Dinner time can be a whirlwind, right? Between school pick-ups, last-minute work emails, and the dog barking at who-knows-what, preparing a healthy meal often feels like scaling Everest without a sherpa. But fear not! These simple recipes are here to save the day, like a trusty sidekick in a superhero movie—no capes required.
Steps
- Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs, ensuring they are well mixed. Shape the mixture into small balls and set them aside.
- Cook the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Prepare the sweet and sour sauce by mixing the necessary ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and let it simmer until it thickens slightly, coating the meatballs well. Serve warm.
- Preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix ground chicken with your choice of seasonings in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into nugget-sized pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the oven until they are golden and cooked through.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- In a large skillet, cook ground meat with chopped onions and peppers until the meat is browned and vegetables are soft.
- Stir in a mixture of tomato sauce, mustard, and spices, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the sloppy joe mixture on buns, using gluten-free buns if desired.
- Slice beef into thin strips and set aside. In a large pan, heat a little oil over medium-high heat and cook the beef until browned.
- Add garlic, ginger, and a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar to the pan. Stir well to coat the beef.
- Allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
- Preheat your oven and prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper. Arrange chicken pieces and your choice of vegetables on the sheet pan.
- In a small bowl, mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard, then pour over the chicken and vegetables. Toss to ensure everything is coated.
- Bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve directly from the sheet pan for an easy clean-up.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots), chopped into bite-sized pieces
FAQ
- What are the benefits of making homemade chicken nuggets?
- Homemade baked chicken nuggets allow you to control the ingredients, making them a healthier option than processed versions. They can also be made gluten-free while still being delicious.
- Are the recipes in the ebook suitable for people with food allergies?
- Yes, each recipe comes with top allergen information. Many of the recipes offer gluten-free options and are naturally dairy and egg-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs.
- How can I make my Sloppy Joes gluten-free?
- To make the Sloppy Joes gluten-free, simply swap the kaiser bun for a gluten-free bun. The recipe is already dairy and egg-free.
- What makes the Mongolian Beef recipe a good alternative to takeout?
- The Mongolian Beef recipe is a healthier, homemade takeout alternative that is quick to prepare. It uses pantry staples and is cooked in one pan, simplifying both the cooking and cleaning process.
- Why is the sheet pan method recommended for the Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables recipe?
- The sheet pan method is recommended because it allows everything to cook simultaneously at the same temperature, making it an easy, quick, and minimal clean-up meal option.
Tips
- Utilize Pantry Staples: When preparing quick meals, rely on pantry staples like brown sugar and soy sauce for the Mongolian Beef recipe. This ensures you have the necessary ingredients on hand, simplifying the cooking process.
- Experiment with Ingredient Swaps: For dishes like Quick and Healthy Sloppy Joes, use simple ingredient swaps to cater to dietary needs. For instance, replace the kaiser bun with a gluten-free alternative to suit gluten-free diets.
- Opt for Sheet Pan Meals: Preparing meals like Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables on a sheet pan can significantly reduce clean-up time, as everything cooks together. This method is efficient and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Control Ingredients for Healthier Options: When making homemade baked chicken nuggets from ground chicken, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to create a healthier version with a gluten-free option, if needed.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan – For the sheet pan maple dijon chicken and vegetables.
- One Pot or Large Skillet – For the one-pan Mongolian beef.
- Meatball Scooper – Useful for portioning meatballs evenly.
- Baking Tray – For homemade baked chicken nuggets.
- Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper – For easy clean-up when baking items like chicken nuggets or vegetables.
