Deviled Chicken Francese

It’s 2020 and time for some healthy eating after feasting during the holidays! Tammy and I agreed that this year our goal is to focus on recipes that aren’t only healthy and delicious, but quick and easy too.

Last weekend, we spent some time catching up on our favorite chef Rachael Ray, and her new 30 minute meals. It’s been a crazy year and we’ve been dying to cook together in her new kitchen. It was tough to choose as her recipes all made us drool, but we picked three lighter recipes we could prep and make ahead of time. The first was this Deviled Chicken Francese. Sounds fancy but it was easy!

The deviled part of the chicken recipe really caught our eye, especially with mustard and Calabrian chili’s involved. We used reduced-fat milk, unsalted butter, low-sodium broth, and skipped the bread to lighten it up. We just had it for dinner last night. It was so satisfying and tasty!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low carb, low fat

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Crispy Baked Rosemary Dijon Chicken

The amazing flavors of rosemary and Dijon mustard are some of my favorites, and it doesn’t take much to make magic. Plus, they are natural, low-fat ingredients! I was inspired by Ina Garten’s roasted mustard chicken thighs while watching the Food Network. I saw that she had dredged her chicken in Dijon as the binder which I thought was genius! It not only keeps the bread crumbs on but adds great flavor underneath. I use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to keep it light. Baking the breasts keeps it super moist too.  It’s one of my husband’s favorite chicken recipes and he says he doesn’t miss the fried version at all, especially with the crispy Panko!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low fat, kid friendly, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory

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Stuffed Chicken Divan w/ Creamy Dijon Sauce

As you can probably already tell, my mom is a big inspiration for me as far as my love for food and cooking. Growing up, I remember her cooking a variety of dishes, Filipino, Italian, Asian…and the list goes on, and I was always there to help chop and prep. One of her signature potluck dishes is Chicken Divan. I love how creamy and cheesy it is, one of my favorites until now. Plus it’s low carb! This is my twist on it, transforming it from a casserole, to a dinner for two.

 -Melanie

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

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Benihana’s-Style Shrimp and Magic Mustard Sauce

The Benihana’s shrimp appetizer and “Magic Mustard” sauce is one of my favorite parts about going to the popular restaurant…besides the onion volcano! =P I actually ask for a double serving of the mustard sauce because I love to soak everything in it, including my fried rice. I want to be able to enjoy it more often without feeling the guilt, so I decided to experiment and create a lighter, yet still very tasty version of the sauce. After you taste this sauce, you will want make extra and keep it as condiment staple in your fridge!

 -Melanie

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

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Chunky Egg Salad

This is my favorite egg salad recipe which I found on the Food Network website. It’s very easy and very flavorful. What really makes it pop is the mustard, lemon and dill, just a perfect combination with the creaminess of the, eggs, mayo and yogurt. I adjusted the recipe a bit to make it lighter and cut the sodium in half. Especially when paired with wheat bread or crackers, or veggies, you’ll be satisfied without the guilt!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb (if eaten with veggies), diabetes-friendly (if eaten with veggies)Read More »