Healthy Chicks

One of my all-time favorite recipes from childhood is my mom’s Chicken Divan. It’s a super simple chicken casserole, but the ultimate comfort food. Think: chicken and broccoli smothered in creamy goodness, cheese and breadcrumbs.

Unfortunately, cheese and gluten don’t really sit well with me anymore, so I’ve been having a blast re-creating my childhood favorites my way. But one thing I’ll never compromise on is the flavor, and I agree — some things just aren’t meant to be gluten free (like homemade bread and brownies).

Fortunately, I was able to give mom’s Chicken Divan a little makeover without compromising on the creamy goodness I always loved. This recipe skips the cheese and canned Cream of Chicken Soup, and replaces is with a homemade creamy concoction made with almond milk, chicken broth, gluten free flour and seasonings.

The best part? It takes just 20 minutes to prep, and then you can pop it in the oven and forget about it!

Gluten & Dairy Free Chicken Divan

Ingredients in Gluten Free Chicken Divan:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 bags chopped frozen broccoli (or equivalent fresh)
• 3/4 c. Sir Kensington’s mayonnaise (or mayo of choice)

• juice of 1/2

Tis the season of cocktail parties, holiday gatherings and all the comfort food! During this time, it’s quite common to feel like you’re “screwing up your diet” and “being bad” by indulging a little bit more than you’re used to.

Last week after Thanksgiving, I overheard a woman ordering her green juice. She was coming from the gym, and said “I was so bad this weekend. I need to start eating healthy again!”

Sound familiar? I hear you. But if you truly want to feel better after a weekend of indulging, punishing yourself is not the answer.

It’s time to ditch the labeling.

You know what I mean…

“I was so bad this weekend, so I need to eat good.”

“I ate super clean today and had a kale salad so I can cheat and eat a brownie for dessert.”

“I’m being such a fatty today!”

“I need to go on a diet.”  

“I’ll start fresh in the new year.” 

“That’s good/bad/healthy/unhealthy/clean/dirty/detox-friend/fatty.”

Sound familiar? This type of thinking does more harm then good, and in fact instills fear i.e. If I eat bad, I am bad. But here’s the thing: food is 100% neutral, so we must take all the … Read More!

Cold weather calls for cozy meals on the regular. Hubby and I have been enjoying lots of scratch-made recipes at home lately — from casseroles to soups. This easy 20-minute Chicken Pad Thai is perfect for evenings you’re craving authentic Thai food, but it’s too cold to leave the house.

Bust out those chopsticks and enjoy!

20-Minute Gluten Free Chicken Pad Thai

Ingredients:

• 1 box Thai rice noodles (I’m loving Lotus Foods from Thrive Market)
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in small chunks
• 1 package bean sprouts (may substitute shredded carrots)
• 1 package sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 3 TB fish sauce
• 2 TB red curry paste
• 1 TB coconut sugar
• 2 TB sweet chili sauce
• 1 bunch scallions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 farm-fresh eggs
• large handful cilantro, chopped
• juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 c. chopped peanuts (I use Raw Amazon Jungle Peanuts from Organic Living Superfoods)
• coconut oil

Note: You’ll save lots of time if you prep all of your ingredients ahead of time, like chopping veggies and herbs, and preparing chicken! 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I can’t get enough of all the savory, seasonal foods. While my body doesn’t love gluten and dairy, I’m addicted to warm, gooey “cheesy” comfort food.

Appetizers are a fun way to contribute to a holiday party, especially when you’re attending as a guest. These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a big hit, and they’re 100% gluten and dairy free. The secret? Kite Hill’s Cream Cheese Style Spread, which is made from artisanal almond milk. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family…just warning you to make more than you think you need! 😉

Dairy Free Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

*makes 32 poppers

• 16 jalapeño peppers
• 1 package natural bacon
• 1 container Kite Hill Cream Cheese Style Spread (I’ve made them with plain, chive and jalapeño flavor)

Preheat oven to 425. Slice jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise, and remove seeds. Stuff each half with a dollop of cream cheese. Slice all the bacon in half, and wrap each popper with half of piece of bacon (covering the width of the pepper and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake on 425 for about 20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. … Read More!