Five Simple Ways to Prepare Chicken

I like to crock pot meat on Monday and then serve it several different ways throughout the week. It doesn't heat up the kitchen and there's a variety of simple dishes to keep things interesting and easy. For the basic chicken, just place 10 frozen chicken breasts in crock pot and cover with chicken broth (one large can or three small – add extra water if needed to cover) and heat on high 6-8 hours or low 8-10 hours*. Chicken will be so tender that it will be easy to cut with a butter knife or shred it with two forks. (*3-4 on low or 5-6 on high if fully thawed)

Monday’s Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe – great separate or as a casserole
Cook Time: 30 minutes, Prep time: 10 minutes, Serves 4
Ingredients:
A. 2 pkg. Uncle Bens 90 second rice chicken flavor or long grain wild rice prepared according to instruction, B. 2 large chicken breasts, 1 pkg. frozen chopped broccoli pieces cooked, C. 1 can cream of chicken soup and 1 cup grated sharp cheese,

If cooking as a casserole, combine A, B and C with the cheese as the ingredient on top. Bake in casserole dish at 350 until heated through – about 30 minutes. If not eating as a casserole, just combine A and B, add salt and pepper to taste, and microwave as needed. Tip: Use one package rice if you don't use the little 90 second packets. But they are SO EASY so I use them almost exclusively.

Tuesday’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe – So Easy and So Good
Cook Time: 10 minutes, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Serves 4
Ingredients 2 chicken breasts cooked, 1 can chicken broth, 1 can V8 juice, 1 can cheddar cheese soup, 1 can corn, 1 can black beans, 1/3 pack taco seasoning mix, chopped up tortilla chips (to sprinkle on top once cooked) optional: roasted red pepper to taste, cooked rice

Since the chicken is cooked, the instructions are as simple as: 1. Open cans 2. Heat on stove over medium heat 3. Serve with chopped up tortilla chips on top

The 90 second microwavable rice from Uncle Bens is portioned perfectly so husband can add it to his even though I prefer it without.

Wednesday Chicken Basil Pasta Recipe– best with fresh herbs and tomatoes from the garden
Cook Time 10 minutes, Prep Time 10 minutes, Serves 4
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts cooked, 3 cups bow tie pasta (8 oz.), 1 jar alfredo sauce (approx. 1 lb), milk (optional), 4 medium fresh tomatoes (when tomatoes aren't in season, I substitute roasted red peppers for the tomatoes), 6 leaves fresh basil

Add the pasta to boiling water (10 minutes), Heat the alfredo sauce in the microwave (5 minutes on medium heat - although microwaves differ), Add milk to sauce if you prefer thinner sauce (I do!), Chop the chicken, basil and the tomatoes, Drain the pasta, Combine all ingredients

Thursday’s White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe– a Tasty Variation to Standard Chili
Cook Time: 10 minutes, Prep time: 10 minutes, Serves 4
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts – cooked and shredded or chopped, 1 (16 oz.) can white beans, 1 (16 oz.) can corn, 1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes, 1 small cans chopped green chilis, drained, 1 clove garlic, 1 medium onion, chopped, 1 T vegetable oil, 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix, 1 envelope taco seasoning mix

In saucepan, saute onion in vegetable oil until browned. Combine all remaining ingredients until heated through. Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips.

Friday’s Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe– it’s the weekend!
Cook time: 0 minutes, Prep Time: 2 Minutes, Serves 4
Ingredients: 1-2 Chicken Breasts – chopped, 2 bags Caesar salad mix includes shredded parmesan, croutons, dressing, and lastly, Salt and pepper to taste

Add salt and pepper to taste on chicken. Combine remaining ingredients. Serve with crusty bread and leftover chili from Thursday, or with a good take-out pizza!