National BBQ Day Recipes

Bento boxes are fantastic options for packing lunches because they contain separate compartments, allowing you to carry several nutritious foods in one container. Gathering healthy bento lunch box ideas for adults and kids can help you prepare enjoyable, nutrient-packed lunches for yourself and your family.

What Are Bento Box Lunches?

Bento boxes are compartmentalized containers people use to organize and carry nutritious meals. With divided compartments, bento boxes make it easy to include several food groups in one container. As an important part of Japanese culture and history, individuals originally used bento boxes to carry food to rural locations. These unique boxes evolved over time, and people now use them to prepare and carry picnic, office and school lunches.

Benefits of Bento Box Lunches

Bento box lunches offer the following benefits:

• Convenience: Bento boxes typically contain lunch items that are easy to pack and store overnight, allowing you to grab them and go quickly when you're in a rush.
• Health: Bento boxes encourage healthy eating. Their compartments make it easy to include a wide variety of protein, fruits, vegetables and grains in one container.
• Environmental friendliness: You can improve your environmental impact with bento boxes because they allow you to separate food without using plastic wrap, foil and disposable bags.
• Fun: Bento boxes are fun to prepare and eat, encouraging you and your family to try new foods and eat more nutrients.

How to Make a Bento Box

Consider the following tips as you prepare bento boxes:

Cover Each Food Group

If you're looking for healthy bento lunch box ideas, it's important to ensure you cover all of the major food groups. Each box should include most or all of the following for the greatest nutritional value:

• Healthy protein
• Whole grains
• Fresh fruit
• At least two vegetables
• A healthy dairy product
• A healthy treat, if desired

Get Creative

One of the best parts of preparing bento box lunches is the freedom to get creative. You can combine different recipes and food combinations to increase variety, helping your family get excited about healthy lunches. Use your bento boxes to try new foods, experiment with unique recipes, incorporate various textures and flavors, present vibrant colors, and have fun.

Bento Lunch Box Food Ideas

You can start your healthy lunch journey with the following bento lunch box ideas:

Steak, Kale and Rice Box

Steak, kale and rice make for a savory, healthy combination full of protein, grains and nutrients. Lean steak strips provide protein, and kale is an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, potassium and calcium. 

You can add various vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, and include a compartment of strawberries or blueberries to create beautiful color variation. To prepare the main part of this box, follow this steak and kale rice bowl recipe using John Soules Foods Steak Strips, cauliflower and brown rice. 

This recipe also includes olive oil, kosher salt, garlic, black pepper, kale, reduced-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, ginger root and tahini for a delicious sweet and savory flavor combination. If you prepare this recipe for kids, cut the steak into smaller pieces for easier eating and digestion.

Flame-Grilled Panzanella Salad

The flame-grilled panzanella salad recipe uses John Soules Foods Flame Grilled Chicken, red onion, Italian bread, cucumber, mini mozzarella balls and Roma tomatoes to create a colorful, nutritious lunch. This recipe also requires kosher salt, fresh basil, Dijon mustard, olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a smooth, tasty flavor. 

For a well-balanced box, add some brown rice to a separate compartment and consider including some strawberries, grapes or raspberries in another section. If you prepare this for kids or picky eaters, you can substitute any of the salad ingredients they don't like with alternative vegetables such as chopped or grated carrots.

Chicken Taco Pinwheels

This chicken taco pinwheels recipe is a fun, mouthwatering option for bento boxes. You can pair these delicious, protein-filled roll-ups with a refreshing fruit salad and nutritious broccoli with seasoned brown rice. 

To make the taco pinwheels, you will need John Soules Foods Chicken Fajitas or Flame Grilled Chicken, cream cheese, olive oil, flour tortillas and shredded cheese. This recipe also calls for red and green bell peppers and taco seasoning. You can reduce the taco seasoning if you prepare this for adults or children who prefer milder flavors.

Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Preparing a bento box with chicken Caesar salad is the perfect way to pair a classic favorite with other healthy snacks. If you and your kids love chicken nuggets, you will adore John Soules Foods Chicken Nuggets or Southern Style Chicken Bites. 

You can follow our crispy chicken Caesar salad recipe to prepare a delicious salad using scrumptious chicken, nutritious romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, yummy Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons. Fill additional bento box compartments with fresh fruit, vegetables and seasoned quinoa for a balanced lunch.

Grilled Beef and Asparagus

You can prepare a savory, nutrient-packed bento box with this grilled beef and asparagus recipe. This dish uses fresh asparagus and either John Soules Foods Angus Beef Fajitas for a slightly spicy kick or Steak Strips for a milder flavor. This recipe also includes balsamic vinegar, balsamic reduction, olive oil, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper for a fantastic flavor. 

You can add a salad to one compartment of this bento box and blueberries, strawberries, watermelon or blackberries to another. To add whole grains, consider including brown rice or a granola bar as a special treat.

