The Nutrition Of Herb & Pumpkin Seed Chicken

Chicken is an extremely versatile food. It’s lean, full of healthy protein and takes on flavors of other ingredients to transform it from flat to fantastic. Dark meat chicken typically is higher in fat and calories than white meat, but it also has a little more flavor. Pumpkin seeds also are a fairly healthy food choice, and combining them with a piece of chicken transforms bland meat and seeds into a delicious meal.

Calories

The calories in herb and pumpkin seed chicken vary depending on the serving size and type of meat used. A typical serving of chicken is 3 ounces, which equals two small drumsticks, one small thigh or one small breast. According to the National Chicken Council, dark meat pieces, including legs and thighs, contain 821 calories per serving. White meat has approximately 10 fewer calories per serving, so white meat herb and pumpkin seed chicken has approximately 811 calories.

Fats

Chicken is relatively low in fat, making it a good choice for anyone pursuing healthier eating habits. Pumpkin seeds are higher in fat than other seasoning choices, but they are low in cholesterol, and loaded with copper, zinc and protein. A single dark meat serving of herb and pumpkin seed chicken contains approximately 48 grams of fat, compared to 46 grams for a white meat serving.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a source of simple energy for our bodies, providing us the fuel we need to get through the day without feeling worn down. Carbohydrates are the macronutrient we need most in our diets, and the USDA’s Dietary Reference Intake states that adult men and women need approximately 130 grams of carbohydrates a day. A full serving of herb and pumpkin seed chicken contains 54.9 g of carbohydrates, or approximately 1/3 of the recommended daily adult intake.

Recipes

The National Chicken Council offers a simple baked recipe for herb and pumpkin seed chicken. Blend a mixture of pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs in a spice grinder and use it to coat 12 drumsticks. Bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and crisp. Epicurious offers a chicken and green pumpkin seed sauce that starts with shredded boiled chicken. Combine lightly fried pumpkin seeds in a blender with tomatillos, onions and chiles, and blend until soupy. Heat the pumpkin sauce in a pan, toss in the chicken and serve with warm tortillas. Cookstr's recipe for pumpkin seed stuffed chicken breasts is another delicious way to combine these two unique ingredients. Heat pumpkin seeds, onion and a little jalapeno in a frying pan, and pour in a bit of chicken broth once the onion is soft. Cook down until the japaleno is soft, then blend to a thick paste in a food processor. Pound each chicken breast to 1/4-inch thick and fill with 1 tablespoon of the seed mixture. Fold the breasts over to encase the seeds, dredge chicken in flour and pan fry until golden and the juices run clear.