Super Easy, Super Quick, Super Tasty Chicken Dinner

I'm all for cookin' food from scratch, but let's face it, that's extremely time consuming and not very practical with a full time job, hour long commute, and entire house to take care of. But just because you don't have time for all the washin, peelin, and choppin, doesn't mean you have to run straight to the box of potato flakes. Our happy alternative: pre-prepped veggies! Most grocery stores now will sell produce pre-washed and chopped, and they're not much more (if at all more) expensive than the whole veggies you'd find in the produce section. You can buy them ahead of time and they'll keep in your fridge for a good couple of days. Frozen veggies are nearly as healthy as fresh ones and good in a pinch; you should keep a decent stock in your freezer at all times. For an entree, a pre-baked chicken is tasty, cheap, and will last for at least three meals (two notes: it can also be organic if bought at the right place, and once picked clean, can be boiled for broth). 

This meal is tasty, inexpensive (if you've kept your kitchen stocked), and wonderfully simple. You'll need:

1 baked chicken (or baked chicken parts)

1 bag washed and cut green beans

1 bag frozen sweet corn (you'll be cooking 1-2 cups)

1 bag Ore Ida or generic brand ready-to-mash russet potatoes

1 17 oz container of chicken stock

milk

butter

salt and pepper

dried minced garlic

1) The ready to mash russet potatoes should have cooking directions on the bag. Throw the bag into the microwave for the prescribed cooking time.

2) While the potatoes are microwaving, pour the chicken stock in a large sauce pan with the bag of green beans, 2-3 tablespoons of butter, and a couple shakes (about 1/2 tsp) of dried minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, cover and set on medium heat.

3) Once the potatoes are done, stick the corn in the microwave and cook according to directions on the package.

4) Mix the potatoes in a bowl (watch out, they're HOT) with the recommended milk and butter (again, see recipe on the bag). Salt and pepper to taste.

5) Once you're done mashing the potatoes, turn off the heat on the green beans, and you're done!

So there you have it, it's only taken 30 minutes and you have a full, tasty, (mostly) healthy meal!