Teriyaki Pork and Rice Skillet Dinner

Teriyaki Pork and Rice Skillet Dinner

The pork strips and teriyaki rice mix are so well seasoned that you don’t have to add any condiments to get the sweet-smoky flavor of a Chinese teriyaki dinner. And don’t worry about thawing the pork in advance; you can skip that step.
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded and diced
  • 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 12 ounces half a 24-ounce bag frozen, cooked teriyaki-seasoned pork strips
  • 1 package about 5 ounces teriyaki rice

Instructions

  • Heat the oil over high heat in a large wok or sauté pan.
  • Add the bell pepper, onion, and pork strips and stir-fry 5 minutes or until the vegetables are limp.
  • Add the rice mix and the amount of water that the package recommends.
  • Bring the liquid to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Stir the rice and set aside 1 or 2 minutes for the mixture to thicken.
  • Vary It!
  • Substitute 2 packages (6 ounces each) of cooked, diced oven-roasted chicken breast for the pork.
  • Add a dash of bottled teriyaki sauce to the dish along with the chicken.

Notes & Wine Advice

Speed It Up!

Skip the fresh vegetables. Combine the pork strips, rice, and water and bring to a boil. Cook as the recipe directs. When the rice is tender, stir in 2 tablespoons minced scallions and 2 tablespoons minced cilantro. If desired, stir in a tablespoon of stir-fry sauce.
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Course; Pork / Rice
Cuisine; Japanese

Barbecued Chicken Pizza

This barbecued chicken pizza is the perfect solution when you want something fast, filling, and seriously satisfying. Instead of settling for a basic frozen pizza, this recipe transforms it into a hearty, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. The smoky barbecue sauce combined with tender shredded chicken creates a rich, savory base that instantly upgrades the crust into something restaurant-worthy. Add juicy tomato slices and a generous layer of melted cheese, and you’ve got a pizza that feels indulgent but still incredibly easy to make at home.

What makes this barbecued chicken pizza especially appealing is its balance between convenience and flavor. You’re starting with a ready-made base, but finishing with fresh ingredients that bring texture and depth. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even a laid-back weekend meal when you don’t feel like ordering takeout. Pair it with a crisp green salad and you’ve got a complete dinner that satisfies without the fuss.

If you enjoy creative pizza variations, you might also like this BBQ Chicken Flatbread, which offers a similar smoky flavor in a lighter format. And for safe food handling and preparation tips, always refer to guidelines from the FDA to ensure your meals are both delicious and safe.

Why Barbecued Chicken Pizza Works So Well

The magic of barbecued chicken pizza lies in its contrast of flavors and textures. The slightly sweet and tangy barbecue sauce complements the savory chicken perfectly, while the melted cheese adds richness and a satisfying bite. The thin crust keeps everything light enough so the toppings remain the star of the show.

Another advantage of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it based on what you have at home. Swap chicken for pulled pork for a deeper, smokier flavor, or experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella blends. The tomatoes add freshness, but you could also include red onions or peppers for extra crunch and color.

Because the base is pre-made, this recipe dramatically reduces prep time without sacrificing taste. It’s a practical option for families, quick dinners, or anyone looking to build a reliable recipe rotation. Once you try it, this upgraded pizza might just replace your standard freezer option entirely.

barbecued chicken pizza topped with melted cheese, tomato slices and barbecue chicken on a rustic wooden table

Barbecued Chicken Pizza

A quick and hearty pizza topped with barbecue chicken, fresh tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Couverts4 persons
Total time 20 minutes
estimated costs pp $3.50
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Equipment

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Place the pizza on a baking sheet.
  • Spread the barbecue sauce with shredded chicken evenly over the pizza.
  • Arrange the tomato slices on top of the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pizza.
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  • Remove from the oven and let stand for 1 minute.
  • Slice into wedges and serve.

Notes & Wine Advice

Notes

This recipe is highly adaptable depending on your preferences. You can substitute the shredded chicken with pulled pork for a richer flavor or use a blend of cheeses such as cheddar and mozzarella for extra depth. For added texture, consider topping with thinly sliced red onion or fresh cilantro after baking.