Bento Box Lunch Ideas for Kids

Bento boxes are excellent for kids because they allow you to present various food groups in fun, unique ways. Japanese parents often arrange food to resemble popular anime characters and animals to help children enjoy trying new foods and eating healthy. If you have kids, bento box lunch ideas such as the following can help them expand their palate and learn to love nutritious foods:

• Fun faces: You can use small vegetable pieces to create a face on a rice ball, and you can use carrot sticks as ears to create an adorable animal.
• Shapes: If you have small cookie cutters, you can create hearts and other fun shapes out of fruits and vegetables.
• Patterns: Incorporating colorful foods in a bento box is a fantastic opportunity to get creative with patterns. For example, you can arrange grapes, strawberries and blueberries in a repetitive pattern to prepare a beautiful box. Making dino nugget fruit and vegetable kabobs is also a fantastic way to create fun patterns and encourage children to try various foods.
• Dinosaur nugget volcano: Another fun idea is to create a small mound out of rice and surround it with Jurassic World Dominion Chicken Nuggets. You can include a small container of sweet-and-sour sauce, and your little one can pour it over the rice and pretend it's a volcano for an exciting lunch.

Create Flavorful, Nutritious Bento Boxes With John Soules Foods

Bento boxes make flavorful, healthy and fun lunches your whole family can enjoy. Whether you want to make packing your office lunch easier or find creative ways to get your kids to eat healthy foods, bento boxes offer quick and enjoyable solutions. 

John Soules Foods offers ready-to-eat beef and chicken to help you prepare protein-packed bento boxes. From crispy chicken bites and nuggets to grilled chicken and steak fajita strips, we have a variety of products you can use to create unique bento box combinations. Find a location near you to buy John Soules Foods products!

Knowing what to pack for lunch every day can be challenging for busy families. The good news is you can have quick and easy packable lunches for the whole family ready in no time with some planning and a little imagination.

Why Is Packing a Good Lunch Important?

We all get busy, but keeping ourselves and our families healthy doesn't have to be difficult. Creating new ideas for what to pack for lunch at work or school is almost as important as packing healthy lunches. 

There are significant benefits to packing lunches, including the following:

• Saving money: Packed lunches are more affordable than cafeteria lunches. You can save on lunches by packing them yourself. Kids also get more time to eat when they have a packed lunch, as they don't have to wait in long cafeteria lines. 
• Eating healthier: Packing lunches for the family gives you complete control over what you and your family eat. You can ensure everyone gets enough fruit, vegetables and protein. You'll help your family make healthier choices by making packed lunches a habit. 
• Performing better at work and school: There is a well-documented link between a healthy diet and improved concentration. A healthy diet can improve mood and concentration, which leads to better work and school performance. 
• Reducing your environmental impact: Cutting down our cafeteria lunches can reduce the amount of waste we create. We can make even less by packing our food in reusable containers and using water bottles. 

What Should You Put in a Packed Lunch?

Developing healthy lunch ideas for kids and adults can be fun and lets you get creative. Depending on your situation, you may have to consider cold lunch ideas and heated options. A nutritious lunch should cover all the major food groups, including fruit, vegetables, healthy protein, whole grains and dairy. It's also nice to have a healthy treat in there too. 

Use this checklist to develop the most straightforward packed lunch ideas for your family:

• At least one fresh fruit
• Two vegetables
• A healthy protein
• One whole grain
• A dairy element or similar
• One healthy snack

If you have all these elements, you can make lunches quickly and efficiently. 

5 Quick and Easy Packable Lunches for Adults and Kids

With so much else going on, ideas for packed lunches can be more challenging than preparing them. We've created a packed lunch for each day of the working week to make creating quick, easy and healthy lunches that much easier.

1. Grilled Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce and Fruit Salad

This first lunch is one of the easiest packed lunch ideas to make. You can eat it cold, and it's great for the whole family. For six portions, you will need a 16-ounce bag of John Soules Foods Rotisserie Chicken Strips, 1 diced cucumber, 1 1/2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of dried dill leaves, 8 ounces of plain greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons each of lemon juice and red wine vinegar, 3 cups of shredded romaine lettuce, 1 sliced medium red onion, 1 diced tomato, 1 package of pita bread, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of salt and 1/2 a teaspoon of black pepper. 

For the fruit salad, you can choose any of your favorite fruits. If you want an extra energy boost in the middle of the day, consider a combination of bananas, apples, strawberries, dark berries and oranges. 

2. Chicken Tender Sliders, Pasta Salad and Cheese and Apple Kebabs

This easy and nutritious recipe is a breeze to make, pack and enjoy. The Chicken Tender Sliders are perfect for all ages, and the pasta salad makes an excellent energy-releasing addition for the middle of the day. 

For the sliders, you will need one 24-ounce bag of John Soules Foods Chicken Tenders, 8 slices of quartered Swiss cheese, 1/2 cup of honey mustard, 1 pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls, 12 pieces of honey ham and 2 cups of shredded iceberg lettuce. 

You can add leftovers from the night before to your pasta salad or follow this gorgeous storecupboard pasta salad recipe. 

Just grab some kebab sticks and slice up some apples and your favorite cheese for the kebabs. Slide alternating pieces of each onto your lunchbox-sized sticks, and you've got your fruit and dairy snack. 

3. Chicken Taco Pinwheels, Mason Jar Salad and Chocolate Dipped Orange Slices

Tacos pinwheels are a great option for packed lunches. They're easy to put in a lunchbox and require zero cooking time. Plus, the kids will love them. 

For this delicious chicken taco pinwheel recipe, you will need 16 ounces of refrigerated or thawed John Soules Foods Chicken Fajitas, 1/2 a teaspoon of olive oil, 2 cups of room temperature cream cheese, 2 small, finely chopped red and green bell peppers, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 3 10-inch flour tortillas and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. 

