Looking for a quick and delicious meal that won't break the calorie bank? Look no further than this 1 serving Southwest Chicken Bake, which comes in at just 470 calories per serving!
Loaded with savory chicken, sweet corn, and spicy peppers, this recipe packs a flavorful punch. And the best part? It's super easy to make!
In this article, we'll explore the preparation and health benefits of this dish, as well as some tips for reducing calories and suggestions for healthy meal pairings.
Preparation of the Dish
To prepare this delicious Southwest Chicken Bake, you will need the following ingredients: 1 chicken breast, diced 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Ingredient List
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, and/or yellow) 1/2 cup diced onion
Wondering how many calories are in a serving of this delicious dish? Here's the nutritional information for 1 serving (based on the ingredient list above): - Calories: 470 - Protein: 29g
Calorie Breakdown
Where do those 470 calories come from? Here's a breakdown of the calorie content by ingredient: - Chicken breast: 170 calories - Corn kernels: 70 calories
Possible Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few possible variations on this classic dish: - Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken - Add diced jalapeno peppers for extra spice
Tips to Reduce Calories
Looking to shave off a few calories? Here are a few tips to help you reduce the calorie content of this dish: - Use non-stick cooking spray instead of oil or butter - Reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe
Healthy Meal Pairing
Want to make this dish part of a healthy and balanced meal? Here are a few suggestions for healthy side dishes that pair well with Southwest Chicken Bake: - Roasted sweet potatoes - Steamed or roasted broccoli
Recipe for Leftovers
Got some leftovers? Don't let them go to waste! Here's an easy and delicious recipe you can make with leftover Southwest Chicken Bake: - Southwestern Chicken Wrap - Use a whole grain tortilla, along with fresh greens, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a healthy and satisfying wrap.
Storage and Reheating
How should you store and reheat your Southwest Chicken Bake leftovers? Here are a few tips: - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days - Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through
Frequently Asked Questions
Have some questions about this recipe? We've got answers! - What is the best way to incorporate more veggies into this recipe? - Can I substitute quinoa for the rice in this dish?
Eating healthy doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor. This Southwest Chicken Bake is proof of that!
Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest Chicken Bake
1. What is Southwest Chicken Bake?
Southwest Chicken Bake is a dish made with chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cheese. It is seasoned with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt, and baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. How many calories are in one serving of Southwest Chicken Bake?
One serving of Southwest Chicken Bake contains 470 calories. The dish is relatively high in protein, with 32 grams per serving, but also has a moderate amount of fat and carbohydrates.
3. Can I customize the toppings in Southwest Chicken Bake?
Absolutely! Southwest Chicken Bake is a very versatile dish and you can adjust it to your personal taste. Try adding sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro on top. You can also swap out the black beans or corn for other vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
4. How do I store leftovers of Southwest Chicken Bake?
If you have leftovers of Southwest Chicken Bake, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven, but the cheese may become slightly grainy if it's reheated too many times.
5. Is Southwest Chicken Bake a healthy food choice?
While Southwest Chicken Bake is a relatively balanced meal with plenty of protein and fiber, it is also fairly high in calories and sodium. If you're watching your calorie intake, you may want to adjust the portion size or swap out some of the ingredients for lower-calorie options (such as using reduced-fat cheese or skipping the sour cream). However, as an occasional treat, Southwest Chicken Bake can certainly be part of a healthy diet and provides a hearty and flavorful meal.