The Kids Cook Monday: Italian Chicken Pita Pockets & Cucumber Salad

When kids pitch in making meals, they’re empowered to consider the portions, the vitamins and the nutrients of what they’re eating. And since the family that cooks together eats together, parents can check in with their children during dinner.

Grating veggies make them small enough to cook quickly and blend into the flavors and textures of other foods. Shredded spinach is a great addition to tomato sauces.

1 lb chicken breasts
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
salt & pepper to taste
2 tsp Italian seasonings
1 zucchini
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 really big handful of spinach or 1 10 oz pkg frozen
28 oz jar marinara sauce
8 oz low fat ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella
Pita Bread

Cut the chicken into nugget sized pieces. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt & pepper then add italian seasonings. Toss well to coat then put on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Set aside.

While the chicken is cooking grate the zucchini and onion. Cut or shred the spinach.

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the zucchini and onion. Cook for about 3 – 4 minutes until semi-tender. Add the spinach and garlic. Continue cooking for about another 3 – 4 minutes until the spinach has cooked down and all the veggies are tender.

Add the marinara sauce and begin heating through. Shred or pull chicken apart and add to the marinara. Add the ricotta and mozzarella, stir until well blended and cheese is melted.

Serve as pita sandwiches, makes about 6 - 8.



Cucumber Salad

Ash is just learning to slice and dice, we have lots of different sizes here. It's all part of the fun!

1 cucumber
1 red bell pepper
1 tomato
1 small onion
1/3 cup white vinegar
½ cup water
1 tsp sugar

Chop all of the veggies, add vinegar, water and sugar. Mix well. Salt & pepper to taste.

Sampling cucumbers!

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This recipe is linked up at:
Mouthwatering Mondays, Homemaker Monday, Monday Mania, Tuesdays At The Table, Delicious Dishes, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesday Night Supper Club


Italian Chicken Pita Pockets