We have a weight loss contest going on in our household. David and one of our New Year’s Eve gang friends, Barbara, have challenged each other to lose 15 pounds. The first one to do so will get a monetary reward. They both have been struggling since January 1st with a weigh-in each Monday. They are both getting close. It is down to just a few pounds each. But they have decided to extend the contest to 20 pounds lost. Needless to say, I have been challenged to put healthy low-fat food on the table.
Cooking Light came to the rescue with this Margarita-Braised Chicken Thighs recipe. The spiced flour coating made the thighs crispy. The tequila sauce, onions and tropical fruit added juiciness to the oven braised dish. It was a real winner. It was also quick and easy. I served it with farro and broccolini.
We had this for dinner last night. It may have done the trick, because David’s weigh-in this morning indicated 4 pounds to go to reach the 20 pound goal. I hope no one gives Barbara this recipe.
MARGARITA-BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS ( Cooking Light )
1/2 cup flour
1 Tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking Spray
1 cup thinly sliced onion (about 1 medium)
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup tropical dried fruit (I used a combination of cranberries and pineapple)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup tequila
1 lime, thinly sliced
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Combine first 3 ingredients in a small baking dish. Sprinkle chicken with salt; dredge chicken in flour mixture.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Transfer chicken to a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Add onion to pan; cook 3 minutes. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute.
Combine fruit, juice, and tequila in a microwave-safe dish, and microwave at high 2 minutes. Pour fruit mixture into pan; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Cook 1 minute. Pour onion mixture over chicken; top with lime slices. Bake at 400 degrees F. for 20 minutes or until chicken is done. Yield: 4 servings. 350 Calories.
This sounds wonderful! Go David Go!
I’m kind of rooting for both of them. They have had fun with this and have given each other inspiration. But the money would be nice. LOL.
Well Penny, the dish looks fabulous and 350 calories per serving is wonderful; however, I am allergic to Tequilla! Any suggestions for a substitute? Don’t count me out of the race yet! I am still working hard to best Dave to the finish line! Barbara
You can substitute full fat coconut milk Barbara. Hardly any calories. Hope it works !
Coconut milk for tequilla? No, no, no, Barbara. Substitute vodka or rum to keep the alcohol theme going, and the 350 calories is for 2 thighs…you are probably only going to eat one….so only 175 calories. This dish is already in the My Fitness Pal database with a serving size of 1 thigh. How convenient is that?
It was a joke David. Don’t you want to win?
Well done David and friend!
This looks delicious, Penny. I will give it a try, as it looks like the sort of dish that might get a spot on my summer-favourites list. Last year I tried Ms Toody Goo Shoes’ Rosemary Fig Chicken. This sounds like a good addition!
Thanks so much H. Hope you like the chicken. Think I will have to try the Rosemary Fig Chicken.
Hahaha re Barbara and the recipe! Looks good and congrats on the weight loss!!
David didn’t get the joke, but I knew Barbara would. They both have done well.
Penny, Dave and I will really have to write a book when this competition is over!
You do. You could call it Weight-Loss for the Tortoise and the Hare.
This sounds delicious.
I am so glad for David, but I am a little frustrated at how hard it is for women to drop a few pounds.
That’s why I mentioned the tortoise and the hare. David started out like gangbusters and lost weight quickly. Barbara plodded along. But he faltered, while she steadily lost. Now they are both within 3 pounds of their goal. Should know who the winner is soon. Thanks Madonna.
Absolutely brilliant! I love tequilla and chicken together. Such bright flavors in this, I love it!
Glad you like it Chris. You could adapt it to the grill, I am sure.
What a fun way to set weight loss goals! Good luck to both David and Barbara. I love chicken thighs and this recipe sounds like a winner!
Thanks for the encouragement Susan. They both have reached their goals. Still waiting for Barbara to weigh in this Monday.
This sounds wonderful. The fruit part is interesting! I like the chicken coating, too. Fun!