Amid the chaos of weekly meal planning, the allure of a simple, one-pan dinner is like finding an oasis in a desert. These chicken dinners—oh, they’re more than just meals; they’re a rescue mission for your sanity. Picture this: a sizzling pan, succulent chicken, veggies that practically sing, and—dare I say it—a cleanup so effortless it feels like a dream.
Steps
- Start by selecting any boneless, skinless chicken, but frozen tenders can be used directly from the freezer to the pot.
- Source chicken cutlets or thinly sliced breasts from the store, or create your own if unavailable.
- Serve the chicken ranch style with roasted potatoes and broccoli, drizzling sauce over the top.
- Use quick-cooking rice, like Minute Rice, to ensure the rice cooks without drying out the chicken.
- Incorporate any vegetables you have on hand, such as cabbage, shredded carrots, and peas.
- Prepare the chicken and bean mixture in advance and freeze it for easy use in multiple recipes.
- Utilize leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken, shredding it for convenience.
- Customize the recipe by replacing salsa verde with a thick tomato-based salsa.
- While baking chicken, boil water and cook spaghetti as per the package instructions, timing it to finish with the chicken.
- Substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed buttery crackers if preferred.
- Add veggies like canned beans, frozen corn, or cooked zucchini to the cheesy chicken for extra nutrition.
- Double the recipe for larger groups, using two baking sheets and rotating them during cooking.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper with garlic for a spicy kick.
- Substitute homemade enchilada sauce with 24 ounces of canned red enchilada sauce to save time.
- For added sweetness, mix honey or sugar with lemons before roasting.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken (frozen bagged tenders or cutlets)
- Roasted potatoes
- Broccoli
- Quick-cooking rice (e.g., Minute Rice)
- Cabbage
- Shredded carrots
- Peas (optional)
- Chicken and bean mixture
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken
- Salsa verde or thick tomato-based salsa
- Spaghetti
- Panko breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
- Canned black or pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- Thawed frozen corn
- Cooked zucchini
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
- Garlic
- Canned red enchilada sauce (24 ounces)
- Lemons
- Honey or sugar (for sweetness)
FAQ
- Can I use frozen chicken tenders for these recipes?
- Yes, frozen chicken tenders are very convenient and can be used directly from the freezer in many recipes.
- What should I do if I can’t find chicken cutlets at the store?
- If chicken cutlets are unavailable, you can slice regular chicken breasts thinly to make your own.
- How can I ensure the rice cooks properly without drying out the chicken?
- Use quick-cooking rice, like Minute Rice, to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly without drying out the chicken.
- Is it possible to prepare parts of these recipes in advance?
- Absolutely! You can prepare components like the chicken and bean mixture ahead of time and freeze them for later use in various dishes.
- Are there any substitute options for some ingredients?
- Yes, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed buttery crackers or swap salsa verde with a thick tomato-based salsa for different flavors.
Tips
- If you want to save time, consider using frozen, bagged chicken tenders as they can be cooked directly from the freezer.
- Enhance your dish by adding vegetables you already have at home, such as cabbage, carrots, or peas, for a personalized touch.
- To make meal prep easier, prepare the chicken and bean mixture in advance and freeze it. This allows you to quickly use it in various dishes like tacos, salads, or burrito bowls.
- For added flavor, swap salsa verde in recipes with a rich tomato-based salsa or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat.
Equipment
- Quick-cooking rice (such as Minute Rice) – While not equipment, this specific type of rice may be something people need to purchase.
- Baking sheets – Mentioned for use when doubling the recipe and rotating between racks.
- Canned enchilada sauce – Again, not equipment, but if someone is looking for convenience, they might consider purchasing this.
