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Saturday, November 14, 2009

Paula Deen's Lean: Hot Chicken Salad

I tend to think of chicken salad as being a warm-weather type of food. So, when I saw that Paula had a Hot Chicken Salad recipe, I had to take a closer look. First I thought, "Eeeww, a hot chicken salad? I'm not so sure about that." But, then I remembered who we were talkin' about here; Paula Deen. Does she really make anything desserving of an "eeewww"?..NEVER! So, with a couple small changes to this already super-simple recipe, I made a lean, hot chicken salad dish that the entire family loved. In fact, my husband Rudy wanted to make sure that ya'll knew this comes very highly recommended. So I guess we can say that dish gets the official "Rudy Rudolph Seal of Approval". In other words, it's a Must-Make Makeover!


HOT CHICKEN SALAD
Serves 10



INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup diced celery
2 cup cooked chicken breast meat, cubed
1 cup Hellman's Low-Fat mayonnaise dressing (1 g fat per serving!)
1 cup grated 2 % sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed Reduced-Fat Ritz Crackers



DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 13 by 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.


In a large mixing bowl combine the chicken, celery, salt, pepper, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and cheese. Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spread the crushed crackers on top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly.


THE RESULTS:

This dish turned out better than I had anticipated. I shared with you my hesitations about making a hot chicken salad, but sometimes we just need to step outside the box a bit. And I am sure glad I did! By switchin' from real mayo to low-fat mayonnaise dressing, I saved a ton of fat. Plus, by using reduced-fat crackers instead of chips, fat was literally cut right off the top.


It's simple, it's delicious and to top it all off...it is nutritious! For families with children, I would categorize this as a kid-friendly dish as well. My 18-month- old polished her plate off in no time at all.


So, give Paula Deen's Lean Hot Chicken Salad a try. I hope you ENJOY!!

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving): 117.6 calories;  4.8g fat;  6.6g carbohydrate;  13.2g protein;  .2g fiber


18 comments:

  1. ym1 that sounds really good! I'll think I'll have to come back and try that out. thanks for sharing. Stopping by from STIS :)

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  2. Hey, I am so happy to know about your blog. I am always on the lookout for ways to make everything just a bit healthier. Looks like you have some great things going here! Thanks for your efforts. I'll check back again.
    Found you on SITS. Have a great weekend!

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  3. It's great when we get our hubby's seal of approval on dishes we prepare isn't it?

    Have a Happy Sunday. Came over via SITS.

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  4. I can see where your hesitation about making a hot chicken salad came from, I'm feeling the same. But the ingredient combination makes it sound really good and I think I will try it. I love food blogs!! You got another follower.

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  5. YUM! I LOVE Paula Deena and new recipie ideas! whata great idea for your blog ohhh an your blog is cute too! visiting from SITS www.atlmomguide.com

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  6. wow that looks delicious! following you for more great ideas. no pressure...

    SITS friend.

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  7. I LOVE Paula!! Can't wait to read more recipes :)

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  8. That actually sounds really good! And soooo easy! Thanks!

    Stopping by from SITS

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  9. Wow, that's a winner. I'm definitely going to try it. It sounds so good.

    I stopped by from SITS and glad I did. Now I have to follow your blog! Hope you'll return the visit!

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  10. I LOVE your blog!! How fun! I love seeing how I can eat and cook yummy and still healthy! I will be checkin' back...and I will keep this warm chicken salad in mind! =)

    I just posted a low fat version from self.com of pecan tartlets, stop by and check it out!
    Stoppin' by from SITS!

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  11. What a great idea for a blog! I love Paula Deen, but think I would love her dishes with more of a lean twist. I'm now a follower and will be checking back often!
    Sarah
    www.thestrollerballet.com
    (found you on SITS)

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  12. That looks weird, in a completely delish way!! I have to try it.

    Stopping by from SITS :)

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  13. Wow, this recipe sounds absolutely AMAZING! I just shared it with my hubby and we have decided we are going to try it for our family get together next week! Thanks so much for sharing! :0)

    I was stopping by from SITS to share a bit of comment love and I'm really glad I did! I am going to start 'following' you. I'd love for you to visit me, too.

    I hope you have an amazing evening!

    Teresa <><

    http://toomanyheartbeats.blogspot.com

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  14. New follower here! Love your blog, way cute! I love me some Paula. This recipe looks amazing I will definitley give it a try.

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  15. Popped over from SITS.

    This caught my eye -- looks good! I might just have to give this one a try. :)

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  16. I love the original recipe but seldom make it because it just screams "Fat!!" Can' t wait to try it your way.

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  17. Do you know the nutritional information for this. I am always looking for new recipes for my weight watchers plan. I look forward to trying some of the recipes.

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