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Category: Poultry

Chicken Pesto Presto

Chicken Pesto Presto

4 plum tomatoes

1/2 C. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1 pound thinly sliced chicken breast cutlets (8 pieces)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. crushed red-pepper flakes

2 T. prepared pesto sauce

 

Preheat the broiler. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray. Thinly slice the tomatoes lengthwise, discarding the core and the outside slices, to get 16 slices. Mix the mozzarella and Parmesan in a small bowl. Arrange the chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the salt and red-pepper flakes, and spread each with equal amounts of pesto. Broil the chicken 2″ to 4″ from the heat for 5 minutes, or until no longer pink in the thickest part and the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven. Top each piece of chicken with 2 tomato slices, overlapping if necessary, and sprinkle evenly with the mixed cheeses. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes longer, just until the cheese is melted and the tomatoes are heated. Serve right away.

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

1 T. olive oil

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/2 C. chopped green bell pepper

1/2 C. chopped celery

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. dried thyme

1/4 tsp. salt

2 bay leaves

4 ounces turkey sausage links, cut into chunks

3 C. cooked red beans or canned red beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 C. chicken broth

Hot-pepper sauce

2 C. hot cooked instant brown rice

 

Set a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil. Heat for 30 seconds. Add the onion, pepper, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and bay leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes, or until starting to soften. Scrape the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the sausage to the empty side. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the sausage is lightly browned. Add the beans and broth. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the flavors blend. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Add up to 1 tsp. of hot-pepper sauce. Serve over the rice. Pass the hot-pepper sauce at the table.

 

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 403

Fat: 9g

Fiber: 12g

Simply Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Simply Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

8 (8 inch) flour tortillas, softened

1 1/2 cups grated Monterey jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese, divided

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies

 

In frying pan, cook chicken and onion together in oil over medium-high heat until chicken is just done. Divide cooked chicken evenly between 8 tortillas; add 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese to each tortilla. Roll enchiladas and place seam-side down in 9×13″ baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with no-stick cooking spray. Melt butter in a medium saucepan; stir in flour to make a roux; stir and cook until bubbly; gradually whisk in chicken broth then bring to boiling, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and green chiles; pour sauce evenly over enchiladas. Top with remaining 3/4 cup cheese (baking dish may be double-wrapped and frozen at this point) and bake at 400° for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce near edges of baking dish is bubbly.

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice

3 large eggs

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

4 cups cold, cooked rice

6 green (spring) onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Additional sliced green onions for garnish

 

Beat eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Heat very little oil in a frying pan and make an omelet with half the beaten eggs. Turn on to a plate to cool (do not fold omelet). Repeat process with remaining beaten eggs. Place one omelet on top of the other, fold and coarsely chop. Set aside.  In a medium bowl, toss chicken strips with the sesame oil; salt and pepper to taste.  Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over high heat in large frying pan or wok and stir-fry the prepared chicken strips until lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until onion has softened. Add 2 tablespoons more vegetable oil and when hot, stir in the cooked rice and green onions, tossing and mixing thoroughly until very hot. Sprinkle with soy sauce and mix evenly. Remove from heat and stir in diced cooked egg. If desired, garnish with additional sliced green onions.

Chicken Mix and Broth

Chicken Mix and Broth

11 lb. chicken (4 medium fryers) cut up or 12 to 14 whole boneless chicken breasts instead of fryers

4 qt. cold water

3 T parsley flakes

4 carrots, peeled and chopped

4 t salt

1/2 t pepper

2 t dried basil leaves

 

Combine all ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover and cook over high heat until water boils. Simmer until chicken is tender about 1-1/2 hours. (Less time is required if you are using Chicken Breasts). Remove from heat. Strain broth and refrigerate until fat can be skimmed. Cool chicken, remove and discard bones and skin. Put chicken into six 1-pint freezer containers, leaving 1/2 inch space at top. Pour skimmed chicken broth into six more 1-pint containers, with 1/2-inch space at top. Seal and label with date and contents. Freeze. Use within 3 months. Makes 6 pints of Chicken Mix. Makes 6 pints of chicken broth.

Chinese Crock Pot Dinner

Chinese Crock Pot Dinner

1 lb. Chicken breasts cut into strips

1 large onion sliced

1 small green pepper sliced

1 can tomato sauce – (8 oz)

4 carrots sliced

3 T. brown sugar

1 T. vinegar

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. Soy sauce

 

Cook chicken in a skillet with a small amount of oil until browned. Place all ingredients with pork in crock pot and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Serve with hot rice.

