I like to crock pot meat on Monday and then serve it several different ways throughout the week. Even the leftover hater in your family will embrace this crock pot chicken that transforms itself into white bean chili, caesar salad, broccoli casserole, pesto pasta and tortilla soup and you'll love the 10 minute or less prep time each. For the chicken, just place 10 frozen chicken breasts in crock pot and cover with chicken broth (one large can or three small – add extra water if needed to cover) and heat on high 6-8 hours or low 8-10 hours*. Chicken will be so tender that it will be easy to cut with a butter knife or shred it with two forks. (*3-4 on low or 5-6 on high if fully thawed)

Monday’s Chicken Broccoli Rice – great separate or as a casserole

Cook Time: 30 minutes, Prep time: 15 minutes (just to cook the flavored rice), Serves 4
A. 1 pkg. Rice-a-Roni chicken flavor or long grain wild rice prepared according to instruction
B. 2 large chicken breasts, 1 pkg. frozen chopped broccoli pieces cooked
C. 1 can cream of chicken soup and 1 cup grated sharp cheese

If cooking as a casserole, combine A, B and C with the cheese as the ingredient on top. Bake in casserole dish at 350 until heated through – about 30 minutes. If not eating as a casserole, just combine A and B, add salt and pepper to taste, and microwave as needed.

Tuesday’s Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe – So Easy and So Good

Cook Time: 5 minutes Prep Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4
2 chicken breasts cooked
1 can chicken broth
1 can V8 juice
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1/3 pack taco seasoning mix
chopped up tortilla chips (to sprinkle on top once cooked)
optional: roasted red pepper to taste, cooked rice

Since the chicken is cooked, the instructions are as simple as:

1. Open cans
2. Heat on stove over medium heat
3. Serve with chopped up tortilla chips on top
I like the 90 second microwavable rice from Uncle Bens because my husband can add it to his but I prefer it without.

Wednesday Chicken Basil Pasta – best with fresh herbs and tomatoes from the garden

Cook Time 10 minutes, Prep Time 10 minutes Serves 4
2 large chicken breasts cooked
3 cups bow tie pasta (8 oz.)
1 jar alfredo sauce (approx. 1 lb)
milk (optional)
4 medium fresh tomatoes (when tomatoes aren't in season, I substitute roasted red peppers for the tomatoes)
6 leaves fresh basil
Add the pasta to boiling water (10 minutes)
Heat the alfredo sauce in the microwave (5 minutes on medium heat - although microwaves differ)
Add milk to sauce if you prefer thinner sauce (I do!)
Chop the chicken, basil and the tomatoes
Drain the pasta
Combine all ingredients

Thursday’s White Bean Chili – a Tasty Variation to Standard Chili

Cook Time: 10 minutes, Prep time: 10 minutes Serves 4
2 large chicken breasts – cooked and shredded or chopped
1 (16 oz.) can white beans
1 (16 oz.) can corn
1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 small cans chopped green chilis, drained
1 clove garlic
1 medium onion, chopped
1 T vegetable oil
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1 envelope taco seasoning mix

In saucepan, saute onion in vegetable oil until browned. Combine all remaining ingredients until heated through. Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips.

Friday’s Chicken Caesar Salad – it’s the weekend!

Cook time: 0 minutes, Prep Time: 2 Minutes, Serves 4
1-2 Chicken Breasts – chopped
2 bags Caesar salad mix includes shredded parmesan, croutons, dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Add salt and pepper to taste on chicken. Combine remaining ingredients. Serve with crusty bread and leftover chili from Thursday, or with a good take-out pizza!

For more of my simple versatile recipes and cooking tips, go to . An inviting place for sugar and honey glazed baked ham, dinners, gifts and clever conversation.

Pam is the owner of pams-hams.com and recently retired as marketing director for Honeybaked in Michigan. As anyone with kids can understand, the move was made in order to have more flexibility with my family. I like cooking and entertaining but I love finding clever new ways to make a meal easier or better. Also fond of water sports, Samoyeds, cats and small red head children.