Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

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Monday, June 8, 2015

Healthy Chicken Piccata...and the Diet Continues

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Healthy Chicken Piccata: So tasty, and no butter! Just heart-healthy olive oil. | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


When do you eat your big meal of the day?

These days, there's plenty of evidence to suggest that  
eating a big meal at night is pretty much the worst thing you can do,
especially if you're trying to watch your weight. 

Healthy Chicken Piccata: So tasty, and no butter! Just heart-healthy olive oil. | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

In fact, it's been said that the optimal meal plan is to eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. 
Sounds good to me, since breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.

How great would it be to start the day stuffing your face with 
french toast, pancakes, muffins, fruit, and eggs?

And, oh happy day, if I could call the troops to the dinner table, 
and simply plop down some carrot sticks and hummus!

But it's just not practical for most people to eat that way -- 
myself included -- with work, school, etc.
It seems to be an unattainable goal. 

Too bad.
I guess I'll have to keep on making dinner.

Healthy Chicken Piccata: So tasty, and no butter! Just heart-healthy olive oil. | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

If you've been following me lately,
you know that I'm trying to lose five pounds before I go on vacation. 
If I don't, I'll come home with another five pounds, 
and then I'll need some Buttox...you know, botox for the butt.
(ah, if only that existed!).

I'm happy to say that so far, I'm down four pounds!
I'm really trying to cut back on my portions at dinner time,
and not eat anything between dinner and bed-time, except for some fruit. 
And of course, I'm making things that are much more calorie-friendly. 

Healthy Chicken Piccata: So tasty, and no butter! Just heart-healthy olive oil. | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

One of my favorite meals is chicken piccata, 
but with all that butter, it's not the healthiest option.
Fortunately, my trusty Fat Belly Diet Cookbook has a great version 
that's making it easier for me to stay on track.
No butter in this version...just healthy olive oil.

And you know me...
I'd rather do anything but cook, so if I'm making it, it's got to be easy.

The hardest thing is pounding the chicken to flatten out the breasts, 
quite therapeutic, actually...
and if you buy thin-sliced boneless chicken breasts, 
there's only minimal pounding.
The recipe calls for only six ingredients, not counting the pepper,
so it's got two things going for it -- easy and healthy!
A win-win.

Let's eat!

Healthy Chicken Piccata: So tasty, and no butter! Just heart-healthy olive oil. | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Chicken Piccata

12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken tenders
2 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons capers, minced
Freshly ground black pepper

Lay the tenders on a work surface. With a smooth scallopine pounder or a rolling pin covered in plastic wrap, flatten to 1/4" thickness. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is an important step because it allows the chicken to cook evenly. Dredge the cutlets lightly in the flour.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil to the skillet and heat until sizzling. Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes per side or until lightly browned  and cooked through. 

Add the lemon juice, parsley, and capers.  Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.  Season to taste with the pepper. Serve the chicken with the pan juice.

Healthy Chicken Piccata: So tasty, and no butter! Just heart-healthy olive oil. | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Seriously good eats that keeps the belly flat...
as long as you don't eat all of it.
But, you'll want to.

14 comments:

  1. Looks delicious! I made my go to Lemon a Chicken with Spinach last night that is healthy, quick and easy too - anything with lemon is a perfect flavor for summer!

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  2. Chicken picatta is one of my favorite meals! I may have to give this one a try. I like it served over angel hair pasta and a side salad. Hmmmmmm...........guess I just added more calories to it huh?

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  3. I love chicken picatta but don't want all the butter. Thanks for the share

    Cindy

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  4. One of my favorite dishes. Thanks for sharing the lighter version.

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  5. Believe it or not I have never had chicken piccata! Now that the recipe is right in front of me (and it is lower calorie) I must pin it and then try it. Thanks!

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  6. Oh Amy you are such a delight! You should be so proud of yourself for continuing shedding lbs. Man, I need to get on track and these recipes sound wonderful. I think my biggest downfalls are - not eating enough for breakfast and snacking at bedtime - ugh! You inspire me to do better!

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  7. I no longer eat animal products and my weight is no longer an issue! I was surprised how easy it is to maintain. We are retired and eat our 'big' meal mid-day. Since there's only the two of us and I cook for hundreds (or so it seems) we can have leftovers later or the next day!

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  8. Congrats on the weight loss! Do you plan on buying a new swimsuit to celebrate?

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  9. We love chicken piccata and this recipe looks fantastic!

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  10. This looks lovely for a nice summer meal. Good for you!
    Amalia
    xo

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  11. Most of the time the simplest meals are the best and this is one of them! :)

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  12. Most of the time the simplest meals are the best and this is one of them! :)

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  13. Wow! That looks incredible. I'm so impressed. Pinned and tweeted. We appreciate you stopping by to party with us. We hope to see you, Monday at 7 pm. Happy Sunday! Lou Lou Girls

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  14. This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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