The Anti-Inflammatory, High-Protein Dinner I Can’t Stop Making

The Anti-Inflammatory, High-Protein Dinner I Can’t Stop Making

A Delicious and Nutritious Meal for the Whole Family

Last month, my friend Meghan texted me a link to an EatingWell recipe, exclaiming "I love love love this recipe! I know I’ve told you that before, but it’s so good!" She wasn’t exaggerating. This recipe has been a game-changer for my family’s dinner routine, and I’m excited to share it with you.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Meghan had shared the recipe for Chicken Hummus Bowls with me before, but every time she made it, she would rave about how much her family loved it. Her husband, an avid cook, was actually the first to make it after seeing the recipe in the September 2020 issue of EatingWell. Despite having the ingredients on hand and having developed the recipe, I had yet to make it for my family. That all changed when I finally decided to give it a try.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

The reason this recipe has become a staple in our household is simple: it’s ridiculously easy to make and endlessly adaptable. The marinade for the chicken thighs is made with olive oil, cumin, and paprika, and the chicken cooks quickly under the broiler or grill. While the chicken cooks, you can prepare the lemon-garlic vinaigrette, slice the cucumbers and onions, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the parsley. The result is a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

The Recipe: A Guide to Making Chicken Hummus Bowls

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup hummus
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (such as cucumbers, onions, and cherry tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Lemon-garlic vinaigrette (see below)
• 1 tablespoon warm whole-wheat pita (optional)

Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the broiler or grill.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat.
3. Grill or broil the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the mixed vegetables by slicing the cucumbers and onions, halving the cherry tomatoes, and chopping the parsley.
5. Spread a generous amount of hummus in a shallow bowl. Top with the mixed vegetables and cooked chicken.
6. Sprinkle the parsley and drizzle with lemon-garlic vinaigrette.
7. Serve with warm whole-wheat pita, if desired.

The Benefits of This Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The combination of chicken and hummus provides 31 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for those looking to boost their protein intake. The vegetables used in this recipe are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pork tenderloin in place of the thighs, and substitute the cherry tomatoes with any other vegetables you prefer. The lemon-garlic vinaigrette is also easy to customize by adjusting the amount of garlic and lemon juice to taste.

Conclusion

The Chicken Hummus Bowls recipe has become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours as well. The best part is that it’s so easy to make, you’ll be cooking it up in no time. So the next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal solution, give this recipe a try. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

FAQs

Q: What type of protein can I use instead of chicken?
A: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pork tenderloin, or even cubes of extra-firm tofu.

Q: What vegetables can I use in place of the cherry tomatoes?
A: You can use any crunchy vegetables you prefer, such as shredded romaine or cabbage, or thinly sliced bell pepper.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
A: Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe. Simply warm it with a bit of olive oil and the spices in the marinade before spooning it over the bowls.

Q: How much protein does this recipe contain?
A: This recipe contains approximately 31 grams of protein per serving.

Q: Are the ingredients in this recipe anti-inflammatory?
A: Yes, the hummus and cherry tomatoes used in this recipe are ingredients that can help fight inflammation, which has been linked to diseases like diabetes and cancer.