No One Died!

So, I stepped out of my comfort zone of spaghetti, chicken stir-fry, shepherds pie, and mac-n-cheese (box mind you) last night..and made this amazing Baked Chicken and Rice with Black Beans dish. Now, I'll admit - it isn't the healthiest meal ever - but you could always tweek it to be a little "better" for you (or maybe not). Either way...it was SO GOOD! The next time I make it I want to try to spice it up a little: use spanish rice instead of yellow rice, add some jalapenos...yum! 

Now for some this may not seem like a big deal - wow Melissa cooked dinner - but that means you don't know me! I'm not exactly Betty Crocker, or Susie Homemaker...seriously I can burn water. So, this post is me bragging and you have to deal with that. I'm also sharing the recipe because it was so good -- I mean even the boyfriend ate it, and not just because he had too -- he went back and was eating out of the pan, so I know that means he liked it (hehe). 

• 
  
• Ingredients: 
• 1 (10-oz.) package yellow rice mix
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained
• 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
• 2 cups (8 oz.) grated Monterey Jack cheese

1. Preparation: 
2. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare rice according to package directions.
3. 2. Meanwhile, sauté onion, bell pepper, and carrot in hot oil in a medium skillet over medium heat 10 minutes or until tender.
4. 3. Combine hot cooked rice, onion mixture, chicken, beans, diced tomatoes and chiles, and 1 1/2 cups cheese in a large bowl. Spoon into a lightly greased 3-qt. or 13- x 9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
5. 4. Bake, covered, at 350° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Voila -- there you have it. Now, it might not "look" beautiful -- but it tasted amazing. It easily feeds 6 people (unless you are feeding lumber jacks, then you may need to cook more). 

Now to top off this night the boyfriend washed dishes. No no... this is bigger than me cooking something new. His own daughter and roommate had to double take what was going on when they saw the facebook photos. He's kind of amazing...almost as amazing as my chicken, black bean, and rice! 

I'm off to Massachusetts this weekend to see my family for Easter and love on my adorable little nephew. I'll be back Monday with a re-cap of the weekend I'm sure. I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend...and it's Easter -- eat lots of chocolate, peeps, and jelly beans -- the gym will be there Monday morning for you! 

~Melissa

Current: Who Knows!

Goal: 150-155lbs