What are you, Chicken?

Recipe 2 Minutes

Halloween may be right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have to be afraid of meal prepping. (What could be scarier than midterms coming up, anyway?) Summer is officially over, the strains of college life have set in, and down time is scarce.

Despite these realities, you do not have to resort to a ramen noodle diet; there is hope for your taste buds! Marinated dishes are great time savers because they are simple to prepare and yield many servings.

In my opinion, chicken is the most cost-effective option when it comes to marinating ($5-$7 per package at your local grocery store). I prefer to use chicken breast tenderloins because they are smaller than full chicken breasts and soak up flavor easily. Poking holes in the meat with a fork will also help the flavor spread more evenly.

Here is one of my favorite marinades to get you started.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade

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Ingredients:

  • 1 lb package of chicken
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (preferential)  
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 4 limes, juiced
  • Olive oil as needed

Directions:

  1. Combine chicken, salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, cilantro, and lime juice (include rinds) in a large container or Ziploc bag.
  2. Close securely and shake, covering chicken in marinade.
  3. Place in refrigerator for 1-4 hours, or longer for stronger flavor.
  4. Evenly pour olive oil in skillet, setting heat to medium.    
  5. Remove chicken from refrigerator, discard marinade, and place in hot oil.
  6. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes, until browned.
  7. Remove from skillet and enjoy!

Cooking is all about experimentation, so don’t hesitate to make changes to fit your tastes. I know that some of you may not like the flavor of cilantro, but don’t worry! There are several alternatives that can be used instead. Spiceography is a great reference when it comes to substitutions and other information about spices. Clicking the link will direct you to a few cilantro alternatives. 

With less than ten ingredients total, this recipe packs a lot of flavor and is perfect for meal prepping. It can be enjoyed with rice, in salads, or simply as a stand alone dish. It reheats well, and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The versatility and simplicity of this recipe allows for quick, stress-free cooking without sacrificing flavor. 

Give it a try and let me know what you think. Happy cooking everyone! 

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Published by Cate's College Kitchen

Food is one of the greatest joys in life. A home cooked meal is an opportunity to experiment, entertain, or simply enjoy. However, many people do not think they have the time to prepare meals for themselves. As a senior in college I understand that finding balance between school, work, and your personal life can be very difficult. Adding food prep to the mix seems even more challenging considering alternatives like take out, delivery, and microwavable food. Despite how easy they may be, it is harder to maintain a healthy diet (and a decent account balance) if you rely solely on them. After living on my own for a few years, I want to share what I’ve learned about cooking in college. Making great food doesn’t always have to be expensive, time consuming, or overly complicated; it can be fun!

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