Wholesome Family Dinner: Teriyaki Pulled Chicken, Elote Salad, and Garlic Green Beans
Introduction
As busy parents, finding time to prepare healthy and delicious meals can be challenging. That's why we're excited to share this family-friendly menu featuring Teriyaki Pulled Chicken, Elote Salad, and Garlic Green Beans. These dishes are not only nutritious and satisfying but also easy to make, ensuring that dinner is a breeze even on hectic days.
Teriyaki Pulled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker sauce and cook on high for 15-20 minutes or until thickened.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce. Serve topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
Elote Salad
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, grilled and kernels removed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add grilled corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Mix well.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add green beans and cook, stirring frequently, until tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with lemon zest before serving.
Practical Tips for Busy Parents
Here are some tips to make meal prep even easier:
- Plan Ahead: Use Bean to organize your week's meal plan in advance, saving you time each day.
- Prep in Batches: Dedicate one day a week to chop vegetables and portion out ingredients.
- Freeze for Later: Double the recipe and freeze half for another week.
- Involve the Kids: Engaging children in meal prep can make it fun and educational.
- Utilize Leftovers: Transform leftover chicken into wraps or salads for lunch the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Teriyaki Pulled Chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used and may even add more flavor due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How can I make the Elote Salad spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños.
What's the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can these recipes be made in advance?
Yes, all three dishes can be prepared a day ahead. Simply reheat before serving to enjoy a quick and easy meal.
Is there a substitute for cotija cheese in the Elote Salad?
If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese is a good alternative, providing a similar texture and flavor.
Make Meal Planning Easy with Bean
Download the Bean app today to simplify your meal planning and enjoy more nutritious, stress-free dinners with your family. Sign up for our newsletter to receive delicious recipes and tips straight to your inbox!
