The bariatric diet can feel overwhelming at first. Your new recommended portion sizes also complicate meals, as most traditional recipes feed at least four people eating larger portions. It’s also challenging to calculate the calories in a casserole or one-pot meal because the serving size isn’t precise. If you have single-serving recipes on hand, you can know the exact nutrition information in your meal without worrying about the leftovers going to waste.
Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch Wonton Muffins
These “muffins” are a great option to bring to a barbecue or serve up to the entire family. You can also prep the mixture in advance and freeze it for future meals.
Ingredients
To make these wonton muffins, you’ll need:
- 24 wonton wrappers (you can usually find these in the produce section near the tofu)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 5 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- ¾ cup ranch dressing, yogurt-based
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese, divided into 2 oz
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 2 tsp coconut or canola oil*
*You can use cooking spray instead to reduce the calories and fat content
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375F and coat a 12-count muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Cut your chicken into strips and place them inside a plastic bag. Add the ranch seasoning and work it around the bag until the chicken strips are all coated.
- Cook the strips in the oil or cooking spray over medium heat until they are fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and chop the chicken into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped chicken and bacon with the ranch dressing in a bowl and stir until you have an even mixture.
- Line the bottom of each muffin tin with a wonton wrapper. Spoon enough of the chicken mix to fill it about halfway and sprinkle it with the first half of your cheese. Add the second wonton wrapper over the mixture and repeat.
- Bake the wonton muffins for 18-20 minutes. The wrappers should turn golden brown. Allow the wrappers to cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven.
You can get creative with this recipe and switch things up to keep things interesting. Some examples include:
- Wonton pizzas using mozzarella, marinara, and pepperoni
- Chicken broccoli alfredo using alfredo sauce, finely chopped broccoli, and chicken
- Taco cups using ground beef, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with chiles, and shredded cheddar
Life after bariatric surgery doesn’t mean boring, bland chicken for the rest of your days. Part of enjoying life is enjoying the meals you make. Eating tasty foods that put a healthy twist on your old favorites can help you stay on track with your diet without growing bored with your diet. Have questions? Contact us to discuss your concerns and learn how bariatric surgery can help you can achieve your weight loss goals.
