11 Chicken Recipes You Won't Stop Making

 


The kind that you can almost make from memory, but always taste like you’ve put in the extra effort. That’s exactly what these 11 dishes are. They’re your weeknights, your dinner party showstoppers, and your “What should I cook?” answers. Trust us, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.

1. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

This isn’t your average chicken salad. With cranberries and walnuts, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. It’s a great way to turn leftover chicken into a meal that feels anything but leftover. Perfect for sandwiches or atop a bed of greens.




2. Chicken Tinga

If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, Chicken Tinga is your go-to. This dish is all about tender chicken in a smoky, spicy sauce. It’s great for tacos, tostadas, or even just over rice. Plus, it’s a surefire way to spice up your meal prep.

3. Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Dive into the flavors of the Mediterranean with this chicken bake. It’s a colorful dish packed with olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese, bringing a piece of the Mediterranean coast to your dinner table. Perfect for when you want something hearty yet healthy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to brighten up your meal rotation.




4. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Here’s a salad that packs a punch with its bold flavors. The combination of curry powder and raisins with chicken creates a sweet and savory experience that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for lunches, especially if you’re looking for something that breaks away from the ordinary. And it’s easy to whip up, even on your busiest days.




5. Italian Chicken

Bring a bit of Italy into your kitchen with this Italian Chicken recipe. With herbs and tomatoes, it’s simple yet bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing dinner guests.




6. Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Upgrade your soup game with this Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s a rich, comforting bowl of smoky flavors, crunchy tortillas, and vibrant toppings. A great way to warm up during colder months or to enjoy a lighter meal that’s full of taste. And it’s just as enjoyable making it as it is eating it.




7. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Make the most of leftover rotisserie chicken with this pasta salad. It’s quick, easy, and filled with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing meal at home. It’s a hassle-free dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.




8. Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Dive into comfort with this Tortellini Soup. It’s a hearty blend of kale, chicken, and cheese-filled tortellini in a savory broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, ideal for those nights when you need a little extra warmth and comfort.




9. Chicken Paprikash

Get a taste of Hungary with this comforting Chicken Paprikash. It’s known for its rich, paprika-infused sauce that’ll warm you right up. This dish turns an ordinary night into something special, offering a cozy, comforting meal. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something incredibly flavorful.




10. Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Experience a twist on the traditional Al Pastor with this smoked chicken version. It marries smoky flavors with a hint of pineapple, offering a unique take on a classic dish. Perfect for when you’re craving something different on the grill. It’s a showstopper that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.




11. Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Twist the traditional with these Chicken Marsala Meatballs. They merge the classic flavors of Marsala wine with the fun and convenience of meatballs. Ideal for gatherings or a family dinner with a difference. Plus, they’re sure to be a conversation starter.

 

The 7 Healthiest Beans to Eat, According to Dietitians

1. Lentils

Lentils are rich in polyphenols and plant-based compounds that have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Higher intakes of polyphenols have been associated with a lower risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, according to a 2021 review published in Nutrients.

Lentils also have an impressive nutrient profile. A ½ cup serving of cooked lentils contains roughly 115 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrate, 9 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber (about 34% of your daily recommended intake), and 0 grams of saturated fat. Researchers reviewed the health benefits of lentils in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and highlighted the prebiotic carbohydrates found in lentils. Prebiotics feed good bacteria in our guts and contribute to the overall health of the gut microbiome. Research indicates that a diverse microbiome may help to prevent and treat gut-associated diseases, support healthy immune function and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Lentils are not just nutritious, they are easy to eat, affordable and versatile. Incorporate lentils into your favorite soups, stews, rice and grain dishes. Or add them to salads, roasted or sautéed vegetables for a low-fat dose of protein and fiber.

2. White Beans

Several varieties of white beans exist with differences in size and subtle differences in flavor. Some of the most common ones include cannellini beans, butter beans (Lima beans), navy beans, and Great Northern beans. White beans are particularly rich in potassium, calcium, folate, and iron. A ½ cup serving of white beans contains roughly, 125 calories, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, 500 milligrams of potassium (about 15 to 19% depending on age and gender), 80 milligrams of calcium (8% daily value), 73 micrograms of folate (18% daily value) and 3.3 milligrams of iron (18% daily value). According to the USDA nutrient database, that ½ cup serving provides more potassium than one medium banana.

Potassium is an important electrolyte that plays a role in many functions of the body, including controlling blood pressure. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that healthy individuals who do not have kidney disease should eat adequate amounts of potassium to increase urinary excretion of sodium, which can help to decrease blood pressure.