Pretzel Chicken Fingers

Pretzel Chicken Fingers

1 lb. chicken breasts pounded flat and cut into fingers

½ C. butter or margarine, melted

2 t. hot sauce

2 1/2 C. finely crushed pretzel crumbs

1 t. dried thyme

1 t. pepper

Canola oil for frying

 

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the melted butter or margarine and hot sauce. In a second shallow bowl, mix pretzel crumbs, thyme and pepper. Dip chicken fingers in pretzels, then in butter mixture, then in pretzels again. For best results, coat the chicken early in the day and let sit in the refrigerator all day. This really helps the breading stay on when frying. Fry chicken in 1 1/2″ of hot oil in a medium-sized skillet. Cook 5 minutes on the first side, 3-4minutes on the second side. (If the chicken starts browning faster, you can finish the cooking process in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.) Serve the chicken with any dipping sauces that you like. We really like ranch dressing or a cheese sauce.

Stuffed Andalusian chicken (POLLO RELLENO A LA ANDALUZA)

Stuffed Andalusian chicken (POLLO RELLENO A LA ANDALUZA)

6 T. olive oil

1 pound 2 ounces tart apples,

Peeled, cored, and chopped

Scant 1 C. diced Serrano ham or prosciutto

1/3 C. pine nuts

1 T. chopped

Fresh parsley

¼ tsp. ground cloves

1 ½ C. amontillado or other sherry

¼ C. anisette

1 chicken, 3 ¼ pounds

1/3 C. lard or 3 T. sunflower oil

1 large onion, cut into 2 – 3 pieces

salt and pepper

 

Heat the oil in a pan. Add the apple and cook over low heat for 2 minutes. Add the ham, pine nuts, parsley, and cloves, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 – 4 minutes. Pour in half the sherry and the anisette, stir well, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Stuff the chicken with the mixture, reserving any extra cooking liquid. Sew up the opening or secure with skewers. Spread the lard or brush the oil all over the bird and place it in a roasting pan. Pour the reserved apple cooking liquid around the chicken. Season with salt and put the pieces of onion on either side of the chicken. Roast, turning occasionally, for 20 minutes, then pour the remaining sherry over the chicken. (If the tips of the legs start to brown during cooking, cover them in foil). Return to the oven and roast, basting occasionally, for about 40 minutes more, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Check that it is done by piercing the thickest part of the thigh with the tip of a sharp knife; if the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, the chicken is cooked. Carve the chicken and spoon out the stuffing onto a warm serving dish. Serve immediately with the sauce.

Moroccan Stewed Chicken

Moroccan Stewed Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 large zucchini, cut into cubes

1 can (16 oz) garbanzo beans

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

1/2 Tsp. olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 C. chicken stock or water

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

 

Heat the oil in a large saute pan or a wide pot over medium high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, place them in the pan, and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they brown thoroughly. Add the zucchini and continue cooking, stirring occasionally. When the zucchini pieces have browned lightly, add the garbanzo beans, tomatoes, chicken stock, cayenne, cumin, and cinnamon. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Season to taste with more salt and pepper and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serving Suggestions: Eat with: 1/2 C. cooked couscous (prepared per package instructions) tossed with 2 Tsp. golden raisins, 2 Tsp. toasted pine nuts, and 1/4 C. chopped cilantro

Smoked Chicken, Olive and Orange Salad

Smoked Chicken, Olive and Orange Salad

2 T. olive oil
2 T. red wine vinegar
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1 C. diced smoked chicken
1/2 C. diced roasted chicken
1/2 C. California Ripe Olives
3/4 C. diced celery (1/2″ dice)
2 qt. (8 oz) butter lettuce, washed and torn
1 C. (6 oz) orange segments
2 tsp. goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 C. chopped toasted walnuts

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar and black pepper. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine smoked chicken, roasted chicken, California Ripe Olives and celery. Add lettuce, orange segments and dressing and gently toss. Divide salad onto plates in 4 equal portions. Top each with 1/2 tsp. goat cheese and 1 T. walnuts.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 227
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g

Doc’s Chili

Doc’s Chili

3 cups chopped yellow onions
1 pound lean ground turkey (or lean turkey sausage)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground mustard
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans (one 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained )
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (one 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained )
3 cups diced tomatoes (or one 28-ounce can roasted diced tomatoes, undrained)
1 cup fat free chicken broth
1/2 cup black olives
1/2 cup chopped green onions or chopped fresh cilantro

Spray a large saucepan or Dutch oven with a few sprays of cooking oil spray. Add onion and sauté over medium-high heat until soft and just starting to brown. Add ground turkey or sausage; cook over medium high heat, breaking up meat with a spoon, until cooked through; about 6 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano, cumin, mustard, garlic, beans, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes. Garnish with olives and green onions or cilantro and serve immediately.

Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 1C.

