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Archives for March 2018

Orange Chicken {Paleo/Keto/Whole30}

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Image of a white saucepan of Orange Chicken. It is a wood background with a green and white towel at the top. www.atwistedplate.com

Orange Chicken, this is not your normal dish but a clean and healthy twist to one of my favorites!  Nothing is better than a big bowl of Orange Chicken for dinner, lunch or even a little snack.  Finding an Orange Chicken that is Gluten Free, Paleo, Whole30 or Keto is no easy task.  Therefore, I set out to find make my own and it is AMAZING.  It even got thumbs up from someone who claims to “live for” takeout Orange Chicken.  What is great about making it yourself is you can make it to fit your taste.

Close up of Orange Chicken in a white saucepan. www.atwistedplate.com

It takes a little prep time, but it is so worth it.

First, you start with a pound of Chicken breast, placing it in a plastic back.  Get a meat tenderizer and release some stress.  After you take out your frustrations from the day, remove the Chicken and slice it about 1/4 inch think lengthwise.  You can cut it thicker if you like thicker chunks of chicken.  Combine Arrowroot and the seasoning in a bowl.  Also, heat oil in a pan over med low heat.  While the pan is heating, coat each strip in the mixture, shake off the excess.  Continue doing this until all the chicken is covered.

Since you can’t fit all the chicken in one pan, you will have to do a couple batches.  Place Chicken into heated pan, make sure that it not touching.  Allow to cook for 2 minutes on each side.  After you complete the first batch move the cooked pieces on a plate ands start the next batch.  Once all the chicken strips are cooked set it aside.

Image with white plate with Cauliflower Rice topped with Orange Chicken on-top at the bottom of the image. At the top of the image is a white saucepan of Orange Chicken. www.atwistedplate.com

Now, for the sauces.

Add the ingredients for the sauce into the pan.  Make sure to scrap the excess bits from the chicken off the bottom.  Bring to a light boil and reduce heat to low.  When making the sauce you can use the juice of an Orange or Orange Juice.  If using Orange Juice make sure you use a compliant juice with no added sugar.  Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the Chicken and Orange Slice. Cover and allow to simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes.  When it is done, if you choose, sprinkle sesame seeds.  Serve the Orange chicken over cauliflower rice, quinoa, brown rice or in a bowl by itself.

Image is of a white plate with Cauliflower Rice topped with Orange Chicken ontop. www.atwistedplate.com

Another plus if you can make this dish your own. If you want a little extra orange you can add some extra Juice.   If you want more sauce you can just double the sauce recipe, more chicken add a little extra chicken.  The possibilities are endless.

As always, ENJOY!

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Image of a white saucepan of Orange Chicken. With a wood background www.atwistedplate.com

Orange Chicken (Paleo and Whole 30)

  • Author: Meg
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Total Time: 1 hour
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Description

Orange Chicken that is Gluten Free, Keto, Paleo, Whole30 and Delicious!

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • One Pound Boneless Chicken Breast
  • 3 tablespoons Arrowroot
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Orange Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Orange Juice
  • 2 tablespoon Coconut Amino
  • 1/2 teaspoon Boat Sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Parsley

Additional Ingredients:

  • 4-5 Orange Slices
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sesame Seed (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat Oil in Pan over medium-low heat
  • Tenderized the Chicken
  • Cut the chicken into Quarter inch slices
  • Mix Arrowroot, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Sea Salt and Pepper together in a bowl
  • Dredge each piece through Arrowroot mixture, shaking off any excess
  • Place covered Chicken in pan, make sure its not touching (you will need to do multiple batches)
  • Once cooked set aside on a plate and add more chicken until all the chicken is cooked
  • Add Chicken Broth, Orange Juice, Coconut Amino, Boat Sauce and Parsley to pan bringing it to a low boil
  • Reduce to low heat
  • Add the Chicken back in and top with Orange Slices
  • Allow to cook for 25-30 minutes.
  • Add Sesame Seed (if you choose)
  • Serve over your choice favorite Cauliflower Rice/Rice/Quinoa if you choose
  • Enjoy

Some of the items I used:

Chicken Walnut and Grape Salad

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Angle view of Chicken Walnut and Grape Salad in a Green Bowl atop a wood backdrop. There is a blue and white towel along the top with Grapes and Walnuts along the wood background. www.atwistedplate.com

Nothing can be more satisfying lunch then a plate of mixed greens topped with delicious homemade Chicken Salad.  What makes it even better is to load up the  Chicken Salad with juicy Red Grapes, heart healthy Walnuts and crispy crunchy Celery.  The twist that helps to give this Chicken Salad its amazing taste is Tarragon and Paprika.  Tarragon can add a bit of sweetness while the Paprika adds a bit of zest!

Angle view of Chicken Walnut and Grape Salad in a Green Bowl atop a wood backdrop. There is a blue and white towel along the top with Grapes and Walnuts along the wood background. www.atwistedplate.com

Chicken Salad is definitely a go to for a quick and satisfying lunch.  By making it yourself it allows you to control what ingredients goes into it.  Therefore, you can use chicken of your choice, homemade mayonnaise or your favorite prepared mayonnaise. Thus, allowing you to make it egg free Whole30 or Paleo.  Also, if you like more of something you can add a little extra, not a huge fan of something you can add less or none.  Not to mention it is a great source of not only protein but healthy fats that also taste delicious.