The great thing about mason jar salad recipes is you can add anything you want. It's the perfect lunchbox meal for all ages. Add your favorite healthy options if you're looking for mason jar inspiration. 

You can also get your daily dose of fruit with some simple chocolate-dipped, fresh orange slices. Peel an orange and dip each slice halfway into some melted chocolate. Let it cool and pack. 

4. Beef Lettuce Cups, Potato Salad and Apple and Cheese Kebabs

Pair this healthy Mongolian-Style Beef Lettuce Cup recipe with some potato salad for protein, carbohydrates and vegetables. Then get your dairy and fruit in with apple and cheese kebabs. 

For this recipe, you will need 1/4 a cup each of water and soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of corn starch, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 12-ounce tray of refrigerated John Soules Steak Strips, 2 carrots cut into matchsticks, 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 head of bibb lettuce and some cooked basmati or jasmine rice. 

The kebabs are simple — cut some apple and cheese into squares and skewer alternate squares onto a kebab stick. Make as many as you need. Choose your favorite potato salad recipe, cheeses and fruit, and you're set for the day. 

5. Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Jars with Mini Hawaiian Pizzas and Dried Fruit Trail Mix

What better way to end the week than salad and pizza? This quick Chicken Cobb Salad Jars recipe is perfect for packing for work and school since the the jars make it ideal for packing and enjoying on-the-go.

For each person, you will need 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 6 ounces of refrigerated John Soules Foods Flame Grilled Chicken, ¼ of a cup of ranch dressing, 1 pitted and chopped avocado, 2 slices of chopped, cooked bacon, 1 large seeded and diced plum tomato, 1 quartered hard-boiled egg and 1 cup of romaine lettuce, chopped. 

Once you have layered your salad, pack it in the fridge for the following day. All you need to do now is bake your favorite Hawaiian pizza and pack some of your favorite trail mixes. Add some dried mango or your other fruit of choice, and you have your last healthy meal for the week ready to go. 

Make Packing a Healthy Lunch Easy With John Soules Foods

John Soules Foods has provided customers with delicious pre-cut, pre-seasoned and pre-cooked meats since 1975, making home cooking easy for families on the go. You can add lean protein to your packed lunches in minutes and enjoy exceptional flavors anytime. Browse our products online, and if you're looking for more inspiration, don't forget to check out our recipes.

Save time and energy, and keep your family excited for the next lunch with any of our delicious John Soules Foods products. Find a store near you for your next quick, easy, packable lunches!

Mac and cheese is a staple in many homes. It's the most popular cheese recipe in the United States — and for good reason. It's quick, delicious and easy to make — a favorite of kids, college students and anyone looking for convenient comfort food. Without a bit of imagination, however, your family's favorite meal could get a little repetitive. Knowing what to add to mac and cheese to keep it interesting is an excellent way to keep your loved ones — or yourself — returning for more. 

Luckily, there are plenty of easy things to add to mac and cheese that can transform the dish altogether. We'll teach you a basic mac and cheese recipe and then tell you how to spice it up. Add your own twist on the beloved favorite, and fit it into your busy daily life without the hassle.

How to Make a Basic Mac and Cheese Recipe

There are many ways to make mac and cheese. You may have a family recipe passed down through generations, or you may enjoy boxed mac and cheese. If you want to up your mac and cheese game, we recommend skipping the box and making your own in under 30 minutes. To serve four, you will need 8 ounces of dried macaroni, 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 ½ cups of fat-free milk, and 112 ounces of reduced-fat American cheese, sliced and torn into pieces. 

Cook your macaroni according to the package directions, drain and set it to one side. Melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan, then stir in the flour and pepper. Add the milk and stir until the mixture is bubbly and slightly thickened. Add the torn cheese slices and stir until they're completely melted. Stir in the macaroni noodles and coat them with the sauce. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes and let stand for 10 minutes before you serve. 

Easy Things to Add to Mac and Cheese

One of the best things about a simple mac and cheese recipe is how you can add whatever you have around the house to spice it up or sneak in some vegetables for the kids. Although your imagination is your only limit for mac and cheese add-ins, here are some quick ideas to get you started:

• John Soules Foods Flame Grilled Chicken Strips
• Bacon bits
• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Onions
• Carrots
• John Soules Foods Steak Strips
• Shrimp
• Mushrooms
• Salsa
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Blue cheese

5 Recipes to Spice Up Your Mac and Cheese

If you've had a hectic day and aren't up to using your imagination, we've gathered some excellent mac and cheese and pasta recipes to keep your evening meal simple and delicious so you can feel good about what you feed your family. When you want to simplify meal times, consider fully cooked and pre-seasoned meats to save you time. They are easy to store and prepare and safe to handle and cook. 

Our top five mac and cheese variations include the following:

1. Mexican Chicken Skillet Mac and Cheese

To add some literal spice to your evening comfort food, consider this delicious take on the original, with some added protein and vegetables. 

Bring water to a boil and cook your macaroni noodles. While preparing the noodles, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat in a cast iron skillet. Add chopped red bell pepper. Once the pepper has softened, stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Once smooth, add 2 cups of whole milk. Bring the mixture to a boil. 

Once boiling, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 3 ½ cups of shredded pepper jack cheese. Add your noodles and 6 ounces of John Soules Foods Chicken Fajitas, thawed. Stir to combine. Top with more cheese and broil the mixture for about 5-7 minutes. Top with cilantro or jalapeno, if you like. 

