Kitchen Bites

Homemade Orange Glazed Chicken & Broccoli Rice Bowl

Sweet orange glazed chicken with tender broccoli and fluffy rice for a simple takeout style dinner at home

Ingredients:

1 boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cooked white rice
1 tablespoon oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup orange sauce or sweet glaze
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water optional

Directions:

Season chicken with salt black pepper and garlic powder
Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook broccoli until tender crisp then set aside
In the same skillet cook chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned
Add orange sauce and soy sauce and stir until chicken is glossy and coated
Add cornstarch mixture if desired and simmer until sauce thickens
Add broccoli back to the skillet and toss gently
Spoon cooked rice into a bowl and top with orange chicken and broccoli
Serve warm for a quick and flavorful meal

Serving:

Serves 2
Calories: 560
Net Carbs: 52g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g

Tips or Variations:

Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier base option
Add sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor and texture

Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

Bold Cajun chicken in garlic butter served with ultra creamy parmesan rigatoni for a rich high protein comfort meal

Ingredients:

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
6 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Directions:

Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente then drain and set aside
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and cook chicken until golden with slightly crispy edges
Add butter and garlic and toss chicken for about 1 minute until fragrant then remove and set aside
In the same skillet pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer
Stir in cream cheese until smooth and fully melted
Add Parmesan and 1 cup of cheddar cheese stirring until thick and creamy
Add cooked rigatoni and toss until fully coated
Let cook for a couple minutes until sauce thickens and clings to pasta
Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and allow it to melt
Serve pasta with garlic butter Cajun chicken on top or on the side
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm

Serving:

Serves 5
Calories: 880
Net Carbs: 44g
Protein: 52g
Fat: 48g

Tips or Variations:

Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and color
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level to your preference

Marinara Bolognese Ground Beef Rigatoni Skillet

Rich marinara bolognese with ground beef and creamy cheesy rigatoni for a hearty skillet dinner

Ingredients:

16 oz rigatoni
2 lbs ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 tablespoons butter divided
10 cloves garlic minced divided
1 large yellow onion finely diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
32 oz marinara sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons salt divided
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper divided
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
1/2 cup beef broth

Directions:

Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until just tender then drain and set aside
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat
Add diced onion and cook until soft and lightly golden
Add ground beef season with salt and black pepper and cook until deeply browned
Stir in half the garlic and cook until fragrant then add tomato paste and cook briefly
Pour in marinara sauce and add Italian seasoning oregano and basil then simmer until slightly thickened
Push mixture to one side and add remaining butter and garlic cooking for about a minute
Pour in heavy cream and stir everything together until smooth and rich
Add remaining salt and black pepper then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted
Add cooked rigatoni and toss until fully coated adding beef broth if needed
Let cook for another minute until sauce clings well then finish with parsley

Serving:

Serves 6
Calories: 760
Net Carbs: 48g
Protein: 46g
Fat: 40g

Tips or Variations:

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth and texture
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Four Cheese Fettuccine

Zesty lemon garlic chicken with ultra creamy four cheese fettuccine for a rich and flavorful comfort dinner

Ingredients:

1 lb fettuccine
2 lbs chicken breast sliced into thick strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 tablespoons butter divided
10 cloves garlic minced divided
1 lemon zested and juiced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons salt divided
1 teaspoon black pepper divided
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
8 oz Velveeta cubed
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
1 cup grated Parmesan
4 oz cream cheese softened
3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Directions:

Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente then drain and set aside
Season chicken with garlic powder onion powder Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and sear chicken about 3 minutes per side until golden
Lower heat and add half the butter half the garlic lemon zest and lemon juice then toss for 1 minute
Sprinkle with a little parsley remove chicken and set aside
In the same skillet melt remaining butter and add remaining garlic cooking briefly
Pour in heavy cream and milk and let simmer gently
Whisk in cream cheese until smooth
Add Velveeta and stir until melted
Gradually add mozzarella cheddar and Parmesan stirring until thick and creamy
Season with remaining salt and black pepper
Add cooked fettuccine and toss until fully coated
Plate pasta and top with lemon garlic chicken then garnish with parsley

Serving:

Serves 5
Calories: 920
Net Carbs: 48g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 52g

Tips or Variations:

Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a fresh balance to the rich sauce
Use grilled chicken instead of pan seared for a lighter smoky flavor

Pepper Steak and Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Sizzling pepper steak with juicy garlic butter shrimp and seasoned rice for a bold surf and turf dinner at home

Ingredients:

1 lb beef steak sliced into strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 green bell pepper sliced
1 red bell pepper sliced
1/2 onion sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium high heat then add steak strips and sear until browned
Add bell peppers and onion and cook until tender while stirring occasionally
Season with salt black pepper paprika garlic powder and onion powder then remove from heat
In another skillet melt butter and add garlic cooking until fragrant
Add shrimp paprika salt and black pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through
In a separate pan heat butter and stir in cooked rice
Season rice with garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper and cook until heated through
Serve seasoned rice topped with pepper steak and garlic butter shrimp

Serving:

