When the weekend beckons and the idea of a full-blown feast feels more like an elaborate production than a treat, make “Poor Man’s Thanksgiving.” This dish marries convenience with comfort, making it an ideal Friday night indulgence for busy families or anyone craving a hearty meal without the fuss. Think of it as a mini-Thanksgiving—no turkey required, just a medley of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients
1 pouch of your favorite instant mashed potatoes
1 can whole kernel corn
2 chicken breasts
1 brown gravy packet
A handful of your favorite cheese (shredded)
Salt, pepper, and cayenne
Olive oil
1 – 9×9 pan
Directions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 450°F.
While the oven warms up, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This simple step ensures the chicken crisps up nicely after being drizzled with olive oil—because even chicken deserves a little spa treatment.
2. Season and Sizzle
Place the chicken breasts in your trusty 9×9 pan.
Drizzle each piece generously with olive oil, then flip and repeat to ensure a uniform, glossy coat.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne over both sides.
(The cayenne adds a subtle kick that elevates the dish from ordinary to “oh-so-delicious.”)
3. Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Keep an eye on it—the goal is succulent, juicy chicken with a slight brown crisp on the top.
4. Let It Rest
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting not only allows the juices to redistribute but also gives you a brief window to prepare the rest of your meal. If you’re feeling particularly decisive, remove the chicken from the pan to speed up the cooling process.
5. Mashed Potato Magic
Important Note:
Prepare your instant mashed potatoes and gravy only after the chicken has been removed and is resting. This timing ensures that your potatoes are piping hot and fresh when you assemble your dish.
Follow the instructions on the pouch for the mashed potatoes and the gravy packet. This duo serves as the comforting base of your dish.
6. Assemble Your Masterpiece
Either shred your chicken or cut it into strips or cubes.
In a serving bowl, start with a generous layer of mashed potatoes. Top with chicken pieces, a spoonful or two of the whole kernel corn for a burst of sweetness, the rich brown gravy, and finish with your favorite shredded cheese.
“Poor Man’s Thanksgiving” is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. In less than half an hour, you can transform a few pantry staples into a dish that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself after a long week, this meal delivers comfort with every bite, proving that gourmet can sometimes be as uncomplicated as instant mashed potatoes and chicken breasts.
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