(StatePoint) Many families face hectic schedules and tight budgets, especially when kids go back to school. A few quick meal solutions can help you spend less at the store and enjoy more time with your family this school year.
Comforting and convenient, a store-bought rotisserie chicken — with a few other additions — can help you create a complete meal for the family in 30 minutes or less. While rotisserie chicken on its own is a delicious, and an easy go-to meal any night of the week, it’s fun to shake things up. Try these simple ideas:
• Shredded in tacos or quesadillas: Quick and simple, chicken will be the star of this easily portable meal.
• Cubed in a cooked grain salad: Step up a side dish and make it an entrée. Add chicken to whole grains, like brown rice or barley, for a filling meal.
• Added to rice and steamed veggies: Turn this plain dish up a notch with protein. Pair with your favorite sauce or dressing for extra flavor.
• Added to pesto pasta: Mix whole wheat pasta with pesto, chopped tomatoes and chicken for a well-rounded dinner.
• Kabobs: Easy to assemble with fresh or pre-cooked veggies, chicken kabobs make a nice addition to your tried and true menu.
Want some inspiration? Try this recipe for Easy Chicken Burritos.
Ingredients
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 cups shredded (about 7 ounces) roasted or rotisserie chicken meat
• 1 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup salsa
• 6 tablespoons sour cream
• 6 large whole wheat tortillas, heated
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves
Directions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and corn (no need to thaw it), and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn begins to brown, about eight minutes. Add chicken and rice, and cook until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in salsa and sour cream.
Line tortillas with spinach leaves and spoon about 2/3 cup chicken mixture down the middle of each. Fold in top and bottom and roll up.
More time saving tips and recipes can be found at WholeFoodsMarket.com/recipes.