Calories: 162
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 6.1g

Roasted Chicken and Corn Risotto

Roasted Chicken and Corn Risotto

2 C. fresh corn kernels (about 3 large ears)
Cooking spray
5 C. fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 C. minced shallots
2-1/4 C. short-grain rice
1/2 C. dry vermouth or vodka
4 C. chopped roasted chicken breast
1/3 C. fat-free half-and-half
1/4 C. thinly sliced green onions
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 C. (2 oz.) grated fresh Asiago cheese
3 slices 40%-less-fat bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat broiler. Place corn on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Broil 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from baking sheet, and set aside. Bring broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan (do not boil). Keep warm over low heat. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add shallots and garlic; sauté 2 minutes or until tender. Reduce heat to medium. Add rice; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add vermouth; cook 1 minute or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add broth, 1/2 C. at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 to 30 minutes total). Gently stir in chicken and corn. Add half-and-half, green onions and black pepper. Cook until thoroughly heated (do not boil). Sprinkle each serving evenly with cheese and bacon. Serve immediately.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 363
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2g

Chicken Topped with Feta and Green Onions

Chicken Topped with Feta and Green Onions

1/2 C. (2 oz.) feta cheese with basil and sun-dried tomatoes
2 T. minced green onions
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 T. country-style Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
4 (4 oz) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Cooking spray
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 deg F. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl; toss gently. Set aside. Combine mustard and hot pepper sauce; stir well. Place chicken on a broiler pan, coated with cooking spray. Spread mustard mixture evenly over chicken. Bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle cheese mixture evenly on chicken. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is slightly melted. Sprinkle with pepper.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 178
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 0g

Chicken with Green Onion Sauce

Chicken with Green Onion Sauce

1 (14 oz) can fat-free less-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
Cooking spray
4 (4 oz) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/3 C. finely chopped green onions, divided
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Combine 1/4 C. broth and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add remaining broth, garlic, and thyme; set aside. Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over med-high heat until hot. Add chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn chicken and add 2 tbsp green onions. Pour broth mixture over chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 15 to 20 min. or until chicken is done, basting often. Remove chicken from pan; keep warm. Bring sauce to a boil over med-high heat Scrape bottom and sides of pan using a rubber spatula. Cook 2 min. or until sauce is reduced to 3/4 C. Pour sauce evenly over chicken and top with remaining green onions.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 155
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 0g

Barbecued-Chicken Potpie

Barbecued-Chicken Potpie

1 tsp. margarine or butter
Cooking spray
2 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. chopped green bell pepper
1/3 C. diced, seeded poblano chile or 1 (4.5-oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/4 C. cider vinegar
4 C. shredded cooked chicken breast (about 1 1/2 lb.)
2 T. brown sugar
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate, grated
1 (12-oz.) bottle chili sauce
1 (10 1/2-oz.) can low-salt chicken broth
1 (11.5-oz.) can refrigerated corn bread twists

Preheat oven to 375�. Melt margarine in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion, peppers, and garlic, and saut� 5 minutes. Stir in cumin and coriander, and cook 2 minutes. Stir in vinegar, scraping skillet to loosen browned bits. Add the chicken and the next 4 ingredients (chicken through broth), and cook 15 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Spoon chicken mixture into 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Unroll corn bread dough, separating into strips. Place strips in a lattice fashion over chicken mixture. Bake at 375� for 25 minutes or until golden brown; let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 394
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1.7g

Chicken Breast Roulades with Herbs and Baby Vegetables

Chicken Breast Roulades with Herbs and Baby Vegetables

2 tsp. olive oil
4 C. torn spinach
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 (4-oz.) skinned, boned chicken breast halves
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
4 (3 x 1-inch) strips bottled roasted red bell pepper
3 C. low-salt chicken broth
1 C. dry white wine
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black peppercorns
3 bay leaves
3 basil sprigs
3 thyme sprigs
2 tarragon sprigs
20 trimmed baby carrots
12 trimmed Brussels sprouts
8 small boiling onions
4 small red potatoes, each cut into 4 slices
1/2 C. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add spinach and garlic; sauté 1 minute or until spinach begins to wilt. Remove from heat; set aside.
Place each piece of chicken between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp. pepper and 1/4 tsp. salt over chicken. Spoon spinach mixture evenly down center of each breast half, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Arrange bell pepper strips crosswise over spinach, and roll up each breast half jelly-roll fashion. Tuck in ends of chicken, and secure each roll with wooden picks; set aside. Combine broth and next 7 ingredients (broth through tarragon) in pan; bring to a simmer, and cook 5 minutes. Add chicken rolls, carrots, Brussels sprouts, onions, and potatoes; simmer 20 minutes or until chicken is done and vegetables are tender. Discard peppercorns, bay leaves, and herb sprigs. Remove wooden picks from chicken rolls, and thinly slice each roll. Arrange 1 sliced chicken roll, 5 carrots, 3 Brussels sprouts, 2 onions, and 4 potato slices in each of 4 large shallow bowls. Ladle 1/2 C. cooking liquid into each bowl, and sprinkle each with 2 T. parsley.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 407
Fat: 5.8g
Fiber: 12.5

Quince-Glazed Cornish Hens

Quince-Glazed Cornish Hens

3 (1 1/4-lb.) Cornish hens
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Cooking spray
1/2 C. Ruby Quince Marmalade
2 T. lemon juice
Rosemary sprigs (optional)