White beans are a wonderful addition to chili, sauces (as a thickener), and stews and can be smashed and added to sandwiches (like avocado toast with white beans) and wraps, or blended to make hummus and white bean dips. The creaminess of white beans adds wonderful texture and flavor to savory and hearty recipes. Think creamy white Parmesan beans with sautéed greens.

3. Black Beans

Black beans are packed with nutrition and contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are rich in protein and fiber and are a great addition to any eating pattern, especially those that are plant-based, flexitarian, vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.

As per the USDA, ½ cup of cooked black beans contains 120 calories, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein, 40 milligrams of calcium (3% daily value), 3 milligrams of iron (17% daily value) and 28 milligrams of choline (5 to 7% daily value depending on age and gender).

Choline is a nutrient that's required to form membranes that surround your body cells. Your brain and nervous system rely on it to help regulate mood and control muscle contractions, according to the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Choline is particularly important for people who are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

To consume more black beans, include them in rice or whole-grain dishes. Pair them with heart-healthy avocado and calcium-rich cheese or cheese alternatives in quesadillas or as part of an egg, tofu or cauliflower rice scramble.

4. Chickpeas

Chickpeas, AKA garbanzo beans, are extremely versatile. They can be roasted, pan-fried, smashed, eaten cold, pureed into hummus, or milled into flour and used in dough, pasta, and baked goods. Their high fiber content makes them a great food to add to help relieve constipation, as well.

A ½ cup serving of chickpeas contains 135 calories, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fat, 6 grams of fiber, 7 grams of protein, 141 micrograms of folate (35% daily value), 2.4 milligrams of iron (13% daily value) and 249 milligrams of potassium (7 to 10% daily value depending on age and gender).

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that is necessary for protein metabolism and for maintaining cell health and function. For people who are pregnant or those trying to conceive, adequate folate intake is particularly important because it helps prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.


Beans like chickpeas have a low glycemic index. In the simplest terms, this means that they don't cause blood sugars to rise rapidly and crash, compared to foods like refined grains or added sugar. Their high fiber and protein content also helps delay gastric emptying which can increase feelings of fullness for longer. This is one of the reasons that a fiber-rich diet has been associated with weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.

In addition, the combination of fiber and protein makes beans a fantastic addition to a diabetes-friendly eating plan. In a 2018 review in Current Diabetes Reports, researchers found that a higher intake of vegetables, whole-grain foods, legumes, and nuts was associated with a substantially lower risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes and also led to improved glycemic control in all the people they observed, regardless of diabetes status.

5. Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are amongst the most popular beans that are consumed and this is for good reason. With 8 grams of fiber in 1/2 cup serving, they contribute to more than 25% of your daily fiber needs (depending on your age and gender), as well as more than 33% of your daily folate intake. Fiber is the indigestible part of a carbohydrate that helps to pull excess cholesterol out of the blood, support healthy digestion, regulate blood sugar, and aid in satiety. They also contain many micronutrients including magnesium, copper, thiamine, iron, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Add pinto beans to meatless versions of Sloppy Joe's, burrito bowls, quesadillas, wraps, grains, veggie dishes and soups.

6. Red Kidney Beans

Red kidney beans—most known for their inclusion in chili, rice, and stewed bean dishes—are a reliable source of plant-based iron. With 2.6 milligrams per 1/2 cup serving, they contribute to about 14 to 33% of the daily value depending on age and gender.


Iron is an essential component of red blood cell production and is necessary for cell growth, synthesis of hormones, neurological development and cell function. Red kidney beans contain non-heme iron, which is less bioavailable (meaning it's not absorbed as easily) compared to heme iron found in animal products. To increase how well you absorb the non-heme iron, pair red kidney beans with foods rich in vitamin C like fruits and vegetables.

For example, sauté onions and peppers with your red kidney beans, pair them with a tomato-based sauce or add a citrus dressing to salads.

7. Lupini Beans

Amongst the richest sources of protein, lupini beans contain 13 grams of protein (almost the same amount as 2 ounces of meat) in a 1/2 cup serving. Lupini beans are commonly sold in snack packs, making them a convenient and portable high-fiber and protein-rich snack.

In addition to protein, they are a good source of zinc (1.1 milligrams or about 14% of the daily value) and magnesium (45 milligrams or about 14% of the daily value). Zinc is an important mineral for immune function, wound healing and cellular health. Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate things like muscle and nerve control, protein synthesis and blood pressure regulation, to name a few.


