I remember what life was like when we first got married. Hamburger Helper, Banquet Chicken, Mashed Potatoes out of a box. This was our life. The fanciest I ever got was tuna noodle casserole or the occasional meatloaf ~ again, with instant potatoes. So imagine how frustrating it is now, knowing that I can make better quality, better tasting meals in half the time?
I believe it takes somewhere around 50 minutes to an hour to cook banquet chicken in the oven. I don’t know about you, but I will take a boneless skinless breaded chicken breast pan fried to crispy deliciousness over frozen dry chicken any day of the week. This is where I come in. To provide you with great ways to try things that are quick and easy.
Since it’s the end of April and in most cases grilling season is already upon us, let’s start with an all on the grill, limited dishes, everything is finished at the same time approach.
Let’s say you want to cook some chicken, steak, or burgers on the grill. Throw some olive oil, garlic salt, pepper, parsley and Italian seasoning in a bowl. None of these have to be fresh, they can all come from McCormick, Mrs. Dash, whoever you so choose. You’ve just made a marinade. I know, a marinade in 30 seconds that tastes way better than dressing?
Now let’s put that marinade to work… Get some potatoes. Chop up 1 1/2 potatoes for each person you’re serving. You can cube them, slice them, cut them into long steak fry types, whatever your fancy. Now toss those in your olive oil mixture. What? Yes. Just do it.
Now break out your aluminum foil. Make a packet, placing your potatoes in and wrapping them up. I always double wrap them so that you don’t get any olive oil leaking into your grill for a big mess. Now those are ready to be thrown on the grill. Now throw your steaks or chicken in the same bowl and let those marinate while you’re doing something for a vegetable.
I love my vegetables two ways, steamed or grilled. If you don’t already have these amazing products, I highly suggest you check them out. Yes, I’ve even provided links. I am a Pampered Chef junky, but I’m sure you can find different versions of either item on line or in your local store.
If you would like some steamed broccoli to go with this meal, get your chicken/steak and potatoes on the grill. Come back in, chop up your broccoli, and throw it in your vegetable steamer (The best $11 I ever spent) with some water. The broccoli will take 12 minutes in the microwave. When it’s done, you can just drain it and eat it plan or throw some dried garlic and butter in the container and shake it up. Again, no need for fresh herbs here. Garlic stored in your fridge pre cut or dried and in your pantry will work just fine.
If you want to cut up some squash, zucchini and onions and throw them in your grill basket (found here) after tossing them in some Italian dressing, or that marinade that you made? They can go on the grill at the same time as everything else. Just make sure you’re stirring them so they’re cooked evenly.
LIMIT YOUR FLIPPING. Half way through cooking your steak/chicken flip your meat AND your potatoes. They’ll be done at the same time and you’ll have nothing to do but throw away the aluminum foil.
So hopefully that sounded as easy as it is. You’re really prepped, cooked and eating in 30 minutes. Just don’t forget to warm up your grill while you’re prepping your potatoes.
Stay tuned for more easy recipes including my almost homemade chicken alfredo, chicken lo mein and parmesan… Hmmm… Maybe I cook too much chicken? Happy Friday all.
Sincerely,
~Nikki
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