Wine Advice

A slightly fruity red wine like Zinfandel pairs beautifully with the smoky barbecue flavors and melted cheese. If you prefer white wine, a chilled Chardonnay works well to balance the richness and cleanse the palate between bites.
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Course; Chicken / Pizza
Cuisine; American
Season: All Seasons
Diets; High-Protein

Ham and Noodle Dinner

Ham and Noodle Dinner

Winter is when you crave foods that not only cook fast but also thaw you right through to your toes. This rich, one-pan dinner does both marvelously well.
Couverts4
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Ingredients

  • 2 boxes 4 to 5 ounces each Alfredo noodle mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 package 9 ounces frozen green beans
  • 1 pound cooked diced ham
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

  • Pour both boxes of the noodle mix into a large pan.
  • Add the amount of water that the package recommends.
  • Add the milk and butter and stir.
  • Add the frozen green beans and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
  • Drain off any juices from the ham package.
  • Add the ham, scallions, and sour cream to the noodle mixture.
  • If necessary, reheat the noodles and ham.

Nutrition values

Calories: 514 kcal
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Course; Noodles / Pork

Bacon and Vegetable Risotto

Bacon and Vegetable Risotto

Look for precooked bacon strips in the deli meat case of your supermarket. Choose plain bacon for this recipe. (Maple-flavored bacon is too sweet.) Serve this risotto with a salad of bagged exotic greens and the vinaigrette dressing
Couverts4
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Ingredients

  • 1 package 2 to 3 ounces precooked bacon strips
  • 1 package 5.4 ounces chicken risotto mix
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • Place the bacon strips in a hot skillet and heat 1 minute to crisp.
  • Remove from skillet, cut into 1-inch squares, and set aside.
  • Prepare the risotto according to package directions, adding the peas with the risotto seasonings.
  • Cook the risotto as the package directs, stirring occasionally.
  • When the rice is tender, stir in the bacon and cilantro.

Notes & Wine Advice

Vary It!

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese into the dish along with the bacon and cilantro. Also, replace the bacon with a cup of leftover cooked, diced chicken breast meat or a 6-ounce package of cooked, diced chicken breast if you prefer. A cup of cooked, diced chicken breast meat is the equivalent of 1 small, raw chicken breast half.
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Course; Pork / Rice

Baby Carrots and Artichokes Vinaigrette

Baby Carrots and Artichokes Vinaigrette

Tossing hot, cooked vegetables with the vinaigrette dressing lets the flavors permeate the vegetables. During the winter serve this side dish warm or at room temperature. During the summer, refrigerate the vegetables up to four hours if you like.
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the carrots in a medium-size pot.
  • Add the chicken broth and bring the liquid to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook the carrots for 10 minutes.
  • Add the artichoke hearts.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 5 more minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the liquid is almost absorbed.
  • If any liquid remains in the pot, remove the lid, increase the heat to high and cook off the liquid.
  • While the vegetables are cooking, stir the oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper together in a cup.
  • Spoon the vegetables into a serving bowl.
  • Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss gently, but well to coat.
  • Speed It Up!
  • Use 2 packages (9 ounces each) of sliced frozen carrots instead of the fresh baby carrots.
  • Reduce the cooking time to 5 to 10 minutes.
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Course; Dressing

Chicken, Cheddar, and Broccoli Casserole

Chicken, Cheddar, and Broccoli Casserole

Using a combination of vegetables, starch, and chicken or meat, vary this recipe according to what’s in your refrigerator. I call for half-and-half and milk because that’s what I have in my refrigerator. You can use whatever combination works for you.
Couverts4
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Ingredients

  • 1 package 10 ounces frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup cooked couscous or another cup of rice if that’s what you have
  • 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast meat
  • 2 tablespoons minced scallions
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 2/3 cup half-and-half
  • 1 1/3 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 drops hot red pepper sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  • Stir together the broccoli, rice, couscous, chicken, and scallions in a bowl.
  • Spread onto a shallow casserole dish or deep 10-inch pie plate.
  • Melt the butter in a small pan.
  • Stir in the flour and cook over medium heat to form a paste.
  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Gradually pour in the half-and-half, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thick.
  • Stir in the milk.
  • Add the cheese stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the sauce is thick.
  • Add the hot red pepper sauce.
  • Pour the sauce over the broccoli mixture.
  • Place the dish in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the food is hot.
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Course; Casserole / Cheese / Chicken