This mac and cheese recipe takes only 15 minutes, making it the perfect addition to a busy day. 

2. Barbecue Chicken Mac and Cheese

Who doesn't love the sweet tanginess of barbeque chicken? Make this gorgeous recipe shorter and sweeter with John Soules Foods Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips to reduce your time in the kitchen. Adding chicken is always a win, and the combination of barbeque flavors and cheese is wonderful. 

Bring 3 cups of chopped cauliflower florets and 1 cup of low-fat milk to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. Puree the mixture in a blender, and return it to the saucepan. Stir in 1 ¼ cups of shredded, reduced-fat cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan. 

Cook your John Soules Foods Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips barbecue chicken to your preference. At the same time, cook your pasta and add it to the cheese mixture. Cook over low heat until the pasta is coated. Cut your chicken strips into pieces, add it over the pasta, and top with extra cheddar. 

3. Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Buffalo chicken and mac and cheese go together like peanut butter and jelly. Swap the lettuce in this Blue Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe for mac and cheese, and you've got a delicious and filling meal. 

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and place 12 ounces of frozen John Soules Foods Buffalo Style Chicken evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 14-16 minutes, flipping the meat halfway through. 

Grab your homemade, boxed or leftover mac and cheese, and place it in a large bowl. Add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 stalks of celery cut into ¼-inch strips and 2 medium-sized shredded carrots. Drizzle with blue cheese dressing and mix well. Divide into four bowls, and top each bowl with the chicken. Add some blue cheese for extra flavor if you desire. 

4. Steak Strips With Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This nutritious take on mac and cheese is a great way to get some broccoli in for the kids. Add pre-cooked and seasoned steak strips to the mix, and have it on the dinner table even faster. The kids will love the rich flavor, and adults will love pairing the meal with a glass of red wine. 

To cook your John Soules Foods Steak Strips simply follow the label instructions.

Cook your pasta, and add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the saucepan during the last minute of cooking. Drain the pasta, saving ¼ cup of cooking water. Add ½ cup of milk to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir in 6 slices of American cheese, torn into pieces, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you're only cooking for adults. Once smooth, add the pasta and broccoli. Add the cooking water to loosen the mixture, if needed. Once cooked, stir in ¼ cup of chopped and drained pimientos. 

Make Deliciously Simple Meals With John Soules Foods

Mac and cheese is a great building block — you can customize it with many ingredients you already have at home. It's an easy way to get the kids to eat some veggies, and with a little imagination, you can create dinners your friends and family will love. At John Soules Foods, we understand how demanding life can get, which is why we've created a wide selection of fully cooked chicken and beef, expertly seasoned and ready to be part of your next meals. 

You can get creative with your food options when the protein is good to go. Find John Soules Foods in a location near you, and start spicing up your mac and cheese today!

Whether you cook at home or order takeout, it's common to find yourself with leftovers. Saving leftovers or reusing them can save time and money during the week. However, it can be confusing to decide what to do with leftover food. You may not want to eat the same food twice in a row or might find it easier to throw the leftovers away instead.

With the right techniques, you can enjoy your leftover food as much as the first time you ate it. Repurposing leftovers into a new dish prevents waste and mixes up your weekly menu.

Here are a few ideas for what to do with leftovers.

Store Them Properly

The first step for managing leftovers is to store them securely. Proper storage methods keep your food safe and tasty. After your food cools, you can store it using these techniques:

• Cover them with foil. 
• Wrap them in saran wrap.
• Place them in sealed storage containers.

Then, place the leftover container in the fridge or freezer. Leftovers remain safe to eat for three to four days in the fridge or three to four months in the freezer.

When you take these proper storage actions, your food better retains its moisture and flavor. You also keep the food from picking up odors from other ingredients in the refrigerator. 

Repurpose Them Into New Meals

After you store your leftovers, you can reheat and enjoy them in the following days. Instead of eating the same food again, you could repurpose food into new meals. Here are a few examples of common leftovers and ways to incorporate them into new meals:

Broccoli

Vegetables are a common and healthy side for many dishes, but you might find yourself with extra portions after your meal. Luckily, there are many creative ways to implement leftover vegetables into new dishes.

For example, you might have extra broccoli. One way to repurpose the broccoli is in a delicious stir fry. Add chicken, rice or rice noodles, additional vegetables and seasonings to create a new dish. John Soules Foods carries a wide range of frozen and refrigerated chicken options that make preparation simple. You can heat them up in minutes and reheat your broccoli for a quick, appetizing meal.

Here's how to prepare a delicious Spicy Thai Chicken Noodle Stir Fry for six in just 30 minutes. 

Bake six John Soules Foods Spicy Chicken Strips at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and flip each strip. Pop them back in the oven for another 10-12 minutes while you get started on your produce.

Grab your extra broccoli from the fridge along with 1 red bell pepper, ½ a red onion and any other leftover vegetables you want to use up. Carrots, snow peas, cabbage and mushrooms are all great additions to any stir fry.

Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a skillet and warm over medium-high heat — olive, coconut or avocado oil will all work well here. Add your sliced veggies and saute for roughly 5 minutes or until slightly tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. 

Finally, add your chicken to the skillet along with 1 pound of cooked rice noodles and ½ cup of your favorite peanut sauce. Simmer for about a minute, then portion into bowls and serve topped with chopped peanuts and green onions.

