Budget Meal – $3 Honey Lime Chicken & Potatoes
FitMenCook
My name is Kevin. My life changed when I realized that healthy living is truly a lifelong journey, mainly won by having a well-balanced diet and enjoying adequate exercise. By experimenting in the kitchen and openly sharing my meals, I learned that healthy eating is hardly boring and that by making a few adjustments, I could design a diet that could help me achieve my personal fitness goals. Our bodies are built in the kitchen and sculpted in the gym.
On a budget? Chicken (thighs) and potatoes are among the most cost efficient items you’ll find in your local grocery store. Here’s how you can easily turn them into a delicious calorie-conscious meal by using common pantry items.
Here’s the approximate cost breakdown for this less than $4 meal.
- skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed – $6
- 2 limes – $0.40
- fingerling potatoes – $3
- raw mixed greens – $2
- Roma tomatoes – $1.50
- 2 avocados – $2
Budget Meal – $3 Honey Lime Chicken & Potatoes
Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 1 1/2 lb skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed
- Marinade
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- juice from 1 lime
- pinch sea salt & pepper
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 lb fingerling potatoes, quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (OR chili powder)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (OPTIONAL)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot (OPTIONAL)
- pinch of sea salt & pepper
- spray avocado oil
- Salad
- 10oz raw mixed greens
- 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 2 small avocado, diced
- Garnish
- red pepper flakes on chicken
- olive oil for INDIVIDUAL serving of salad
- Set air fryer to 400F (or set oven to 420F).
- In a sealable plastic bag (or bowl), add the chicken thighs and the ingredients for the marinade. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes in the fridge or overnight.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the quartered potatoes and the seasonings and oil. Shake the bowl and ensure the potatoes are all covered. Note: If you are using arrowroot starch to help the outside get crispy, the outside of the potato may be sticky. This is normal.
- Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket, or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the potatoes out. Before cooking, lightly spray with avocado oil (or olive oil). Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, shaking halfway, or cook until the outside is golden and crispy.
- As the potatoes are cooking, set a nonstick skillet on medium high heat. Once hot, spray the skillet with avocado oil and add the chicken thighs. Note: with the honey, the chicken will sear quickly and potentially burn so monitor it more than usual to flip it over if so. Cook on each side for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping back and forth to avoid burning.
- Assemble the salad with chopped tomatoes, sea salt & pepper. Enjoy with your choice of low-calorie vinaigrette OR a serving (1 tablespoon) of olive oil for EACH serving.
- Build the meal – a portion of chicken, serving of potatoes and a mixed green salad.
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