General Tso's Chicken

yet another Pinterest recipe claiming to "make you never need to order Chinese take-out again!  It's that good!

Let's see...

INGREDIENTS

 3/4 cup canned reduced-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons cornstarcH

2  tablespoons sugar

2  tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

 1  tablespoon white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

 2  teaspoons peanut oil

2  medium scallions, chopped

2  medium garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1  dried chili, minced

 1  lb uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces

2  cups cooked white rice, kept hot

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, whisk together broth, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar and ginger; set aside.Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallions, garlic and pepper and cook 2 minutes.Add chicken and cook until browned all over, about 5 minutes.Add reserved sauce and simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes.Serve chicken and sauce over rice.

VERDICT

It's good.  Better than real, honest to goodness greasy Chinese food?  I'll leave that up to you.

 

Spinach Artichoke Dip Chicken

Spinach Artichoke dip is one of the greatest recipe inventions ever.  It's a staple at most any party you go to. So when I found this recipe for spinach artichoke dip on TOP of chicken, I had to give it a try.  Best appetizer ever disguised as a healthy dinner?  Let's try it!


INGREDIENTS
 
1lb chicken breasts
1 Tablespoon butter
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt & pepper
6oz 1/3 less-fat cream cheese, softened
6oz plain Greek yogurt
10oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed out
14oz can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided


DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut chicken breasts in half then season both sides with salt and pepper. Spray a 2qt baking dish with nonstick spray then place seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom. 

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat then add shallots. Season with salt and pepper then saute until softened, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic then saute for 30 more seconds. Add cream cheese and Greek yogurt then stir until smooth. Remove skillet from heat then fold in spinach, artichoke hearts, and half the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

Spoon mixture over chicken then smooth and cover with a piece of foil sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake for 20 minutes then remove foil and top with remaining cheeses. Bake for 10 more minutes or until cheese is golden brown and bubbly then let rest for 10 minutes before serving.


VERDICT

This.  Is.  Fabulous.  And with greek yogurt instead of mayo, it's healthier than your regular spinach artichoke dip appetizer too.