Marinara Chicken Melts

Posted on January 24th, 2012 by peanutbutterfingers

Last night’s dinner was so easy, but had both me and Ryan “mmm-ing” over how good it was for a little too long.

marinara chicken melts 004

Marinara chicken melts!

marinara chicken melts 001

To make the melts, I combined about two cups of shredded chicken that we had leftover from a chicken we roasted over the weekend. I then poured marinara sauce over the meat until it was saturated in tomato sauce.

After toasting two pieces of whole wheat bread, I topped the bread with the chicken and some shredded cheese and microwaved it until the cheese melted a bit.

marinara chicken melts 005

Roasted green beans added a pop of green to the plate.

marinara chicken melts 007

Not too shabby for a Monday night!

After dinner and a walk with Sadie, we watched The Bachelor (and the Bulls game during the commercials… plus Ryan DVRed it). Courtney had me swirling further and further in to a world of irritation with each lip bite and “winning” comment. Ah.

I capped off the night with a little bit of reading and am about halfway through The Night Circus. I’m entertained, but not enthralled.

Workout

Today’s workout was good. I started with a 20-minute cardio warm up split between the stair master and the elliptical, which I completed while reading a 2009 issue of Shape magazine. I take what I can get!

Then it was time for an upper body and abdominal workout. I kept things movin’ pretty quickly today and my arms and abs were feeling the burn.

arms and abs workout
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I really liked alternating abdominal exercises with upper body strength exercises. It was a nice change of pace and kept me entertained and working hard.

Breakfast

Breakfast this morning looked like donkey doodoo, but tasted great.

chocolate protein oatmeal

I made myself a bowl of chocolate protein oats by stirring up the following before microwaving it for two minutes (stirring every 30 seconds to prevent overflow):

  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1 scoop Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Extreme Milk Chocolate protein powder
  • 1 spoonful peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
  • Enough almond milk to make everything moist

A cup of peppermint crème coffee brought a punch of caffeine to the table.

peppermint creme coffee

The caffeine buzz is getting to me today in a good way. I’m feeling productive and am off to make the most of it!

Filed under: Breakfast, Dinner, Workouts

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74 Responses to “Marinara Chicken Melts”

  1. 1
    Meg, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:39 am Said:

    I wish I could keep up with The Bachelor, but work keeps me at bay, haha. I’ll rely on Facebook for updates ;)

    I love any kind of melty dinner – cheese please!

    Enjoy your day!

      

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  2. 2
    Erin, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:39 am Said:

    You do know it is National Peanut Butter Day, right?

      

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  3. 3
    Elizabeth, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:40 am Said:

    don’t you love it when something easy hits the mark? e

      

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  4. 4
    Erin, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:43 am Said:

    Wow, dinner looks super delicious and cheesy! Even though breakfast doesn’t look that great, it sure sounds like it would be delish :)

      

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  5. 5
    Ellen @ Undercover Runner Eats, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:47 am Said:

    How do you keep your whey protein from curdling in your hot oats? I had to switch to exclusively overnight oats because of the terrible curdling effect :-/

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    January 24th, 2012 at 9:51 am

    hmmm… maybe it’s the kind of protein powder? or adding pumpkin to the mix? i find that adding pumpkin really, really helps keep the oats moist and fluffy.

      

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    Ellen @ Undercover Runner Eats Reply:
    January 24th, 2012 at 10:07 am

    I use the exact same protein powder from ON.

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    January 24th, 2012 at 10:14 am

    hmm. no idea, then. do you add pumpkin? maybe just adding more milk and stirring it regularly would help as well.

      

    Jessica Reply:
    January 24th, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    I used to have the same problem! If I add the PP after I cook the oats with a little extra liquid of choice it doesn’t happen – maybe give that a shot!

      

  6. 6
    Sabrina, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:47 am Said:

    Delicious dinner! That would be great on some focaccia or ciabatta bread too!

      

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  7. 7
    Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:48 am Said:

    i can’t wait to catch up on the bachelor today! courtney was already driving me nuts last episode… !!!

      

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  8. 8
    This Fit Chick, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:50 am Said:

    I love caffeine buzz :) that dinner looks so so so delicious, Julie!

      

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  9. 9
    Laura @ LauraLikesDesign, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:50 am Said:

    That mug is way too cute!

      

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  10. 10
    HRCK the Herald, on January 24th, 2012 at 9:53 am Said:

    Ha yeah…that breakfast doesn’t look too visually appealing. Though maybe you could spin it that it looks like pumpkin bread batter or something? No one should have to eat donkey doo doo :) ….

