Quick & Simple Meals

Quick & Simple Meals I’m passionate about creating easy, family-friendly recipes that are both delicious and fun for kids and adults alike!

From quick weeknight meals to playful treats, there’s something for everyone. Visit my blog for simple, tasty recipes you’ll love sharin

This cozy chicken noodle casserole brings classic homestyle warmth in every creamy, comforting bite 🍗🍜✨ A hearty mix of ...
01/07/2026

This cozy chicken noodle casserole brings classic homestyle warmth in every creamy, comforting bite 🍗🍜✨ A hearty mix of tender noodles, chicken, and rich savory flavor.



Ingredients:
2 cups dry egg noodles (about 8 oz)
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk
1 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook noodles al dente per package directions, then drain well.
2. In a 2-quart baking dish, combine noodles, chicken, soup, milk, veggies, and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
4. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over casserole.
5. Bake 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
6. Broil 1 minute for a crisp golden topping, if desired.

This cheese chicken with broccoli delivers a melty comfort bite that’s rich, cozy, and satisfying 🧀🥦✨ A delicious mix of...
01/06/2026

This cheese chicken with broccoli delivers a melty comfort bite that’s rich, cozy, and satisfying 🧀🥦✨ A delicious mix of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and wholesome greens.



Ingredients:
Chicken
6 strips thick-cut bacon, optional-see notes
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt/Pepper
3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
3-4 Tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
3 Tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups milk
½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder
1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 ½ cups broccoli florets, finely chopped so they cook quickly
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Instructions:
Prep Work
1. Combine the flour and shredded Parmesan cheese and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients prior to beginning.
2. Slice the chicken into 2-3 thinner slices. Pound with a meat tenderizer if needed, the chicken will plump up more when cooked. Aim for ½ inch thick slices. Pat the chicken completely dry.
Cook the Chicken
1. Season each side of the chicken with salt/pepper and Italian seasoning. Dredge in flour mixture and tap off excess.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 pieces of chicken, leaving room around each. Sauté for 4-5 minutes per side, until a golden brown crust has developed. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining 3 pieces of chicken.
3. Pro Tips: Make slight adjustments to the heat, (up or down), as needed during cooking. Add an additional splash of olive oil if needed throughout cooking. Try to leave the chicken undisturbed as it cooks to get a nice crusty sear.
Make the Sauce
1. Wipe excess oil from the pan but leave the chicken remnants. This is called “fond” and it will give the sauce more flavor.
2. Melt the butter over medium heat and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth in small splashes, stirring continuously. Do this slowly to keep the sauce nice and thick. Add the milk in the same manner.
4. Add the seasonings, hot sauce, and broccoli.
5. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a gentle bubble. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the broccoli is softened.
6. Reduce heat to low and let the base cool slightly. Slowly sprinkle in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously, until combined.
7. Add the chicken back and spoon the sauce on top. Allow the chicken to heat through for 5 minutes, uncovered. Garnish with bacon if desired and serve with baked potatoes.

This white chicken chili dip is a warm party hit loaded with creamy, zesty flavor 🍗✨ A cozy, crowd-pleasing blend of che...
01/06/2026

This white chicken chili dip is a warm party hit loaded with creamy, zesty flavor 🍗✨ A cozy, crowd-pleasing blend of cheese, spices, and tender chicken.



Ingredients:
Meat
• 2 cups Chicken, cooked
Produce
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 can Green chilies
• 1 can White beans
Canned Goods
• 1 cup Chicken broth
Baking & Spices
• 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
Nuts & Seeds
• 1 tsp Cumin
Dairy
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Cream cheese
• 1 cup Sour cream

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.
3. Mix until well blended.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips or crackers.

This Tuscan chicken pasta is a creamy Italian dream filled with rich, savory flavors 🇮🇹✨ Tender chicken, sun-dried tomat...
01/05/2026

This Tuscan chicken pasta is a creamy Italian dream filled with rich, savory flavors 🇮🇹✨ Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and silky sauce in every bite.



Ingredients:
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, equal to 1 lb.
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt/Pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon salted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup dry white wine, see notes
1 tablespoon tomato Paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
2 cups chicken broth
1 ¼ cups half and half, (half cream/half milk)
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
½ lb. pasta, any kind. I used pappardelle
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup Romano cheese, grated
2 cups spinach

Instructions:
1. Slice the chicken into 3 thinner slices and pat completely dry. Season each side with Italian seasoning and salt/pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on each side for 4-5 minutes, until a golden brown crust has developed. Set aside once cooked through. Remove any leftover oil but keep the brown remnants in the pot. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Add any juice from the chicken plate to the pot.
3. Melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, wine, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom and sides of the pan to incorporate more flavor into the sauce. Cook until thickened and reduced by half, 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth. Slowly stir in the half and half. Add the sundried tomatoes and bring to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and submerge it into the liquid. Let it come to a boil again and cook according to package instructions. Stir a few times throughout cooking to ensure pasta doesn't stick to the bottom. Taste test a noodle for doneness before proceeding.
5. Reduce heat to low. Slowly sprinkle in the cheese and stir to incorporate until smooth.
6. Add the chicken and spinach and stir to combine. Heat 1-2 minutes, until chicken is heated and spinach is wilted. Serve!

