Quick Dinner Solutions

Written by Rosemary Mantini | 28 January 2009

Tired of the same meals time and time again? Why not take an everyday easy-to-find ingredient and turn it into something really special tonight? Take chicken, for instance. That potentially bland bird goes well with practically any sauce or marinade. Whole chicken, breasts or thighs, the particular cut that goes into the pan is completely up to you.

Chicken dishes are great for those crazy days when you barely have time to breathe let alone make an elaborate dinner. Breast or thigh pieces usually take about 20 minutes to cook. Add a side of vegetables, and in no time you’ll have a complete meal.

If you arrive home from work only to find that the chicken you’d intended on having for dinner is still tucked away at the back of your freezer, don’t despair. Chicken can, technically, be cooked from frozen. It will just take longer. Or, defrost it in your microwave first. Place the chicken in a frying pan, add a little salt, and sauté until done (about 185°F).

Before the chicken is completely cooked, brush a flavourful sauce over it. I usually have a jar of caramelized balsamic vinegar and figs or sweet red pepper sauce in my fridge for just such an occasion.

Mustard Fried Chicken and Country Ham Gravy