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5 EASY Chicken Dinners you can make right now + A Chicken Sandwich Hack

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Simply Mamá Cooks
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Chicken dinners are a staple in American households, often served during family gatherings and special occasions. This dish highlights the comforting nature of roasted chicken, paired with seasonal vegetables. Variations abound, with regional spices and cooking methods, making it a beloved meal across the country.

Ingredients

  • whole chicken
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • garlic
  • onion
  • carrots
  • potatoes
  • rosemary
  • thyme
  • lemon
  • butter
  • paprika
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. 2Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. 3Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  4. 4Stuff the cavity with garlic, onion, and lemon halves.
  5. 5Place the chicken in a roasting pan and surround it with chopped carrots and potatoes.
  6. 6Sprinkle rosemary, thyme, and paprika over the chicken and vegetables.
  7. 7Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. 8Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.
  9. 9Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
  10. 10Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and lower in saturated fat.

whole chicken

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are often less expensive and more flavorful.

potatoes

Healthier: sweet potatoes

Cheaper: mashed potatoes

Sweet potatoes offer more nutrients and fiber.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is usually cheaper and has a neutral flavor.

Techniques

roastingseasoning

Equipment

roasting panmeat thermometercutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilk

Also Known As

Roast ChickenBaked ChickenGrilled Chicken

The chicken sandwich has its roots in the Southern United States, where fried chicken became a staple, often served between slices of bread. It embodies comfort food and is a popular choice at diners and fast-food restaurants. Today, variations abound globally, with diverse toppings and cooking methods, making it a beloved dish in many cultures.

Ingredients

  • chicken breast
  • buns
  • flour
  • buttermilk
  • bread crumbs
  • egg
  • salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • lettuce
  • tomato
  • pickles
  • mayonnaise
  • hot sauce

Instructions

  1. 1Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
  2. 2Preheat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F.
  3. 3Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
  4. 4Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture until well coated.
  5. 5Dip coated chicken in beaten egg, then back into the flour mixture.
  6. 6Carefully place chicken in hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
  7. 7Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
  8. 8Toast buns in a skillet until golden.
  9. 9Spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun.
  10. 10Place fried chicken on the bun, then add lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
  11. 11Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired.
  12. 12Top with the other half of the bun and serve.

Ingredient Alternatives

buttermilk

Healthier: low-fat yogurt

Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Low-fat yogurt maintains moisture with fewer calories.

bread crumbs

Healthier: crushed oats

Cheaper: crushed crackers

Crushed oats provide a healthier coating alternative.

mayonnaise

Healthier: avocado spread

Cheaper: plain yogurt

Avocado spread offers healthy fats and creaminess.

chicken breast

Healthier: chicken thigh

Cheaper: turkey breast

Chicken thigh is juicier, while turkey is often less expensive.

Techniques

marinatingfryingtoasting

Equipment

deep fryermixing bowlsskillettongspaper towels
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumglutendairyegg

Also Known As

Fried Chicken SandwichGrilled Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 4 slices of bread (your choice)
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup croutons (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and Caesar dressing. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. 2Season the chicken mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. 3Toast the bread slices lightly if desired.
  4. 4On two slices of bread, layer the chopped romaine lettuce evenly.
  5. 5Spoon the chicken mixture over the lettuce on each sandwich.
  6. 6Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
  7. 7Add croutons on top for extra crunch, if using.
  8. 8Top with the remaining slices of bread to complete the sandwiches.
  9. 9Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

Equipment

mixing bowlspatulaknifecutting board

Ingredients

  • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 package (1 lb) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until combined.
  3. 3Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
  4. 4Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
  5. 5Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers.
  6. 6Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
  7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  9. 9Serve warm and enjoy your lazy chicken pot pie!