Serves 4
Calories: 540
Net Carbs: 38g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 26g

Tips or Variations:

Add a splash of soy sauce to the steak for extra savory depth
Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower carb option

Garlic Parmesan Beef Bowties in Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Savory ground beef bowtie pasta coated in a rich garlic parmesan cheddar cheese sauce for the ultimate comfort meal

Ingredients:

16 oz bowtie pasta
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
5 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
8 oz Velveeta cubed
6 oz cream cheese softened
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup beef broth

Directions:

Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until just tender then drain and set aside
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and add ground beef
Cook while breaking apart until browned with slightly crispy edges
Season with salt black pepper and Italian seasoning
Add butter and let it melt into the beef then stir in garlic and cook briefly
Pour in heavy cream and stir gently until warmed through
Add Velveeta and stir until melted then mix in cream cheese until smooth
Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until thick and creamy
Add garlic powder and onion powder and mix well
Add cooked pasta and toss until fully coated
Pour in a little beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce
Let cook for a minute until sauce thickens and coats the pasta

Serving:

Serves 6
Calories: 700
Net Carbs: 44g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 38g

Tips or Variations:

Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Golden crispy parmesan chicken topped with a rich creamy garlic sauce for the ultimate comfort dinner

Ingredients:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for sauce
2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped

Directions:

Slice chicken breasts into thinner cutlets and pound to even thickness
Set up three bowls with flour beaten eggs and panko mixed with Parmesan garlic powder Italian seasoning salt and pepper
Dredge chicken in flour dip in egg then coat in breadcrumb mixture
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and cook chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and crispy
Remove chicken and set aside
In the same skillet melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute
Pour in heavy cream and stir while scraping up browned bits
Add Parmesan cheese and simmer until sauce thickens
Slice chicken and plate then spoon garlic Parmesan sauce over the top
Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm

Serving:

Serves 4
Calories: 620
Net Carbs: 18g
Protein: 42g
Fat: 40g

Tips or Variations:

Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth

Hibachi Chicken & Shrimp with Sautéed Cabbage

Juicy hibachi chicken and shrimp with buttery sautéed cabbage for a quick high protein dinner at home

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs sliced into strips
1/2 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
3 cups cabbage chopped
1/2 cup onion sliced
1/2 cup carrots sliced
1 tablespoon butter or oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of salt

Directions:

Season chicken with garlic powder onion powder black pepper and a little salt
Lightly season shrimp with salt and black pepper
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat then add cabbage onion and carrots
Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until tender then add soy sauce salt and black pepper and set aside
Heat oil in another skillet over medium high heat and cook chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and fully cooked
Add butter garlic and shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink
Stir in soy sauce and teriyaki sauce and toss everything together until coated
Serve cabbage on a plate and top with chicken and shrimp

Serving:

Serves 4
Calories: 360
Net Carbs: 10g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 18g

Tips or Variations:

Add fried rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal
Squeeze fresh lemon over the top for a bright finish

Teriyaki Chicken with Fried Rice & Zucchini

Sweet savory teriyaki chicken with classic fried rice and tender zucchini for an easy takeout style dinner at home

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
3 cups cooked rice chilled
2 eggs lightly beaten
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup green beans or peas
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Black pepper to taste
2 zucchini sliced into rounds
1 small onion sliced
1 tablespoon butter or oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Pinch of black pepper

Directions:

Season chicken with salt and black pepper and set aside
Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat then scramble eggs until cooked
Add chilled rice carrots green beans soy sauce and black pepper then cook until heated through and slightly golden
In another skillet cook zucchini and onion with butter or oil for 5 to 6 minutes
Add soy sauce and black pepper and cook until tender with lightly browned edges
Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat and cook chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through
Add garlic teriyaki sauce soy sauce honey cornstarch and water then stir until thick and glossy
Serve fried rice with teriyaki chicken and zucchini on the side

Serving:

Serves 4
Calories: 470
Net Carbs: 38g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 18g

Tips or Variations:

Use day old rice for the best fried rice texture and avoid sogginess
Add scrambled egg or extra vegetables like broccoli or peppers for more variety

Garlic Butter Steak

Juicy garlic butter steak seared to perfection with rich flavors and a golden crust in every bite

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs steak ribeye sirloin or strip
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice optional

Directions:

Let steak sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes and pat dry
Season evenly with salt black pepper paprika garlic powder and Italian seasoning
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat until very hot
Add steak in a single layer and sear without moving for a few minutes until a deep golden crust forms
Flip and cook the other side until browned then reduce heat to medium
Add butter and let it melt then stir in garlic
Tilt the pan and spoon garlic butter over the steak for 1 to 2 minutes
Continue cooking until desired doneness is reached
Remove from heat add lemon juice if using and sprinkle with fresh parsley
Let steak rest for a couple of minutes before serving

Serving:

Serves 3
Calories: 520
Net Carbs: 2g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 36g

Tips or Variations:

Cut steak into bite size pieces before cooking for quicker searing and more surface flavor
Add mushrooms or asparagus to the skillet for a complete one pan meal