Chicken is funny! On one given day it could be so unbelievably delicious BUT if it is under-seasoned or prepped, well let’s just say my opinion will drastically change. I’m certainly a fan of testing out new poultry dishes, but I somehow find myself often returning to the ”go-tos,” or other wise known as ”safer bets” in my house. I needed inspiration this week! I remembered glancing at a Cooking Light Recipe a while back which included lemon, herbs and shallots. Since I didn’t have some of the ingredients, I decided to change it up a bit while also adding a hint of honey-balsamic sweetness! I can assure you that I am not one of the most artistic of souls, but with cooking and food my brain is configured a little bit differently! I dug up some lovely Trader Joe’s Harvest Grain Blend in the pantry to cook and tossed in a few chopped scallions. VOILA! Dinner was served! You are not going to get a more figure friendly dish then this one and I’m betting it would also be amazing grilled on the BBQ too
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1 teaspoon grated lemon rind (A microplane is a wonderful tool to grate with)
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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2 tablespoon of honey
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1 lb. skinless boneless chicken breasts (3-4 pieces)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Ground pepper to taste
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1 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
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1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
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20 Kalamata olives pitted and chopped
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half a lemon sliced very thinly (practically transparent)
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cooking spray
Directions
1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.) Wash chicken and pat dry well. Season with salt, pepper & garlic powder.
3.) In a small bowl whisk first 4 ingredients. Pour it into a resealable bag with the chicken and massage all together. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. (I did for a of couple hours)
4.) Spray a medium size ceramic baking dish and position the chicken in side by side one another inside. Pour the marinade on top of each piece.
5.) Sprinkle the fresh herbs on top and then place on lemon slices, followed with chopped olives.
6.) Bake chicken for 30 minutes and then place the chicken on the top rack of the oven and broil for an additional 5 minutes.
7.) Once chicken is starting to brown, remove from oven and serve atop of orzo, quoinoa, or your favorite grain mix. Spoon the sauce on top before serving.
