WEEK 20: More Chicken, Please

Share|

In an effort to continue towards our GOAL: Eating With the Family we made yet another yummy chicken meal this week. We're also working more with plates, utensils, and cups as well as healthy snacks to keep happy tummies throughout the day.

FOOD DESCRIPTION
This week, I decided that Jonathan and I needed something quick and easy to take for our lunches. Well, I also wanted this to be something the boys could eat, so I went for chicken salad. If you know me, you're thinking I've completely lost it because I don't like chicken salad. Well, let's just say I'm trying new things and giving old things another shot.

PROCESS

• Zesty Chicken Salad A nice flavorful way to spice up the standard salad.

• 1 tsp. Italian herbs 
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder (+ more for salad mixture)
• Paprika 
• 4 chicken thighs, skinned or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon of omega–3 mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil or garlic–chili flax 
• chopped onions 
• chopped peppers 
• chopped celery

1. Place chicken in a greased glass baking pan. 
2. Sprinkle herbs, garlic powder and paprika on both sides. 
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes or until chicken juices run clear when tested with a fork.
4. Let chicken cool, then cut into pieces.
5. Combine mayonnaise, flaxseed oil, onions, peppers, celery, and chicken. Taste, then add paprika and garlic powder as desired and mix together.
6. Serve over lettuce or on toasted bread.

[I used thighs and they were super moist and yummy, but you can use breasts if you like white meat better. I forgot to get a picture of the finished salad...wow, what a let-down, huh?]

WHAT I LEARNED
The chicken salad is great for adult lunches, but the chicken makes perfect food for little fingers or those just learning to use a fork.

REACTION
The chicken was a hit with the whole family! Be sure to check out this other chicken recipe to fill your fridge.

SUMMARY
I love the versatility of this recipe for sandwiches, salads, and protein for little ones. I will make it again, maybe even this week!

On a separate note, Owen is using a fork and spoon well when the food is loaded on it for him. We've also mainly switched to using our regular plates as the solid, white, heavy plates don't seem as interesting to "play" with during mealtimes. I did see a few times this week where I thought the appetite was decreasing a bit, but it turned out to be a ear infection and a fever which both resolved quickly and appetites came back in full force. The boys continue to eat food more quickly than I can prepare it.

Please share your thoughts or ideas.
::