Cooking While Exhausted: No Fuss Chicken for Four

By Lou Anne Gintner 

This past summer I was diagnosed with CVID or Common Variable Immune Deficiency. Prior to this, I had been sick for over 20 years with repeated sinus and ear infections and pneumonia. I am very familiar with trying to keep our family going during times when I would rather lie in bed with exhaustion. My husband and I have been married 25 years and we have 2 daughters, one is 18 and one is 10. They are busy girls, my oldest is in college and teaches horseback riding. The youngest is a black belt in Taekwondo and likes to compete in tournaments and assist the instructor in the classes under her.

My husband is a great husband and provider who often works extra shifts to supplement our income. Even though we are a busy family, I value home cooked meals that we all can enjoy together. This saves us money and time. I hope that you enjoy this and future meal ideas that will simplify your life too!

Rotisserie Chicken Fake like Homemade Meal for 4

Ingredients:   1 Rotisserie Chicken

1 Ready made Heat up Mashed Potatoes from the refrigerated section.

1 packet of dry gravy mix

1 can of green beans

Tip: If you are unable to go to the store, have a family member pick up these items a half an hour before dinner. I always have thick paper plates and plastic utensils. This way clean up is minimal. If I feel more energetic we use real plates and dinner utensils.

Instructions: Prepare Gravy mix in a saucepan. One of my best gifts ever is a robo stirrer. It is great! I whisk the gravy mix and water together on high heat. Once mixed well I turn my robo stirrer on and I watch the gravy as I prepare the rest of the dinner.

Put the potatoes in the microwave for 3 minutes. While they start, put the green beans in a small pan on high. When potatoes stop, remove the plastic from the top, stir and 2 minutes more in the microwave. The gravy and beans may be finished by now. Once the gravy boils it cooks 1 minute to thicken then it is done. Green beans need to come to a boil and heat through. Put the rotisserie chicken on a plate and microwave 3 minutes. Now your meal is ready. It only takes 15 minutes, and is very easy! It would almost take as long for everyone to order and get their food at the fast food restaurant.

Be sure you train your family to put their plates and utensils in the sink. Better yet, get them to do the dishes. (I am still hoping for that to happen at my house!)

See you can easily prepare a home-cooked meal with little effect and much healthier than most fast food!

Time and Energy Savers: The chicken is cooked already. The potatoes come already mashed. Gravy is easy with a robo stirrer and mix packet. Canned green beans taste great, keep as a pantry staple, and are fast to cook.