Today marks a truly special occasion: March 12, the birthday of my incredible sister, Fiona! For those who have followed my culinary journey at Nom Nom Paleo over the years, you’ll know that my big sister isn’t just family; she’s my steadfast compass for hands-on cooking knowledge, a profound culinary hero, and one of the most significant influences on my own approach to food. It’s a curious thought when I look back to our childhood, sharing a cozy, somewhat cramped bedroom in Menlo Park, California. The idea that both of us would eventually forge successful careers in the vibrant world of food seemed almost fantastical. I always envisioned myself spinning records as a radio DJ or crafting prose for *Rolling Stone* magazine, while Fiona, with her insatiable curiosity and sharp intellect, was always the quintessential SUPER READER, lost in the pages of books.
Yet, as the years unfolded, a fascinating gravitational pull brought us both back to the very place where our culinary adventures began: our mom’s kitchen. The intoxicating tastes and aromas that enchanted us as children became the foundation of our adult lives. Fiona’s career path is nothing short of remarkable, a testament to her talent and dedication. She has cooked alongside some of the most esteemed names in the culinary world, honing her skills and expanding her repertoire. Her tenure as a sous chef at trendy, highly-regarded restaurants in both San Francisco and Los Angeles showcased her ability to thrive in high-pressure, creative environments. Beyond the hustle of restaurant kitchens, she contributed her expertise as a contributing editor at *Vegetarian Times*, offering insightful perspectives and innovative recipes. Her journey continued as a sought-after private chef in bustling metropolitan areas like L.A. and Miami, tailoring exquisite meals to individual palates. And now, she channels her extensive experience into exciting new ventures, spearheading recipe testing and development for a prominent spice company, continuously pushing the boundaries of flavor.
Throughout her impressive career, Fiona has been an invaluable source of inspiration, profoundly shaping many of the healthy and delicious recipes I’ve had the privilege of sharing with you all on Nom Nom Paleo. It’s no exaggeration to say that Fiona is the brilliant mastermind behind some of my most cherished and enduring classic recipes. Her ingenious touch can be felt in dishes ranging from the incredibly popular Spicy Tuna Cakes, known for their perfect balance of heat and savory flavor, to the versatile and indispensable Magic Mushroom Powder, which elevates countless meals with its umami depth. Her foresight even extended to introducing me to the now-iconic Red Boat Fish Sauce way back in early 2011, long before it became a staple in gourmet kitchens across the U.S. and a favorite among those seeking authentic, high-quality ingredients.
But of all her contributions and culinary insights, my sister is perhaps best known—and most celebrated—among the Nom Nom Paleo community for her namesake dish: Fiona’s Green Chicken. This extraordinary recipe was a gift she bestowed upon me in 2011, merely a few months after I had tentatively embarked on my blogging journey as Nom Nom Paleo. At that time, I was facing a creative block, struggling to develop an easy yet undeniably delicious marinade for meat and poultry that would excite my small but steadily growing readership. My audience was hungry for something fresh, innovative, and different, and I was determined to deliver.
It was in this moment of culinary impasse that my big sister, ever the problem-solver, came to my rescue. She sent me this ingenious, umami-packed, Thai-inspired chicken recipe, and the rest, as they say, is history. From the very first bite, Fiona’s Green Chicken instantly became a beloved family favorite. Its appeal wasn’t solely due to the fact that it was an absolute breeze to prepare—requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor—but also because of its astonishing versatility. This vibrant green marinade, bursting with fresh herbs and aromatic spices, harmonizes beautifully with virtually every protein imaginable. Beyond its primary role as an exceptional marinade, it proves equally fantastic as a bright, herbaceous sauce for drizzling over succulent grilled meats or even swirling into a comforting bowl of soup. I’ve personally experimented with it, slathering it onto delicate fish fillets nestled in parchment packets, transforming them into what we affectionately call Fiona’s Phenomenal Fish Packets – a truly light, flavorful, and incredibly healthy meal option.
However, despite its adaptability, one truth remains: this recipe is simply phenomenal when paired with chicken. The way the marinade penetrates the poultry, infusing it with its bright, tangy, and subtly spicy notes, creates an unparalleled depth of flavor that is both satisfying and incredibly fresh.
Whether you choose to impart a smoky char and tender juiciness by cooking it on the grill, allowing the marinade to caramelize slightly and develop an irresistible crust…
…or prefer the consistent, even heat of roasting it in the oven, resulting in exquisitely tender meat with a beautifully golden-brown finish and a fragrant aroma filling your kitchen…
…Fiona’s Green Chicken stands as a perfect embodiment of my sister’s unique culinary philosophy. It exemplifies her talent for intuitively combining fresh, often unexpected ingredients to craft dishes that are truly palate-popping, intensely craveable, and brimming with deep, complex layers of flavor. If you haven’t yet experienced the sheer deliciousness of her Green Chicken, what are you truly waiting for? This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to elevate your weeknight meals and impress your guests with minimal effort. You can find the full, detailed recipe right over here, ready for you to explore and savor. It’s an essential addition to any healthy eating repertoire, particularly for those following a Paleo lifestyle or simply seeking vibrant, flavorful meals.
Furthermore, for the savvy meal preppers among us, an added bonus: you can effortlessly make it ahead of time and freeze it! This flexibility makes Fiona’s Green Chicken an ideal solution for busy schedules, ensuring a delicious, wholesome meal is always within reach. Imagine the convenience of pulling out a pre-marinated batch, knowing that a phenomenal meal is just a quick cook away.
Even though we shared a childhood home, a shared history, and countless meals, I still marvel at how Fiona managed to distill such an extraordinary amount of culinary knowledge and intuition into her remarkable mind. Perhaps all those years spent as a SUPER READER truly paid off, equipping her with an unmatched ability to understand, innovate, and inspire through food.
So, a very happy birthday, Fiona! And for everyone else, here’s a little secret: her incredible Green Chicken also happens to be absolutely perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! Not just because of its vibrant green hue, but with a last name like Kennedy, it’s simply meant to be. It’s a fun, flavorful way to celebrate, no matter the occasion.
Always searching for more tantalizing recipe ideas to inspire your kitchen adventures? Don’t hesitate to head on over to my comprehensive Recipe Index, where a world of delicious and healthy options awaits. Beyond the blog, you’ll also discover a treasure trove of exclusive recipes and helpful cooking tips on my highly-rated iPhone and iPad app, designed to make healthy cooking more accessible and enjoyable. And for an even deeper dive into the Nom Nom Paleo universe, be sure to explore my critically acclaimed cookbooks: Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013), a foundational guide to Paleo cooking; Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017), focused on adaptable recipes for any occasion; and my latest release, Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2021), packed with fresh, family-friendly dishes designed for modern lifestyles.