The Frugal Retiree: Chicken Delightful
I learned to prepare my first meal when I was 11. The dish: roasted chicken with potatoes, onions, carrots, and peas. Decades later, this meal and the availability of rotisserie chicken inspired creative cooking. I call this “Chicken Delightful.” Are you ready?
While shopping, you may need a little restraint to bypass the visual temptation of colorful packaging and readymade meals. Hold on tight, and remember two words “Chicken Delightful.” No packaged frozen meals loaded with salt and unpronounceable additives.
The following basics will help you sail through the week frugally, with variety and nutrition. Many you may already have at home.
- 1 classic roasted rotisserie chicken
- 1 bag fresh carrots
- 6 russet potatoes
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 bunch celery
- 1 can (or frozen) peas
- Olive/vegetable oil, or butter
- Salt and pepper
- Dry parsley
- Mayonnaise
Dish #1 Roast Chicken & Veggies
- In a covered baking pan, place about 10 whole peeled carrots, 6-8 washed, unpeeled potatoes; half chopped onion, and drained peas.
- Oil/butter the vegetables liberally.
- Bake at 400° until onions, carrots, and potatoes are tender but not mushy, usually about 40 minutes.
- At about 30 minutes, place sliced breast meat (my husband is a leg man :)) over the veggies and bake another 10 minutes, then serve.
Dish #2 Nachos
Sautee diced chicken in salsa. Layer chips, chicken, shredded cheese. Finish w/ guac and
sour cream.
Dish #3 Picnic Pasta Salad
Prepare rotini, elbow, or shells, let cool. Fold in diced chicken & celery, italian or creamy dressing, and. . . Voila! Picnic perfect.
Dish #4 Chicken Salad Sammies
From the carcass, chop chicken for 1-2 sandwiches. Add chopped onion, celery, and grated raw carrot. Dress with mayo* and season with salt and pepper to taste.
*1/2 mayo/1/2 sour cream reduces fat and brightens flavor.
Dish #5 Comfort Food Lite
Prepare rice and a light gravy. When gravy is ready, add diced chicken. Pour over rice, add a light salad, and – Yum! Firmly in the comfort food lane yet light enough for the season.
Ancient mystery solved: the chicken came first.
Mangia bene!
Joan B. Reid
50plus Magazine
Joan B. Reid is the author of Joyful Passage: A Woman’s Path to Retirement.