I think every time I write a new blog entry, I'm changing my diet. I stick to staying healthy, but I'm always trying something new. This month it's The Paleo Diet. Pretty much completely the opposite of my last diet- vegetarian! I just started Crossfit and they challenge you to do The Paleo Diet for the first six weeks of the classes. The diet basically consists of protein + veggies at every meal. No sugar, starches, no rice or bread, processed food, or bad fat. Lots of meat, lots of veggies, that's about it!
I can't turn down a challenge so I'm doing it... and cheating on occasion. So if you dare try the diet, here's a simple dinner to cook sometime.
Ingredients
1 Boneless/ Skinless Chicken Breast
Trader Joes Vodka Sauce
Panko Crumbs (cheating, I know)
1 Egg
1/4 Sweet Onion - chopped
1 Garlic Clove - minced
Asparagus
Seasonings
Salt & Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes
Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Basil
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Get out two small bowls. In one bowl mix together some panko crumbs, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper. In the other bowl, beat an egg. Dip the chicken first in the egg, and then coat both sides in the panko creation. Put the chicken in the oven and set the timer for 26 minutes.
I usually don't cheat on tomato sauce, I like to make it from scratch. But I was lazy tonight and decided to try the Vodka Sauce at Trader Joes. To spice it up a bit, we will add the fresh onion and garlic.
Coat a small pot with olive oil and throw in the chopped onion over medium heat. Cook a couple minutes until onions are translucent, then throw in the minced garlic. Only let the garlic cook for less than a minute to take the edge off, don't let it burn. Next throw in the Vodka Sauce- use as much as you want to cover the chicken. Lower the heat to medium low or low and let it simmer until the chicken is done.
Steam the asparagus on the stove or in a veggie steamer. This should be your last step- asparagus cooks pretty quickly.
When chicken is done, remove from oven & pour sauce on top. Top it off with some freshly chopped basil and parmesan cheese and eat up!
