Redecorating means 4 minute chicken
This time of year starts to get hectic for all of us, the holidays coming up, cooking and decorating~so I am going to be doing lots of quick and easy things, we all need shortcuts during busy days…
My kitchen is currently a sea of turkeys~ about to trot off to holiday tables~ with a sleigh full of Santas to follow~
This is my busiest time for JMdesigns, and I’m already feeling the holiday crunch.
I don’t need extra projects right now, but things keep popping up, CC’s Baptism, a destination wedding, football parties every Saturday, Grandparents Day at school, plus I just found out that I might have to host Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, all the little fun things that add up to massive amounts of time!
“When are you going to do something about that ottoman?” said HH, “it’s looking rough!” I had been covering it up with fabric and trays for months [click here to see the ugly details]
Uh oh. This is really the elephant in the room!
There it is, right smack in the middle of the room, faux leather peeling and cracking all over the place…and those sad saggy chairs that get used and abused~
“I’m waiting for the new West Elm to open! They have a free in home design service.”
“Why do you want a designer?” he asked, “You never needed a designer before!” Interpret that to mean how much does it cost and nothing is ever free!!
“Oh, you know, get a new perspective…I’m not committed to anything she suggests, just thought it would be interesting…fresh eyes and all that.”
“You really need to do something, and I thought you were a designer ….”
And apparently we decided this was the perfect time to remodel our family room!!
So, hence this 4 minute chicken
It only takes 4 minutes to prep. Four minutes!
Sprinkle the chicken with dry onion soup mix
Then cover with cranberry sauce
Top with that bright orange retro French dressing that nobody eats anymore
And it’s done!
Four minutes!! Now you have time for some redecorating!
I did start with this rug from West Elm and brought in the white chairs from the living room~
Then I decided to do a little shopping. In 2 hours I had bought 4 chairs and a rug. Well, that should do it!
Bye Bye ugly shedding ottoman!!
Bye Bye heavy dark leather furniture!
Now, I probably won’t get around to all the little details and touches until January, I have pieces to paint and redo, but I am so grateful to have a bright new look! And so grateful to be rid of the ottoman monster!
The first thing HHjr said was, “Mom, I can’t believe you are going to use all this white furniture with the kids around!”
Ha! You know what I didn’t say?
I didn’t say I’ve decided to take my house back!
I didn’t say, no more can the boys walk around eating blueberries, they eat in the kitchen!
I didn’t say, my house my rules…
But you can be assured, I will be saying these things very soon!!
In the meantime, I’m off to buy some Scotchguard!
Here’s the recipe:
CRANBERRY CHICKEN for a printable version click here
chicken tenders or boneless breasts cut into pieces [3 tenders per person or 3-4 breasts]
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
16 oz whole berry cranberry sauce, or ANY jellied cranberry sauce you want [this day I used Wild Thymes Cranberry Orange]
8 oz spicy-sweet French dressing [Creamy French or Catalina]
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Place in a lightly greased 13 x 9 baking dish. sprinkle evenly with soup. Stir cranberry sauce and spoon over chicken. Top evenly with dressing and cover with foil. Bake at 400 for 40 min. Reduce to 350 and remove foil and bake for 20 more min. Serves 4
For more photos and sides to go with the Cranberry Chicken Click Here
Hopefully my super simple favorites might help you out during your crazy busy times too!
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rug/west elm
floral chair/ Alabama Furniture Market
You can see more of my holiday tableware over at JMdesignsGallery.com
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I will be joining these amazing blogs:
Hi Jenna! Love your 2 hour room update and 4 minute chicken! Everyone needs quick & easy recipes like that, and it looks so moist and flavorful too! Just the thought of the holidays looming puts me in panic mode and I’m glad I have the excuse that there isn’t seating for 17 of us for Thanksgiving 🙂 Love your festive gobblers~ so fun!
P.S.Your link appears to be broken to your design gallery.
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Thanks so much for letting me know! Have a great weekend, too cold for boating I guess 🙂
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The glasses look great and have fun with the re-model! Yep, the next couple months tend to be a whirl-wind, enjoy:@)
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I want that geometric rug.
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Jenna, the cranberry chicken looks great and I love the new look in the family room! Can’t wait to see more! 🙂
Also….THIS: “My kitchen is currently a sea of turkeys~ about to trot off to holiday tables~ with a sleigh full of Santas to follow~” IS AWESOME!! Loved it!
Kenley
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Thanks Kenley, too sweet!
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Love the redecorating and the new chair! So cute.
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Great chair and rug! The chicken dish looks yummy, and so easy! I’m pinning it. Good luck with all your redecorating. 🙂
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I make this every Christmas eve! I finally have one of your recipes:) Yes, the french dressing nobody eats anymore…isn’t it funny how things come and go. Your unsaid answers…are hilarious!
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Thanks Laurie! I was delighted to hear that someone else loves this recipe! It really is a classic! I like it even more now knowing your family has it for Christmas Eve! Have a great weekend 🙂
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The chicken looks good … will try it.
Thanks,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
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Hi Jenna! I just found your blog from a comment you left on my site! Looks like you have some great recipes and ideas here! I love all the patterns on your new furniture. Thanks for the easy chicken recipe -quick recipes are always so helpful.
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I love your writing style. I’m impressed at how quick you picked out your furniture. I take forever! I will have to add you to my bloglist. Great blog!
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The chicken sounds fabulous and the chair and rug are gorgeous. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
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I love your rug and room makeover, and that chicken looks deelish. can you maybe explain to me what the French dressing does to it? is that a weird question? like, i’d just think that the cranberry sauce would be good enough.
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I really can’t explain it but it mixes with the cranberry and reduces into a flavorful and less sweet sauce~I know it sounds weird and looks sort of shocking, but it’s really good! I make it all the time and Laurie from Pride in Photography said she makes it every Christmas! I hope you like it! Thanks for the nice comments!
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I can so relate to the 4-minute chicken. I will be cooking this a LOT. Love your new rug from West Elm! It’s perfect!
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What a great busy day recipe and menu, it looks delicious! Hope you are having a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
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I believe it´s going to be so hectic with the holidays coming up and families coming for visits but as I can see you proved to be a master of your skill with that chicken. I hope you will manage to do everything on time. I will try to do the same.
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Thanks Julie, so sweet!
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