Tired of bland chicken breasts that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Craving delicious, healthy meals that actually support your fitness goals? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for Muscle Building Chicken is packed with protein, flavor, and is surprisingly easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend meal prep session. Get ready to elevate your chicken game and fuel those muscles!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a delicious, flavorful crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and bell peppers, and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
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Build the Flavor: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer to Perfection: Return the chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked brown rice or quinoa. This provides a complete and balanced meal, ideal for muscle recovery and growth.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing the chicken, work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
- Add other vegetables: Get creative with your vegetables! Zucchini, mushrooms, or corn would be delicious additions to this recipe.
- Make it a slow cooker meal: For an even easier option, transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary) for a zesty twist.
- Spicy Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Creamy Chicken: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
This delicious and easy muscle building chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to any healthy meal plan. It’s high in protein, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Enjoy!