Jalapeno popper chicken – keto

I’m always looking for ways to jazz up chicken breasts and this was the perfect recipe! Don’t be scared by the jalapenos. This isn’t a spicy dish. I would probably add another jalapeno for more kick next time I make it because I like the heat. If you need a quick dinner that’s easy to throw together, I highly recommend this creamy and delicious meal.

INGREDIENTS

4 slices bacon chopped

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (could do thighs also)

Salt, pepper and garlic powder

4 ounces cream cheese softened

3 to 4 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

1 heaping tbsp of minced garlic or 2 cloves, minced

2 small jalapeno peppers - de-seeded and minced

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375F. In a large skillet over medium, cook the chopped bacon until crisp.

Cube your chicken breasts and sprinkle with salt, pepper and a dash of garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and place in the bottom of a sprayed baking dish.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, whipping cream, and garlic. Spread over the chicken in the dish.

Sprinkle with the jalapeno and cheddar cheese, then sprinkle with the chopped bacon. Bake about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.

 

One pot chicken thighs and creamed spinach dip - Keto

This recipe is OMG to die for. I made it last night and I can’t wait to warm up some leftovers again for dinner. The frying of the chicken is a little messy so I may try it in the air fryer next time but I love the crispiness of the chicken in the pan. The creamy spinach (aka spinach dip) is so delicious I could just eat that as a dip with crackers or tortilla chips. This is hands down one of my favorite recipes I’ve made this year. The picture doesn't do it justice at all. 

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons oil

Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and onion powder

5-6 bone in, skin on chicken thighs

8 ounce package cream cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

2 large handfuls of fresh spinach

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese

1 can mild Rotel

 

DIRECTIONS

Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and onion powder.  Add the chicken thighs to the skillet skin side down, and cover with a splatter guard, if desired.

When the chicken skin is crispy and releases from the pan (about 15 minutes), flip them to the other side. Let cook until an internal temperature thermometer reads 165F.  Remove from pan onto a plate and set aside.  Pour out any grease that is left in the pan.

In the same skillet add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and stir to combine. Add the spinach. Once this mixture is getting melty, add the can of rotel and parmesan/asiago cheese blend. Stir until creamy. 

Notes:

The original recipe called for 12 oz frozen chopped spinach, but I used fresh baby spinach. It also said 1 cup of parmesan, but I mixed it up with the asiago. If you’re not a chicken on the bone person use chicken breasts or tenderloin strips. You won’t have the crisp skin but it will still be a magical combination.

Stuffed Italian Sausage Bake

This recipe was insanely simple and delicious. I saw it on a low carb site and instantly wanted to try it. I am so glad I did. It was yummy Italian goodness. You could definitely serve this with a side of pasta or on a toasted roll for a sub sandwich too.

INGREDIENTS

1 pack of sweet Italian sausage links

5 string cheese

Marinara or crushed tomatoes (I used a large can of crushed tomatoes)

Mozzarella

Optional: spinach and one mini sweet bell pepper

 

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray an 8 x10 pan with nonstick spray.

Use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut a slit down the middle of the sausages. Do not cut all the way through and do not remove the casing. Lay a mozzarella stick inside each sausage and press it back into its shape.

Pour a small layer of marinara on the bottom of the pan. Put the sausages casing side down. Top with some baby spinach and diced sweet bell pepper, then the rest of the marinara sauce. I sprinkled with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, then a bit of mozzarella over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes or until the top layer of cheese is melted.

Note: You don’t have to do the spinach. I just thought it would be fun. Could probably throw some mushrooms, onions or other veggies in too if you wanted.

Ooey gooey Chex mix (that tastes like a scotcharoo)

If you're from the Midwest you know that Scotcharoos are a staple at any potluck, tailgate or holiday. They are one of my favorite desserts, but I have to be honest, I don't make them very often. They’re not overly difficult but something about making them isn’t my jam. So when my friend Dayna had this Chex mix concoction at their tailgate party that tastes just like Scotcharoos (without the chocolate frosting on top) I had to get the recipe from her. And it is literally the easiest recipe ever.

Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup honey

1 package butterscotch chips

1 box Corn Chex 

In a large microwave safe bowl, melt honey, peanut butter and butterscotch chips together. Once melted, stir in the cereal.

Dump it onto some parchment paper and let it dry for a couple hours. Break into clumps and eat with friends! You can also add nuts, granola, M&M’s, chocolate chips, Reese’s pieces, drizzle some dark chocolate over the top…get creative!

This makes a huge batch so store the leftovers in a plastic container.

Crab Cakes (clean eating)

I love seafood. I also love quick and easy lunches I can reheat in my air fryer. This recipe nails both. I was nervous they wouldn’t turn out since I’ve never made them before but they were great. Tons of flavor and the perfect size. Pair with a side of veggies and lunch is served.
 
Makes: 7 servings - Serving size: 1 crab cake
Each serving contains: 1 Protein, 0 Carbohydrates, 0 Vegetables, 0 Fat
 

INGREDIENTS
1 lb lump crab meat
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp onion powder
Black pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp olive oil
 
DIRECTIONS
Combine crab, egg, breadcrumbs, yogurt, Old Bay, lemon juice, onion powder and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well. Form into 7 patties. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Cook about 5 minutes per side, or until browned.
 