      

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  11. 11
    Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:00 am Said:

    Sometimes the best breakfasts look the worst! Trying to make pumpkin oats look appealing is almost impossible!! lol

      

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  12. 12
    Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:01 am Said:

    I love that workout—looks hard and fun. I too love adding in ab moves–so much more exciting! ha.

    Have a good day :) <—-it's national pb day, I believe!

      

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  13. 13
    Heather H. @ Run Eat Play, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:03 am Said:

    Your dinner looks yummy – I should try it for my husband and kids. I love your coffee mug!

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    January 24th, 2012 at 10:06 am

    even though we don’t have kids, i actually thought it would be a great meal for those with children! it’s delicious, easy and almost pizza-like. :) hope they enjoy!

      

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  14. 14
    Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:04 am Said:

    I really do not like Courtney. I feel like she’s going to be the Vienna (Jake Pavelka’s season) of this season.

      

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  15. 15
    Krysta, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:04 am Said:

    Ok, yum! Those melts look so delicious!

      

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  16. 16
    Jodi @ Southern Flavored Life, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:06 am Said:

    Ha! Donkey doodoo?

    The chicken marinara melts are a great, easy idea! Must try.

      

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  17. 17
    Lindsay, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:07 am Said:

    Between Courtney’s obnoxious overbite and mouse faces and Emily’s overuse of her mouth (did you notice her moving it side to side CONSTANTLY last night?), I was so distracted that I couldn’t pay attention to anything BUT the girls’ lips. Too funny.

    Also, I noticed you haven’t been posting as much at night…is that a permanent change? I love reading your dinner posts at night!

      

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  18. 18
    Paula @ lipstick and lunges, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:11 am Said:

    Sauce and cheese are always a winning combo! It’s like a chicken parm sub minus the fried battered chicken!
    I love love love training abs in between upper body strength moves. It keeps your workout moving and I get a better workout than when I just tack some core moves on the end of my workout.

      

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  19. 19
    Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:13 am Said:

    I love adding protein powder to oatmeal after a workout. It keep me fuller much longer!

      

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  20. 20
    Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:16 am Said:

    I just can’t get myself into the Bachelor! But your dinner on the other hand, is something I’d totally be up for. I love when awesome dishes come together unexpectedly!

      

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  21. 21
    Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:17 am Said:

    Courtney drives me crazy. She’s so pretty, but I wish Ben would see the other side of her. Only time will tell if he does…

      

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  22. 22
    Gina @ Running to the Kitchen, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:19 am Said:

    I love combining abs with upper body stuff too. I usually do the abs while I’m resting between sets so I don’t get bored just sitting there watching the clock! Although, I guess supersetting would eliminate that downtime.

      

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  23. 23
    MIndy L @ Clueless Nut, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:20 am Said:

    I love marinara on chicken! I know what I’m eating for
    din din tonight!! :)

      

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  24. 24
    Melissa, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:33 am Said:

    Loving your workout! I’m not feeling up to my typical Tuesday strength workout today, so maybe I’ll have to steal this one!

      

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  25. 25
    Katie @ Peace Love & Oats, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:38 am Said:

    oooo those sandwiches look absolutely delicious!!! I love anything with melted cheese!

      

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  26. 26
    Shannon, on January 24th, 2012 at 10:51 am Said:

    Hi:) the chicken melt sandwiches look delicious, we’ll be giving those a try some time.

      

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  27. 27
    Kayla, on January 24th, 2012 at 11:03 am Said:

    I don’t even use my workouts anymore..I always use yours! Super effective and fun! Thanks Julie!

      

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  28. 28
    Jackie, on January 24th, 2012 at 11:05 am Said:

    I have to talk about The Night Circus. It’s slow to build, but once you get rolling, and you know the characters better so the jumping isn’t so, so jarring, it moves much quicker. You’re going to be sad when it’s over, like a really fun friend is moving away. I read it on my kindle and ran out and bought the hardcover to have, too, because I liked it so much.

      

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    Emily N Reply:
    January 24th, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Yes yes yes! I agree with you. It took a bit, but right around halfway through it really starts rolling, plus you are adjusted to the time jumping. So awesome.

      

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  29. 29
    Cat @Breakfast to Bed, on January 24th, 2012 at 11:10 am Said:

    I think old magazines are hilars. Especially REALLY old ones, love the advice they give! Smoking is FINE. NEVER EVER put your baby to sleep on its back! FAT IS THE ENEMY!

