When it comes to exceptional dining, you do not have to leave the house. Making exceptionally delicious and appealing meals is so easy even a novice can do it correctly. With so many options on the market today, you will find that you can choose basically any ingredient and achieve culinary perfection. Just remember, everyone will have a preference when it comes to cooking and eating.



Mexican food is a favorite genre for fine dining in and out of the home. A simple chicken recipe can and will go a long way bringing the wonderful praise you deserve. In addition, the right chicken recipe is healthy while bringing the family closer together. Whether you make meals for one or a dozen, there are superb opportunities for keeping it safe, affordable, and scrumptious.

One of my favorites when it comes to Mexican food is this Texas Pecan Chicken. Delicious and healthy at the same time! Who could ask for more?

Texas Pecan Chicken

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

8 ounces fresh mushrooms, chopped

1/2 small onion, diced or 6 green onions

2 tablespoons butter

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon French style mustard

1 tablespoon snipped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 1/2 cups finely diced Texas pecans

1 cup fine bread crumbs

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Directions:

On hard surface with meat mallet, pound chicken to 1/4 inch thickness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté mushrooms and onions in butter. Cool. Mix with cream cheese, mustard and thyme. Divide into 4 equal portions and spread on each piece of chicken. Fold over ends and roll up, pressing edges to seal.

Mix pecans, bread crumbs and parsley in a bowl. Dip chicken in butter, then into crumbs, turning to coat. Place on greased baking sheet seam side down. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until done. Makes 4 servings.

Serve with rice and tossed salad.

When you are considering this fine Mexican food cuisine, you are going to find you can change the calories and fat content without losing the delicious taste. Here are a few suggestions for substituting ingredients to make this healthier for anyone watching their diet.

-- Instead of butter, use a healthier butter substitute. This will reduce the fat and calories while offering the same great taste.

-- Use fresh Texas pecans. These pecans are specifically made for this recipe and can be purchased easily especially if you happen to live in Texas.

-- Use a low-fat cream cheese instead of the regular cream cheese. This tastes just as good especially in cooking this recipe.

-- Instead of salt, use a low sodium salt. This will give you the taste enhancement while also giving you some needed minerals.

Remember, Mexican food recipes are popular these days, and the wonderful thing about this chicken recipe is that it can be easily modified to fit a healthy lifestyle. Simply make a couple substitutions for a wonderful meal that will please the most finicky of eaters.