Looking for chicken-based lunch recipes that will warm your soul - and your mood - during the winter? Lunch is an important meal - some even consider it the most important meal of the day! Eating lunch raises your blood sugar levels, giving you the energy to get through your work day. This energy also helps you concentrate better for a more productive afternoon.
Here are some warm comfort recipes to add to your lunch menu over the winter.
Nothing hits home quite like chicken soup. Not only does it warm your soul, but also it can clear nasal congestion, ease cold symptoms and help your body repair itself. There are plenty of great recipes on the internet, so find one that suits you and customize it to your liking. For instance, you can use couscous instead of noodles or add fresh peas.
Another winter lunch recipe that you’ll love is chicken chili. Like chicken soup, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your preferences. We really like this white bean chicken chili recipe because it packs in plenty of flavor using cream cheese, cannellini beans, corn and rotisserie chicken. Top with sour cream, cilantro and tortilla chips.
Chicken lettuce wraps are easy to make, and they take a refreshing spin on a traditional wrap. Cook the ground chicken ahead of time and warm it up at work. Or, if you’re home for the day, you can serve the chicken hot and fresh on a bed of lettuce. This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and cook. You may have to hit up the grocery store beforehand to get ingredients like rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce and whole water chestnuts.
If you have a lot of leftover ingredients like tomatoes, lettuce and cheese, you can put together a burrito bowl using shredded or rotisserie chicken. Load up the bowl with rice, veggies, avocados and beans, add the chicken and top with shredded cheese and sour cream. You’ll have a protein packed meal that warms the heart.
If you’re looking for something comforting but fresh, try a Mediterranean grilled chicken salad. This recipe uses chicken breasts and fresh ingredients like romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, feta and cucumbers. You can customize it anyway you’d like! After putting together the fresh ingredients, add the warm chicken and drizzle with olive oil.
Chicken salad never goes out of style - and you can use leftover chicken from the night before. Pick your favorite chicken salad recipe and make a batch ahead of time so you can grab-and-go in the morning. Plus, the flavors will have time to settle, making it taste better. Don’t forget to pack your favorite chicken sandwich bread such as a buttery croissant or hearty brioche bun.
If you don’t have time to pack a lunch, stop into La Rosa Chicken and Grill. We have a great lunch menu that includes chicken wraps, chicken salads, chicken tenders and more. Our individual meals are served with the sides of your choice and cornbread. They’ll be sure to warm you up this winter!