3 Healthy Chicken-Based Comfort Food Recipes That Are Perfect For Fall

For many, fall is a season of comfort and anticipation for the impending holiday season. This means that many people are getting out their chef hats and fall ingredients in hopes of whipping up some comfort food for a chilly day. And considering the fact that Americans consume an average of 90 pounds of chicken every year, chicken is one of the most versatile and beloved foods to incorporate into any dish. Here are just a few healthy and simple chicken recipes to try this fall.

Honey Garlic Wings

Most people hear the phrase 'chicken wings' and instantly assume that they're fried, and therefore, loaded with fat. However, this recipe, provided by The Endless Meal, uses the oven as a healthier cooking method. Unlike other recipes, these wings taste just as crispy as they would fresh out of the fryer. What's more is that the herbaceous blend of spices comes together to create an absolutely delectable flavor profile with fresh garlic, honey, soy sauce, ginger, cilantro, fresh cracked black pepper, and chili flakes. And on the off-chance that you do have leftovers, make sure to store them properly -- vacuum sealers preserve food three to five times longer than food stored in plastic bags or containers. These wings make a great appetizer, dinner, or game day snack.

Chicken Chili Stew

When it comes to comfort food, any type of chili or stew makes the top of the list. Fortunately, Martha Stewart provides this healthy recipe that features chicken thighs, poblano chilies, onions, garlic, and fresh oregano to create a hearty and delicious meal that will keep you full for hours. It can be whipped up in about an hour and 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights and relaxing weekend afternoons. Furthermore,

Chicken And Sweet And Sour Onions

According to the CDC, 32.6% of men ages 20 and up have high blood pressure or are taking prescriptions for hypertension. And while dietary changes are certainly necessary to successfully combat this condition, there's no reason that diet has to be bland and lacking flavor. BPNutritions put together this simple recipe that doesn't have the salt or fat of traditional sweet and sour chicken recipes.

"Of all the meats allowed and encouraged on a heart-healthy diet, chicken ranks the highest," explains Toni Wolf. "This is because chicken is relatively high in potassium -- a mineral that can counter the blood pressure increasing tendencies of sodium. Additionally, skinless poultry is lower in fat and high in fiber, both of which help patients of high blood pressure."

The best part about this recipe is that it follows all the guidelines of the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), so if you do suffer from high blood pressure, this is the fall comfort food recipe for you.

Ultimately, chicken is one of the most versatile and healthy foods when prepared properly. Be creative in your seasonal cooking endeavors and never be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!

Kelsey R. is a writer and an avid world traveler. When she's not writing or listening to 80s music, you can find her exploring different countries, taking selfies with her dog Lady, and in constant search for the perfect brownie recipe.