Freezer-to-Oven Entrees

Ingredients

2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces, (about 2 cups)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
3 stalks celery, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, grated
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken stock

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Heat 2 tablespoons of EVOO in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken chunks with salt and ground black pepper then sauté them on all sides in the hot pan until golden brown. Remove from skillet and reserve on a plate. (If using chopped rotisserie chicken, skip this step!)

Add the butter, onion, carrot, celery and garlic to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 5-6 minutes.

Sprinkle in the flour and cook until light brown, about 1 minute. Whisk the chicken stock into the veggie-butter-flour mixture and bring it to a boil. Simmer the gravy until thickened, 2-3 minutes, then return the browned chicken back to the pan and mix to combine.

Transfer everything to an 8x8" casserole dish and set aside until cool. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze.

Cooking instructions: Take the casserole out of the freezer and top it with your favorite mashed potatoes, wild rice mixed with a half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a can of pop biscuits. Cover with foil and bake in a 400°F oven for an hour, remove the foil and bake another 20-30 minutes.