Living healthier is almost always the number one New Year’s resolution each year. Whether it’s getting more exercise, eating better, or combining the two, Americans always prioritize becoming a better version of themselves.
This month’s Dinner’s Ready recipe is brought to you by Justin and Tobie Southall, the husband and wife owners of Eastern Shore Chiropractic and Sports Clinic. This recipe will be perfect for those healthier meal plans this year.
“Balsamic Coco Amino Chicken with vegetables, rice, and salad is a weekday staple. We have it every week, and it never gets old,” Justin shared.
Coco aminos are an excellent substitute for soy sauce because they are low sodium, gluten-free, and soy-free. This is a simple alternative when it comes to making healthier eating choices.
“Each week, we say how good it tastes; plus, it’s quite healthy,” Justin continued. “We try to cook with quality ingredients and eat as clean as possible. We love chicken and rice and decided to give it a little twist.”
Justin and Tobie have been married for 17 years and together have three kids – Fisher (16), Killian (13) and Sadie (11). The kids are very active in extracurricular activities, making weeknights super busy.
“During the week, with football, basketball, gymnastics, and cheer, it’s a husband and wife team effort,” Justin explained when asked who did the cooking at home. “Tobie often preps it all before I walk in the door, and then off we go, usually eating by 6:30 pm. However, I am the cook on the weekends!”
When the Southall power couple isn’t working, they enjoy attending Coastal Church in Daphne. Justin also likes bow hunting, fishing, and coaching youth sports. Tobie enjoys running and working out. Mutually, they love to be with their kids.
“Family time, whether at the dinner table each evening or at sporting events for the kids, brings us the most joy in life,” shared Justin. He further explained the family eats at home together nearly every night unless they have a sporting event to attend. “We feel this is important family time and that many families skip this part of the day. We take the time to catch up on school, sports, homework, and any other excitement.”
Balsamic Coco Amino Chicken (with vegetables, rice and salad)
Ingredients:
- 2-3lbs organic boneless chicken breast, cut small, about one inch by one inch
- 2-3 tablespoons of grassfed butter or ghee
- 2-3 tablespoons of coco aminos
- 3 tablespoons of lemon balsamic white vinegar from Happy Olive in Fairhope
- Two heads of broccoli,separated
- One red bell pepper, sliced
- Rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salad ingredients (romaine, iceberg, cucumber, walnuts, green olives, cucumbers, craisins)
- Dressing (olive oil, dark balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon spicy mustard, 1 tablespoons olive juice and 1 teaspoon of honey)
Directions:
- Saute the chicken in the butter or ghee.
- Salt and pepper chicken to preference.
- As chicken browns on one side, add in the coco aminos and turn the chicken to finish cooking.
- Add in the white lemon balsamic vinegar to the pan for the last 3-4 minutes when you’re about to serve and make sure you turn the heat down as it will burn your pan.
- While browning the chicken, sauté the broccoli and pepper in a separate pan with the butter or ghee and salt and pepper.
- Start the rice per directions on rice
container. - Make the salad and dressing. Find your perfect dressing ratio, we prefer a 2:1 ratio balsamic to olive oil.
- Plate the food. Rice first, top with broccoli and pepper mixture and then the chicken. Salad on the side.
Author: Gabriele Jones
Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.
