Marinated Chicken Club Sandwich

School time lunches for the kids.

This means they're out of your hair and the house is yours again, but it also means a return to the grind of finding something fun, healthy and tasty for those packed lunches every morning.

To help out, we've compiled three quick and easy lunch time options based on bread, pita and pasta that are delicious, as well as nutritious. These are so appetising you'll probably want them for your own lunch as well.

Getting children used to enjoying healthy lunch choices is a great way to shape their future eating habits and long-term health, especially important with child obesity and related health problems on the rise.

You can rest assured that these three lunchbox treats will give your youngsters a nutritious and enjoyable alternative to the age-old jam sandwich.

The good news is that bread is a great foundation for what goes into your children's lunchbox. Delicious multi-grain breads, wholemeal pitas and wholegrain rolls are healthy options that give your child physical energy and mental fuel to keep them active and alert throughout the school day.

Grain-based foods such as bread contain essential vitamins and minerals and provide the body with healthy carbohydrates, the main source of energy for physical activity, healthy growth and good brain function. That's why official dietary guidelines list breads and cereals as one of the food groups we should eat most often.

How many servings?
A healthy diet should contain at least four serves of 'breads and cereals' each day. Examples of one serve are two slices of bread, one cup of cooked rice or pasta, or just over a cup of flaked breakfast cereal.

If you try the recipes provided below, you'll be helping your family get to the recommended four plus servings of grain-based foods every day.

Children will also love the grown-up look of the tasty Club Sandwich, especially if they see Mum and Dad taking it to work as well.

Marinated Chicken Club Sandwich

Serves 2
Preparation Time - 30 mins
Cooking Time - 3 mins

Ingredients:

1 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 chicken thigh fillets, trimmed
1 Bakers Delight Country Grain Block Loaf
1/4 cup whole-egg mayonnaise
3 iceberg lettuce leaves, finely shredded
1 tomato, thinly sliced
1 slice tasty cheese

Method:

1. Whisk oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper and salt in a ceramic bowl. Using a mallet, pound chicken until 1cm thick. Add chicken and turn to coat. Cover. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Cut six 1.5cm-thick bread slices from loaf. Toast. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 3 minutes each side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover.

3. Spread 2 toast slices with half the mayonnaise. Top with lettuce, tomato and chicken. Top with toast. Spread with remaining mayonnaise. Top with cheese and remaining toast. Cut in half. Secure with toothpicks. Serve.


For more information on the health benefits of grains, and more delicious family favourite recipes visit Go Grains Health and Nutrition at www.gograins.com.au


Pita Pockets with Double Smoked Ham and Avocado www.femail.com.au/pita-pockets-ham-avocado.htm
Marinated Chicken Club Sandwich www.femail.com.au/gg-marinated-chicken-club-sandwich.htm
Pasta Salad www.femail.com.au/gg-pasta-salad.htm