I think we’re in a chicken rut

[GretchenWink]

So as my first post ever I felt more comfortable talking about food since it’s honestly been quite a while since I’ve been able to sit and read - and I’m asking for some advice.

My husband now affectionately calls me “Chicken queen” because it’s my go-to meat for when I make dinner. I’ve pretty much mastered the art of making delicious, juicy chicken breasts in the oven, or cooking it stove top with various sauces and spices. Even my two year old loves it when I cook but I’m so sick of chicken but I’ve not had the chance to try anything else too much. I’m ok with steak but our budget is usually pretty tight - and chicken isn’t just what I know how to make, but usually all we can really afford.

So I guess what I’m asking for are “beginner” recipes for things other than chicken that don’t break the bank. We have no food allergies and I have no problem trying anything at least once; plus our tiny human isn’t picky (which I am EXTREMELY grateful for)!

[Nisha Ward]

Hmm, stewed beef is great. Or just get some mince, add some veggies and have a go at it. I don't really have a recipe for those, though. I just through them in the pot with some seasoning and let it cook. Takes about thirty minutes?

[Heatholt]

I totally agree with the stew recommendations. You can get a pretty cheap cut of beef and then add whatever veggies your family prefers. You can also play with different bases using tomato sauce, or different stocks. You could add pasta or rice. The options are endless.

[shravsi]

Curries are budget-friendly with good taste. You can use any meat or vegetable available and adjust spices and flavors.

[leximutia]

How about adobo chicken? It's a Filipino dish. Equal parts vinegar and soy sauce + a bay leaf (or two). Feel free to throw in garlic and onion.

My partner and I eat it super often, since the dish is super easy to make and budget-friendly, on toop of being delicious!

[Alauer1151]

I feel you sister. We are a budget-saavy family too, and we usually stick with ground beef and chicken when it's on sale.

May I suggest pork? Pork is very affordable and comes in all different cuts. It can be slow cooked in a crockpot with ease, although I suggest slow roasting in the oven. The oven provides different textural elements-a crispy exterior and a tender, shreddable inside. Perfect for sandwiches and tacos, or a pulled pork salad. YUM.

My husband and my latest pork experiment has been pork pinwheels, or pork roulade. Take a boneless pork chop, cover it in plastic and flatten it with a meat mallet until it's about a half inch thick. Season both sides- salt, pepper, garlic, onion, or your favorite seasonings. Slather some flavored cream cheese on one side of the chop. We flavor it with herbs, garlic, onion, black pepper. One to two tablespoons should do it. Watch your total salt usage. Tightly roll up the chop, secure it with baker's twine, and roast in a 375 F oven for 20-30 minutes. You can flip halfway through. We use a thermometer probe that is oven safe, and we pull the pork roll at about 140 degrees. Rest for 5 minutes, remove twine, then slice into 1 inch pieces. Enjoy!

[Netvigator72]

The ideas on this thread are extremely interesting.