You just got home from work, the kids just got back soccer practice and cheerleader practice, your spouse phoned to say they will be home in 10 minutes, and they are all saying they're starving! You have leftover chicken in the fridge and a couple of and some canned vegetables in the pantry. Even though it may seem chaotic, there is hope. With a little creativity and careful placement, you can have a complete meal cooked and served in 30 minutes or less.
Instructions
1. Look in the refrigerator to see what, if any, leftovers there are: chicken and beef make great second day foods. If you only have raw meat then take it out, wash it, season it and set it to the side. Turn the oven on to the desired temperature.
2. Put a pot of boiling salted water on the stove to make rice. While the water is boiling, wash any fresh vegetables and put them to the side. Go back to the seasoned chicken and place the chicken in a baking dish. Pour a can of chicken broth over it and cover tightly with foil. Put it in the oven to cook for about 25 timed minutes. Be sure to space the chicken for even cooking.
3. Add the rice in the boiling water and let it start cooking. While it is cooking, stir occasionally. Place a steamer basket over the pot of and put the fresh vegetables over it to be steamed. While the vegetables are steaming, the rice is cooking and the chicken is baking, put some dinner rolls on aluminum foil and put them on the top rack in the oven.
4. Wash and cut up lettuce wedges and sliced tomatoes. Set desired number of plates on the table. Turn the oven off and let the chicken start cooling while you finish setting up the table.
5. Serve up the steamed vegetables, hot dinner rolls, fluffed rice and the quick salad. Take the chicken out of the oven and place it on the table on a cooling mat. Now you and your family can enjoy a complete HOT meal done in 30 minutes!
Tags: fresh vegetables, boiling water, chicken baking, complete meal, dinner rolls, Turn oven