When you need food fast, fast food doesn’t have to be the answer. Swing by the supermarket and pick up a golden, tender rotisserie chicken for a hassle-free dinner that’s not only healthy but provides plenty of leftovers for additional quick-and-easy lunches throughout the week. After serving tonight’s meal””rounded out with a simple quinoa side or a leafy greens salad””shred what’s left and take a load off. Tomorrow’s lunch is practically in the bag”¦
Spruce up a salad. Go with greens, crisp veggies and strips of leftover chicken for a light lunch with loads of protein. A vinegar-based dressing, such as Bragg Healthy Vinaigrette (with apple cider vinegar and organic extra-virgin olive oil), will keep it light and flavorful.
Make chicken salad. Stuffed into a pita, piled onto a roll or eaten as is, chicken salad is a lunch favorite that’s easy to prepare when you already have chicken on hand. Use vegan mayonnaise and stir in chopped celery and apples and cool, crisp grapes for a lower-fat, gourmet-style salad.
Enhance ordinary soup. Whether you’re serving up homemade soup or something more convenient, tossing in leftover chicken is an easy way to bulk it up for a heartier, tastier meal. For healthy heat-and-serve options, look for low sodium call-outs on labels or buy natural, organic soups such as Amy’s, Pacific Natural or Health Valley.
Sizzlin’ stir-fry. A quick, veggie stir fry becomes even quicker when your chicken is already cooked. Add it last, as all it needs is re-heating. Try a natural seasoning mix such as Simply Asia Ginger Teriyaki Stir-Fry Sauce when time is too tight to make your own.
Quick quesadillas. Kick up flavor with a dash of cumin, then top a whole wheat tortilla with chicken, dairy or non-dairy cheese and some black beans. Fold in half and brown in a skillet lightly coated with olive oil. You can also use leftover chicken to stuff burritos or tacos as a healthier alternative to ground beef.