Weeknight Chicken, Big Flavor – Mia Rigden’s Secret to a Dinner You’ll Love
**As an avid cookbook reader, nothing excites me more than finding a book that clicks instantly. I dog-ear pages, plot out weeks’ worth of meals, and clear counter space for it. That’s exactly what happened with Foodwise by Mia Rigden—a board‑certified nutritionist and classically trained chef. Her recipes are approachable yet packed with wholesome ingredients and big flavor, and the book has earned a permanent spot on my kitchen counter.
Since we’re always on the lookout for weeknight heroes, we had to feature one of Mia’s standout recipes from the book: her Za’atar Crusted Chicken. Keep reading for Mia’s cooking philosophy, her mantra (“If it’s not delicious, it’s not good for you.”), a peek into her guided reset, and everything that makes za’atar so irresistible.
How would you describe your cooking and food philosophy?
As a nutritionist, I prioritize balanced, health‑promoting ingredients. But as a classically trained chef and food lover, I refuse to sacrifice excitement or satisfaction. For me, the sweet spot is where nutrition meets gastronomy—that’s what makes a recipe truly enjoyable, and it’s always my goal when I create something new.
Personalized nutrition is about figuring out your nutrition needs and how to apply them to your lifestyle so that you can be successful. I like to think of myself as a guide. I’m not here to tell you what to eat, but rather guide you through your personal nutrition journey.
What flavors did you want to emphasize when creating this recipe?
I wanted to make something gluten-free with a dynamic flavor profile, so I swapped breadcrumbs for almond flour and za’atar—and it worked!
What makes this recipe your go-to?
Foodwise is all about recipes that are easy enough for a healthy weeknight dinner, yet exciting enough to serve to friends or loved ones over the weekend. This is one of those dishes. It’s just as quick and easy as it is fun and flavorful. Plus, my three-year-old will eat it, so that’s a major win!
We love a good one-pan, minimal-equipment recipe. What kitchen tools do you need to make this recipe?
This is a one-pan dish. You’ll need a couple of shallow bowls to create the crust, but it does not require any special tools. Make sure you have a pair of tongs for easy flipping and taking the chicken out of the pan.
What stand-out ingredients make this recipe special?
Za’atar is one of my favorite spice blends. Specific blends may vary, but it usually includes spices like oregano, thyme, sumac, marjoram and cumin, and sesame seeds. It’s such an easy way to add so much flavor (and nutrition!) to the dish.
What are some ingredient swaps to know about?
If you don’t have za’atar, you could use another spice or spice blend, like an Italian blend or—my personal favorite—gomasio (a Japanese sesame salt that should be in everyone’s pantry!).
We love a good cooking hack. What techniques do you use in this recipe to make it special?
Brining your chicken makes it immensely juicer and more flavorful. It requires a little advanced planning and prep, but it is well worth it.
“The Reset” is a crucial part of your nutrition approach. Can you tell us more about it?
I have been doing The Reset for over a decade and it has been life-changing for me. It’s given me so much vitality and energy and a deeper understanding of my body and what works for me. I look forward to it every year.
The program [from Foodwise] encourages 21 days of delicious, nutrient-rich, and satisfying foods to help you feel your very best. If you want to have more energy, sleep better, re-evaluate your relationship with certain foods, kick habits that don’t serve you, or feel more confident in your body, you have to be consistent. I think it’s easier to be successful with it when you have a plan to follow and delicious food to eat. After those 21 days, you will have developed some healthy new routines you love while having the opportunity to rethink some of your old habits.