Not only is it a great twist to the protein for your salad, but it is also perfect in a wrap or sandwich.  What is even better is that you can make a big batch of it and use it for lunches throughout the week.  Consequently, making it at home will allow you to be able to enjoy it an extra day or two since you know exactly when it was made.  I hope you enjoy Chicken Walnut and Grape Salad as much as we do!!

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Top view of Chicken Walnut and Grape Salad in a Green Bowl atop a wood backdrop. There is a blue and white towel along the top with Grapes and Walnuts along the bottom of the image. www.atwistedplate.com

Chicken Salad

  • Author: Meg
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Total Time: 55
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Servings
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Description

Hearty Chicken Salad with Grapes, Walnuts and Celery

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast
  • 6 cups of water

Salad

  • Chopped/Shredded Chicken
  • 1 cup of Mayo
  • 1 1/2 Red Grapes, quartered
  • 1 cup Celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Tarragon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Instructions

  1. Bring the 6 cups of water to a boil on the stovetop
  2. Add the Chicken, allowing to cook for about 35 mins till the chicken is 165 degrees
  3. Remove the Chicken from the water and either chop or shred (whatever your preference is)
  4. Add the Chicken and remaining Salad ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined
  5. Store in the fridge for up to three days
  6. ENJOY!

Some of the Items I used:

Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. What does this mean to you? It means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Gammy’s BBQ Sauce

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Angle view BBQ Sauce in a white bowl with a wood background. There are three dates on the board to the left of the bowl. There is a teal and white towel at the top of the image. www.atwistedplate.com

Sweet and Savory BBQ Sauce that contains no added sugar or artificial ingredients.  My grandmother had a lot of recipes that we grew up loving and this is definitely one of them.   The twist is that it is sweetened naturally with either Dates/Honey/Natural Sweetener instead of sugar.   At first I was very hesitant to use something besides sugar to flavor food.  After some trial and error when attempting creating healthier twist to my favorite food I learned to love them.  I have come to discover they add great flavor and the perfect amount of sweetness to a spectacular BBQ sauce

There are a lot of great tasting BBQ sauces out there.  The problem is most of them are loaded with refined sugars, or artificial ingredients.  If you find a BBQ that no added sugar clean ingredients chance are it is not going to taste like your favorite sauce.  There are some BBQ sauces that are sugar-free, but usually when they remove the sugar, they remove the taste.

Top view of BBQ Sauce in a white bowl with a wood background. There are three dates on the board to the left of the bowl. There is a teal and white towel at the top of the image. www.atwistedplate.com

How to make:

I love my grandmother’s BBQ sauce and would load it on when she made it.  So, I set out to find a clean version that is also Paleo.  I substituted the white vinegar out for Apple Cider Vinegar and the Sugar out for dates.  There were many trial and error, with more error than success.  I found the perfect combination of a little bit of zing from the Apple Cider Vinegar and sweetness with the dates.   Apple Cider Vinegar can have a distinct taste which can easily overpower the taste of other foods.

I usually make it in the blender because it’s quick, easy and gets you sauce super smooth and not chunky.   In order to get the dates to blend well soak them in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften them.  Add all your ingredients to your blender and blend away.  If you don’t have a blender you can add the dates, onion and water to a food processor.

Angle view BBQ Sauce in a white bowl with a wood background. There are three dates on the board to the left of the bowl. There is a teal and white towel at the top of the image. www.atwistedplate.com

What is great about making your own BBQ sauce, like many other things, is you can make it your own.  If you like your sauce with a little more zing you can add more Vinegar, is you like it sweeter add more dates, if you like a little kick add some cayenne or other pepper to taste.  This is great to make a big batch off to keep in the refrigerator to pair with your favorite burger, chicken, or my Savory Ranch Burgers.  The possibilities are endless!

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Gammy's BBQ Sauce www.atwistedplate.com

Gammy’s BBQ Sauce

  • Author: Meg
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 5
  • Total Time: 15
  • Yield: 10-12
Print Recipe

Description

Amazing BBQ Sauce that is Clean, Paleo and Whole30

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • Sweetener (6 dates pitted and softened, 2 tablespoons or honey)*see note
  • 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Onion
  • 5 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Amino or Worcestershire Sauce (**see note)
  • 2 tablespoons Water
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 cup of Water in until lightly boiling and add Dates and allow to sit for 5 minutes
  2. Remove the dates from the water, remove the pits and chop the dates
  3. Add the chopped dates and remaining ingredients to a blender and blend until liquified, about a minute
  4. Store in a sealed container in the refridgerator
  5. ENJOY

Notes

*If you are using a sweetener besides Dates or Honey then sweeten to taste adding a bit of your favorite sweetener at a time. 

**Make sure Worcestershire is compliant or use Coconut Amino

 

Some of the items I used:

Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. What does this mean to you? It means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.