I'm totally slacking this week, you guys. I normally share a recipe post with you all on Tuesdays, but it just didn't happen last week/over the weekend. I was so busy that I did very little creative cooking, so I hope that you can forgive me, and I promise to try to be back on track next week.

We had one of my favorite meals for dinner last night... Chinese food. We have Chinese food every couple of weeks, and let me tell you, if we were bringing home takeout, we'd wind up spending a lot of money. This is sort of cheating, but we found this truly delicious orange chicken at Trader Joe's several months ago. I couldn't believe that my husband wanted to try it, because he usually steers clear of things like that. I love orange chicken, so I was all for it! For about $5.00, we had a bag of pre-cooked, frozen chicken, which comes with orange glaze for the sauce. 

Here's the chicken- so you'll know what to look for.

The Mandarin Orange Chicken is one of Trader Joe's top selling items, and once you taste it, you'll know why! To make this a meal for our famly, we simply cook the chicken, as directed on the package. While the chicken cooks, I cook up some white rice (sushi rice- short grain) on the stovetop, and steam fresh broccoli on the stove, as well. 

Dinner is served!

Sometimes we make an orange chicken and rice bowl, and sometimes we just dish up the rice, broccoli and chicken on a plate. I have chopsticks on hand for me, and for hubby- you know, fancy ones that are like, $2.99 at World Market stores! Little B Man is now begging for chopsticks of his own, and I have promised to find some for him. He did not like eating rice from my ceramic chopsticks, but loved eating it from daddy's plastic ones. Go figure.

This meal costs about $7.50 total, and feeds a family of four. If you're looking for a great week night or weekend dinner that's quick, budget friendly and super delicious, make this one of your go-to meals! If you're watching your weight, the chicken is about 5 points per serving, according to Weight Watchers. 

*Parent tip- I always leave some of the chicken pieces plain, or remove some from the pan, before adding the orange sauce. Kids are more likely to first try this if the chicken is plain. Worked for us!

Find a Trader Joe's near you!

What are some of your favorite go-to meals for a busy week?