Pasta

Another common leftover is pasta. It's easy to over- or underestimate pasta quantities, which can result in extra servings. If you don't want to eat pasta with tomato sauce again, you can explore innovative ways to upgrade your leftover noodles.

For instance, this Chicken Alfredo recipe combines your leftover pasta with a creamy ranch sauce and grilled chicken. John Soules Foods carries delicious pre-cooked grilled chicken options that are perfect for this combination. 

Pour a jar of Alfredo sauce into a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tray of John Soules Foods Flame Grilled Chicken Strips and 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. Cook until the chicken and sauce is heated through. 

Stir in spinach and 1 ½ cups of halved cherry tomatoes, and cook until the spinach wilts. Remove the skillet from the heat. 

Next, just reheat your leftover pasta in the microwave and stir the pasta into the sauce until the two are combined. Top with Parmesan cheese and basil, and serve with bread or a glass of wine to feel extra fancy!

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a favorite meal of many people. Various toppings and serving ideas make this simple dish more exciting. For instance, many people add bacon to their macaroni and cheese for an extra flavor burst. You can experiment with these creative options to enhance your leftover mac and cheese. 

This inventive Mexican Chicken Skillet Mac and Cheese recipe serves up to eight people. Throw your leftover macaroni and cheese into a skillet and top it with chicken, fajita veggies, fresh cilantro and more. The John Soules Foods Chicken Fajitas are fire-grilled and pre-cooked, making them a perfect match for this recipe. 

First, preheat your oven to broil. Whether repurposing homemade mac and cheese or boxed mac and cheese, get those leftovers ready!

Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped red peppers and cook until they grow soft. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Add 2 cups of whole milk, and bring the entire mixture to a boil. 

Once boiling, remove the skillet from the heat and fold in your leftover macaroni and cheese. Top with some extra cheese and broil the dish until it is golden brown. Remove from the oven and add cilantro and jalapeño if desired!

Breakfast Foods

Cooking a big breakfast when you have the time is rewarding and delicious. If you find yourself with some extra scrambled eggs, we've got a recipe for you to try. 

This Classic Chicken Waffle Taco recipe is a delicious way to spice up your leftover scrambled eggs for lunch. 

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, and spread a 16-ounce bag of frozen John Soules Foods Southern Style Chicken Bites evenly on a greased baking sheet. Heat in the oven for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Too cook these even faster, throw your chicken bites in the air fryer for 6-7 minutes.

Toast 8 frozen waffles while the chicken is cooking. Depending on the kind of toaster you have, you may need to complete this step in multiple batches. 

Grab your leftover scrambled eggs from the fridge, and warm them up in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Season the eggs with salt and pepper. 

Finally, it's time to assemble your tacos. Fold your waffles in half and fill them with the eggs and chicken. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions and a drizzle of maple syrup. Feeling adventurous? Complete the dish with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Transform Your Leftovers With John Soules Foods

Creative recipes can enhance your leftovers. Whether you have extra vegetables, pasta or anything in between, John Soules Foods products are the perfect addition to your repurposed leftovers.

Since 1975, we've provided high-quality, flavorful and convenient meat options for our customers. We use 100% natural ingredients and rich flavors to bring the best quality possible. All of our chicken and beef products are refrigerated or frozen, letting you cook with minimal preparation. 

Browse our products today to find the best options for leftover repurposing. Or, explore our recipes to find other good meals for leftovers. 

To get started with John Soules Foods, find a store near you that carries John Soules Foods products.

Most people learn food storage techniques from watching and listening to their parents or guardians. You may have heard your mother say, "Never eat meat after three days," or watched your father scrub the counter down after fileting fish. But why are these food storage tips necessary?

Food gets stored in a specific way to prevent you from getting sick. As times change, the guidelines for proper food storage change, too. However, the basic principles for food storage are timeless and easy to learn. Follow this food storage guide to learn the essentials so you can avoid food-related illness. 

The Importance of Proper Food Storage 

All food is perishable — without some type of human intervention. Temperature changes, oxygen, bacteria and other factors can all cause food to spoil when left at room temperature. Fortunately, proper food storage can help perishables last much longer. Proper food storage:

• Keeps nutritional quality high.
• Protects you from food poisoning.
• Saves the cost of spoiled groceries.

Storing food properly is simple, and there are just a few basic guidelines you should follow for each food group. As you prepare and store food, you'll discover the best places in your fridge and cellar to store certain items so they stay fresh for longer.

If you want to buy foods that will be safe to eat for a long time, consider fully-cooked frozen products. These won't go bad until their expiration date and can be warmed up quickly whenever you need them. Frozen products last much longer than fresh food, and they often have a higher nutritional value because they are frozen while in season.

General Guidelines for How to Store Food 

Remember how the characters from "The Boxcar Children" series stored their milk behind a waterfall? Your refrigerator is the modern version of a dark cave kept cool by icy mountain water. Set your refrigerator properly, and it will prevent bacterial growth so that your food lasts longer. Here's how to store food in the fridge: 

• Check expiration dates and follow them: They're a good guideline for preventing food poisoning.
• Keep raw foods at the bottom of the fridge: That way, any leakage won't impact food stored below. 
• Store foods that spoil quickly in the fridge: These foods include meat, dairy, eggs, salads, cooked grains and canned food that's been opened.
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate: This helps prevent contamination. 
• Set your freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit: This keeps stored foods fresh for later use.