Preheat oven to 400°. Remove and discard giblets and necks from hens. Rinse hens under cold water; pat dry. Remove skin, and trim excess fat. Working with 1 hen at a time, tie ends of legs together with cord. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under hen. Combine salt and pepper; sprinkle over hens. Place hens on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; bake for 45 minutes. Combine marmalade and lemon juice in a small saucepan; cook over medium heat 3 minutes. Place marmalade mixture in a blender; process until smooth. Brush hens with marmalade mixture. Bake an additional 15 minutes or until juices run clear, basting occasionally with marmalade mixture. Remove cord; split hens in half lengthwise. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 186
Fat: 3.8g
Fiber: 0.3g

Fruited Cornish Hens

Fruited Cornish Hens

2 (1 1/4-lb.) Cornish hens
2 T. Madras curry powder
Vegetable cooking spray
1/2 C. mango chutney
1/4 C. fresh lime juice
3/4 C. coarsely chopped Rome apple
3/4 C. coarsely chopped Anjou pear
3/4 C. coarsely chopped peeled kiwifruit
3/4 C. cranberries

Remove and discard giblets from hens. Rinse hens under cold water, and pat dry. Remove skin, and trim excess fat; split hens in half lengthwise. Rub hen halves with curry powder. Place hen halves, meaty sides up, in a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 25 minutes. Combine chutney and lime juice; stir well. Reduce oven temperature to 350°, and brush chutney mixture over hen halves. Bake 25 minutes. Arrange apple, pear, kiwifruit, and cranberries around hen halves in pan; bake an additional 10 minutes or until hen juices run clear.
Place 1 hen half and 3/4 C. fruit on each of 4 plates. Note: Frozen, thawed cranberries may be substituted for fresh cranberries, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 264
Fat: 5.1g
Fiber: 4.1g

Glazed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice-and-Apricot Stuffing

Glazed Cornish Hens with Wild Rice-and-Apricot Stuffing

3 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 C. uncooked wild rice
1 T. stick margarine or butter
1 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. chopped celery
1/2 C. chopped fennel bulb
1/2 C. finely chopped dried apricots
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Glazed hens:
2 (1 1/2-lb.) Cornish hens
Cooking spray
1/4 C. orange juice
3 T. apricot preserves

Sauce:
1/4 C. minced shallots
3/4 C. orange juice
1/2 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 T. lemon juice
1/2 C. Madeira
1 T. cornstarch
Fennel fronds (optional)

To prepare stuffing, bring 3 C. broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add wild rice; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 50 minutes or until tender. Drain, and set aside. Preheat oven to 400°. Melt margarine in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and chopped fennel; sauté 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in rice, chopped apricots, and next 4 ingredients (chopped apricots through pepper). Remove from heat. To prepare glazed hens, remove and discard giblets and necks from hens. Rinse hens with cold water, and pat dry. Remove skin, and trim excess fat. Split hens in half lengthwise. Spoon 4 (1-C.) mounds of wild rice stuffing into a shallow roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Place hen halves, meaty sides up, on top of mounds. Combine 1/4 C. orange juice and apricot preserves in a small bowl. Spoon 1 1/2 T. orange juice mixture over each hen half. Bake at 400° for 40 minutes or until juices run clear. To prepare sauce, place a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot. Add shallots; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add 3/4 C. orange juice, 1/2 C. broth, and lemon juice; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook 5 minutes. Combine Madeira and cornstarch; add to skillet. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and cook 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Serve sauce over hens. Garnish with fennel fronds, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 hen half, 1 C. stuffing, and 1/4 C. sauce

Calories: 556
Fat: 12.3g
Fiber: 4.2g

Grilled Cornish Hens with Apricot-Mustard Glaze

Grilled Cornish Hens with Apricot-Mustard Glaze

1/2 C. apricot preserves
1/4 C. stone-ground mustard
2 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 T. chopped fresh mint
2 tsp. Champagne or white wine vinegar
2 (18-oz.) Cornish hens, skinned and quartered
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray

Combine preserves, mustard, parsley, mint, and vinegar, stirring with a whisk. Sprinkle hens with salt and pepper. Place 1/4 C. apricot mixture in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add hens; seal and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour, turning bag occasionally. Prepare grill to medium-high heat. Remove hens from bag; discard marinade. Place hens on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 12 minutes or until thermometer registers 180°, turning hens occasionally and basting frequently with apricot mixture.

Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 417
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 3.7g

Moroccan Cornish Hens

Moroccan Cornish Hens

4 large oranges, sliced
2 C. whole pitted dates (about 8 oz.)
4 (1 1/2-lb.) Cornish hens

Paste:
2 C. cilantro sprigs
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground coriander
12 garlic cloves
1/2 C. pimento-stuffed olives

Marinade:
1/2 C. balsamic vinegar
1/2 C. dry Marsala
1/4 C. honey

Arrange orange slices in 2 (13 x 9-inch) baking dishes, and sprinkle evenly with dates. Remove and discard giblets and necks from hens. Rinse hens with cold water; pat dry. Remove skin, and trim excess fat. Split hens in half lengthwise. Place hen halves, meaty side up, on top of dates. Prepare paste: Place cilantro in a food processor; pulse 4 times or until coarsely chopped. Add cardamom, cumin, coriander, and garlic, and process until finely chopped. Pat cilantro mixture onto hens; arrange olives around hens. Prepare marinade: Combine vinegar, wine, and honey; stir well with a whisk until well-blended. Place in refrigerator for up to two days, if desired. Slowly pour marinade over hens. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 2 to 24 hours, basting once with the vinegar mixture. Preheat oven to 350°. Uncover hens, and bake at 350° for 1 hour and 25 minutes or until juices run clear, basting occassionally with the vinegar mixture. Shield wings with foil, if needed.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 412
Fat: 10.5g
Fiber: 8.3g

Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Hens

Orange-Ginger Glazed Cornish Hens

3/4 C. fresh orange juice (about 3 oranges)
2 T. minced peeled fresh ginger
1 T. low-sodium soy sauce
2 T. honey
1 T. water
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 (1 1/2-lb.) Cornish hens, skinned and halved
Cooking spray
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Preheat oven to 475°. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add to juice mixture in pan, stirring with a whisk. Cook 2 minutes or until thick and glossy, stirring constantly. Place hen halves, meaty sides up, on a foil-lined jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle hen halves with salt and ground ginger. Spoon juice mixture evenly over hen halves. Insert a meat thermometer into meaty part of a thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Bake at 475° for 25 minutes or until the thermometer registers 180°.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 188
Fat: 3.8g
Fiber: 0.3g

Rosemary-Lemon Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes

Rosemary-Lemon Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes

2 tsp. crushed dried rosemary
1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. black pepper, divided
2 (1 1/4-lb.) Cornish hens
1/2 lemon, halved and divided
Cooking spray
2 C. cubed Yukon gold or red potato
2 tsp. olive oil

Preheat oven to 375°. Combine crushed dried rosemary, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Remove and discard giblets from hens. Rinse hens with cold water; pat dry. Remove skin; trim excess fat. Working with 1 hen at a time, place 1 lemon piece in the cavity of hen; tie ends of legs together with twine. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under hen. Repeat procedure with remaining hen and lemon piece. Rub hens with rosemary mixture. Place hens, breast sides up, on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Toss potato with oil; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Arrange the potato around hens. Insert a meat thermometer into meaty part of a thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Bake at 375° for 1 hour or until thermometer registers 180°. Remove twine.

Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 372
Fat: 11.4g
Fiber: 2.7g

Oven-Braised Cornish Hens with Cider Vinegar and Warm Vegetable Sauce

Oven-Braised Cornish Hens with Cider Vinegar and Warm Vegetable Sauce

2 (1 1/4-lb.) Cornish hens
3 T. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tsp. butter
1 tsp. olive oil
2 C. (1-inch) slices leek (about 2 large)
1/2 lb. cremini mushrooms, halved
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 C. cider vinegar
3 plum tomatoes, quartered
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 lb. small red potatoes, quartered
2 T. chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 350º. Rinse hens with cold water; pat dry. Remove skin; trim excess fat. Split hens in half lengthwise. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish; dredge hens in flour mixture. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil and hens, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove from pan. Add leek, mushrooms, and garlic to pan; sauté 5 minutes. Add broth and vinegar, stirring to loosen browned bits. Return hens to pan; add tomatoes, apple, and potatoes. Bring to a simmer. Cover and bake at 350º for 30 minutes or until hens are done. Place hens on a serving platter, and keep warm. Remove vegetable mixture from pan with a slotted spoon; place in a serving bowl. Reserve 2 C. cooking liquid in pan; discard remaining liquid. Bring reserved cooking liquid to a boil; cook 8 minutes or until reduced by half, stirring occasionally. Pour over vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with hens.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 487
Fat: 14.4g
Fiber: 3.9g

Grilled Cornish Hens with Honey Mustard-Cilantro Glaze

Grilled Cornish Hens with Honey Mustard-Cilantro Glaze

3 (1 1/4-lb.) Cornish hens
3 T. mustard seeds
2 T. celery seeds
2 C. honey
1 C. cilantro leaves
3 T. dry mustard
3 T. cracked black pepper
3 T. white vinegar
2 T. olive oil
2 tsp. salt
6 garlic cloves, chopped (about 1/4 C.)
Cooking spray

Remove and discard giblets and necks from hens. Rinse hens with cold water; pat dry. Remove skin; trim excess fat. Split hens in half lengthwise. Combine the mustard seeds and celery seeds in a small skillet; cook over medium heat 1 minute or until toasted. Place seeds in a blender, and process until ground. Add honey and the next 7 ingredients (honey through garlic); process mixture until well-blended. Place hens and 1 C. honey mixture in a shallow dish; cover and marinate in refrigerator 8 hours, reserving remaining honey mixture. Prepare grill. Remove hens from dish; discard marinade. Place hens on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 25 minutes or until juices run clear, turning and basting frequently with the reserved honey mixture.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 403
Fat: 10.9g
Fiber: 1g

