How to Make (Healthy!) Burgers Without a Grill

I love summer barbecues, but because I live in New York City, grilling isn’t usually an option. Enter oven-cooked burgers. Like many living in a big city, I don’t have access to a grill, and a George Foreman takes up too much countertop or cabinet space (and is so far from the real thing anyway!). But the truth is, there are many reasons why it’s not just okay, but even better to skip the grill and use your oven to make delicious burgers. (You know, the crave-worthy juicy, grass-fed kind from your annual family barbecue.) RELATED: The Essential Healthy Cookout Menu Why Oven-Cooked Burgers Work First of all, when you grill meat, you have to worry about creating carcinogenic compounds. Yes, those burnt ends and charred lines on a lean steak are tasty, but unfortunately those parts of the cooked meat are not good for your health in the long run. RELATED: Does Grilling Make Food Carcinogenic? The oven (and stove top) is also more convenient. Working in the kitchen means you have everything at your fingertips—your pots, pans, utensils, spices, and every ingredient in the fridge, freezer, and pantry. There’s no shuffling back and forth, and there’s less of a chance you forget to check on the food outside and end up with burgers that resemble hockey pucks. (We’ve all been there!) The oven is also there for you in every season, rain or shine, and doesn’t come with extra expenses like propane. It generally involves less mess, and easier clean up, too. Win-Win! Ready to enjoy some of your favorite grill recipes without leaving the kitchen? Make my delicious Organic Chicken Mushroom Burgers, now!

7 Healthy Chicken Dinners That Actually Aren’t Boring

Chicken is a popular American choice for lean protein, since it’s affordable, easy to cook, and has a neutral flavor. That doesn’t mean, however, that healthy chicken dinners have to be bland and boring. Those boneless, skinless breasts are actually a great canvas for creation, and depending on what you cook them with, they can be sweet, savory, spicy, or tangy. Step out of your comfort zone (or coop?) and try these recipes, next. 7 Healthy Chicken Dinners Sage- and Seed-Crusted Chicken Tenders Buh bye, breadcrumbs. Who needs ’em when you can get the same crispy texture from super healthy sesame and sunflower seeds?  Serve them with kale chips, and it’s a full, nutrient-packed meal. (FYI: This one is definitely kid-approved.) Spinach, Bok Choy, and Chicken Stir-Fry Bok choy is an under-the-radar Asian green that’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and here it’s combined with chicken and a ton of other nutrient-dense veggies—like peppers, scallions, spinach, and garlic. Not to mention how the sweetness of peanut butter complements salty tamari. Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken The standard grilled chicken breast gets a simple, fast upgrade thanks to a tasty, tangy marinade that also provides antioxidants. Stuffed Chicken Breast with Lemon-Artichoke Pesto Ham and cheese are not the only things you can stuff in a chicken breast. Instead, this recipe uses anti-inflammatory artichokes, walnuts, and antioxidant-rich garlic. Balsamic Chicken This one is simple and classic, meaning it will appeal to nearly everyone. It includes heart-healthy olive oil and the single most antioxidant-rich spice, oregano, and you can throw the finished product in all kinds of meals—over greens for a salad, for example, or on top of whole wheat pasta for dinner. Lemon Walnut Chicken The tangy lemon flavor pairs well with vibrant tarragon and crunchy walnuts. In addition to chicken’s lean protein, the nuts add healthy fats. Mango Chicken The fresh and colorful option: Bring a little island flavor into your kitchen (or, better yet, to your warm-weather barbecue) by adding nutrient-packed ingredients like mango, ginger, and cilantro to your chicken.