Kitchen Concoctions: 20-Minute Chicken Dinner For Three

I’m no professional chef, and I don’t even like to cook all the time (I’m more of a baker), but when I do get in the kitchen two things are certain: I’m probably going to use cinnamon and/or honey, and the meal is going to be created from my winging it. I don’t even attempt recipes — It’s all by the seat of my pants so to speak. I’m also not a slow cooker mom. There’s a lot of hype about slow cooking, but I’ve never tried it (someday!) since I don’t pre-plan most of the time . . . and I love to cook in the skillet. So, all this brings me to this month’s concoction: Honey Teriyaki glazed basil pesto chicken with honey dry rubbed bacon and a veggie medley. While at a new local Whole Foods, I picked up some food that I sampled since their items were on sale while the reps were there and a dinner idea was born. Everything is healthy but pre-packaged so it’s super quick and easy, plus was under $12 to make for three people!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 package of basil pesto chicken ($4.69 a package at Whole Foods= $2.35 used)
• 1 package of Bacon ($4.99 a package at Whole Foods)
• 1/2 bag of Broccoli ($3 a bag? Got a while back =$1.50 used)
• 1/2 bag of Carrots Three Ways ($2.69 a bag at Whole Foods = $1.35 used)
• Pinch of Cinnamon (Optional, already had on-hand)
• 1 Scoop of Honey for bacon (Optional, already had on-hand)
• 2 Scoops of Coconut Oil for cooking (Already had on-hand, Sub: Butter, olive oil)

Total Cost = $10.20

Topping Sauces:

• Honey (Already had on-hand)
• Teriaki Sauce (Already had on-hand)
• Miso Dressing (Already had on-hand)

Instructions

1. Heat two skillets with coconut oil (or your chosen oil)
2. Place 4 or so chicken slices (1/2 a package) in one skillet and let sit for 4 minutes on med-high heat
3. Pour the carrots and broccoli into the second pan and let cook on med-low heat
4. Flip chicken over after 4 minutes and cook for 4 minutes on the other side, until golden brown (check temp with a meat thermometer)
5. Stir veggies occasionally and remove from heat once warm and slightly browned on edges
6. Cook the package of bacon a few strips at a time.
7. Add honey and cinnamon (or brown sugar and honey)  . . . Prefer baked bacon? Simply get that started before you cook the chicken.
8. Stage the plate! I spread out a bit of miso sauce in the middle of my place then drizzled teriyaki sauce on one piece of chicken and honey on the other.

What’s your strange meal this month? Share it in the comment below!