A quick dinner isn’t so quick, if you’re stuck washing a dozen pots and pans when you’re through. To me, nothing is worse than facing a mountain of dishes in the sink when dinner is over.

However, here is one solution – cook everything on a foiled-covered baking pan. This method ensures you won’t get stuck in the kitchen and it produces a great tasting dinner.

Orange Flavored Baked Chicken, Onions and Potatoes

The recipe is easily doubled or tripled depending on how many diners are at your table.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 orange
  
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
  
• 1/4 teaspoon. dried chili flakes
  
• 4 small potatoes, peeled and halved
  
• 1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
  
• One large sprig of fresh rosemary, leaves minced
  
• 4 boneless chicken thighs (about 6 oz. each), trimmed of excess fat and skin removed
• 3/4 to 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Directions

Heat the oven to 425°F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.

Finely grate 1 teaspoon orange zest and squeeze 1 tablespoon of orange juice from the orange. Stir together the juice, zest, oil, salt and the chili flakes in a small bowl.

Place the potatoes and onions on the baking sheet and brush them, on all sides, with some of the orange mixture.

Place the chicken in a medium bowl and pour the remaining oil mixture over the chicken thighs. Turn to coat well. Dredge the chicken in the panko crumbs, pressing the crumbs into the chicken.  

Place the chicken on the foiled-lined baking sheet and sprinkle the thighs and vegetables lightly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the vegetables and chicken with the minced rosemary.

Note: The recipe can be prepared ahead up to this point and refrigerated until time to cook dinner.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. Turn the potatoes and onions over. Continue to roast about for 20 minutes more, until the chicken is crisp and golden and the potatoes are lightly browned in spots.

When the chicken is done, remove the potatoes and onions to serving plates and top with the chicken.

Remove the foil from the pan, carefully, and guess what……no pan to wash tonight.

Cucumbers in Sour Cream Dressing

Note: Salting the cucumbers draws out excess moisture and helps keep the salad from getting watery.

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and halved lengthwise
  
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  
• 1/3 cup sour cream
  
• 1 scallion, white and green parts, sliced
  
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup or honey
  
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  

Directions

Scoop out the seeds from the halved cucumbers with a spoon and slice into ¼ inch thick half-moons.

Place cucumber and scallion slices in a colander; sprinkle with salt, tossing to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add the cucumber and scallion slices and toss to coat.

Let salad stand for at least 5 minutes before serving, or chill in the refrigerator until serving time.

When you have too many dishes.

Posted by Jovina Coughlin in Chicken, cucumbers, Healthy Italian Cooking, onion, orange, potatoes, Salad, Salad Dressing, Vegetables Tags: easy clean up dinner