Comfort Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy

This is most definitely a comfort food recipe! Something simple and easy to make. Who says that busy schedules can't allow for home cooked meals?! I even made this super easy and used the Ore-Ida steam-n-mash potatoes.

What you need:
3 chicken skinless breast
14.5 oz chicken broth
2 packs gravy mix (I used chicken gravy mix)
S/P to taste

Make it:
Place chicken in crock-pot, pour in broth (should cover chicken, if not add a little water)
Cook on low 8 hours (or high 4-5 hours)
Pull with fork
In a saucepan, pour 2 cups of broth from crock-pot
Add 2 packs of gravy mix and stir until it thickens (about 2 minutes)
S/P to taste
Serve shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes

http://www.food.com/recipe/simple-crock-pot-chicken-167491

Penne Chicken w/ Gorgonzola

Who doesn't love Italian?! And when do I not like a recipe that lets me sneak in some veggies, no matter how small, to J?! This was actually quite simple despite the ingredients. It called for asparagus, however apparently I let mine go bad. I pulled out some spinach from the freezer and used it instead. I think I will keep using the spinach! It actually got J to say "I like spinach in this meal." I love when kitchen mishaps turn out better in the end! :)

This is actually a Kraft recipe. Their website has tons of easy meals. Check them out some time!
http://www.kraftrecipes.com/home.aspx

What you need:
2 c penne pasta
2 t olive oil
1/2 c diced onions
1 t sugar
1 1/2 c chopped roma tomatoes
2 c cut up chicken, grilled (I marinated prior)
1 1/2 c chicken broth
1/4 c whipping cream
2 t minced garlic
4 oz crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
chopped spinach (however much your heart desires!)

Make it:
Cook pasta
Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat - add onions and sugar, cook and stir 2-3 minutes
Drain pasta and place in skillet - add tomatoes - heat for 1 minute, stirring occasionally
Add chicken, broth, spinach, cream, and garlic - mix well
Cook 5 min or until sauce is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally
Add cheese - cook 2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally

*It's important to note that it will not thicken like the Alfredo-y sauces you get at Olive Garden. It will be thinner.

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

When I found this pin it was very vague. I winged it and it turned out pretty decent!

Ingredients:
1.5 lb chicken breast (I cooked it in some olive oil and buffalo sauce)
1/3 c buffalo sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray's)
1 c ranch (or blue cheese)
1/2 c shredded cheese
5 c hash browns
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use my homemade version)

Directions:
There were none!!!
I cooked the chicken in a skillet. While the chicken was cooking I thawed the hash browns in the oven a bit. Once the chicken was cooked, I put it over the hash browns, stirred in the buffalo sauce, soup, and ranch. Then I sprinkled it with the cheese. I baked it on 375 until the potatoes were done.

I think next time I am going to use tater tots instead!

Southwest Chicken Skillet

Ingredients:
cubed chicken (I used about a breast and a half)
2 c instant rice
1 pack taco seasoning (I use homemade)
1 can Rotel
shredded cheese (to taste)

Directions:
Cook chicken in the skillet
Add 1 1/2 c water, taco seasoning, and Rotel
Heat to boil
Add rice
Stir and remove from heat, cover
Once water is absorbed, stir and top with cheese