You might be wondering if you can put hot food in the fridge. Technically, you can. However, it's better to wait for warm food to cool before placing it in the fridge so that it doesn't temporarily warm up your fridge's internal temperature.

Storing Meat, Fish and Poultry 

As far as food safety is concerned, meat is probably the most essential product to consider because it spoils faster than most other foods. Meat is also expensive, so letting it spoil damages your diet and your budget. 

All meat should be stored in your fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In your freezer, meat should be kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, raw meat can be kept for one to two days in the fridge. Once cooked, it can be safely stored for three to four days in the refrigerator.

Storing meat in its original packaging reduces potential exposure to bacteria. You can also put it in a zip-close bag and set it on a plate or in a bowl to catch any leaks. Whatever packaging you store your meat in, ensure it's sealed to maximize freshness. 

Store raw meat in the bottom of your fridge for best results. If there's a leak, this protects the rest of your food from being contaminated and ruined. Cooked and raw meat spoils faster than many other foods, so you should scout out the coldest shelf or drawer in your fridge to safely store it.

Freezers can significantly extend the shelf life of fresh meat. However, it's not recommended to leave meat in the freezer indefinitely. If left too long, freezer burn can ruin the quality of stored meat, and frozen meat can actually spoil. If you're concerned about meat going bad in your fridge or freezer, consider storing fully cooked frozen meat products.

Storing Dairy 

Dairy products like butter, yogurt, milk and cheese also spoil quickly in warm temperatures and should be kept in the fridge. Although eggs are not technically a dairy product, they can also benefit from refrigeration. 

Most unopened dairy products can be stored for a long period of time. However, after you start using a dairy product, you'll have between one week and six months before the food starts to spoil. Here's a quick list of how long you can store opened dairy products in your fridge:

• Yogurt: One to two weeks.
• Soft cheeses: One week. 
• Hard cheeses: Three to four weeks. 
• Processed cheeses: One to two months. 
• Milk: One week. 
• Buttermilk: Two weeks. 
• Sour cream: One to three weeks. 

A sour taste is a good indicator that a dairy product is going bad and should be thrown away. 

Storing Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables don't pose the same health risks as meat and dairy products, but they can still spoil if not stored properly. Many produce items — like carrots, onions, broccoli and lettuce — will last much longer if stored in the fridge. Because they have a high liquid content, they don't tend to freeze well. 

Many people put vegetables in the fridge and store fruit on their counters. However, you may find that fruit needs to be refrigerated, too. Here are some tips for storing fruits and veggies: 

• Fresh produce: Fresh produce usually lasts about a week in the fridge. 
• Wet produce: Make sure to fully dry produce after washing it. Wet produce spoils more quickly.
• Root vegetables: Root vegetables can stay fresh for two weeks in the fridge. 

A unique vegetable to consider is the potato. Potatoes are best stored in a cool, dark place like a root cellar. Once cooked, it's incredibly important to keep them cold in the fridge. You may have heard the term "botulism" before — this is an illness caused by the bacteria C. botulinum, and it can be deadly. Botulism can result from storing potatoes in aluminum foil at room temperature. 

Storing Leftovers 

Storing whole food is one thing. But how should you store food once it's been sliced or cooked? How long are leftovers good for? Follow these tips to enjoy your leftovers with confidence. 

• Rule: Once food is sliced or cooked, it should be stored in the fridge. Food leftovers can be refrigerated for three to four days. 
• Tip: If you have trouble remembering when you cooked what, try putting labels and dates on the leftovers in your fridge. 
• Exception: Unless you absolutely have to, avoid putting sliced tomatoes in the fridge. The cold temperature will ruin their texture and flavor!

If you're not a leftover person, consider freezing excess food and then reheating it later so that it feels like a new meal. Cooked meats can be stored in the freezer for between one and six months, depending on the type of meat. 

To keep leftovers fresh for as long as possible, always store them in a sealed, airtight container, and allow hot foods to cool before storing them. Although you can put hot food in the fridge, this can disrupt the temperature of other foods. You can safely let food cool on the counter before refrigeration for two hours in most cases. However, it's best to refrigerate cooked food after an hour if it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Stock Your Freezer and Refrigerator With Our Fully-Cooked Meats

Investing in fully-cooked protein options can simplify your food storage, and John Soules Foods offers delicious frozen and refrigerated options. Fully-cooked chicken and beef products work incredibly well in a variety of recipes and can make your kitchen a more convenient place where storage is easy!

Ready to learn more? Find John Soules Foods at a store local to you. 

College is an exciting time. You're adjusting to a new environment and academic workload and may be cooking for yourself for the first time. Whether you're a complete beginner cook or experienced in the kitchen, you may have limited time to prepare meals, which can result in falling back on fast food or skipping meals. Food can affect how you feel, so it's critical to have some good habits in place during this time.

Eating well in college is all about balance, and finding some quick recipes for college students can make life easier — and more delicious. 

What to Consider When Making Easy College Meals

College student meals should fulfill the following criteria to fit into your busy lifestyle:

• Quick: Meals should be fast so that you can devote more time to enjoying the college experience.
• Inexpensive: We all know about the college student budget. Luckily, you can eat well without breaking the bank.
• Healthy: Balanced meals are essential in college when you're working hard, enjoying your social life and living an active lifestyle. 
• Delicious: Going to college is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you should enjoy every moment, including the food. 

