How to Make Paleo-Friendly Chicken Dishes for Weeknight Dinners
When you’re trying to stick to a Paleo diet, weeknight dinners can sometimes feel like a challenge. The Paleo diet focuses on eating foods that our ancestors likely ate during the Paleolithic era. This means lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and lean meats, but no grains, dairy, legumes, or processed foods. Chicken is a staple for many on this diet due to its versatility, protein content, and ease of preparation. If you’re in need of some inspiration, you’re in luck! Here are some simple and delicious Paleo-friendly chicken recipes to add to your weeknight dinner rotation.
1. Simple Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Roasting chicken with vegetables is a classic Paleo dish that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. You’ll need:
– A whole chicken or chicken parts
– Your choice of vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers work well)
– Olive oil
– Salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (garlic powder, paprika, etc.)
How to make it:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Clean and chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large baking dish, toss the veggies in olive oil and your chosen spices.
4. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. If using a whole chicken, be sure it’s gutted and cleaned; if using parts, skin on or off is your choice.
5. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub in your spices.
6. Bake in the oven for about 1 hour or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken or chicken parts.
2. Paleo Chicken Stir-fry
Stir-frys are a great way to pack a bunch of vegetables into your dinner. For a quick Paleo chicken stir-fry, gather:
– 1 pound (about 450g) of chicken breast, sliced into strips
– A mix of your favorite veggies (snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli work well)
– 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
– For the sauce: 1 tablespoon of almond butter, 2 tablespoons of coconut aminos (a soy sauce substitute), 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
How to make it:
1. Heat the coconut oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, then remove them from the pan.
3. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and toss in the chopped veggies. Stir-fry until they are just starting to soften.
4. Add the chicken back to the pan with the vegetables.
5. Whisk together the sauce ingredients and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat.
6. Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Crock-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Slow cookers are perfect for making tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. For this dish, you’ll need:
– 4 chicken breasts
– ¼ cup of olive oil
– ¼ cup of chicken stock
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, chicken stock, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
5. Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The result will be moist, flavorful chicken that pairs well with any side.
Summary
Sticking to a Paleo diet doesn’t have to mean boring dinners or spending hours in the kitchen. These three chicken dishes prove that you can make healthy, delicious meals without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re in the mood for something roasted, stir-fried, or slow-cooked, these recipes are sure to satisfy. The best part is that they can easily be modified to fit your taste or what you have available in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and spices to make each dish uniquely yours. By incorporating recipes like these into your weeknight dinner plans, you’ll be able to stick to your Paleo diet goals while enjoying every bite.