Pair-o-Normal Game Hens with “Break on Through to the Other Side” of Mango Salsa

Pair-o-Normal Game Hens with “Break on Through to the Other Side” of Mango Salsa

Mango salsa:
2 C. diced peeled mango
1/2 C. thinly sliced green onions
1/2 C. diced red bell pepper
1/4 C. fresh lime juice
2 tsp. minced seeded jalapeño pepper
2 tsp. chopped fresh basil
2 tsp. chopped fresh mint
2 tsp. grated orange rind

Deviled seasoning paste:
1 T. Dijon mustard
1 T. honey
1 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. grated orange rind
1 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1/8 tsp. black pepper
2 (1 1/4-lb.) Cornish hens

Preheat oven to 425°. To prepare mango salsa, combine first 8 ingredients in a bowl; cover and chill. To prepare deviled seasoning paste, combine mustard and next 8 ingredients (mustard through black pepper) in a small bowl. Remove and discard giblets and necks from hens. Rinse hens with cold water; pat dry. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breasts by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under hens. Rub deviled seasoning paste under loosened skin. Place hens, breast sides up, on a broiler pan. Bake at 425° for 35 minutes or until juices run clear. Split hens in half lengthwise. Discard skin. Serve with mango salsa.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 303
Fat: 9.7g
Fiber: 2.2g

Baked Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Bell Peppers

Baked Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Bell Peppers

Sauce:
3/4 C. fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
3/4 C. fat-free Italian dressing
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced

Chicken:
2 C. (1/4-inch) red bell pepper strips
1 C. (1/4-inch) green bell pepper strips
1 C. (1/4-inch) yellow bell pepper strips
3 chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 lb.)
3 chicken leg quarters (about 1 1/2 lb.)
12 (1/8-inch-thick) slices lemon (about 1 lemon)
Cooking spray

To prepare the sauce, combine the first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cover and chill 1/2 C. sauce. To prepare the chicken, combine remaining 1 C. sauce, bell peppers, and chicken in a large bowl, and toss to coat. Cover chicken mixture, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 400°. Remove chicken from bowl, and discard the sauce. Loosen the skin from the breast halves and leg quarters by inserting fingers, gently pushing between the skin and meat. Insert 2 lemon slices under loosened skin of each chicken piece. Place the chicken pieces, loosened skin sides up, on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Spread the bell peppers on broiler pan around chicken. Bake at 400° for 50 minutes or until the chicken is done. Remove the skin from the chicken. Arrange chicken and bell peppers on a platter, and keep warm. Place 1/2 C. chilled sauce in a small saucepan, and cook over medium heat 3 minutes or until warm. Pour warm sauce over the baked chicken and bell peppers.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 216
Fat: 6.7g
Fiber: 1.7g

Bell Pepper Chicken with Feta Orzo

Bell Pepper Chicken with Feta Orzo

4 oz. uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta; about 1/2 C.)
4 tsp. olive oil, divided
4 (6-oz.) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
1 C. red bell pepper strips
1 C. green bell pepper strips
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 T. fresh lemon juice
3/4 C. (3 oz.) crumbled feta cheese

Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. While orzo cooks, heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Add chicken to pan, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan, and keep warm. Add the remaining 2 tsp. olive oil and bell peppers to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add oregano and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice. Combine orzo and feta, and serve with chicken and bell pepper mixture.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 chicken breast half, 1/2 C. orzo mixture, and 1/3 C. bell pepper mixture

Calories: 404
Fat: 11.7g
Fiber: 2g

Lemon-Sage Turkey with Wild-Mushroom Gravy

Lemon-Sage Turkey with Wild-Mushroom Gravy

3 T. grated lemon rind
1/4 C. fresh lemon juice
3 T. dried thyme
2 T. dried rubbed sage
1 T. cracked black pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 (12-lb.) fresh or frozen turkey, thawed
2 (16-oz.) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
Cooking spray
Wild-Mushroom Gravy

Combine first 6 ingredients; set aside. Remove and discard giblets from turkey, reserving neck for gravy. Rinse turkey with cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breast and drumsticks by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under turkey. Rub spice mixture under loosened skin; rub into the body cavity. Preheat oven to 350°. Pour 1 can of broth in bottom of a shallow roasting pan. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack coated with cooking spray. Place rack in roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer into meaty part of thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Bake at 350° for 1 1/2 hours. Carefully pour 1 can of broth into pan. Bake an additional 1 1/2 hours or until thermometer registers 180°. Remove turkey from oven; reserve pan drippings to make gravy. Cover turkey loosely with foil; let stand 15 to 20 minutes. Discard skin. Serve with Wild-Mushroom Gravy.