While it may seem challenging to meet these criteria when you're busy enjoying your life in college, it is possible. Easy meals for college students are out there. Whether you're looking for easy meals for one college student or a group, all it takes is a little planning and inspiration. 

7 Quick and Delicious College Student Recipes

Many college students skip meals and opt for snacks instead, which is handy sometimes. However, fulfilling meals are key to keeping yourself satisfied and focused. The following quick and easy recipes can help you keep a balanced diet: 

1. Homestyle Chicken Tender Breakfast Wrap

Start your day with a simple and tasty Chicken Tender Breakfast Wrap and be out the door in 30 minutes or less. This recipe serves four, so you can reduce the ingredients, invite some friends over or eat wraps throughout the week. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and place 12 John Soules Foods Homestyle Chicken Tenders evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Cook for between 15 and 17 minutes, flipping halfway through, then set them aside. 

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and coat it with cooking spray. Add 1 ½ cups of packaged chopped peppers and cook them until tender — about 2 ½ minutes. Add 6 large, lightly beaten eggs and scramble them, stirring them until they set. Take 4 flour tortillas and place 3 chicken tenders along the edge of each one. Smooth your egg mixture along each, then add 2 teaspoons of cheddar and 2 slices of turkey bacon. Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll them up tightly. Cut them in half and serve or eat them on the go. 

2. Chicken Tender Sliders

Looking for a quick lunch? You can have these Cordon Bleu Chicken Tender Sliders ready to eat in less than 30 minutes. Place John Soules Foods Chicken Tenders on a baking sheet. Bake the chicken at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Top with sliced Swiss cheese for the last minute of cooking time. 

Cut some Hawaiian sweet rolls in half and spread the bottoms with honey mustard. Add a chicken tender — or two — to each and top with some shredded iceberg lettuce and a slice of honey ham. These bite-sized sliders are fantastic for study groups or snacking throughout the day. 

3. Loaded BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Quesadillas are a perfect on-the-go option for college students. This gorgeous Loaded BBQ Chicken Quesadilla recipe requires minimal cooking and preparation, making it an excellent choice for beginner cooks. To make four servings, lay out 8 tortillas and top with John Soules Foods Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, red onion, tomato and pickled jalapeno peppers. 

Top each tortilla with another flour tortilla. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook each quesadilla for about 2 minutes per side — until they're golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and serve with ½ a cup of barbecue sauce for dipping. 

4. Steak Fajita Grilled Cheese

Your college experience is only complete with grilled cheese, and adding this steak fajita twist creates a grilled cheese to remember. The best part about this meal is it's ready in 20 minutes — perfect for a quick college meal. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, and then stir in 1 small, thinly sliced bell pepper and 1 small yellow onion, also sliced thinly. Add some John Soules Foods Beef Fajitas and cook for 4-6 minutes until thoroughly heated. 

Take 4 slices of thickly sliced sourdough bread, and coat one side of each with butter-flavored cooking spray. Place two in a skillet, spray side down, then top them with shredded mozzarella, your beef fajita mix and the second slice of bread, spray side up. Cook each side until golden brown and enjoy. 

5. Chicken or Beef Nachos

Nachos are perfect for having friends over or snacking during a study group. This quick and delicious Chicken or Beef Nachos recipe takes less than 10 minutes to throw together. To serve four people, arrange an 8-ounce bag of tortilla chips on a microwave-safe platter. Drain and rinse 1 ½ cups of black beans, then smash and smear them over the chips. Scatter John Soules Foods Chicken Fajitas or John Soules Foods Steak Fajitas over the chips. You might even want to make a platter of each so everyone can choose their protein. 

Top your nachos with 3 ounces each of shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted the way you like it. Top with a can of drained, diced tomatoes. If you want some extra heat, slice a jalapeno and throw it on top of your nachos. 

6. Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Stir fry is another one of those meals you have to have in college. This Pepper Steak Stir Fry takes less than 15 minutes to assemble. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 12 ounces of John Soules Foods Steak Strips for 1 minute, then add 1 large sliced yellow onion and 1 each of large red and green sliced bell peppers. Cook until the steak is heated through and the veggies are tender. 

Whisk ¼ cup each of soy sauce and water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, then pour the sauce over the steak and vegetables and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles, and top with a tablespoon of sesame seeds. 

7. One-Pan Southwest Blackened Cajun Chicken

This One-Pan Southwest Blackened Cajun Chicken recipe is quick to prepare and limits the time you spend washing dishes. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 large sliced yellow onion and 1 large sliced green bell pepper and stir until tender. Then, stir in 12 ounces of John Soules Foods Blackened Chicken, 1 can each of drained corn kernels and drained and rinsed black beans. Add 1 tablespoon of southwest seasoning mix. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes and serve over 4 cups of cooked yellow rice. Top with sliced green onions and serve. 

Create Exciting College Student Meals With John Soules Foods Today

The college lifestyle is fast-paced and exciting. At John Soules Foods, we understand you have limited time to combine healthy, balanced meals. Our delicious and convenient pre-cut, fully-cooked and fully-seasoned meats are perfect for adding protein to your meals without the hassle. Prepare delicious college student meals in minutes with us. Find a store that sells John Soules Foods products near you and get cooking today!

What once began as a trend for athletes and gym-goers has become a staple for people from all walks of life. Whether you want to save time, eat healthier or save money, meal prepping is an excellent way to meet your goals. Cooking meals once or twice throughout the week allows you to grab a dish out of the fridge and enjoy a balanced, delicious meal in just a few minutes, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your day.

