What are some good south beach diet chicken recipes?

The South Beach Diet emphasizes lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Here are some chicken recipes that fit the South Beach Diet principles:

South Beach Diet Chicken Recipes

1. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Asparagus

* Ingredients:

* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into 8 pieces

* 2 tablespoons olive oil

* 1 lemon, zested and juiced

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, oregano)

* Salt and pepper to taste

* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed

* Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.

4. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until cooked through.

5. While chicken is roasting, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

6. Add asparagus to baking sheet for the last 10 minutes of cooking time.

7. Serve chicken with roasted asparagus.

2. Grilled Lemon Chicken with Avocado Salsa

* Ingredients:

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* 1 lemon, zested and juiced

* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, dill)

* Salt and pepper to taste

* Avocado Salsa:

* 1 ripe avocado, diced

* 1/2 red onion, diced

* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

* 1 tablespoon lime juice

* Salt and pepper to taste

* Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Grill chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

4. While chicken is grilling, prepare avocado salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl.

5. Serve grilled chicken with avocado salsa.

3. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

* Ingredients:

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

* 1/2 cup chopped onion

* 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

* 1 tablespoon honey

* 1 clove garlic, minced

* Salt and pepper to taste

* Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

2. Add chicken and cook until browned.

3. Add broccoli, onion, soy sauce, honey, and garlic.

4. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

* Ingredients:

* 1 pound ground chicken

* 1/2 onion, chopped

* 1 clove garlic, minced

* 1 tablespoon chili powder

* 1 teaspoon cumin

* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

* Salt and pepper to taste

* 1 head lettuce, leaves separated

* Toppings (such as chopped cilantro, avocado, salsa, sour cream)

* Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown ground chicken over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.

3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until flavors are combined.

5. Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves.

6. Top with desired toppings.

Tips for South Beach Diet Cooking:

* Choose lean cuts of chicken, such as breast or thigh without skin.

* Use healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado oil.

* Flavor your chicken with herbs, spices, citrus, and other natural ingredients.

* Pair chicken with vegetables and whole grains that are high in fiber and nutrients.

Remember: These recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to adjust them to your liking and preferences. Enjoy!