Winner, winner chicken dinner! We’re starting off this month with some comfort favorites, plus strategies and tips that make real meals doable for your family. Get ready to serve up some hearty chicken and dumplings and a chicken enchilada casserole meal that you’ll want in your regular rotation!
This Week’s Secret To Success
The “Sharing Strategy” is what makes this week’s family meals work so well!
- Both meals use shredded chicken as the protein.
- This makes shopping and meal prep a lot more doable.
- Buy a bulk package of boneless skinless chicken breasts to save a few bucks and have enough protein for both meals.
- Boil all of the chicken for the week at the same time, even if you don’t shred it all right then. It takes the same amount of time to boil 2 chicken breasts as it does 5 chicken breasts. So while it doesn’t add any time, it will save about 20 minutes prep time on your next meal.
- (Save the broth if you’re making the chicken enchilada casserole meal first this week. You’ll need it for your chicken and dumplings later.)
Swaps For Your Family
- Roasted Broccoli isn’t really necessary for Menu 1, but is added in case you want a veggie option for the meal. Trade it out for Crock Pot Black Eye Peas for a “hands off” veggie recipe.
- Don’t think they’ll like sweet potato cornbread? (If you haven’t tried it, I think it is a MUST!) Try these popular Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins instead.
Getting The Most From This Menu
- Both recipes make enough for leftovers and freeze really well. Store them in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 2 months. Get them out when schedules are tight and you need a dinner that’s ‘already done’!
- I love making a breakfast casserole for regular school or work week breakfasts. It’s a ‘make breakfast once and feed everybody all week’ kinda deal.
- This breakfast casserole also makes a hearty supper! Put it in the crockpot as you head off to work. Serve it with this simple Green Salad with Creamy Mayo Vinaigrette or with this Southern Garden Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette for an additional winner of a meal this week.
How I’m Setting My Table
Tasty & convenient recipes are only half of any dinner equation!
Having a few things that you really love to set the table with is THE KEY to making meal time enjoyable and being able to invite others over stress free.Â
- Enameled Cast Iron Oval Casserole With Lid
- Lenox Dinnerware- French Perle Groove
- Mineral Gray Ruffle Placemat by Hen House Linens
- Palm Mineral Gray Dinner Napkins by Hen House Linens (see how I used them here)
- Godinger Iced Tea Goblets
- Sea Grass Scalloped Serving Trays
- Hammered Cuff Pewter Napkin Rings
- Bamboo Patterned Silverware
Menu 1- Chicken & Dumplings
This easy Southern Chicken and Dumplings recipe is loaded with tender, flat old fashioned-style dumplings, shredded chicken and a thick, hearty stew-like base. Pair it with sweet potato cornbread for a true comfort meal. Add Roasted Broccoli if you need a veg to round out your meal.
Menu 2- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This is our very favorite make-at-home, family-style Tex-Mex recipe! Chicken Enchilada Casserole has layers of corn tortillas, creamy green chile chicken filling and melted cheese goodness. It's long on flavor and makes enough for leftovers, which is a plus for anybody with busy week nights. Serve it up with Charro Beans and Green Chile Rice for a real restaurant-style meal at home.
Dessert This Week
These classic, homemade Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are truly the best! So soft and chewy, these golden buttery cookies with warm cinnamon, tender, plump raisins, and a pop of oats are guaranteed to make everyone a fan. Oatmeal raisin cookies are going to be your most requested cookies from now on!
Breakfast Made Easy
What’s better than a breakfast casserole loaded with hash browns, eggs, sausage, bacon and cheese – all the hearty breakfast goodness your family loves and craves? How about one that’s easy to throw together and bake the morning of in the oven or overnight in the crock pot while you sleep?
Snack of the Week
When snack cravings hit, there is nothing that satisfies like a batch of quick & easy Ranch Popcorn! Hot and fresh homemade popcorn tossed in classic Ranch seasoning with the best tips for popping up no-fail popcorn that is always crisp, loaded with flavor and completely addictive.
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