This green chile white chicken chili is spicy, creamy, and bursting with bold Southwestern flavor 🌶️✨ A cozy bowl of ten...
01/05/2026

This green chile white chicken chili is spicy, creamy, and bursting with bold Southwestern flavor 🌶️✨ A cozy bowl of tender chicken, zesty chiles, and warm comfort.



Ingredients:
Meat
• 2 cups Chicken, cooked
Produce
• 1 Cilantro
• 1/2 cup Corn
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 can Green chiles
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder
• 1 can White beans
Canned Goods
• 1 cup Chicken broth
Baking & Spices
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
Oils & Vinegars
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
Nuts & Seeds
• 1 tsp Cumin
Dairy
• 1/2 cup Sour cream

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add cooked chicken and sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add white beans, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
5. If using, add corn and heat through.
6. Serve hot, topped with sour cream and cilantro.

This one-pot white chicken chili pasta is an easy comfort fix packed with creamy, hearty flavor 🍗🍝✨ A warm, satisfying b...
01/04/2026

This one-pot white chicken chili pasta is an easy comfort fix packed with creamy, hearty flavor 🍗🍝✨ A warm, satisfying blend of tender chicken, pasta, and zesty chili spices.



Ingredients:
Meat
• 1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless skinless
Produce
• 1 Cilantro, Fresh
• 1 can Corn
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 can Green chilies
• 1 Onion, medium
• 1 can White beans
Canned Goods
• 4 cups Chicken broth
Pasta & Grains
• 2 cups Pasta
Baking & Spices
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• 1 Salt and pepper
Nuts & Seeds
• 1 tsp Cumin
Dairy
• 1 cup Cheese

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned.
3. Stir in green chilies, beans, corn, and spices.
4. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
6. Shred chicken in the pot and mix well.
7. Top with cheese and let it melt.
8. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

These Raising Cane’s chicken tenders are crispy, crave-worthy, and packed with irresistible flavor 🍗✨ Golden, juicy perf...
01/04/2026

These Raising Cane’s chicken tenders are crispy, crave-worthy, and packed with irresistible flavor 🍗✨ Golden, juicy perfection in every bite.



Ingredients:
Meat
• 2 lb Chicken tenderloins
Produce
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 2 tsp Powdered garlic
Refrigerated
• 1 Egg, large
Condiments
• 3 tbsp Ketchup
• 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Baking & Spices
• 1 Black pepper, Freshly ground
• 3/4 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 cup Cornstarch
• 2 1/2 cups Flour
• 5 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp Paprika
Oils & Vinegars
• 1 Vegetable oil
Dairy
• 1 1/2 cups Buttermilk

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, 2 teaspoons of salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the bowl, making sure it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, the remaining salt, and a little more pepper.
4. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large, high-sided skillet until it reaches 350°F.
5. Working one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it back into the buttermilk marinade, then coat it once more in the flour mixture. Set aside on a tray.
6. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain and stay crisp.
8. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
9. Serve the crispy chicken tenders with the dipping sauce — and add fries and toast on the side if you’d like the full experience.
10. The sauce can be made ahead of time (up to 3 days) and stored in the fridge until ready to use.

01/03/2026

Creamy garlic chicken drumsticks 🍗🧄 deliver rich, garlicky bliss in every tender bite. A flavorful, comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners ✨


Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks:
8–12 Chicken Drumsticks
Seasoning:
Olive Oil
2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
2 tsp Dried basil
2 tsp Paprika
1 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
2 tsp Rosemary
2 tbsp Garlic (minced)
1 large onion (minced)
1 Bell pepper (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp Flour
1/2 cup Milk
1/2 cup Heavy cream
1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder or two cubes
1/4 cup fresh parsley

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees: Prepare the oven for baking.
2. Clean/Wash chicken and season: Rinse the chicken, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Brown chicken in skillet: Brown seasoned chicken in a skillet on all sides.
4. Sauté vegetables and garlic: Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in the same skillet.
5. Add flour and broth: Stir in flour and chicken broth.
6. Combine milk, cream, and bouillon: Add milk, heavy cream, and chicken bouillon, then mix well.
7. Finish and bake: Stir in fresh parsley, return chicken to skillet, spoon gravy over chicken, and bake for 40 minutes.
8. Serve and enjoy: Serve the chicken over your favorite side dish.

