Chicken is a versatile and lean protein source that can be transformed into a delicious meal with just a few simple ingredients. When it comes to healthy chicken dishes, a light pepper chicken main course is a great choice. It offers a burst of flavors without the added calories and unhealthy fats. In this article, we will share three easy recipes for light pepper chicken main courses that are not only healthy but also incredibly tasty.
1. Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken:
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and salt.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush them with the lemon pepper mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
5. Serve with your favorite roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
2. Grilled Pepper Lime Chicken:
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon lime zest
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, and salt.
3. Brush the chicken breasts with the lime pepper mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
4. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa and steamed vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
3. Stir-Fried Pepper Chicken:
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the black pepper, soy sauce, honey, and salt. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the flavors are well combined.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
6. Serve the pepper chicken stir-fry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or whole wheat noodles.
These three easy recipes for light pepper chicken main courses prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. By using simple yet flavorful ingredients, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that are good for you. Whether you choose to bake, grill, or stir-fry your chicken, these recipes are sure to impress your taste buds while keeping your waistline in check.