Orange Garlic Basil Chicken

Day 12 Insanity.  The massive pool table in our family room has been moved to the side of the room. We are now a group of 5 meeting 6 days a week at 6 in the morning.  Like clockwork or a well oiled machine. If you were a fly on our wall you'd see the dedication and sweat.  You'd hear the grunting, an occasional burp and ensuing joke. You'd hear a few encouraging words. You'd see high fives at the end of the 40 minute workout and a sense of accomplishment by all.

    Here's my latest dinner dabble in the land of healthiness:

• 8 chicken breasts
• Juice of 1 orange
• Zest of half an orange
• 8 garlic cloves
• 1 pound of fresh green beans
• 10 basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon light butter spread or coconut oil
• brown rice
• almonds to garnish
• salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the brown rice according to package directions. Zest half of the orange. Juice the orange. Peel and slice the garlic cloves.

Pour 3/4 of the fresh orange juice & zest over the chicken breasts. Add 2 teaspoons soy sauce. Add a bunch of garlic (but save some for the green beans). Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the chicken well and marinate for 30 minutes or longer if you have time.

Steam green beans and remaining garlic. Pour remaining orange juice over the green beans. Toss in the teaspoon butter spread.

Grill chicken breasts for about 25 minutes depending on thickness.

Place basil in a bowl with a light mist of water and microwave for 30 seconds. 

On a plate, place grilled chicken on top of brown rice. Top the chicken with cooked basil and garnish with almonds. Serve green beans on the side.