Baked Chicken Thighs: Food Bloggers Against Hunger

I made this meal for $4, for a family of four.  The recipe is very adaptable, and is a great place to start for a simple baked chicken.  A blank canvas, yet also delicious just as it is, simple.  Baked chicken thighs $2, apple celery salad $1.00, and brown rice $1.00.

The average working family on SNAP has about $4 per day per person to eat.  $1.25 per meal per person needs creativity and time effective to get a healthful meal and balanced meal.  That leaves processed foods as choices that people make to be able to afford food and be quick and easy.  This country has steered us towards that type of eating.  And everyone is to blame for this.  But we can change, we can make a difference.  It takes people to stand up for what they believe is right, and to do the right thing takes a voice and some courage.  That is what The Giving Table has done for all of us bloggers.  She has created a platform and is working with Share Our Strength to have our voices be heard.  Because frankly, I am sick of this being a problem in our country.  The land of prosperity and possibilities should not have a food problem like it does right now.

It’s quite simple, make a meal for four people that is healthy, and balanced for $4.  That is the challenge Americans are faced with on a daily basis.  This is what I came up with…

Here are some links to for more information, education, and above all action!  Sign this letter, call to action, to have your voice heard.  It takes a few minutes and DOES make a difference.  Right now there are over two hundred bloggers taking time out of their busy days to write these posts in hope to make a difference.  It can start with a letter to congress…

 Letter to Congress: Call to Action

Hunger in America Education

A Place at the Table is a film recently made to help educate us on this subject. It is a must watch.

You can watch the film online through Amazon, iTunes, or find a theater near you.

I shop for rice, grains, and beans in the bulk section of grocery stores.  It makes it more affordable and can mix and match grains and beans for maximum nutrition.

 Ingredients:

2 lb chicken thighs, bone in and skin on

1 tablesppon olive oil

1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Method:

PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES

1.  Rinse chicken thighs under cold water, and pat dry with a paper towel.  In a cast iron pan, pyrex, or any oven safe vessel place the chicken thighs and drizzle the olive oil to coat. Using about 1 tablespoon for all of the chicken.  Take a pinch of salt, about 1/8 teaspoon, and sprinkle over the chicken.  Next, do the same with 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.

2.  Place the chicken in the oven and cook for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.  After 20 minutes lower the temperature to 375 degrees and cook for 20 minutes.  When the chicken is done, the juices should run clear when poked with a knife.  Chicken thighs should be cooked to 170 degrees when checked with a thermometer.  Make sure not to hit the bone when checking the temp.  Go for the center of the thigh, with the most amount of heat for the most accurate temperature reading.  For the best crispy skin, turn the oven off and turn the broil on high, cook the chicken for 5 minutes under the broiler.  Remove and serve.

Adapting recipe:  You can use different seasonings on this chicken to adjust flavor.  For example use turmeric, ginger, paprika  or garlic.  Add lime juice/zest, or lemon juice/zest.  If you have any questions let me know, I am here to help!

Serve with Apple Celery Salad and simple brown rice.

I am happy to say Senator across the U.S. were tweeting, and emailing us, and me personally for this call to action.  We made some noise in the New York Times, Huffington Post, and all over local new channels.  This is just the beginning.  Please do your part!