This dinner plan is probably one of the more traditional that I have done lately. But, even with this classic, I still find a few areas to experiment, keep things simple, yet delicious!
The Barbeque Chicken
I usually choose Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbeque Sauce as the sauce of choice and I also typically cook the chicken breast on the grill to give them the smoky flavor. This time (since it’s January in Western New York) I chose to cook the chicken breasts in my slow cooker. I also decided to try a different barbecue sauce called Dinosaur Barbeque Sauce.
Ingredients
- Two large chicken breasts (skinless and boneless) (this will feed 2 to 3, adjust for your group size)
- About two cups of barbecue sauce of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped red onion, bacon bits, garlic, chives, cheese, etc
Instructions
- Set crockpot to low if cooking for 5-6 hours or high if cooking for 3-4 hours.
- Spray the inside of crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sauce or ingredients from sticking and to make for easier cleanup.
- Spread about half a cup or more of the sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Place your chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour remaining sauce over the top of the chicken breasts. (if you are using any additional ingredients you should add them now).
- Cover with lid and let cook, unopened for one hour.
- After each hour of cook time, rotate chicken and baste with sauce and ingredients to ensure even cooking, flavor and tenderness.
- Allow chicken to rest about 5 minutes once cooked through.
- Top with additional sauce and ingredients if desired.
- Serve warm, enjoy!
The smashed red potatoes
This part of the recipe can be done with any type of potatoes that you happen to have on hand. I prefer to keep the skin on my potatoes to help retain the fiber and nutrients the skin offers. Plus it adds a nice texture, in my opinion.
Ingredients
- About 8 good sized red potatoes (this will feed 4 or more, adjust for your group size)
- About 4 ounces of cream cheese
- One stick butter (I use salted)
- Salt, pepper, and garlic to taste
- Optional: chopped white onion, garlic, paprika, onion powder, parsley, etc
Instructions
- Clean potatoes and remove the skin if desired
- Cut potatoes into quartered pieces or smaller
- Add them to a pot of boiling water and allow to boil until tender.
- Add chopped onion and/chopped garlic to boiling water if desired
- Drain and add to a glass mixing bowl
- Add cream cheese, butter, spices, and anything else you want to the mixing bowl.
- Smash ingredients together or use a standing mixer to blend ingredients until well incorporated.
- Serve warm, enjoy!
The steamed baby carrots
I believe in keeping things simple but delicious. The baby carrots in this meal are the easiest part, but they are essential for nutrition and balanced flavor.
Ingredients
- One package baby carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: butter, additional seasonings, olive oil, etc
Instructions
- Bring a medium-sized saucepan, half full of water, to a boil
- Place the steaming rack into the saucepan
- Dump baby carrots onto the steaming rack, cover and allow to steam until tender.
- Remove from steaming rack, toss with olive oil or butter if desired
- Top with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you desire.
- Serve warm, enjoy!
At the end of the day the things that truly matter come to light. Are you (and your family) happy? Are you (and your family) safe? Are you (and your family) fed and healthy? I strive to deliver these things to my family, and I hope with this meal plan you can, too!