Yield: 12 servings
Calories: 308
Fat: 6.7g
Fiber: .7g

Orange-Currant Chicken with Toasted Walnuts

Orange-Currant Chicken with Toasted Walnuts

1/3 C. currants or raisins
1/2 tsp. grated orange rind
3 T. orange marmalade
3 T. orange juice
2 T. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. curry powder
Cooking spray
1 lb. skinned, boned chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 C. chopped red bell pepper
1 3/4 C. water, divided
1 C. uncooked couscous
1/4 C. chopped walnuts, toasted

Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl; set aside. Place a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and bell pepper sauté 4 minutes or until chicken is browned. Stir in 1/4 C. water, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in currant mixture, and cook chicken over medium heat 2 minutes or until slightly thick. Set chicken aside, and keep warm. Bring 1 1/2 C. water to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Serve chicken and sauce over couscous. Sprinkle with walnuts.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 406
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2.9g

Spiced Turkey with Fresh-Pear Chutney

Spiced Turkey with Fresh-Pear Chutney

1 (12-lb.) fresh or frozen whole turkey, thawed
3 T. pear juice
2 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground allspice
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and quartered
1 (2-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, thinly sliced
Cooking spray
Fresh-Pear Chutney

Remove giblets and neck from turkey; discard. Rinse turkey thoroughly with cold water; pat dry. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breast and drumsticks by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Tie ends of legs with cord. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under turkey. Preheat oven to 350°. Combine pear juice, grated ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice in a small bowl. Rub spice mixture under loosened skin. Stuff cavity of turkey with apples and sliced ginger. Place turkey on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray or on a rack set in a shallow roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer into meaty part of thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Bake at 350° for 3 hours or until thermometer registers 180°. (Cover turkey loosely with foil if it gets too brown.) Remove turkey from oven. Cover turkey loosely with foil; let stand at least 10 minutes before carving. Discard apples and sliced ginger. Serve with Fresh-Pear Chutney.

Yield: 12 servings
Calories: 310
Fat: 4.3g
Fiber: 1.6g

Chicken Chiles Rellenos Casserole

Chicken Chiles Rellenos Casserole

1/2 lb. ground chicken
1 C. chopped onion
1 3/4 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 (16-oz.) can fat-free refried beans
2 (4-oz.) cans whole green chiles, drained and cut lengthwise into quarters
1 C. (4 oz.) preshredded colby-Jack cheese
1 C. frozen whole kernel corn, thawed and drained
1/3 C. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/3 C. skim milk
1/8 tsp. hot sauce
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 egg whites

Cook chicken and onion in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Combine chicken mixture, cumin, and next 5 ingredients in a bowl. Stir well, and set aside. Arrange half of green chile strips in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish; top with half of cheese. Spoon mounds of bean mixture onto cheese, and spread gently, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edge of dish; top with corn. Arrange remaining chile strips over corn; top with remaining cheese. Set aside. Combine flour and salt in a bowl; gradually add milk and hot sauce, stirring with a wire whisk until blended. Stir in eggs and egg whites; pour over casserole. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until set; let stand 5 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 292
Fat: 9.5g
Fiber: 5.2g

Chicken with Green Olives

Chicken with Green Olives

1 T. olive oil
8 chicken thighs (about 2 lb.), skinned
3/4 tsp. black pepper, divided
1/4 tsp. salt
2 C. chopped onion
1 T. minced fresh garlic
2 tsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
Dash of ground red pepper
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
2 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2/3 C. pitted green olives
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro
3 C. hot cooked couscous

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 tsp. black pepper and 1/4 tsp. salt. Add chicken to pan; cook 10 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove chicken from pan; reduce heat to medium.
Add 1/2 tsp. black pepper, onion, and the next 8 ingredients (onion through bay leaf); cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth; bring to a boil. Return chicken to pan, and reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until chicken is done. Discard cinnamon and bay leaf. While chicken cooks, place olives in a small saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; drain. Repeat procedure. Add olives and juice to chicken mixture; sprinkle with cilantro. Serve over couscous.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 2 chicken thighs, 1/2 C. sauce, and 3/4 C. couscous

Calories: 387
Fat: 12.1g
Fiber: 4g

Chicken Soup with Garlic, Saffron, and Tomatoes

Chicken Soup with Garlic, Saffron, and Tomatoes

8 black peppercorns
5 parsley sprigs
2 thyme sprigs
1 garlic clove, crushed
6 C. White Chicken Stock
2 C. chopped leek (about 2 large)
1 1/2 C. chopped fennel bulb
1 1/2 C. sliced mushrooms
1 C. chopped peeled turnip
1/2 C. chopped carrot
1/2 tsp. saffron threads
1 1/2 C. chopped seeded peeled tomato (about 5 medium)
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 C. thinly sliced spinach
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 (19-oz.) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove, halved
12 (1/2-inch-thick) slices French bread baguette, toasted

