Greek Stuffed Chicken

Have you read my post on Parsley Tea?  If not, you should check it out because there are so many health benefits to parsley, especially those of us that suffer from Hidradenitis Suppurativa or inflammation.  This recipe is loaded with the anti-inflammatory properties of parsley along with other ingredients that help fight inflammation.  Not to mention, it is loaded with flavor and delicious!

Ingredients
Chicken breasts
Sauce
3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. garlic powder
2 tbsp. parsley
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. pepper
Juice from 1 lemon
For Stuffing
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup Portobello mushrooms
1 red onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 can original Rotel tomato (or fresh chopped tomato)
1 tsp. parsley
1/2 cup fat-free feta

***Preheat oven to 425.

• Butterfly the chicken breasts.
• In a separate bowl, combine all the ingredients of the sauce and place chicken breasts in the sauce.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil, onion, garlic, mushrooms, and tomato over medium heat until tender.  Remove from heat and add in parsley and feta cheese.  
• Add olive oil spray to a baking dish.  Place chicken in the baking dish and stuff ingredients into the chicken breasts and seal with toothpicks.  
• Pour sauce mixture over chicken breasts.  
• Cook for 30 minutes.  

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:  Extra virgin olive oils have a phytonutrient called oleocanthal.  Studies have shown this natural phenolic compound helps fight inflammation.  Extra virgin olive oils are also rich in antioxidants which helps boost the immune system.  Here is another example of a food that may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.  Try cooking with extra virgin olive oil and make sure to avoid those vegetable oils!

Garlic: Not only does garlic contain anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is what I consider a superfood.  It lowers blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar.  Garlic also protects the liver and contains anti-tumor properties.  It has the ability of boosting the lymphatic system which functions as a defense in the immune system. 

Parsley: Parsley contains natural chemicals called phytonutrients, specifically flavonoids, which help prevent unnecessary inflammation throughout the body.  The oil in parsley has been known to decrease swelling and pain.  Parsley also contains histidine, an amino acid which helps with wound healing and helps repair tissue damage.  Parsley is also high in mineral content such as magnesium and zinc.  Magnesium is a common mineral that is lacking in our bodies.  A diet deficient in magnesium can cause inflammation.  Zinc has many anti-inflammatory benefits such has helping remove substances that cause inflammation in the cells.  Parsley is also high in vitamin C which boosts the immune system.  A strong immune system helps fight inflammatory disorders.  There are many more benefits, but I think you get the point!

Red Wine Vinegar:  Red wine vinegar may help balance your blood insulin levels.  Red wine vinegar also assists with digestion allowing your body to absorb vitamins and minerals.  It is also known to help with inflammation.

Lemon: Lemons are known to remove toxins from the body.  They help cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system.  They also strengthen the immune system which helps fight many illnesses.

Portobello Mushrooms:  Mushrooms are a good source of fiber which help control blood insulin levels.  Mushrooms contain a high concentration of ergothioneine which is an anti-inflammatory.

Red Onion:  Red onions contain quercetin which has powerful antioxidants.  Quercetin is known to act like an anti-inflammatory by releasing histamine in the body.  Onions also contain chromium which help control the blood insulin levels.