French Fry Soup

French Fry Soup

Who would’ve thought that there’d be a use for leftover fries? Admittedly, this soup is more of a novelty than a prize-winning recipe. But if you can’t resist a few fries with a restaurant burger, this is the perfect alternative to eating the whole delicious-but- fattening order. French fries have an alluring aroma that comes through in this robust and satisfying soup. And don’t tell the family what you’re serving until you hear the compliments. French fry soup is quite a surprise.
Couverts4
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large pot.
  • Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds over high heat.
  • Meanwhile, place the French Fries and 1/2 cup chicken broth in a blender.
  • Blend the fries to a puree, scraping down the sides of the blender occasionally if necessary.
  • Remove the fry puree and add to the pot.
  • Add the remaining 2 cups chicken broth, cream, pepper, and dill weed.
  • Cook the soup over low heat 5 minutes or until thoroughly hot.
  • Do not boil.

Notes & Wine Advice

Vary It!

Season the soup with 1 teaspoon fresh minced thyme instead of dill weed. Sprinkle the soup with 4 strips of cooked bacon. You may also try adding leftover onion rings to this soup for delicious onion-potato chowder.
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Course; Soup
Cuisine; European / French

Steak Sandwiches with Tomato Relish

Steak Sandwiches with Tomato Relish

Use leftover tenderloin or filet mignon for this robust steak and tomato open-face sandwich. Buy the meaty and briny Greek kalamata olives at better supermarkets.
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Ingredients

  • 1 medium shallot minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped kalamata olives
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried oregano
  • 2 small-medium tomatoes cored and chopped
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 large slices Italian bread
  • 1 cup arugula leaves
  • 12 ounces rare cooked beef tenderloin , sliced 1/4 inch thick

Instructions

  • To prepare the tomato relish, combine the shallot, olives, oregano, tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Stir well.
  • To assemble the sandwiches, place the bread on a work surface.
  • Arrange 1/4 cup of arugula on each slice of bread.
  • Place the beef strips over the arugula and top each sandwich with 1/4 cup of the tomato relish.
  • (Save any leftovers to serve as a spread over garlic bread. )

Notes & Wine Advice

Vary It!
For a hand-held-sandwich, serve the tomato relish on the side and add a second slice of bread. You may want to add a spread to the sandwich for moisture. Mustard is the obvious choice, but you can make a luscious blue cheese spread that’s divine, as follows:
Combine 1/4 cup blue cheese, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to make the mixture a spreading consistency. Mash the ingredients together with the back of a fork until light and smooth.
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Course; Meat / Sandwiches

Steak and Mushroom Salad

Steak and Mushroom Salad

Toothsome strip steak, mushrooms, and capers are delicious tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Add a crusty bread, and you have a filling meal.
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound cooked leftover strip Kansas City or T-bone steak, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
  • 1 cup sliced white mushrooms
  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion or scallions
  • Balsamic Dressing

Instructions

  • Place the steak strips in a salad bowl.
  • Add the mushrooms, tomatoes, capers, and red onion.
  • Toss gently but well.
  • Make the Balsamic Dressing (recipe follows) and pour over the steak salad.
  • Toss gently but well.

Notes & Wine Advice

Vary It!
Arrange the salad in cups of Bibb lettuce. You can also toss the salad with a cup of cooked rice. If necessary, add more dressing.
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Course; Meat / Salad

Balsamic Dressing

Balsamic Dressing

Steak can stand up to a strong-tasting dressing. This vinaigrette uses balsamic vinegar, a barrel-aged Italian vinegar, for its full flavor.
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the vinegar, 5-spice powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Whisk to blend.
  • Pour over your favorite salad.
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Course; Dressing