Equipment

9-inch pie dishmixing bowlrolling pinfork

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep the cutlets warm after frying.
  2. 2Place the flour in a shallow dish and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
  4. 4In another shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. 5Take each chicken breast and pound it to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
  6. 6Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess.
  7. 7Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
  8. 8Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
  9. 9In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot.
  10. 10Fry the chicken cutlets in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. 11Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then keep warm in the oven.
  12. 12Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Equipment

meat malletshallow dishesskillettongspaper towelsoven

Chicken and cabbage stir-fry is a staple in many American households, showcasing the versatility of stir-frying as a quick cooking method. This dish combines lean protein with crisp vegetables, making it a healthy choice for busy weeknights. The technique allows for a variety of ingredients, so feel free to adapt it with seasonal vegetables or different proteins. Today, stir-fries are enjoyed globally, often reflecting local flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

  • chicken breast
  • cabbage
  • carrots
  • bell pepper
  • onion
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • soy sauce
  • sesame oil
  • vegetable oil
  • green onions
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • cornstarch

Instructions

  1. 1Slice chicken breast into thin strips.
  2. 2Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 3Julienne carrots and bell pepper.
  4. 4Dice onion and mince garlic and ginger.
  5. 5Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. 6Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. 7Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  8. 8In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. 9Add carrots and bell pepper; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  10. 10Stir in cabbage and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
  11. 11Return chicken to the skillet and mix well with vegetables.
  12. 12In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  13. 13Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
  14. 14Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  15. 15Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos is often cheaper and similar in flavor.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is a more budget-friendly option.

chicken breast

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is a plant-based protein, while chicken thighs are typically less expensive than breasts.

cornstarch

Healthier: arrowroot powder

Cheaper: flour

Arrowroot is a healthier thickening agent, while flour is often cheaper.

Techniques

slicingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletcutting boardknifemixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumsoygluten

Originating from Chinese cuisine, stir-frying is a quick cooking method that retains the freshness and crunch of vegetables. Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry is a beloved dish that showcases the harmony of flavors and textures, often enjoyed as a weeknight meal. Today, variations abound globally, with many incorporating local vegetables and spices, making it a versatile and adaptable dish.

Ingredients

  • chicken breast
  • cabbage
  • bell pepper
  • carrot
  • onion
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • soy sauce
  • sesame oil
  • vegetable oil
  • green onions
  • red pepper flakes
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • cornstarch

Instructions

  1. 1Slice chicken breast into thin strips.
  2. 2Chop cabbage, bell pepper, and carrot into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 3Finely chop onion, garlic, and ginger.
  4. 4Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. 5Add chicken strips and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  7. 7In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. 8Add cabbage, bell pepper, and carrot; stir-fry until vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
  9. 9Return chicken to the skillet with vegetables.
  10. 10In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch; pour over chicken and vegetables.
  11. 11Stir well to combine and cook until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
  12. 12Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  13. 13Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free and has a similar flavor.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

cornstarch

Healthier: arrowroot powder

Cheaper: flour

Flour can thicken sauces but may alter texture.

chicken breast

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is plant-based, while thighs are cheaper than breasts.

Techniques

slicingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletcutting boardknifesmall bowlspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoygluten
dairy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced chicken, broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. 4Pour the soup mixture over the rice and chicken mixture, stirring until everything is well coated.
  5. 5Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. 6Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the mixture for added crunch.
  7. 7Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  8. 8Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
  9. 9Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking dishaluminum foilmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

Oven baked BBQ chicken is a popular dish in American cuisine, often enjoyed during family gatherings, summer barbecues, and casual dinners. The dish combines the smoky flavors of barbecue sauce with juicy chicken, making it a favorite comfort food. Its ease of preparation and versatility allows it to be served on various occasions, from weeknight meals to festive celebrations.

Ingredients

  • chicken pieces
  • BBQ sauce
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with oil.
  3. 3Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. 4Place the chicken in the baking dish, skin side up.
  5. 5Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the chicken.
  6. 6Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  7. 7Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
  8. 8Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

BBQ sauce

Healthier: homemade BBQ sauce

Cheaper: ketchup with spices

Homemade versions can be lower in sugar and preservatives.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, while vegetable oil is often less expensive.

Techniques

bakingseasoning

Equipment

baking dishaluminum foilbrush
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lownone

Also Known As

BBQ ChickenBaked BBQ Chicken

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