These creamy white chicken chili enchiladas are smooth, savory, and packed with irresistible flavor 🌮✨ A cozy blend of t...
01/03/2026

These creamy white chicken chili enchiladas are smooth, savory, and packed with irresistible flavor 🌮✨ A cozy blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and warm spices.



Ingredients:
Meat
• 2 cups Chicken, cooked
Produce
• 1 cup Corn
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 Onion
• 1 cup White beans
Canned Goods
• 1 cup Chicken broth
Baking & Spices
• 1 tsp Chili powder
Oils & Vinegars
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
Nuts & Seeds
• 1 tsp Cumin
Bread & Baked Goods
• 8 Flour tortillas
Dairy
• 1 cup Cheese
• 1 cup Sour cream

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
4. Stir in chicken, beans, corn, sour cream, cumin, and chili powder.
5. Fill tortillas with the mixture and roll them up.
6. Place enchiladas in a baking dish.
7. Pour chicken broth over the enchiladas.
8. Top with shredded cheese.
9. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is melted.
10. Serve hot.

01/03/2026

Grilled chicken parmesan 🍗🧀 brings smoky Italian comfort with golden, melty cheese. A hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy, satisfying meals ✨


Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, thinly sliced
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt, or seasoned salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
chopped parsley, optional garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish or large baking dish. Place chicken breasts in an even layer in the dish.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt and pepper.
3. Spread mixture over chicken breasts. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken.
4. Bake for 40 mins, or until an internal temperature on an instant-read meat thermometer reaches 165°F. Serve hot and garnish with parsley, if desired.

Chicken shepherd’s pie 🍗🥔 layers golden, creamy comfort in every cozy bite. A warm, satisfying classic with rich, wholes...
01/03/2026

Chicken shepherd’s pie 🍗🥔 layers golden, creamy comfort in every cozy bite. A warm, satisfying classic with rich, wholesome flavors ✨


Ingredients:
For the filling:
1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables (I prefer Birds Eye)
1/2 cup white wine (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
3 tbsp butter (I use Kerrygold unsalted butter)
1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces)
3 tbsp flour (all-purpose)
14 oz chicken broth
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup onion (diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
2 garlic cloves (freshly minced)
For the topping:
1/4 cup milk (brings potatoes to spreadable consistency)
3 cups mashed potatoes (creamy consistency, not stiff)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats, prepare all your ingredients: dice the onion into 1/4-inch pieces, mince the garlic cloves, and have your cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, chicken broth, wine, and seasonings measured and ready. This prep work ensures smooth cooking without interruptions. Make sure your mashed potatoes are creamy and spreadable—if they're too stiff, warm them gently and stir in the milk to reach the right consistency.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once foaming, add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more—this develops a rich, aromatic foundation. I like to use Kerrygold butter here because its slight richness elevates the entire sauce. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux base.
3. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat everything in the buttery flour mixture. This step ensures even distribution of the protein and vegetables throughout the filling. Pour in the chicken broth, white wine, salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning. Stir well to combine everything evenly, breaking up any flour lumps.
4. Bring the filling to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld, the sauce to thicken slightly, and the poultry seasoning to distribute fully. For deeper flavor, I always include the wine—it adds subtle complexity that enhances the chicken without tasting alcoholic. The filling should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still slightly loose, as it will continue thickening as it bakes.
5. Pour the hot chicken filling from Step 4 into a 9x13 inch baking dish (or similar-sized casserole). Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the top, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer that reaches all edges—this ensures every bite has both filling and potato topping. Place in the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly at the edges.
6. Remove the shepherd's pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the filling to set slightly and makes portioning cleaner and easier. The dish will be piping hot and ready to serve straight from the baking dish.

01/02/2026

Easy baked chicken cordon bleu 🍗🧀 offers crisp, cheesy elegance in every bite. A golden, flavorful dish that blends comfort with a touch of sophistication ✨


Ingredients:
Meat
• 6 Chicken breast halves - pounded to, skinless boneless
• 6 slices Ham
Bread & Baked Goods
• 1 cup Bread crumbs, seasoned dry
Dairy
• 1/2 cup Butter
• 6 String cheese sticks
Other
• toothpicks

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Lay out the pounded chicken breasts on a clean surface. Place a slice of ham on each piece, then one stick of cheese. Roll the chicken up around the cheese and ham, and secure with toothpicks. Dip each roll in melted butter, then roll in bread crumbs. Place in a shallow baking dish.
3. Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken is browned and juices run clear.

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Orem, UT
84057

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