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Chicken, Broccoli, & Pasta Skillet
December 27, 2015 Lee
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Chicken, Broccoli, & Pasta Skillet

This has good potential to be a top shelf keeper for me but I will try it out, it has all the right ingredients, chicken, broccoli, pasta, and cheese. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 300 grams fresh broccoli, cut into pieces, including the stem, cooked
  • 500 grams pasta, any shape, cooked
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, with a splash of olive oil, place the chicken pieces and cook on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until done.
  • Add the pasta and broccoli when the chicken is done, stir in the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cheese to the top an allow to melt, OR if using a cast iron pan (preferred) place the pan in the oven/broiler and melt the cheese on top.

Notes

Chicken at 88 Baht/kilo for breast, and with the cheese and pasta, this is easily under $1 per person per meal.
Shortcut: Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings I
December 27, 2015 Lee
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Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings I

This is a tailored version from a internet recipe sent to me by a good friend. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
  • handful fresh mushrooms, lightly chopped
  • 1 cup peas

Dumplings

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk, OR make this with a shortcut on the site
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.
  • Cover and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High setting. About 20 minutes before serving, drop the biscuit mix into the pot in 8 large spoonfuls. Cover the pot and continue cooking for 12 to 15 minutes.

Dumplings

  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk in the butter, buttermilk, and parsley. Drop the mixture into the pot in 8 large spoonfuls and continue to cook covered for 12 to 15 minutes or until the dumplings are firm.

Notes

Chicken breast run about 88 Baht/kilo, the chicken and the soup will run about 200 Baht max, for 4 people, this is about $1.45 per person, if you make the soup and buttermilk from scratch as listed on shortcuts here on the site, the price will be $1 or less per person.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Buttermilk.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Denise Georgiades.
South Africa.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Bowtie Casserole
December 27, 2015 Lee
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Crock Pot Bowtie Casserole

Denise Georgiades, South Africa.
This is an easy to make casserole in a slow cooker, and has lots of potential! Think using cubed chicken or minced pork. For greens instead of spinach, try some of the greens available at Tesco and most open markets, like Chinese Cabbage or Mustard Greens. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 750 grams ground beef, or minced or chicken, (1½ lb)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 can tomato sauce, 1½ cups, Shortcut
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes, 565 gram can, or use fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Shortcut
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 300 grams spinach, frozen (thawed) or fresh, (10 oz)
  • 500 grams dry bowtie pasta, or corkscrew pasta, cooked and drained, (8 oz)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1½ cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Brown ground beef with onion and garlic, no need to cook it through, just brown it. Put in slow cooker and add sauce, tomatoes, and seasonings.
  • Cook for 6-7 hours on Low setting.
  • During the last 30 minutes, add the spinach, pasta, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the Mozzarella cheese, and mix well, then turn the heat setting to High. Add the last ½ cup of Mozzarella cheese on to and allow to melt.

Notes

Ground beef would run about 150 Baht/kilo. Mozzarella cheese will run about 142 Baht for a package, and Parmesan will run about 140 Baht for a package, each package should be around the correct measurements needed. Mozzarella you will need to shred, Parmesan comes shredded. Even though the recipe calls for 750 grams of meat, just with a kilo and call it good, no one will complain. For these three major items, the cost would be about $2.12 per person for 6 meals. Not bad overall, still a reasonable dish to make at home instead of the high prices of a restaurant.
Shortcut: Tomato Sauce, Italian Seasoning.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,Casseroles - Slow Cooker
Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs
December 26, 2015 Lee
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Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

This sounds like one for the next time we have a cook out. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 58 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 5 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup Ranch dressing, OR you can make from a shortcut listed on this site
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons Worcherstershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt, OR to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, OR use honey, to taste, optional

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Place chicken in the bowl, and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Soak skewers, if using wood ones, in water for 30 minutes before use.
  • Preheat your grill for medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade.
  • Lightly oil the grill, grill skewers for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear.

Notes

Chicken breasts run about 88 Baht/kilo, 5 would be just over, for the sake of argument, I'll say 100 Baht for chicken. For 6 people this would be about 50 cents a meal, add a salad and you have a meal.
For variation, the marinade sounds good, add thighs and legs and grill those, would be excellent.
Shortcut: Ranch Dressing.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,GRILLED / BBQ / SMOKER
Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Sauce
December 26, 2015 Lee
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Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Sauce

These are homemade from breasts, prepped, and cooked by you.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup oil for cooking, your choice of what you would like to use

Honey Mustasd Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, OR spicy mustard

Instructions
 

  • Place the flour on a large plate, season with garlic powder and salt and pepper to your taste.
  • Whisk the egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a bowl.
  • Place the breadcrumbs on a large plate, season with salt and pepper to your liking. (You are making an assembly line but with out all the processed garbage that big business do.)
  • Heat some oil in a large frying pan on medium high heat.
  • Now, coat some chicken pieces in the flour, then dip each piece one at a time in the egg to coat them, then into the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the crumbs onto the chicken pieces to coat them, then into the frying pan, work in batches, no need to over crowd the pan. Brown on each side, about 4 minutes each side, remove cooked nuggets to a planed lined with several paper towels. Serve while hot. Now wasn't that easy?
  • Serve with a vegetable and a salad for a nice meal.

