As a full-time working toddler mom, life’s full right now, so dinner has to be simple. These shortcut dinners are how I make balanced meals work in a busy season.
The next time you're on a Target run, grab everything you need to make this super simple meal, that will be a hit!
Prices based on my local Target in Southwest VA.
Stove top directions:
add all ingredients to a pot, except shredded cheese, with an additional can of water. bring to boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. serve topped with cheese...and tortilla chips if desired (chili lime @quest chips are great here)
Servings 4-6
sounds crazy but this is also great over cooked macaroni noodles. I like @jovial
**Follow for all the easy, low-effort dinner ideas, without breaking the bank
*this meal is made to be gluten free friendly (as someone who avoids gluten but not celiac) may not be suitable for those with celiac or other specific allergies to wheat/gluten. Please educate and check labels before purchasing/consuming!
... Read moreOkay, so life as a full-time working parent is no joke, right? Some days, just the thought of cooking dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest. That's why I'm obsessed with recipes like this Dump White Chicken Chili. It's not just easy; it's a game-changer for staying on budget and getting a wholesome meal on the table without the fuss.
When I first started focusing on super simple, affordable meals, I loved the idea of a 'flat lay' of ingredients. It makes shopping so much easier and cooking feel less intimidating when you see everything ready to go. For this chili, it’s all about those pantry staples and a quick Target run. My flat lay usually includes a can of creamy cannellini beans (or whatever white beans I have), a block of cream cheese for that luscious texture, a good quality chicken broth as the base, and those perfectly diced green chiles for a mild kick. Of course, pre-shredded chicken is my ultimate shortcut hero, alongside a can of sweet corn and a trusty packet of taco seasoning. And you can't forget the shredded cheese for topping!
I love that I can grab all these items at Target and keep the total cost right around $14.62, which is just incredible for a meal that feeds 4-6 people. Seriously, the convenience of finding everything in one place, from the organic chicken broth to the gluten-free friendly taco seasoning, is a lifesaver. Plus, looking at all those ingredients laid out just makes the cooking process feel so much more organized and approachable.
Want to make it your own? That's the beauty of a 'dump' recipe! If you don't have pre-shredded chicken, a rotisserie chicken from the deli works wonders, or even canned chicken in a pinch. For a bit more spice, add an extra can of diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you're not a fan of corn, you could swap it for black beans or even some frozen peas at the end. And for my fellow cheese lovers, feel free to experiment with a Monterey Jack or a Colby blend instead of just cheddar. Sometimes I'll even stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream right before serving for an extra creamy finish.
This chili isn't just for bowls, either! While it's fantastic on its own, especially topped with extra cheese and some crunchy tortilla chips—I'm a big fan of chili lime Quest chips for extra flavor and protein!—don't hesitate to get creative. Spoon it over cooked macaroni noodles (like the @jovial brand I love) for a hearty chili mac, or serve it with a side of warm cornbread. Honestly, it's so versatile and delicious, you'll be adding it to your weekly rotation in no time. It's truly a simple, budget-friendly meal that delivers on comfort and flavor, every single time!