Lunch: Crispy Ham and Cheese Chicken with Sweet Peas and Rice

Recipe by Woman's Day Kitchen Comforting chicken and rice is even more delicious when salty, savory ham and gooey cheese are added to the mix.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast

Health benefits of Crispy Ham and Cheese Chicken with Sweet Peas and Rice

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. whole-grain mustard
Black pepper
2 oz. Gruyère
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 large thin slices deli ham
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 c. instant rice
1 c. frozen peas
1/4 c. Chopped chives

Instructions

Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil. In a small bowl, combine the mustard and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; stir in the cheese.
Pound the thickest part of the chicken so it is 1/2-inch thick.
Lay 2 ham slices horizontally and slightly overlapping on your work surface. Spoon 1/4 of the cheese mixture onto the middle and top with a chicken breast (top-side down). Wrap the ham slices around the chicken. Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken (seam-side down first) until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken, seam-side down, to the prepared baking sheet and roast until the chicken is cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to package directions. Fold in the peas, then the chives. Serve with the chicken.

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