Optional: garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
 
Note: some people use mayo and crushed saltines instead of Greek yogurt and panko breadcrumbs.

Air fryer cheese stuffed garlic crescent rolls

They other night my friend told me that they made crescent rolls in the air fryer. “You can do that?”, I asked. I use my air fryer pretty much every day but I’m still learning to think outside the box for ways I can use it. Apparently TikTok knows all the ways so I may need to start opening that app more often. Anyway, she says they made them in the air fryer and they were amazing. And then mentions you can do fun things with them. I had to find out for myself because I am a bread lover! I decided to do Italian style crescents with mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic and butter. Basic but essential when having pasta, right? I paired these with a homemade cajun chicken broccoli fettucine alfredo. The combination was amazing!

INGREDIENTS

1 - 8 ounce can refrigerated crescent rolls
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter melted
1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

DIRECTIONS

Spray air fryer basket with non-stick spray. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Open the crescent rolls and separate the triangles. Add a pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese to the widest part of the crescents. Roll the crescents and pinch the ends together so that no cheese spills out. Brush each crescent with the butter garlic mixture.

Add crescent rolls to air fryer at 375 and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until golden brown. Air fryers vary so be sure to check on them halfway through. Once done, remove the crescents from the air fryer and brush with additional melted butter.

I have so many recipes I want to try for these crescents now like adding pepperoni, stuffing with buffalo chicken dip, ham and swiss, jalapeno popper, Nutella and a chocolate syrup drizzle…mind blown.

Makes: 8 servings

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

I’ll be the first to admit, the name of these pancakes sounded sketchy to me. But they were super easy to make and seriously tasted so awesome. I topped mine with a few raspberries, blackberries, one Tbsp 100% maple syrup and served with a scrambled egg (with spinach) for a protein packed breakfast.

Makes: 6 servings - Serving size: 2 pancakes

Each Serving Contains: 1 Protein, 0 Carbohydrates, 0 Vegetables, 1 Fat

INGREDIENTS

1 cup full-fat cottage cheese

3 large eggs

1/3 cup whole wheat flour

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

 

DIRECTIONS

In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese and eggs. Pulse until mixture is smooth.

In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese and egg mixture with flour and melted butter and mix with a spoon until combined.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Pour out a small amount of batter and let the pancakes cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

I think this could easily be done in a waffle maker too! 

Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta (clean eating)

If you think clean eating can't be delicious, this recipe will prove you wrong. I can’t say enough how phenomenal this pasta dish was. Also, it says 4 servings, but it makes a very large batch. It ended up being 6 servings for me. I’ve never cooked the spinach this way and I was nervous it wouldn’t work but it did. New cooking hack! This is definitely going into my dinner rotation. Also, feel free to add mushrooms or other veggies that you enjoy too.

Makes: 4 servings

Each Serving Contains: 2 Proteins, 1 Carbohydrate, 2 Vegetables, 1 Fat

INGREDIENTS

1 cup whole wheat penne pasta, uncooked

1 tsp olive oil

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

5 cups baby spinach

1 tsp dried basil

1 14.5-oz jar spaghetti sauce (I used organic)

2 cloves garlic

1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes, liquid drained

2 oz ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta according to package directions (omit salt). Add spinach to boiling water for the last minute of cooking.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and basil. Cook 3 minutes. Stir in spaghetti sauce, garlic and drained tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat for 3 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in ricotta cheese.

Drain pasta and return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Spoon into 2-quart baking dish. Bake 20 minutes. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake 3 minutes more, or until cheese is melted.

5-Ingredient Bread (clean eating)

When it comes to bread I am so very picky. I’m a bread lover to the core but I’ve always been anti-wheat bread (or pasta or tortillas for that matter). It’s just a nasty taste to me. So when I saw this recipe on a clean eating website I did not have very high expectations, despite the great reviews. The bread turned out pretty dense but it was actually really good! Especially toasted! I sprinkled some everything but the bagel seasoning on the top before I baked mine. Because there’s no preservatives, if you’re not going to eat it up in 3-4 days, I would suggest freezing half and pulling it out as needed. As a party of one, I take out 1/3 of a loaf from the freezer at a time. I can’t wait to try it as rolls next time to use with sandwiches.

Makes: 12 servings - Serving size: 1 slice

Each Serving Contains: 0 Protein, 1 Carbohydrate, 0 Vegetables, 0 Fat

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp yeast

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 Tbsp honey

1-1/2 cups warm water

3 cups whole wheat flour

 

DIRECTIONS

Add yeast, salt and honey to water and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Gradually mix in flour until dough forms and is not sticking to your hands. Add flour in increments of 1 Tbsp at a time, if necessary.

Put in lightly oiled bowl and cover with damp towel for 20-30 minutes. Mine didn’t seem to rise much after 30 minutes so I did an hour.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place in lightly oiled loaf pan and bake 15-20 minutes, until hollow when tapped.

Note: Optional toppings / additions before baking:

• Everything but the bagel seasoning
• Sprinkle with garlic powder
• Herbs: oregano, parsley, rosemary
• Sun-dried tomato
• Olives

You can also roll into 12 individual rolls instead of using a loaf pan.