      

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  30. 30
    Meredith, on January 24th, 2012 at 11:14 am Said:

    HAPPY NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER DAY!

      

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  31. 31
    Joelle (On a Pink Typewriter), on January 24th, 2012 at 11:20 am Said:

    Mmm you just reminded me I have pumpkin sitting in my cabinet, begging to be used!

      

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  32. 32
    Racheal @ Running with Racheal, on January 24th, 2012 at 11:21 am Said:

    I am new to your blog, but have enjoyed reading for the past few weeks. Thanks for the roasted green beans recipe. Can’t wait to try!

      

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  33. 33
    Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud!, on January 24th, 2012 at 11:24 am Said:

    That DOES sounds good, and simple!

      

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  34. 34
    kathleen @ the daily crumb, on January 24th, 2012 at 11:25 am Said:

    courtney is driving me craaaaazy. i feel like some of that has to be coached/scripted, though — i mean no one can be that terrible! right?!

    your marinara melts look delicious. for some reason shredded chicken breast tastes so much better to me than “regular”..

      

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  35. 35
    barbara_lola, on January 24th, 2012 at 11:49 am Said:

    I’m also a proud owner of an anthropologie-name-mug … do you also have nasty brown stains in it (from grean tea/coffee) ? I only bought it 3 weeks ago :-( (

      

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  36. 36
    Angela @ Health, Happiness & Harmony, on January 24th, 2012 at 11:53 am Said:

    Happy National Peanut Butter Day! Any big plans…? ;)

      

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  37. 37
    Paige @ Running Around Normal, on January 24th, 2012 at 12:01 pm Said:

    I almost bought that pp the other day, but went with Designer Whey instead. I like it, but am looking for a good choco flavor still…

      

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  38. 38
    Becky @ Fit Chick on the Fly, on January 24th, 2012 at 12:06 pm Said:

    Honestly I used to be a Bachelor watcher… but these girls urk me so much that I can’t even bare to watch anymore!!

    That oatmeal looks like the most delicious donkey doo doo I’ve ever seen LOL!

      

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  39. 39
    Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run], on January 24th, 2012 at 12:41 pm Said:

    Hi Julie – I was wondering how you create the workout ‘images’ that you include in your posts? Thanks! :)

      

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  40. 40
    Tracy @ Tracy's Treats, on January 24th, 2012 at 12:41 pm Said:

    Is it weird that I think marinara sauce goes well with almost anything? Your chicken melts look really yummy!

      

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  41. 41
    Ellie@Fit for the Soul, on January 24th, 2012 at 1:03 pm Said:

    ahhh that dinner reminds me of arroz con pollo a la Argentinean style! I would be mmmm-ing too. And your oats sound delicious! But yes, it’s never easy to make chocolatey stuff look appealing, is it? haha :P

      

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  42. 42
    Julie @ Orcas Health Journey, on January 24th, 2012 at 1:04 pm Said:

    Lol that chicken sandwich looks mouthwatering.. and for some reason its making me crave pasta like crazy!!! I just ordered me some Lasagna !

      

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  43. 43
    Jordan@almondjay, on January 24th, 2012 at 1:06 pm Said:

    That workout looks great. I definitely want to try this for my workout tomorrow – thanks for posting!

      

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  44. 44
    Khushboo, on January 24th, 2012 at 1:19 pm Said:

    Sometimes the easiest meals taste the best- as I’m sure your dinner confirmed!

      

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  45. 45
    Sarah, on January 24th, 2012 at 1:29 pm Said:

    This looks so simple yet delicious! A great use of leftover chicken! One thing I have missed with you not always blogging at night (though I completely understand!) is your dinner meals because it gives some creative ideas.

      

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  46. 46
    chelsey @ clean eating chelsey, on January 24th, 2012 at 1:38 pm Said:

    I needed a caffeine IV drip today – it was that kind of morning!

    Didn’t Courtney make you want to bop her in the head last night? UGH!!!!

      

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  47. 47
    Tiffany, on January 24th, 2012 at 1:38 pm Said:

    Happy National Peanut butter day! I see you started the day off right with a scoop of Peanut butter :) lol

    By the way have you tried the ON’s Whey protein powder in vanilla?? Is it good, does it taste artificial?

    I use the whey gold standard natural chocolate and its delicious but sometimes I worry that vanilla flavors will taste artificial and chemically.

    Thanks!!

