This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Two Weeknight Dinners for the Time of One

Luscious grilled chicken on Monday and chicken orzo salad on Tuesday

This one-two punch of a recipe, sent to me by Kathy Pigott of Roseland started with, "My family begs me to make this....".  It's not easy finding a weeknight dinner that gets everyone enthusiastically to the table, so I was game. I already had all of the ingredients at home except the chicken, so I was loving this recipe marinated in love before I even turned the grill on.

Monday night came fast and furiously. I turned on the grill and got to work cooking my marinated chicken. I laid the chicken on the hot grill, following Kathy's instructions to place it on an angle, just like in a restaurant. I thought it would be easy, but the olive oil flared up the flame a bit, so grill marks were there, if a little haphazard. Ten minutes later I had dinner and it was gorgeous. It looked just like chicken paillard, so I stayed in the French theme and paired it with sauteed shallots and zucchini and tiny new potatoes, boiled and tossed with butter, parsley and salt.

I was confident the three pounds of chicken was enough for our family of five with leftovers, but to my shock it was all eaten that night.  My boys, devouring every last bite, had seconds and thirds.  A mothers dream, but, ugh, another trip to the supermarket.

Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tuesday, I started over again.  Marinating the chicken for just a few hours this time, it turned out just as flavorful and succulent as the overnight version.  I cut up the grilled chicken, tossed it with the other ingredients and served it room temperature.  I threw in last night's zucchini because I had extra.  Kathy says," This is great for the summer BBQ or to bring to someone's house at the holidays.  Will hold up great in the refrig for a few days."  But, the reality was with homework, sports and general weeknight stress, this one dish dinner was stress free.  Thanks, Kathy.  I'm feeling the love.

Grilled Chicken marinated in Love

Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Prep time: 10 minutes (plus overnight marinating)

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4-6

3-4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup good quality olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon salt, freshly ground pepper

Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic swap and flatten to about 1-1/2" thick - pound them until they are even so you'll have even cooking. 

In a large zip-top plastic bag add: (here's the "love") olive oil, garlic, fresh parsley and salt.  Place the chicken in the bag and marinate over night. 

Pre-heat grill.  Place chicken on an angle so the top of the chicken breast is at 10 o'clock.  Grill for about 4 mins then turn the chicken breast so the top is at 2 o'clock.  This will give you the perfect grill marks on your chicken, just like the professionals!  After 4 more mins flip the chicken repeating to make grill marks on the other side.  Continue to grill until the chicken is cooked. 

Optional: finish chicken breasts off with a basil infused olive oil (homemade or store bought).  Just a little drizzed on top to keep the chicken moist. Refrigerate extra chicken for day two.

Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4-6

1 pound orzo pasta

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

5 garlic cloves, minced

4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup fresh (1 ear) or frozen corn

16 ounce jar of salsa, heat to your preference

1/4 cup good quality olive oil

Remaining grilled chicken (about 1 pound), diced

In a large pot of salted water that has come to a boil, cook orzo as directed. 

While pasta is cooking combine carrots, celery, garlic, parsley, corn and chicken. Toss with cooked orzo, olive oil and salsa.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?