3 Meals to Make on a College Budget

        As mentioned in my last post, eating healthy is crucial to begin and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  As many of you may already know, living off of a college budget is tough.  But I have learned some easy recipes that are "college friendly", actually taste good, and won't break your bank account.  Keep in mind that some of these meals might not be suitable for someone who's living somewhere without an oven or a stove top.
        Frozen chicken breasts are my best friend when it comes to making easy meals in the apartment.  You can get a bag for less than $10 at Walmart or Food World and it'll last you for several meals.  Be very cautious when cooking and handling raw chicken.  Make sure everything is sanitized once you're done cooking and make sure you take the time to check if the chicken in cooked thoroughly.
        When I cook, I usually am cooking for myself, Taylor, and his brother Mason.  Maybe that will give you some idea to how you could adjust the recipe to fit your needs.  If I don't explain anything well enough feel free to critique me or ask any questions in the comments.



BALSAMIC CHICKEN (One of my favorites)

        This recipe has so much flavor and is so easy to make!  If you want to make it even healthier, use less dressings and honey to make less sauce.  If you want to add more color, add some cherry tomatoes in with the other vegetables.

What I use:

• 3 frozen chicken breasts (1 per person)
• 1 12 oz bag of frozen or fresh green beans
• 1/2 box of uncut fresh mushrooms
•  1/4 cup of Italian dressing
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp balsamic dressing

What I do:

1. Thoroughly cook the chicken in a skillet with olive oil and season with salt and pepper if you wish; set aside when done
2. If green beans are frozen, you'll want to cook them before the mushrooms.  Use the same skillet that you used for the chicken and cook the green beans with some olive oil.  Once the green beans are cooked through, wash and add in the mushrooms until they begin to soften.
3. Remove the vegetables and set aside.  Add both dressings and honey into the skillet until it begins to bubble.  Add the chicken to warm it back up and get coated with the sauce.  If your vegetables stay warm you can plate everything at this point, but if they cool down too much you could throw the vegetables in to heat back up.

BUFFALO CHICKEN BOMBS

        Now this recipe isn't the healthiest to make, but it is so delicious and easy for those nights that you don't want to put a lot of effort into a meal.  Pair this with a side of green vegetables and you're all set.

What I use:

• 2 12 oz cans of white or dark chicken (drained)
• 1 can of croissant dough
• 1/4 cup of hot sauce (you can use more or less depending on how spicy you want it)
• approx. 3 tablespoons of mayo (eyeball this. You really only need enough to make a thick mixture) 
• *optional: 1 powdered ranch packet

What I do:

1. Preheat oven according to croissant can directions.
2. Combine chicken, hot sauce, powdered ranch if desired, and mayo in a bowl
3. Unravel and scoop in chicken mixture evenly between croissants and fold edges
4. Bake according to croissant directions and enjoy!

CHICKEN FAJITAS

        I love this recipe because of it is so versatile.  You can add in or take away the ingredients that you do or don't like and it'll still taste amazing.  The vegetables add so much color and texture to the meal and it is so filling.  Make it a little healthier and skip the tortilla, it actually tastes amazing in a bowl!

What I use:

• 3 frozen chicken breasts
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 2-3 tablespoons of hot sauce
• olive oil
• 1/2 of a yellow onion
• approx. 1 bell pepper per person (use different colors for flavor variety)
• 1 lime
• *optional: tortillas, shredded cheese, sour cream

What I do:

1. Marinade and thaw chicken breasts in refrigerator for up to 2 hours in 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp hot sauce, and 1 tbsp taco seasoning.
2. Cook chicken in skillet thoroughly and set aside.
3. Use same skillet and cook onions in a bit of olive oil until they are golden brown.  Add in peppers until they begin to wilt and char.
4. While vegetables are cooking, cut chicken into strips and add into skillet.  Add another tbsp of taco seasoning and more hot sauce if you wish.
5. Serve on a tortilla or in a bowl with any toppings you want and a bit of lime juice.

I hope y'all will try some of these recipes and enjoy them as much as I do.  Once again, let me know if you have any questions or if I need to clarify anything.  Send me a picture/message on any of my social medias letting me know that you tried one of the recipes and what you think of it (my username for everything is @shaynerw)