Transform Family Dinners from Ordinary to Extraordinary
Someone in your family asks for something “new” or “different” for dinner. You ask for ideas, and they reply with a resounding, “I don’t know!” Sound familiar? We’ve all been there, and it can be difficult to find family dinner ideas that everyone will eat! The struggle is real. Here are some quick and healthy recipes that can transform your menu with no extra fuss.
Bird is the Word
Chicken is a go-to family dinner entrée in my house. Although it’s versatile, I can admit that it can become boring. If your chicken dinner ideas are a little worn out, try our favorite chicken dish. Serve with brown rice, roasted broccoli or your family’s favorite pasta.
30-Minute Favorite Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Cream Sauce
4 Boneless skinless chicken tenders, thinly sliced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cup finely diced shallots (or red onion)
2 tablespoons salted butter
1/4cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
Lemon slices for garnish
1.Preheat the oven to 375°. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken.
2.In small bowl, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic and red pepper flakes.
3.Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side; transfer chicken to a plate.
4.Reduce heat to medium; add shallots to the skillet along with chicken broth mixture. Using a whisk, scrape the bottom of the pan so all the brown bits (flavor!) are loosened. Increase heat to medium-high until sauce comes to a simmer. Cook the sauce for 10-15 minutes or until about 3 cup of the sauce remains.
5.When the sauce has thickened, turn off heat, add butter and whisk until it melts completely. Add heavy cream and whisk to combine. Add chicken back to the pan and drizzle sauce over the chicken. Place skillet in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Top with chopped parsley or basil and serve with lemon slices and your side dishes.
Here Fishy Fishy
Salmon is a quick family dinner that has a mild flavor for kids who aren’t crazy about seafood. The sweet flavor of the honey glaze in this recipe will appeal to everyone in your family – even the kids! This meal is a winner in our house when combined with brown rice and veggies.
Honey-Glazed Salmon
1/4cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, patted dry with a paper towel
Salt and pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
1.In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
2.Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet on medium-high. When oil is hot but not smoking, add salmon skin side up and season with salt and pepper. Cook salmon until deeply golden, about 6 minutes, then flip and add remaining tablespoon of oil. Reduce heat to medium.
3.Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the honey mixture and sliced lemons and cook until sauce is reduced by about 3. Baste salmon with the sauce.
4.Garnish with sliced lemon and parsley. Serve with brown rice and roasted veggies!
Happy Cooking,
Chef April
April Howell is a Chef, Cooking School Coordinator, and Community Events Specialist based out of Martin’s at Heritage Square.