Orange Hoisin Chicken and Baked Ziti Casserole

Both of these recipes are borrowed from Cooking Light, and both were fantastic! While I did forget to take a picture of the ziti, Google hooked me up with a nearly identical picture (but more artistic, of course) of the ziti my kitchen turned out.

Orange Hoisin Chicken

2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

3 slices fresh ginger (peeled about 1/4-inch thick)

3 garlic cloves (minced)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 teaspoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons cold water

6 frozen boneless skinless chicken breast halves (do not thaw)

In a zip lock bag, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. One at a time, put the chicken in the bag, seal, and gently shake to coat with the sauce. Transfer the coated chicken to the slow cooker, then pour the remaining sauce over the chicken. 

Cover and cook on low until the chicken is tender and cooked through 5-6 hours. 

Transfer the chicken to a warm platter. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepan. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water. Bring the sauce to a boil over high heat, add the slurry, and cook, stirring a few times until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Pour some of the sauce over the chicken & pass the rest on the side. 

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrition Information (per serving)*: Calories 335 Calories from Fat 53 (15%) Amount Per Serving %DV Total Fat 5.9g 9% Saturated Fat 1.1g 5% Monounsaturated Fat 2.0g Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g Trans Fat 0.0g Cholesterol 102mg 34% Sodium 748mg 31% Potassium 564mg 16% Total Carbohydrate 27.0g 8% Dietary Fiber 0.5gm

I served over brown rice with a side of steamed broccoli - delicious!

Baked Ziti Casserole

6 ounces uncooked, whole wheat ziti (short tube-shaped pasta)
2 cups marinara
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded Asiago cheese, divided
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
6 ounces ground turkey breast
Cooking spray 
 

Preheat oven to 350°.  

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Brown ground turkey in a pan over medium heat until cooked through. 

Combine pasta, marinara, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Asiago, salt, pepper sauce, and turkey in a large bowl. Spoon into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and remaining 2 tablespoons Asiago. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.      Yield: 4 servings 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)*: CALORIES 362 FAT 10.5g FIBER 3.5g      *Nutrition Facts not verified.       

Today is Ohio State vs. Illinois -- game on! We're having people over (OSU fans, none-the-less) to celebrate the friendly rivalry. The fridge is stocked with (light) beer, and I do believe chili and a healthy version of Buffalo Chicken Dip are on the menu. More on that tomorrow...have a wonderful Saturday!