Molly Wichman at Life Transformations Personal Training in Lee’s Summit, MO shares healthy recipes and tips with clients and the community. Check out this Trainer Tip idea for quick and easy chicken.
Why do you not eat healthy or have time to make a healthy family dinner? Most of the time I hear from personal training clients, I don’t have time, so I thought I would offer some tips. Chicken is an easy lean protein to make, freeze, and go in many healthy dishes. While I’m a big fan of other protein sources, I thought I would start with chicken. I tell clients all the time when I hear, I don’t have time, that they should cook some chicken ahead of time. This way you always have a convenient protein source.
Idea 
Put a large package of boneless skinless chicken breast in your slow-cooker (or instant pot), add a little seasoning, cook till tender. I use a large Crock Pot filled with chicken, cook for 4 1/2 hours on high (8 hours on low). Then use a fork to shred chicken. If it is cooked long enough, it will just fall apart when you touch it. Then, let the shredded chicken sit in the pot for another 10ish minutes. It soaks up all of the yummy chicken juices. Basically adds flavor.
So, now you have a big pot of cooked chicken…what do you do??? Well, here are some of my favorite ideas.
Chicken Enchilada
Enchilada Pasta Bake (sub chicken for turkey)
Super Nachos- a few tortilla chips, kale, chicken, salsa, Greek Yogurt (taste like sour cream), bell pepper, onion, sprinkle of cheese
Burrito Bowl– Mix black beans, chicken, salsa, bell pepper, onion, avocado. (Super easy lunch option to take to work!)
Chicken Sliders- Use bread or small bun (low carb, wheat, gluten free, etc), add chicken, top with a low-sugar bbq sauce.
Chicken Salad- Make your favorite salad greens (I have been into kale salads), add cold or warm chicken, top with your favorite low-cal dressing.
Guess what? Cooked chicken freezes!! Store extra chicken in a freezer safe container to pull out as a convenient protein option. I usually choose to freeze in multiple small containers, instead of one large one. This way I can defrost a little at a time.
These are all great recipes, most are family friendly. You can easily change to low carb (use diced cauliflower instead of pasta), gluten free, dairy free, etc.
I’m sure you have some favorite chicken recipes in your recipe box. Pull them out and give them a whirl!!
Happy Cooking!
Molly Wichman
Life Transformations Personal Training
mwichman11@gmail.com