts for future use and you can closely control the fat, nutrition and sodium content. And it’s easy, not much chopping or peeling, just waiting for those flavor to develop. =) Here’s my recipe for a healthy and tasty stock, which also includes strong disease-fighting ingredients like ginger and turmeric. You’ll definitely get a better bang with your buck with this recipe!

That’s not all folks! You’ll not only be getting a few quarts of stock from this recipe, but also tender and flavorful slow-cooked meat that you can store for future meals. My Creamy Chicken, Broccoli and Wild/Brown Rice Casserole is inspired by my Mama’s Chicken Divan, one of her staples at potlucks growing up. Love it! It’s simple, wholesome and can satisfy the whole family. Try it this week!

-Mel

Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly

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Mediterranean Chicken with Cannellini Beans

I love me some Mediterranean flavors, so fresh and so tasty…olives, garlic, vegetables, beans, fish…delish! These ingredients are especially beneficial to anyone with rheumatoid arthritis or high-blood pressure. Scientific research shows that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and beans have disease-fighting properties. One study involving people with rheumatoid arthritis showed that those who followed a Mediterranean-style diet had significantly less joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, and also lowered blood pressure. Sounds good to me!!! This recipe was inspired by a cod recipe I typically steam over the grill, but because I had no fish in the freezer, chicken was the next best lean meat! I do highly recommend making this with cod, tilapia or halibut though, wonderful!

-Mel

Health tips: Anti inflammatory, low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly

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