It’s back to school time, which means life gets so much busier. Not only do the kids have to get up and to school on time, there also are all of the after school commitments. Whether it’s drama club practice, soccer games, book club, or just homework time, life is busier than the lazy days of summer.
How can we make these weekdays less stressful? No, the answer is not ordering takeout. It is having an assortment of dinner that can be made in little to no time. Not only will they take some stress off of your plate, it also will provide your family with a warm and healthy meal at the end of a hectic day.
One pan chicken dinner
I don’t know about you, but the words one pan are completely intriguing. Knowing that there will be few dishes to clean when the meal is done is very appealing. Of course, I want it to be a delicious dinner as well, but reduced dishwashing is always a good thing.
Our first quick to make recipe is campbells chicken and rice. This dish is triply appealing. First, we have the reduced amount of dishes to clean. Second, it is a fifteen minute meal, which is perfect when you’re running in the door after a long day of office, errands, and family commitments. Third, it is delicious and creamy, which is basically the culinary equivalent of a warm and fuzzy blanket.
Made with quick cooked rice, chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and a few other ingredients, it is a hearty dinner that is sure to please. Pair it with a quickly made side salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots, and you have a well rounded dinner.
All day chicken
After reading about a fifteen minute recipe, you may wonder how an all day recipe stands a chance. The answer is simple, most of the day requires no effort from you. As long as you own a crock pot or slow cooker, you are ready to make this recipe.
Assemble all of your ingredients and place them in your crock pot or slow cooker in the morning, and turn it to low. When you are ready for dinner that evening, so will your crock pot southwest chicken. I love to serve this chicken with tortillas and an assortment of toppings. To keep it really simple buy shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, some pickled jalapenos, and a container of guacamole, and dinner is ready.
If you have an instant pot, you can make this recipe as well. It won’t be an all day dish, but it will be ready in thirty minutes or less with all of the flavors of a full day of simmering.
Cheat a little chicken dinner
Ok, for this final idea we do skip a bunch of cooking. However, there is still a lot of room for creativity. Plus, when we the fall heatwave arrives, which it always does a few weeks into the school year, this will be the perfect dinner that does not heat up the kitchen but still provides a filling dinner. I’m talking about make your own chicken salad sandwiches.
This recipe starts with a store bought rotisserie chicken. Next you need to decide on the bread. Do you want to use rolls, white bread, croissants, wraps, or something else? Next, you need a creamy ingredient to blend the salad. Although mayonnaise is the typical choice, you could also use plain yogurt. Finally, you need all of the add-ins. Here are just a few suggestions: cubed apple, diced pickle, dried cranberries, walnuts, fresh dill, and minced onion. Let your imagination run wild.
When it’s time for dinner, just cut the chicken into chunks and give each diner his or her own mixing bowl. Create the flavor profile that you want, and assemble your sandwiches. Serve it with some baby carrots and maybe a handful of chips. It’s a fun dinner for all!
Don’t let the start of the school year overwhelm you. Try one of these recipes as a simple way to get dinner on the table. Then while you are enjoying this meal be sure to enjoy the company of your family. It will be a delicious evening.