If you are not snacking on lupini beans on their own, you can use them to make hummus, sauté them with aromatics as a side or use them to top salads or grain bowls.

Tips for Including Beans in a Healthy Diet

Beans are so versatile they can be added to almost any flavor profile or meal type. You can purchase dried or canned beans. If you are concerned about sodium in canned beans, rinse them before use to help remove some of the sodium used during packing. Opting to cook dried beans can help you control the sodium contact and customize the flavors as well.

Here are some easy ways to eat more beans: Aim to do one meatless meal per week. Substitute animal protein with beans. If you are making a stir-fry, for example, try swapping beef or chicken for beans.
Add beans to soups, chili, stews, eggs, tofu, or veggie scrambles.
Smash or blend beans with olive oil and a pinch of salt and spread them on sandwiches, toast, wraps, or whole-grain crackers.
Toss beans into salads or side dishes.
Roast beans and eat them as a snack or add them to a salad for a crunchy crouton alternative.
Purchase pre-made snack packs of beans such as roasted lupini beans or chickpeas.
To increase the bioavailability of non-heme iron, pair your beans with foods rich in vitamin C, like fruits and vegetables.

Spicy Noodle Soup

 

Light up your mealtime with this quick and affordable soup. Perfect for those looking for a bit of heat, it’s a comforting and exciting choice all rolled into one.



Ingredient Notes

Water or broth: This forms the base and the additional ingredients add the bulk of the flavor. Works beautifully, or if you have a favorite veggie broth, that works well too!

Sriracha sauce: Sriracha adds a nice touch of spicy heat, as well as a boost of sweetness in this noodle broth.

Coconut aminos: This not only adds a beautiful silkiness to the broth but also a wonderful umami flavor that greatly complements the other ingredients in this recipe.

Garlic powder: Garlic paired with sriracha is a match made in heaven and really just rounds all the flavors out beautifully.

Salt: Salt is what pulls all the beautiful flavors through into their full glory. You can control just how subtle or rich this dish is based on how much salt you choose to add.

Ramen noodles: Ramen noodles simply taste amazing in this broth. But, you can use any noodles of your choosing in a pinch!

Fresh cilantro: This adds the perfect sprinkle of freshness and vibrancy, as well as a nice nutritional punch. If you aren’t a cilantro fan, opt for another fresh herb like fresh parsley or Thai basil.

Avocado: You might be asking “Avocado? Really?” but yes, avocado! It is a-m-a-z-i-n-g simply sliced straight into a bowl of piping hot noodle soup. Trust me!


How to Make — Step by Step

COMMON COLD

 

The common cold is an illness affecting your nose and throat. Most often, it's harmless, but it might not feel that way. Germs called viruses cause a common cold.

Often, adults may have two or three colds each year. Infants and young children may have colds more often.


Most people recover from a common cold in 7 to 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. Most often, you don't need medical care for a common cold. If symptoms don't get better or if they get worse, see your health care provider.

Illnesses of the nose and throat caused by germs are called upper respiratory tract infections.
Symptoms

Most often, common cold symptoms start 1 to 3 days after someone is exposed to a cold virus. Symptoms vary. They can include:Runny or stuffy nose.
Sore or scratchy throat.
Cough.
Sneezing.
Generally feeling unwell.
Slight body aches or a mild headache.
Low-grade fever.

The mucus from your nose may start out clear and become thicker and yellow or green. This change is normal. Most often, it doesn't mean that you have a bacterial illness.



When to see a doctor

For adults. Most often, you don't need medical care for a common cold. But see your health care provider if you have:Symptoms that get worse or do not get better.
Fever greater than 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 degrees Celsius) that lasts more than three days.
Fever returning after a fever-free period.
Shortness of breath.
Wheezing.
Intense sore throat, headache, or sinus pain.

For children. Most children with a common cold don't need to see a healthcare provider. Get medical care right away if your child has any of the following:Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in newborns up to 12 weeks.
Rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in a child of any age.
More intense symptoms, such as headache, throat pain or cough.
Trouble with breathing or wheezing.
Ear pain.
Fussiness or drowsiness that isn't typical.
No interest in eating.

Causes

Many viruses can cause a common cold. Rhinoviruses are the most common cause.

A cold virus enters the body through the mouth, eyes, or nose. The virus can spread by:Droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold.
Sharing objects with the virus on them, such as dishes, towels, toys, or telephones.
Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with the virus.

