05 Sep National Chicken Month: Fresh New Ideas for Your Chicken Dinners

Did you know that Americans are eating more chicken now than they have been in the past 100 years? The average meat eating American consumes about 60 lbs. chickens every year! That’s a lot considering in 1950 we only ate about 16 lbs. a year. In fact, for the first time since we began keeping records of these things, Americans are eating more chicken than beef.

This shift in eating habits makes sense though. Americans are becoming more health conscious, and unlike beef and other red meats, chicken has not been linked to any diseases like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. Not only that, but chicken is a powerhouse of protein. A 3 oz. boneless skinless chicken breast contains only 128 calories, 3 grams of fat, and a whopping 24 grams of protein. That’s about half of the daily requirement of protein. Chicken is also easier to prepare than beef, more versatile, and better for the environment. So in honor of National Chicken Month, we’ve compiled a list of recipes for you to try as you celebrate. Whether you break out into the chicken dance while you read this list is completely up to you. We promise we won’t tell anybody.

Chicken Wrap

Image from FoodNetwork.com

Try wrapping a slice of cooked chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, onion, or any vegetable you might like in a whole wheat tortilla or piece of flatbread for an easy and delicious lunch.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/creole-chicken-wraps-recipe.html

Chicken Noodle Soup

Image from Iowagirleats.com

If you’re torn between a eating comfort food and trying to stay healthy, then look no further than a bowl of old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup. Add sauted carrots, celery, and green onion to a pot of boiling chicken broth. Add diced chicken, salt, pepper, and any kind of pasta you like. Simmer until the chicken and pasta are thoroughly cooked.

http://iowagirleats.com/2014/10/22/homemade-chicken-noodle-soup/

Grilled Chicken

Image from thebirthdaydinner.com

Try mixing together some oregano, rosemary, black pepper, garlic, salt, and olive oil for a marinade. Add chicken to a large zip-top bag, and pour marinade over the chicken. Close the bag, and leave in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Then grill your chicken and enjoy this delicious Mediterranean style dish.

http://thebirthdaydinner.com/2013/04/21/spanish-chicken-mediterranean-chopped-salad-lemon-caper-greens/

Chicken Stir Fry

Image from McCormick.com

Try cooking 1 lb. of sliced chicken in 1 tbs. of oil until cooked through. Add broccoli, sliced carrot, bell pepper, snap peas, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender and serve over rice for a nutritious dinner.

http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Main-Dishes/Chicken-and-Vegetable-Stir-Fry