Molecular Marketing

Buying meat is expensive, and as someone who relies on meat for a large majority of my protein needs, grocery costs can be high. I don’t like beans, tempeh, or seitan, so meat is a key player on my weekly list.

I’ve slowly introduced more plant-based protein sources into my diet, but meat still cuts into my budget. Chicken breasts are so expensive, which is why this week, I decided to put the work in and roast a WHOLE chicken!

As a bonus recipe for vegetarian and vegan readers, I’ve added my recipe for a fresh and lemony beet salad that’s sure to disappear quickly. It’s one of my favorites!

Roasted Chicken:

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. paprika

1 tbsp. garlic powder

Thyme

1/2 tbsp. salt

Pepper to preferences

3 tbsp. olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. While the oven is preheating, prep the chicken by removing the giblets, and rinsing it in water.
3. Mix ingredients and brush entire chicken with oil and spice mixture.
4. Cook chicken in oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. This step is crucial – undercooked poultry is dangerous!
5. Remove chicken and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
6. Some recipes state to brush chicken in drippings everyone 20 mins, but I didn’t and it came out juicy! This it to your preferences.

I removed as much meat from the chicken as I could, and shredded the majority. You could add the shredded chicken into burritos, wraps, pasta dishes, quesadillas, lettuce wraps, etc., the possibilities are endless!

Beets:

Ingredients:

3 large beets

1 tbsp. Lemon juice

1 tbsp. Olive oil

Fresh parsley

1. In a large pot, place beets and add water to completely submerge the beets
2. Boil on Med-High for 30 mins, or until they are pierce-able (think cooking potatoes!)
3. Allow beets to fully cool
4. Slice beets into desired size for salad
5. Toss beets lightly in olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley mixture

I love this recipe, as it’s versatile. Sometimes I add feta cheese, or even some steamed edamame. Whatever your dietary choices, it’s an easy recipe to customize just for you!

If you try this recipe, leave me a comment below! x