      

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  48. 48
    Chels R., on January 24th, 2012 at 1:45 pm Said:

    That marinara melt sounds so good!

    Happy National Peanut Butter Day!

      

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  49. 49
    Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola, on January 24th, 2012 at 1:49 pm Said:

    Omigosh why have I never thought of combining chicken with marinara sauce before?? Brilliant!! And that oatmeal sounds sooo good!! I need to try this oatmeal-protein powder-pumpkin combo!

      

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  50. 50
    Lindsey, on January 24th, 2012 at 2:01 pm Said:

    I am SO glad we are on the same page with the madness happening on The Bachelor. Just had to say that lol last night’s craziness from Courteney was driving me insane!!!

      

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  51. 51
    Chelsa, on January 24th, 2012 at 2:08 pm Said:

    that J mug is so cute

      

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  52. 52
    Nicole, on January 24th, 2012 at 2:27 pm Said:

    happy national pb day! i have to make that chicken melt for me and my bf! looks awesome :-)

      

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  53. 53
    Rosa - Fitness Food Fulfilled, on January 24th, 2012 at 2:28 pm Said:

    That melt looks so good! Anything with melty cheese has to be good, right?

    My husband always says that the stuff I eat looks like poo, but I figure as long as it tastes good, does it matter what it looks like? If I was serving it to others, I’d care, but not when it’s just me.

      

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  54. 54
    natalie @ southern fit foodie, on January 24th, 2012 at 2:33 pm Said:

    That is our kind of weeknight dinner! Something delicious that only takes a few minutes to throw together (usually using some leftovers). :)

      

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  55. 55
    Anna @ Hungry for Happy, on January 24th, 2012 at 2:37 pm Said:

    I would agree that steaming, fresh, donkey doodoo is a really good description for your breakfast. Good eye.

      

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  56. 56
    Jess @ Healthy 'n Hungry, on January 24th, 2012 at 2:53 pm Said:

    I love your blog so much! You always have such awesome workouts and delicious food and such a fun approach to everything! I plan on doing that workout later today and buying some pumpkin so I can make that breakfast. Love it :)

      

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  57. 57
    Life's a Bowl, on January 24th, 2012 at 3:06 pm Said:

    I feel silly for never combining shredded chicken + marinara sauce- it’s like an Italian BBQ style sandwich!

    P.S. The Bachelor is so bad this season it’s so good… Some of those girls are completely bonkers! But I will admit, they get to travel throughout the world for free and experience some totes awesome things!

      

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  58. 58
    Tori Hiatt, on January 24th, 2012 at 3:38 pm Said:

    This sounds delicious, and super easy for a college kid like me that doesn’t always have a kitchen at hand! I actually have some left over tomato basil pasta sauce that I’ll use! Now I’m excited for dinner! Hope you have an awesome day, gorgeous!

      

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  59. 59
    Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats, on January 24th, 2012 at 3:52 pm Said:

    Love your chicken marinara melts – that ismy kind of quick, easy sandwich!

      

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  60. 60
    Carol @ Lucky Zucca, on January 24th, 2012 at 4:09 pm Said:

    I feel you on the Night Circus not being enthralling. I do like it though and it keeps getting more interesting! I’m about halfway through too. Not going to make a decision until after I finish it. But, I have to say I think the WSJ way over shot by calling it the next Harry Potter.

      

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  61. 61
    Nathan Miller, on January 24th, 2012 at 5:44 pm Said:

    Congrats on the interview and a good one at that! Thanks for sharing and cheers to countless PB fingers the rest evening to celebrate the day

      

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  62. 62
    Jenny, on January 24th, 2012 at 8:20 pm Said:

    I have also come to love the distopian genre- thanks for giving me a name for it!

    You should really read “Matched”. It is the first of a three part series, and I loved it…mix of hunger games and the maze runner series with more romance added in. I have only finished the first book, but I am hoping the rest are just as good!

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    January 25th, 2012 at 9:40 am

    awesome! thanks for the recommendation!

      

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  63. 63
    Deena C., on January 25th, 2012 at 10:39 am Said:

    Julie, thanks for this dinner idea!! After reading this yesterday, I quickly pulled out the ingredients to make this for dinner. My husband and I loved it!! Easy and delicious!!

      

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  64. 64
    Jenn @ Lotus and Pie, on January 25th, 2012 at 5:16 pm Said:

    That dinner sounds amazing. I do similar thing with wraps/tortillas. Always a winner!

      

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