This week, I’m planning to make one of my favorite recipes- Creamy Lemon Chicken & Rice Casserole, an absolutely delicious, cheery spin on traditional chicken and rice! Then, we’ll follow that up with Buffalo Chicken Sliders for a casual dinner fit for a busy week. And as always, there’s dessert, breakfast and snack recipes for a meal plan that makes sure no one goes hungry no matter what time of day it is!
This Week’s Secret To Success
- To create this week’s meal plan, I thought about variety– choosing one sit-down, Sunday dinner style meal and one casual meal. It’s important to mix up the “style” of meals you serve to avoid that boring dinner rut we all fall into every now and then.
- I also chose recipes that use a lot of the same ingredients to make grocery shopping easier. I don’t have to run all over the store, grabbing ingredients from here and there. I hit a few aisles and I’m done!
- We’re using asparagus as a side dish and with the wasabi snack dip. We’ve also got a lot of the same fruit showing up in the jello salad, cole slaw, muffins and fruit tart.
- Lemon makes an appearance in 3 recipes.
- And of course, both entrees are chicken so purchasing a larger package of chicken that includes enough for both recipes will save you a few bucks!
- Use what’s left of your Ranch dressing when making your sliders as a dip for your potato pancakes.
In The Know
Having the right tools really does make cooking so much easier. I know because I just cooked using whatever I had for years. Tasks took longer and, many times, were harder than they had to be.
Which tools have made a big difference? I LOVE having a bench scraper/knife. It makes transferring chopped veggies, fruits and nuts from the cutting board to bowl or cooking pot SO QUICK & EASY!
I also could not get along without this 8 cup mixing bowl with a spout. I measure ingredients in it; it’s a constant for mixing and prepping. This one has a lid, so you can even store prepped ingredients in it.
How I’m Setting My Table
Tasty & convenient recipes are only half of any dinner equation! So, don’t forget to make a plan for your family table with your meal plan!
Having a few things at the ready you really love is THE KEY to making every meal time enjoyable and inviting others over stress free. Here are my suggestions with links you can shop!
- Mikasa China- trellis pattern
- Hester & Cook Paper Cabbage Placemats
- Green Vintage-Inspired Goblets
- Hammered Gold Silverware
- Embroidered Willow Leaf Table Runner
- MacKenzie Childs Pink & White Large Cake Pedestal
- Moss Green Ruffled Dinner Napkin by Hen House Linens
- Pink Cabbage Dessert Plates
- White Ceramic Bread Basket
Menu 1- Creamy Lemon Chicken & Rice
Loads of bright lemon flavor, tender rice, hints of Parmesan and savory boneless chicken thighs guarantee this isn’t your regular chicken and rice casserole! Easy enough for busy weeknights, special enough for guests, Creamy Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole is melt-in-your-mouth delicious without a lot of fuss!
Menu 2- Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Shredded chicken, hot buffalo sauce, cool Ranch dressing & cream cheese on crisp Hawaiian sweet rolls make unforgettable Buffalo Chicken Sliders for an ideal game day or party appetizer! Serve them with potato pancakes and cool strawberry coleslaw for a casual meal everyone will love!
Dessert This Week
If you love fruit pizza, then this beautiful, easy recipe is just for you! A dazzling dessert or a star at brunch, there’s really no time that’s a bad time for this Honey Lime Fruit Tart with its fresh fruit, cream cheese lime filling, honey lime glaze and sugar cookie crust.
Breakfast Made Easy
Triple Berry French Toast Muffins are like mini french toast casseroles baked in muffin cups! Loaded with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and a vanilla-y egg custard, these muffins are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, holidays, Mother’s Day and brunches. They are such an easy way to serve French Toast!
Snack of the Week
Wasabi Mayo Dip is that special appetizer you make when something ridiculously delicious, but just a little surprising is what the occasion needs. Addictively creamy with a horseradish-like kick, it’s the perfect partner for crisp asparagus, salmon, kabobs and more. This zesty little number is guaranteed to be your most requested party dip. But shhh- its “1 step” kind of easy to make!
New To Monday Menu?
Southern Discourse subscribers receive Monday Menus directly in their email inboxes, along with a little weekly scripture encouragement here in the post. At Southern Discourse we’re all about bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith and grace from which true hospitality springs!
Subscribe to join our community and receive your Monday Menu + enriching food for the soul every week!
Rate & Comment