Cheesy Chicken Nacho Dip

I know it's been a hot minute. But you will all see why a little later once everything is set in stone! Goodness I'm already excited about the announcement! But onto "Tasty Tuesday", which is the name of my newsletter members get on the occasional Tuesday. Today we won't be talking about a main course meal; we are going to stick with an appetizer you can whip up for guests and they will NEVER know it's, in fact, brain healthy! I will go through the ingredients of each brain health ingredient and then I'll attach the actual recipe. You ready?

Chicken tenders; not the fried kind! But the non-fried kind. Chicken has great vitamin B12 content which is a great nutrient to promote excellent brain health!

Now the taco seasoning; as long as it is homemade, we are good! The packaged stuff is high in sodium which is not the best for you. But taco seasoning contains turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Overall, it's good for your brain function! All of the other spices and herbs help with memory, focus, and cognition. They can also protect your brain cells! Now the salt; with it being homemade, don't add to much salt! You will defeat the purpose here of making something healthy!

Now our next ingredient is controversial. Cream cheese. Yes, cream cheese. This does contain calcium and protein, which is good for brain health. But is also contains a high volume of saturated fat. Cream cheese should be eaten ONLY in moderation. For this one-time recipe, it is good!

Green onions are considered to be GREAT for the brain! They have a HIGH content of antioxidants like quercetin, which may help protect brain cells from damage and potentially support cognitive function by reducing age-related cognitive decline; essentially sharing similar brain health benefits as regular onions!

Cilantro is now my favorite. Keep reading and you will see why! According to current research, cilantro leaves (or coriander) may be beneficial for brain health, potentially helping to protect against cognitive decline and REDUCE SEIZURE ACTIVITY due to their antioxidant properties and ability to activate certain potassium channels in the brain. DO YOU SEE WHAT I MADE STAND OUT? I have recently been told that because of my permanent damage on the right side of my frontal lobe, that I now have post-traumatic epilepsy for the REST OF MY LIFE. I have to take medication DAILY for this. Now I'm going to put cilantro in EVERY dish! Just call me... the CILANTRO LADY. *Insert crying laughing face emoji here*

Colby and Monterey Jack cheese COULD be considered good for the brain as they contain nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and other vitamins that support brain health, improving memory, focus, and cognitive function. But remember...moderation is KEY. For this one-time meal, we are keeping it moderate!

Red bell peppers are ALSO good for the brain as they have a high content of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which may help protect brain cells and potentially slow down cognitive decline. They also contain vitamin B6, a nutrient vital for brain health and nerve health.

While it's not considered good for your brain health, sour cream can contribute due to its content of nutrients like vitamin B12, choline, and healthy fats which are important for overall neurological function.

Now what you use to dip...chips, crackers...that's ALL YOU. One time appetizer and in moderation and everyone will be A-OKAY. See the recipe below!

Cheesy Chicken Nacho Dip by Pampered Chef