Meals That Work When You Are Tired

Lately, I’ve noticed a common thread when I talk to young mothers … they are tired! Juggling jobs, housework, other commitments, plus KIDS, means that by the time dinner rolls around, they’re too tired to eat (much less menu plan and cook).

This exhaustion is not just reserved for young moms either. Grandmas are working longer than they ever have before and many of us provide babysitting to help our kids out. It seems like we’re all overcommitted and overtired.

So, I’m sharing my favorite way to make sure I have protein in the house and a simple, easy way to create a meal.

SENORITA CHICKEN

1 value pack of chicken breasts (6 or so)
1 jar of your favorite salsa

Are you with me? This is complicated, so don’t get lost. Spray your crockpot bowl with cooking spray. Place the chicken in the crockpot. Open the jar of salsa. Pour it over the chicken. Put the lid on and crank that puppy up to high. Go away. Get yourself a coffee. And, a donut.

When you return, 5-10 hours later, your house will smell divine and you will have the most tender and flavorful chicken your family has ever tasted. Seriously, if you want the meat to stay intact, you will have to carefully use a spoon to take it out.

Otherwise, it will fall apart in a beautiful way.

Now, you have lean protein to build meals upon for days!

Here are just a few ideas:

Chicken Subs

Chicken Chili

Chicken Salad

Or, how about: chicken burritos, enchiladas, chicken potpie, chicken tacos … The ideas are endless and you are prepared for any of them with juicy, healthy chicken already cooked and ready to go.

Your entire family will love it, even your little ones!

NOTE: Hide the bowl of chicken in a container marked “liver”. My guys can’t keep their hands off of it. They would eat the whole bowl as a snack if I’d let them.

Here is another great recipe built off that chicken as well!

MEXICAN CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix:

2 cups slightly crushed corn tortilla chips
1 cup corn (canned, frozen or fresh)
15 oz can black beans (rinsed and drained)
3 cups diced chicken
2 cups shredded cheese (buy a bag!)
3 cups salsa
1 bunch green onions (sliced)
2 Tbs taco seasoning
Garnish: sour cream, avocado, tomatoes

After mixing all the ingredients together, pour it into a 13×9” pan (I spray it with cooking spray first), cover it with foil and bake for 30 minutes. The flavors meld together in an amazing way. Garnish it and enjoy!