Place first 4 ingredients on a double layer of cheesecloth. Gather edges of cheesecloth together; tie securely. Combine cheesecloth bag, stock, and next 6 ingredients (stock through saffron) in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Add tomato and chicken; simmer 20 minutes. Remove cheesecloth bag and chicken; discard cheesecloth bag. Cool chicken slightly, and chop. Add chicken, spinach, salt, pepper, and beans to broth mixture, and cook 2 minutes. Rub cut sides of garlic halves over one side of each bread slice, and discard garlic. Place 2 bread slices in each of 6 bowls; ladle 1 2/3 C. soup over each serving.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 312
Fat: 5.2g
Fiber: 7g

Turkey Thighs with Olives, Dried Cherries, and Chiles

Turkey Thighs with Olives, Dried Cherries, and Chiles

1 C. thinly sliced leek (about 1 large)
1 C. ruby port or other sweet red wine
3/4 C. dried cherries
3/4 C. pitted kalamata olives
1/3 C. fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
4 fresh thyme sprigs
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
1 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
3 1/2 lb. turkey thighs, skinned
1 T. ground cumin

Combine the first 9 ingredients in an electric slow cooker, stirring to combine. Stir in 1/2 tsp. salt. Rinse turkey with cold water; pat dry. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. salt and cumin. Place in slow cooker. Cover with lid, and cook on LOW 6 hours. Discard cinnamon stick.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 314
Fat: 12.1g
Fiber: 2.2g

Chicken Thighs with Goat Cheese Sauce and Tarragon

Chicken Thighs with Goat Cheese Sauce and Tarragon

1/4 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 (3-oz.) package goat cheese, softened
4 (4-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, halved
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. butter
2 T. finely chopped onion
2 T. finely chopped celery
2 T. finely chopped carrot
2 T. finely chopped red bell pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon
2 C. hot cooked rice

Combine 1 T. chicken broth and cheese in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until blended. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion, celery, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add chicken; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in 3 T. broth; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in cheese mixture and tarragon until blended. Serve with rice.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 319
Fat: 10g
Fiber: .8g

Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lime

Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Lime

1 T. minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
2 T. fresh lime juice, divided
4 (6-oz.) chicken thighs, skinned
3 T. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 T. white vinegar
2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
2 lime wedges

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl; stir in 1 T. juice. Rub garlic mixture over chicken. Place chicken in a medium skillet. Combine 1 T. juice, chicken broth, and vinegar; pour over the chicken. Place over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Wrap handle of pan with foil. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 180°. zremove chicken from pan; keep warm. Place pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and cook until reduced to 1/4 C. (about 3 minutes). Spoon over chicken. Sprinkle with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Yield: 2 servings
Calories: 326
Fat: 10.4g
Fiber: .5g

Baked Hoisin Chicken Buns

Baked Hoisin Chicken Buns

Cooking spray
12 oz. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/4 C. finely chopped green onions
1 1/2 T. hoisin sauce
1 T. oyster sauce
2 tsp. rice vinegar
9 frozen white roll dough pieces, thawed (such as Rich’s)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp. sesame seeds, toasted

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Cool slightly; shred meat with 2 forks. Place chicken in a medium bowl. Add green onions, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and vinegar; toss well to combine. Roll each dough piece into a 4-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Spoon about 2 T. chicken mixture into center of each dough circle. Gather edges of dough over filling; pinch to seal. Place the filled dough, seam sides down, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat filled dough with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°. Uncover filled dough. Gently brush with egg; discard remaining egg. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Yield: 9 servings
Calories: 143
Fat: 4.1g
Fiber: 1.2g

Spice-Island Chicken with Pickled Limes

Spice-Island Chicken with Pickled Limes

Pickled Limes
6 limes, washed and cut into 6 wedges each, seeds and excessive pith removed
2 T. salt
1 T. mustard seeds
2 star anise
4 small chilies (jalapeño or Serrano), halved and seeded

Marinade
2 T. balsamic vinegar
2 T. olive oil
1 T. ground clove
1 T. ground star anise
1 T. ground ginger
2 T. lemon juice
8 T. light brown sugar
1 T. water

8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Saffron Rice
1/2 C. finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 T. butter
2 C. long-grain rice
4-1/2 C. low-salt vegetable or chicken stock
3 strands saffron, or 1 pinch ground saffron

For pickled limes: Put limes in a colander placed over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Dry-roast mustard seeds and star anise in a frying pan over medium heat until they start to color. Pour into a large glass jar with lid. In the same pan, cook drained limes over moderate heat for about 10 minutes. Add chilies; cook 5–8 minutes more, then allow to cool in the pan. Add limes, chilies, and juices to jar with the mustard seeds and star anise. Shake to distribute spices. (Pickled limes can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4–6 weeks.) Mix all marinade ingredients in a large zip-top bag and add chicken. Marinate in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. For saffron rice: In a medium-large saucepan with lid, gently sweat onion and garlic in butter until soft. Add rice and stock. Bring to boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer until stock is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Add saffron, season with salt and pepper, and fluff with a fork. Grill chicken until browned, 5 minutes per side; transfer to oven and cook until done, another 10–12 minutes. Serve chicken on a bed of rice with warmed pickled limes on the side.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 369
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2g