I’ll be real, I seriously debated posting a meal plan this week. With the move, our trip to North Carolina for Thanksgiving, and a slew of meal providing events over the two weeks, we’re looking at a lot of old standbys and repeats made from B Kitchen staples . And be honest, as much as ya’ll love me, do you really want to read about me eating another Chipotle Chicken Salad?
If the answer is yes, you should know we had Chipotle Chicken Salad on Sunday night and it was delicious.
Speaking on schedules, when we return from North Carolina, we head right into the weeks leading up until Christmas. Events galore! Also, I’ll be unpacking and if experience has taught me anything it is that no matter how much I label boxes, I can never find my crockpot when I need it. This all spells trouble for that promise I made to ya’ll, and myself, about opening up my culinary options and diversifying my menus.
But I can’t bear to let you down. So while I prepare my family for a few weeks of chicken cooked in as many ways as I know how to cook chicken, I’m still doing research about meals that I would love to try when all my crockery is in its rightful place and I have finally found my crockpot. (You think I’m exaggerating. I’m not. We lived in Indiana for 11 months before I found my crockpot. The move before that it just vanished into the ether. We had to buy a new one. Crockpots, amirite?)
And what is the point of doing research if you’re not going to share it with the people who faithfully read your Meal Planning blogs? Here are some recipe idea (including alterations they might make to the shopping list) that will definitely be on the B menu once the business of the holidays settle down. Hopefully these will give you some ideas for your own meal plans.
Creamy Bacon Mushroom Chicken Thighs: This is a no brainer for me. Chicken thighs are usually reasonably priced, I have enough bacon in my freezer to last me a life time, and mushrooms are a love song I sing to my children. I don’t buy mushrooms that often because my children are fickle about their love songs. The cream sauce is hit or miss for me, but I’m looking forward to giving this one a shot. Additions to shopping list: mushrooms, heavy cream.
Zucchini Lasagna: After my recent foray into zoodles, I am seriously considering other ways to substitute zeggies for noodles. The zucchini needs to be grilled before being added to the lasagna, since it holds a lot of water, but that’s not too much added cook time. I’ll substitute ground turkey for ground beef and do my homemade marinara sauce. If I can get a good deal on mozzarella, this is very doable. Additions to shopping list: mozzarella, zucchini, ricotta.
Keto Buffalo Chicken Soup: This is everything I love. And especially great during the cold season. Bring on the soups! Pretty much how it sounds, chicken, hot sauce, cream, and blue cheese. I’ll use my homemade chicken stock as the based. Additions to shopping list: heavy cream, hot sauce.
Mahi Mahi One Sheet Fajitas: While the chicken fajitas are no strangers to my dining room, I haven’t quite mastered their wily cousin, fish tacos. I’ve seen recipes that use mahi mahi, but I think a variety of fish could be substituted. Fish are a great protein and I’m always trying to incorporate more into our diet. Additions to shopping list: none.
Honey Dijon Roast Pork Tenderloin: I make pork three ways: Cubanos, enchiladas, and ranch. This is because pork is a tricky protein to cook and early in my marriage I made a disaster of a teriyaki pork dish. I have never recovered. Unluckily for me, all the other Bs love pork, so I am needed to step up my pork game. And with these ingredients already staples in my pantry, I have no more excuses. Additions to shopping list: none.
Chicken Cordon Bleu: For someone who loves chicken as much as I do, I’m surprised I haven’t already tried this. There are a wide variety of recipes out there, including some casserole versions. Some of the ingredients (ham, swiss) aren’t hugely popular in the B household, but I think it could be worth it to push those Bs out of their comfort zone once in a while. Additions to the shopping list: ham, swiss.
Creamy Green Chicken Chile Soup: This is a little bit of a cheat. I have a tried and true recipe I use for this, but I recently came across a recipe that eliminates some of my go-to’s (bye, tomaotes!) and substitutes others (moooore butter?) So I’m anxious to try this and see if a new recipe can liven up an old favorite. Additions to shopping list: heavy cream.
Moral of the story: I need to up my heavy cream game.
Don’t worry friends! Me and my Chipotle Chicken Salads will be back with regular meal planning after Thanksgiving.
Are there any meals you’ve been eyeing but can’t commit to? Tell me about them! We can try them together. Any suggestions on meals you love but have never seen me mention? Tell me about them! I want to love the things you love. Give me all you got in the comments section!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!