Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches

Crock Pot Barbecue Chicken made simple. Perfect weeknight meal.:: Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches ::

I admit it; I get side tracked when it comes to meal planning.  My goal this school year is to use my slow cooker more often and make simple meals, such as these amazing Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches.  It became an instant favorite of mine, and what’s best of all… it makes enough for leftover’s depending on the size of your family.  Of course if all else fails, you can double the ingredients for this Barbecue Chicken and save some for later. Dinner is served! [Read more…]

Salsa Verde Turkey Chili

Easy crockpot salsa verde turkey chili. :: Salsa Verde Turkey Chili ::

Back to school, how can that be? Well it’s time to get back into the swing of things with easy weeknight meals like this Salsa Verde Turkey Chili.  Wow that’s a mouth full, but I promise if my first two days of school have any indication to the year ahead, the crock-pot is going to my new best friend. [Read more…]

Chicken Sausage Veggie Bowl

chicken sausage veggie bowl {recipe via simplyhappenstance.com} #chickensausage #veggiebowl:: Chicken Sausage Veggie Bowl ::

If you happen to follow Simply Happenstance on Instagram… you may have already seen pictures of my favorite lunch! I’ve showed a couple variations, but haven’t actually shared the recipe on our blog. I thought it was about time to do so! 

A few months ago, I embarked on the Whole30. Basically, it’s an eating plan where you eat primarily lean meats, veggies, fruit, some nuts, and healthy fats. {Are you wondering why I would do such a thing? Ha! To torture myself, of course! No… I’m only kidding! If you have questions about it, just leave a comment below and I’ll gladly get back to you!} 

chicken sausage veggie bowl {simplyhappenstance.com}

While on that particular eating plan, I had to get rather creative for my meals {since typical lunches like sandwiches were out due to the bread, condiments, etc.}. I spent the first couple of weeks eating salads, but found that I needed to add more protein to stay satisfied without snacking. I then came up with this tasty meal! {Although, the Sweet Apple Trader Joe’s sausage I used for this particular recipe is not Whole30 approved… I actually ate the Aidells Chicken and Apple Sausage.} [Read more…]

Summer Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad-4

:: Summer Pasta Salad ::

Do you find, in the summer, that you cook less or look for easier recipes? I certainly do! Our days have been filled with outings, lots of outside time playing, and for us… packing up our mountain home in preparation for our upcoming move {not so fun!}.

During the school year, I’m fairly good at sticking to a routine of eating dinner at a reasonable time so that I can get the kids in bed around 8 p.m. In the summertime, that’s not the case! Usually, I’m throwing dinner together on a whim… with little time to spare! This recipe for a chilled Summer Pasta Salad is perfect for nights like that! [Read more…]

Cheesy Tamale Pie

Easy and Super Cheesy Tamale Pie. Comfort food to the max.

:: Cheesy Tamale Pie ::

Life is a balancing act.  This Cheesy Tamale Pie is the perfect example of that.  I have made this recipe over a hundred times in my married life.  It is epitome of Mexican comfort food, but it also can be made as a healthier version when you need to cut back on the calories.  So don’t fear, you can enjoy this casserole while making your family as happy as “pie”… Cheesy Tamale Pie that is!

 Easy and Cheesy Tamale Pie. Comfort food to the max. [Read more…]

Cafe Rio Copycat Crockpot Chicken

Cafe Rio Copycat Chicken:: Cafe Rio Copycat Crockpot Chicken ::

Have you all had the opportunity to dine at a Cafe Rio? I know they’re not everywhere… which is unfortunate, because their food is so fresh and delicious! It’s the perfect place to take the kids! I love, love, love their chicken tacos topped with shredded lettuce and fresh pico de gallo! What about their homemade tortillas?! Oh my… talk about pure deliciousness!

We live about 45 minutes from the nearest Cafe Rio, so we are only able to go once or twice a month. On Pinterest I saw loads of copycat recipes for their famous chicken. I thought it was worth a shot to try to replicate the recipe for myself! {Of course none of us have that secret recipe… so we can only guess as to how they exactly make it.} This recipe is for crockpot chicken. It takes no more than 5 minutes to throw it all together, which makes it the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight. The main ingredients, besides the boneless skinless chicken breasts, are italian dressing, a ranch dressing packet, cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, and a little water! Super easy, right? 

Easy Crockpot Chicken {Cafe Rio Copycat} #caferio #copycat #chicken 2Your house will smell so delightful while the chicken is cooking all day! {That’s one of my favorite parts about a crockpot meal!} Once the meat is fully cooked, you can shred it by simply using two forks, or by pulsing {briefly} in a food processor. The meat comes out completely moist, and full of robust flavor!  [Read more…]