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3 Must Make Light & Healthy SPRING DINNER Recipes

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Originating from Greece, this dish embodies the Mediterranean love for fresh ingredients and bright flavors. Lemon chicken is a staple in Greek cuisine, often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive occasions. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a fragrant and flavorful meal that pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes. Today, variations of this dish can be found worldwide, showcasing the global appeal of Greek culinary traditions.

Ingredients

  • chicken thighs
  • potatoes
  • olive oil
  • lemons
  • garlic
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • onion
  • chicken broth
  • paprika
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5Flip the chicken and add chopped potatoes around the thighs in the skillet.
  6. 6In a bowl, mix lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and chicken broth; pour over the chicken and potatoes.
  7. 7Add sliced onion and toss everything to coat well.
  8. 8Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
  9. 9Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
  10. 10Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  11. 11Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon wedges if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

chicken thighs

Healthier: chicken breasts

Cheaper: bone-in chicken pieces

Chicken breasts are leaner, while bone-in pieces can be more economical.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a similar flavor profile, while canola is often less expensive.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with bouillon cubes

Vegetable broth can be lower in calories, while bouillon is budget-friendly.

lemons

Healthier: lime

Cheaper: vinegar

Lime provides a similar tartness, while vinegar is often cheaper.

Techniques

searingroasting

Equipment

oven-proof skilletmeasuring cupscutting boardknifemixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Medium

Also Known As

Lemon ChickenGreek Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
  • 1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the asparagus. Blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove and immediately place in ice water to stop cooking.
  3. 3In the same pot, add the peas and cook for 1-2 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside with the asparagus.
  4. 4In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
  5. 5In a large skillet over medium heat, add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the pesto mixture until well combined.
  6. 6Add the cooked pasta, asparagus, and peas to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy pesto sauce.
  7. 7Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  8. 8Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and pine nuts if desired.

Equipment

large potcolanderfood processorlarge skilletmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
pescatarian

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. 3Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, skin side down.
  4. 4Pour the cilantro lime mixture over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well coated.
  5. 5Let the salmon marinate for about 15-20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  6. 6Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  7. 7Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  8. 8Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Equipment

baking dishsmall bowlwhiskmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
veganvegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe mangoes, diced
  • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium bowl, combine the diced mangoes, chopped red onion, and minced jalapeño pepper.
  2. 2Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl.
  3. 3Squeeze the juice of 2 limes over the mixture.
  4. 4Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
  5. 5Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
  6. 6Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice or salt as desired.
  7. 7Let the pico de gallo sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. 8Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.

Equipment

medium bowlknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

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