Quick and Easy Simple Chicken and Cheese Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Guide or Summary:Simple Chicken and Cheese QuesadillasCheesy Chicken and Broccoli BakeChicken and Cheese Stuffed PeppersChicken and Cheese Pasta BakeWhen it……
Guide or Summary:
- Simple Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas
- Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
- Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
- Chicken and Cheese Pasta Bake
When it comes to preparing meals during hectic weekdays, finding recipes that are both delicious and easy to make is essential. Simple chicken and cheese recipes are perfect for this purpose. They are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that the whole family will love. In this guide, we'll explore some fantastic simple chicken and cheese recipes that you can whip up in no time, ensuring you have a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Simple Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas
One of the quickest and most delightful meals you can prepare is a chicken and cheese quesadilla. For this recipe, you'll need:
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Flour tortillas
- Butter or oil for frying
- Optional: diced onions, bell peppers, and salsa for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over half of it.
3. Add a layer of shredded chicken on top of the cheese.
4. If desired, add diced onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown, flipping once.
6. Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve with salsa.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
This hearty bake is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort. Ingredients include:
- Cooked chicken breast, cubed
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is bubbling.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy chicken and cheese. For this recipe, you'll need:
- Bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend)
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion and garlic, finely chopped
- Olive oil
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, and cooked rice or quinoa to the skillet. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper half with the chicken mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Top each stuffed pepper with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Chicken and Cheese Pasta Bake
For pasta lovers, this cheesy chicken pasta bake is a must-try. Ingredients include:
- Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- Cooked, cubed chicken
- Shredded cheese (mozzarella and parmesan)
- Marinara sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, marinara sauce, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
4. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
6. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
These quick and easy simple chicken and cheese recipes for busy weeknights are sure to become staples in your kitchen. They offer a perfect balance of convenience and deliciousness, making them ideal for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy!