I work a LOT so I am always on the lookout for quick and easy dinner ideas! I think it is important for as all to sit down together for dinner, but sometimes I am in such a hurry.
I have found one quick solution that is healthy and quick - and cheap, too! A store near us sells organic chicken in bulk, and I have made a habit of placing an order for breast pieces every month. I pick it up on a Friday, and take it home.
Saturday, I wash it and de-bone it, and spread the big pieces out on a flat surface, and I whack them with the edge of a china saucer a few times to make them an even thickness. Next I melt butter in the microwave just till it melts, and mix in a bunch of garlic and herbs, lemon pepper and a little salt. I drizzle it over the cold chicken pieces, and let them set to stiffen the butter sauce back up. Then I stick each piece in a baggie and throw them all in the freezer.
The breastbones I toss in a big pot to cook off the bits and make chicken and dumplings or pot pie out of for that night’s dinner. Anytime during the month, I can take out the right number of chicken pieces for a healthy meal. I just put the frozen pieces in a foil lined pan, and thirty minutes later have perfectly baked, juicy chicken!
I make noodles with sauce while it cooks, or a pot of saffron rice. Sometimes we have a fresh salad and French bread; other times we pick a mix of veggies and hot crescent rolls. It is so convenient being able to make dinner in thirty minutes!
I love cooking, especially for others! Cooking daily for a family can be tiring though :)….i’m talking about the clean up!
Your advices are great. You should post some of them on my blog carnival “My recipe for” at http://myrecipefor.blogspot.com/ that will create a link to your blog and attract more readers.
Great idea - never underestimate the power of chicken, I always say! I also use chicken in bulk in my house and think it is an awesome way to make a hearty meal in almost no time. Cooking the chicken breasts on a skillet with some spray olive oil at medium heat is another way to get dinner ready in only about 15 minutes - just make sure you cut into the center to check if the piece is totally done.
Great suggestions!
I am not a mom yet, but these tips are helpful for me, too. My mom used to make chicken and dumplings all the time growing up. She was a busy professional woman (and still is) and came home every night and cooked dinner. Chicken and dumplings became one of my favorite dishes. Thinking about it now some 20+ years later, I realize how much work it is to be a professional all day and come home and raise a family. Your tips are very helpful and encouraging. Thanks for sharing.
jessica
that’s a nice way to do it, my brother who loves to cook would love to read this article, I referred him to your site…
MMMMM sounds good! I like chicken, and we eat it alll the time! There are so many different things you can do with it.
Now that sounds really yummy. My son loves chicken too. I think the garlic, herbs and butter on the chicken will tickle his taste buds. Thank you.