Sauce

  • Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl; mix well.

Notes

Chicken breasts run 88 Baht/kilo, 2 breasts for 4 people, even with a salad and vegetables, easily under $1 per person per meal.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Chicken - Nuggets
Cream of Mushroom Chicken
December 25, 2015 Lee
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Cream of Mushroom Chicken

This sounds really good, will need to add more mushrooms however. This is a simple skillet dinner that is easy to prepare. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 cup water, or as needed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 kilo chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1 package fresh mushrooms, think Tesco variety pack, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter and add the onion and cook until soft, then add the soup, water and milk. Stir together over medium heat, and salt and pepper to taste and bring all to a boil.
  • When mixture starts boiling, add the cubed chicken and simmer until chicken is cooked through. Add the sliced mushrooms and boil over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Serve over egg noodles, rice, or potatoes.

Notes

One kilo of chicken breasts will run about 88 Baht/kilo. For 6 servings, per person, cost is about 45 cents.
Shortcut: Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY,MUSHROOMS
Slow Cooker Dump and Go Cheesy Chicken
December 25, 2015 Lee
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Slow Cooker Dump and Go Cheesy Chicken

I am looking forward to making this, this is a good starter recipe and I may adjust it after I make it, as listed first. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, OR 3-4 quarters, cut
  • 2 cans condensed Cheddar cheese soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Coat the inside of your slow cooker with some butter. Dump the chicken inside.
  • Mix the soup and milk in a bowl and pour over the chicken, season with the garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cook on Low setting for 6 hours and do not lift the lid while cooking!
  • Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed/boiled potatoes.

Notes

Chicken breasts will be about 88 Baht/kilo, 6 would run about 110 Baht. Quarters run about 64 Baht/kilo, 3-4 would run about 80 Baht.
The canned soup is about 60 Baht/can, if you make from the shortcut, very easy, the cost would be 20 Baht/can.
For breasts and canned soup, the cost per person for 6 people is about $1.15. For quarters and homemade soup from the shortcut, the cost for 6 people, per person would be 60 cents.
Making the shortcut will save you money and it is so easy!
Shortcut: Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
December 25, 2015 Lee
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Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is a popular ingredient in many recipes but the ingredients on the store bought can is just down right horrific! Here is a shortcut, you know what goes in it exactly. This makes basically 1 can of condensed Cheddar cheese soup.
Print Recipe
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1 can

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can evaporated milk, 385 gram can is what I use
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • salt, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, add corn starch and whisk until smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and slowly add the evaporated milk, whisking to keep smooth. Return to heat and bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly until thickened. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add salt if desired.

Notes

Used in Recipes Listed on this Site:
Ingredients - Condensed Soups
Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff I
December 23, 2015 Lee
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Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff I

Cubed chicken breast cooked in your slow cooker with a easy creamy sauce. I am going to have to try this, this sounds good! Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed
  • 1/8 cup butter
  • 1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix, OR use the shortcut listed on this site
  • 1 package Cream cheese, 250 gram package, standard size
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Put chicken, butter and dressing mix in your slow cooker, mix together and cook on Low setting for 5 to 6 hours.
  • When chicken is tender and browned, add cream cheese and soup, mix together and cook on high for another 1/2 hour or until heated through and hot. Server over rice or egg noodles.

Notes

Chicken breast would be about 87 Baht/kilo, get 4 breasts and work with that, the cost will be close to 80-90 Baht. Caroline brand cream cheese is about 110 Baht/package. Cost per person would be around $1.50, not bad for a good meal.
Shortcuts: Italian Dressing, Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Creamy Burrito Casserole
December 22, 2015 Lee
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Creamy Burrito Casserole

An easy to make casserole. I will be trying this one soon! Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef, OR minced pork, OR chopped chicken
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 1 can refried beans, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2-3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 4 ounces sour cream, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C.
  • Brown the ground beef and onion, drain off the fat. Add taco seasoning and stir in refried beans (the home made slow cooker refried beans recipe on this site would be an excellent choice) and cook for just a few minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
  • Mix the soup (no water) and sour cream in a separate bowl.
  • Spread 1/2 the soup mixture in the bottom of a baking dish. Tear up 3 tortillas and spread over the soup mixture.
  • Spread 1/2 the meat mixture of the tortillas, and add a layer of cheese.
  • Repeat the layers ending up with cheese on the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes or until the cheese starts to brown a bit and is bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes, serve.

Notes

500 grams of minced pork is about 55 Baht, ground beef would be about 110 Baht for 500 grams. Tortillas, store bought, will add to the cost about 200 Baht, Cheddar cheese will add 180 Baht minimum. For 6 servings, this is about $2.14 per serving.
If you make the shortcuts listed, this will reduce the cost.
The beauty of this recipe, you can easily tailor this, such as using chicken instead of beef or pork, adding fresh chilis, etc.
Shortcuts: Taco Seasoning, Refried Beans, Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,CASSEROLES