BBQ Chicken and Rice

Have you ever had a week where it seems like you just can't get your act together? I'm having one of those. Monday dinner was an epic fail. EPIC. Tuesday was Mom's comfort food that the rest of the family doesn't like, eh, whatever. Wednesday was a night of activities for the kids, Randy worked late and I couldn't come up with a plan before 5:30. So, what do you do? You throw together the kind of meal you ate when you were students and newly married completely disregarding your tendency to be a little bit food snobbish not to mention health conscious. Quick, easy, full of carbs and not a vegetable in sight unless you are a grown up and have green salad.(For the record, I wasn't a grown up)

As a newlywed my cookbook collection consisted of mostly the recipe mags that you see in the grocery store checkout line. I still have most of them and have used them a lot over the years. This is one that came from a Kraft Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals years ago. We keep doing it because sometimes simple is what we need. :)

BBQ Chicken and Rice
Kraft Foods

1 lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into thin strips
2 c Minute Rice, uncooked
1 cup BBQ sauce of your choice
1 1/2 c water
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Cook and stir chicken in large skillet sprayed with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil on Med High heat for 4-5 minutes or until cooked through. Stir in rice, BBQ sauce, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Add beans and 1 cup of the cheese; mix lightly. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 c. cheese; cover. Cook until cheese is melted.