Getting back into the regular rhythm of back-to-school can be filled with excitement for the kids to see their friends again, begin the new sports season or even moving up to the next grade. But for parents, as great as it is to be on somewhat of a “normal” schedule, we’re often faced with the challenge of juggling busy schedules, homework help, and the never ending question of, "What's for dinner?"
Meal planning can feel like another task on an already overflowing to-do list, but it doesn't have to be stressful! With a little forethought and the right ingredients in your fridge and freezer – like Jidori’s premium, high-quality chicken – your already busy week might get a little easier for you and your family.
Why Choose High Quality Chicken?
Opting for premium chicken makes a difference when feeding your growing family. When you start with the right foundation, the base you choose will shine so that the rest of the meal is even more enjoyable.
-
Superior Taste and Texture: Our Jidori chicken is raised with care, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat. There is a noticeable difference in every bite, making even simple dishes taste exceptional.
-
Higher Nutritional Value: Jidori chicken is sourced from birds raised with better diets and more space, which translates to a higher nutrient density. This means you're providing your family with more protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
-
Peace of Mind: Knowing where your food comes from and that it's raised to high standards can give you peace of mind when feeding your children.
-
Versatility: Jidori’s high-quality chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from quick weeknight meals to more elaborate weekend feasts.
Easy Back-to-School Chicken Meal Ideas:
Here are a few simple and delicious meal ideas that are perfect for busy school nights. Double (or triple!) any of these for easy meal-prepping for the week.
1. Speedy Chicken Stir-Fry:
This is a fantastic way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge!
-
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Jidori chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (or pre-cut chicken chunks)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- Assorted vegetables (broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, etc.)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
-
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Why it's great for back-to-school: Quick cooking time, customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand, and a complete, balanced meal. Leftovers pack easily for lunch for the kids (or grown ups!)
2. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies:
A classic dish, easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
-
Ingredients:
- 1.5-2 lbs Jidori bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks work well)
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 lb carrots, chopped
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan.
- Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Scatter lemon slices and dried herbs over the chicken and vegetables.
- Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Why it's great for back-to-school: Minimal hands-on time, a complete meal in one pan.
3. Creamy Chicken and Pasta:
A comforting and satisfying dish that's always a hit.
-
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Jidori chicken breast, cooked and shredded or diced
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Stir in fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Why it's great for back-to-school: Quick to assemble once the chicken is cooked that everyone loves and easily adaptable with different types of pasta and vegetables. (Consider cooking a batch of chicken at the beginning of the week to save even more time!)
Make Meal Planning a Breeze:
Here are a few extra tips to make back-to-school meal planning even smoother:
- Dedicate some time each week to plan your meals and create a grocery list.
- Stock your fridge and freezer with protein options
- Prep ingredients in advance such as chopping vegetables or cooking chicken.
- Double recipes and freeze leftovers for future quick meals.
- Involve your kids in the meal planning process to get them excited about what they're eating.
Even if meal planning isn’t a part of your family’s focus, you can easily incorporate these easy meal ideas into your weekly routine so that the back-to-school rush is less daunting. Jidori chicken makes it easy to keep you and your family well-fed this school year.