Skillet Dinner

Skillet Dinner Recipe with Pinto Beans, Chicken, and Carrots

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Skillet Dinner is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the flavors of pinto beans, chicken, and barbecue sauce to create a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

History

Skillet Dinner has its roots in traditional American cuisine, where skillet meals were often cooked over an open fire or on a stovetop. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic skillet dinner by incorporating canned ingredients for convenience and ease of preparation.

Ingredients

2 cups dry pinto beans
0.5 tbsp vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup of 29 oz (822 g)-can chicken
1 (15.5 oz (439 g)) can tomatoes, non-drained
1 (15.5 oz (439 g)) can carrots, drained
0.33 cup original flavor barbecue sauce
6 hamburger buns

How to prepare

In a large pot, soak pinto beans using the quick soak method.
Warm oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown garlic and onion in the oil.
Remove excess fat from canned chicken, then add the chicken to the skillet and heat for 8–12 minutes.
Add beans, tomatoes with juice, and carrots.
Add barbecue sauce and heat until warm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pour the chicken mixture on top of an open bun.

Variations

You can customize Skillet Dinner by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. You can also swap out the pinto beans for black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To save time, you can use canned pinto beans instead of dry beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the skillet.

For added flavor, you can sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture before serving.

If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add some hot sauce or diced jalapenos to the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Skillet Dinner with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also top the chicken mixture with some sliced avocado or sour cream for added creaminess.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Skillet Dinner is to cook the chicken until it is heated through and the flavors have melded together. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pinto beans on hand, you can use black beans or kidney beans instead. You can also use ground turkey or beef in place of the canned chicken for a different protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet and serve it on buns.

Presentation Ideas

To make Skillet Dinner look more appetizing, you can garnish it with some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. You can also serve it in a bowl instead of on buns for a different presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Skillet Dinner pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea for a refreshing drink option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Skillet Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the chicken mixture until heated through and serve it on buns.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 45g

Dietary Fiber: 10g

Sugars: 10g

Fats

Total Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50%

Vitamin C: 10%

Calcium: 8%

Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: Wheat

Summary

Skillet Dinner is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for dinner.

Summary

Skillet Dinner is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful dish that the whole family will enjoy.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Skillet Dinner. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Mary in her cozy little farmhouse in the countryside. Aunt Mary was a wonderful cook, and she always had a way of making the simplest ingredients come together in the most delicious ways.

On that particular day, Aunt Mary had just finished preparing a Skillet Dinner for us to enjoy. I watched in awe as she effortlessly cooked up a flavorful blend of ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes in her trusty cast iron skillet. The aroma that filled the air was absolutely mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As we sat down to eat, Aunt Mary told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that Skillet Dinner was a dish that had been passed down through generations in our family. It was a simple yet satisfying meal that could be made with whatever ingredients were on hand, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights.

Aunt Mary went on to tell me about how she had learned to make Skillet Dinner from her own mother, who had in turn learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had evolved over the years, with each generation adding their own twist to it. Aunt Mary's version included a generous sprinkle of her secret blend of spices, which gave the dish an extra kick of flavor.

After that day, I couldn't get the taste of Aunt Mary's Skillet Dinner out of my mind. I was determined to learn how to make it myself, so I asked her to teach me the recipe. She was more than happy to pass on her knowledge, and we spent an afternoon in her kitchen cooking up a batch of Skillet Dinner together.

I watched closely as Aunt Mary guided me through the steps, showing me how to brown the ground beef just right and how to sauté the onions and peppers until they were perfectly tender. She shared her tips and tricks for seasoning the dish just so, and I made sure to take notes so that I could recreate the recipe on my own.

As we sat down to eat the Skillet Dinner that I had prepared, Aunt Mary smiled at me and said, "Now you're a true cook, just like me." I felt a swell of pride in my chest, knowing that I had learned a valuable skill from someone I admired so much.

Over the years, I have continued to make Aunt Mary's Skillet Dinner for my own family. I have added my own touches to the recipe, just as she did before me. Sometimes I swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or add in extra vegetables for a healthier twist. But no matter how I choose to make it, the dish always brings back memories of that warm summer day in Aunt Mary's farmhouse kitchen.

I am grateful for the tradition that Aunt Mary passed down to me, and I know that I will continue to make Skillet Dinner for years to come. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love and connection that can be shared through a simple meal cooked with care. And for that, I am forever thankful.