“Make Ahead Weeknight Meals – Menu Seven”

Short on time and in a hurry to get dinner on the table after a long hard day. Whether you have kids or fending for yourself alone, planning dinner doesn’t have to be a chore with my Make Ahead Weeknight Meals – Menu Seven. I’m bringing you Skillet Chicken with Jalapeno Cream Sauce and a simple delicious side of Saffron Yellow Rice. And let’s not forget about your greens by tossing together a mixed green salad with your favorite salad dressing.

The jalapeno cream sauce gives this chicken an added pop of flavor with subtle heat on the back-end. Serving this chicken with yellow rice is a perfect combination. Feel free to use white or brown rice should you prefer. I just used what I had in my pantry and found yellow rice to be amazing. Cilantro rice would work, too especially if using cilantro as garnish when plating instead of green onions.

Make Ahead Weeknight Meals – Menu Seven

First, yes I love chicken thighs but feel free to use chicken breast if you prefer. The taste will be just as amazing and cooking time really does not change. This recipe is perfect even if you’re not a fan of jalapeno peppers as once they are seeded most heat is gone. This sauce is delightfully palatable will make you want to lick your plate.

Second, prep the chicken the night before to save time. Furthermore, chop all vegetables as well and place in containers for an easy grab from the frig once you begin cooking. I actually place everything I need for my recipes in one spot so I won’t be scrounging around the kitchen come meal time.. I recommend you do the same.

Make Ahead Weeknight Meals – Menu Seven

I love this recipe and I’ll bet my Make Ahead Weeknight Meals – Menu Seven will become a fast favorite and one you’ll make over and over again. Skillet Chicken with Jalapeno Cream Sauce served with Saffron Yellow Rice will satisfy your taste buds when it’s not in the cards for eating out. Most of us have fixings for a salad most days so a side salad is a no-brainer. Forgo the rice and serve with just a salad. Dinner is ready in less than one hour. Fabulous no matter what…It’s all about easy, simple and delicious in no time.

Make Ahead Weeknight Meals – Menu Seven

Head on down to your local market and pick up the ingredients for my Make Ahead Weeknight Meals – Menu Seven. All fellow foodies who follow my blog know I don’t use store-bought items very often but Vigo Brand Saffron Yellow Rice is a staple in my pantry plus my husband loves it so this rice is a keeper.

Print this recipe and get to cooking. You’ll be glad you did because you worked hard and deserve a dinner treat at the end of the day. Go ahead and treat yourself and your family. Have a great week and enjoy!

Make Ahead Weeknight Meals – Menu Seven

Skillet Chicken with Jalapeno Cream Sauce

6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on or skinless

2 T. butter

2 T. Olive oil

1/3 cup chopped onion

1 T. minced garlic

2 jalapenos, seeded and minced

1/2 t. cumin

1/2 t. red pepper flakes

Juice of 1 lime

1 ¼ cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped green onion or cilantro, for garnish

Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper chicken then add to skillet skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken to plate and leave 2 T. oil in skillet.

Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno to oil in skillet and sauté for 3 – 4 minutes until vegetables are soft. Sprinkle in cumin, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth, add chicken back to skillet. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour in heavy cream and slowly simmer to thicken sauce, about 5 – 7 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with green onion or cilantro. Serve with Saffron Yellow Rice and a Green Salad.