Risk factors

These factors can increase the chances of getting a cold:Age. Infants and young children have a greater risk of colds than other people, especially if they spend time in childcare settings.
Weakened immune system. Having a long-term illness or weakened immune system increases your risk.
Time of year. Both children and adults are more likely to get colds in fall and winter.
Smoking. Smoking or being around secondhand smoke increases the risk of catching a cold.
Exposure. Being in crowds, such as at school or on an airplane, increases the chance of getting a cold.

Complications

These conditions can occur along with your cold:Middle ear infection. This is the swelling and build-up of fluids in the space behind the eardrum. It may be caused by a virus or bacteria. Typical signs and symptoms include earaches or the return of a fever following a common cold.
Asthma. A cold can trigger wheezing, even in people who don't have asthma. For people with asthma, a cold can make it worse.
Sinusitis. In adults or children, a common cold that lasts a while can lead to swelling and pain in the sinuses. These are air-filled spaces in the skull above the eyes and around the nose. A virus or bacteria may cause sinusitis.
Other illnesses. A common cold can lead to illnesses of the lungs, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. People with asthma or weakened immune systems have an increased risk of these conditions.

Prevention

There's no vaccine for the common cold. You can take these steps to slow the spread of the virus and prevent illness:Wash your hands. Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your children the importance of hand-washing. Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often. These include doorknobs, light switches, electronics, and kitchen and bathroom countertops. This is especially important when someone in your family has a cold. Wash children's toys often.
Cover your cough. Sneeze and cough into tissues. Throw away used tissues right away, and then wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow, and then wash your hands.
Don't share. Don't share drinking glasses or silverware with other family members.
Stay away from people with colds. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold. Stay out of crowds when possible. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when you're in crowds.
Review your child care center's policies. Look for a childcare setting with good hygiene practices and clear policies about keeping sick children at home.
Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep to help you stay healthy.

Cold remedies that work


If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. That doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies might help you feel better:Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth, or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse.
Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.


Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. Children younger than 6 years are unlikely to be able to gargle properly.


You can also try ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy. Use caution when giving lozenges or hard candy to children because they can choke on them. Don't give lozenges or hard candy to children younger than 6 years.


Combat stuffiness. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays can help relieve stuffiness and congestion.

In infants, experts recommend putting several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe. To do this, squeeze the bulb, gently place the syringe tip in the nostril about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 12 millimeters), and slowly release the bulb. Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children.


Relieve pain. For children 6 months or younger, give only acetaminophen. For children older than 6 months, give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask your child's doctor for the correct dose for your child's age and weight.

Adults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.

Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children.
Sip warm liquids. A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow.
Try honey. Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea.
Add moisture to the air. A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Change the water daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.


Try over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications. For adults and children age 5 and older, OTC decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers might offer some symptom relief. However, they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects.

Experts agree that these shouldn't be given to younger children. Overuse and misuse of these medications can cause serious damage. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications.

Take medications only as directed. Some cold remedies contain multiple ingredients, such as a decongestant plus a pain reliever, so read the labels of cold medications you take to make sure you're not taking too much of any medication.



Cold remedies that don't work


The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. Some of the more common ones that don't work include:Antibiotics. These attack bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in young children. OTC cold and cough medications may cause serious and even life-threatening side effects in children. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications.

Cold remedies with conflicting evidence


Despite ongoing studies, the scientific jury is still out on some popular cold remedies, such as vitamin C and echinacea. Here's an update on some common alternative remedies:

Vitamin C. It appears that taking vitamin C won't usually help the average person prevent colds.


However, some studies have found that taking vitamin C before cold symptoms start may shorten the length of time you have symptoms. Vitamin C may benefit people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure — for example, children who attend group child care during the winter.


Echinacea. Study results on whether echinacea prevents or shortens colds are mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show some reduction in the severity and duration of cold symptoms when taken in the early stages of a cold. Different types of echinacea used in different studies may have contributed to the mixed results.

Echinacea seems to be most effective if you take it when you notice cold symptoms and continue it for seven to 10 days. It appears to be safe for healthy adults, but it can interact with many drugs. Check with your doctor before taking echinacea or any other supplement.


Zinc. Several studies have suggested that zinc supplements may reduce the length of a cold. But research has turned up mixed results about zinc and colds.

Some studies show that zinc lozenges or syrup reduce the length of a cold by about one day, especially when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold.

Zinc also has potentially harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor before considering the use of zinc to prevent or reduce the length of colds.