Balanced Plate of Roasted Chicken with Wholesome Sides!

🐔 Balanced Plate of Roasted Chicken with Wholesome Sides

🍗 Main Protein: Herb-Roasted Chicken Leg

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken leg quarters

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp thyme or rosemary

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Pat chicken dry and rub with olive oil, herbs, and seasonings.

3. Place on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment.

4. Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Squeeze lemon juice over before serving.

🧡 Mashed Pumpkin (or Sweet Potato)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin or sweet potato, peeled and cubed

• 1 tsp butter or olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil or steam pumpkin cubes until tender (about 10–12 minutes).

2. Drain well and mash until smooth.

3. Stir in butter, salt, and pepper.

(Optional: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth.)

💚 Steamed Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups fresh green beans, trimmed

• Salt and pepper

• ½ tsp olive oil or a pat of butter

Instructions:

1. Steam green beans for 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

2. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before serving.

❤️ Beet Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 large beet, boiled or roasted, then diced

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1 tsp vinegar (apple cider or balsamic)

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Combine diced beets with oil, vinegar, and salt.

2. Mix gently and chill before serving.

🤍 Creamy Cabbage Slaw

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely shredded cabbage

• 2 tbsp plain yogurt or light mayonnaise

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Chill for 10 minutes before serving for better flavor.

🍽️ Plating

• Place one roasted chicken leg on the plate.

• Add a scoop of mashed pumpkin, a portion of green beans, diced beets, and cabbage slaw on the side.

• Drizzle a bit of lemon juice or olive oil for brightness.

💡 Nutrition & Balance

This plate gives you:

• Protein: Roasted chicken

• Complex carbs & fiber: Pumpkin/sweet potato, beets, green beans

• Healthy fats: Olive oil/yogurt dressing

• Micronutrients: Vitamins A, C, K, iron, and antioxidants

It’s a balanced meal for energy, recovery, and overall health.

❓Q&A Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of leg quarters?
✅ Yes! Use boneless chicken breast and roast or pan-sear for 20–25 minutes. Keep it moist by marinating first.

Q2: How can I make it vegetarian?
✅ Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas, lentil patties, or grilled tofu.

Q3: Can I meal-prep this dish?
✅ Absolutely. Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken and mash; serve veggies cold or warm.

Q4: Can I add a sauce?
✅ A light garlic-yogurt sauce or gravy works great. Mix Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon, and herbs for a quick one.

Q5: How to make it lower in calories?
✅ Use skinless chicken, less oil, and swap mayo with yogurt in the slaw.