Meal prep won't add any dishes, take up a lot of time or leave you grabbing unhealthy and expensive takeout because it's convenient. Still, meal prep recipes can range from simple to overwhelmingly complex. The easier it is, the more likely you are to stick to it, so we put together a guide on how to meal prep, complete with some easy meal prep ideas to keep you cooking without much hassle.

How to Meal Prep for the Week

Some people think you can only meal prep if you're making ultra-healthy dishes, but you can prep almost anything, like fajitas, stir fry and pasta. As long as it's easy to grab and eat and you prepared it ahead of time, you're in the spirit of meal prep. No matter what you cook, making these foods at home is usually much healthier and cheaper than buying from a restaurant, and prepping saves you a lot of time and stress associated with cooking dinner every night.

If your goal is to make meal prep as easy as possible, try these tips:

• Use pre-cooked meats: With pre-cooked meats, you don't need to worry about proper preparation and can focus on making tasty meals. You also get to use fewer dishes and reduce the time it takes to cook your meal prep. You can grab some simply seasoned meats like steak strips or oven-roasted chicken to fit into any recipe or use our pre-seasoned and breaded meats for specific dishes, like steak fajitas and orange chicken.
• Use convenience foods: Meat isn't the only way to save time, and you don't need to make everything from scratch. Consider grabbing frozen veggies, canned sauces and other pre-made foods to help you along.
• Grab some good containers: Meal prep dishes can come in any shape or size, but investing in some good, reusable dishes can be a big help. The need to spoon out your portion from a large bowl can sometimes be enough to send you to a pre-portioned TV dinner, so have your dishes ready to grab and go.
• Focus on balance: Think about balancing your meals during prep so you won't need to do it later. Follow the Healthy Eating Plate guidelines and aim to fill about 50% of your plate with fruits and vegetables and 25% each of whole grains and proteins. Remember to factor in fiber and some healthy fats to keep you full throughout the day.
• Start simple: If you head to social media, you might see people meal prepping every single meal for the week. That can be tough, so smart small, perhaps by prepping dinner for the next two or three days. An approach like this can help make meal prepping more sustainable and less intimidating.

Easy Meal Prep Ideas

With those tips in mind, let's dive into a few easy meal prep ideas that you can use to eat healthy and save time.

1. Chicken, Beef or Steak Fajitas

For some south-of-the-border flavor, try these fajita tacos made with our pre-seasoned fajita meat in chicken, steak or Angus beef varieties. You'll need some flour tortillas, a few bell peppers, red onion and your favorite toppings, such as cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocados and cilantro. To make prep even easier, you can also find pre-cut and frozen fajita vegetables in most grocery stores.

Making this tasty Chicken Fajita Taco recipe meal-prep friendly is as easy as holding off on the toppings. Fill your tortillas with the vegetable and meat mixture, and keep your toppings off to the side so they stay cold. Heat the tacos in the microwave, then add your refreshing toppings before you dig in.

2. Grape and Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich

This Grape and Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe requires no cooking when it's time to eat, so it's perfect for microwave-free lunches. It uses a bag of our Oven Roasted Diced Chicken, mayonnaise, croissants and whatever ingredients you want. We've included red grapes, chopped pecans, red onions and celery in our recipe. 

After mixing all the ingredients together, you'll stack the mixture between two halves of a sliced croissant. Wrap up the sandwich or put it in a sealed container, and you're ready to go!

3. Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Bell peppers, fluffy rice and John Soules Foods Steak Strips come together in this tangy stir fry. You can simplify this easy meal prep even further with pre-cut veggies, microwavable rice and pre-packaged stir-fry sauce. Cook the recipe according to the instructions and separate portions into your containers. Then, heat in the microwave and enjoy!

4. Chicken Nugget Mashed Potato Bowl

Craving chicken nuggets but want something a little more well-rounded? Try this delightful homestyle Chicken Nugget Mashed Potato Bowl recipe that adds hearty potatoes, cheese, corn and gravy. Our pre-cooked chicken nuggets make it especially easy. You can find most other ingredients already made, too, for even faster meal prep. Swap in our Jurassic World Dominion Chicken Nuggets for a kid-friendly twist. John Soules Foods Spicy Chicken Strips are also a great adjustment if you like a little spice.

Meal prepping this recipe is as easy as following the instructions, portioning out your servings and reheating them when you're ready to eat.

Make Meal Prep Simple With John Soules Foods

Pre-cooked foods are one of the best ways to make meal prep fit into a busy schedule and minimize stress around mealtime. When it comes to meat, fully cooked frozen or refrigerated products allow you to eliminate concerns about proper preparation while drastically reducing your time in the kitchen. We offer a wide range of versatile and great-tasting beef and chicken products to fit into your favorite meal prep ideas.

Find our products at a store near you to enjoy these simple, healthy meals any day of the week!

Spending time with your loved ones is always a treat. On a sunny day, you might be looking for some fun things to do together without breaking the bank. A spring or summer picnic is a perfect way to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Not to mention, you can bring your own games, activities and food to create an entire day tailored to your family's needs and preferences. 

When it comes to bringing food to a picnic, you want something that tastes great and is easy to make and transport. Here are some easy picnic ideas you can try the next time you want to relax on the beach or at the park with your family. 

5 Simple Picnic Food Ideas 

It can be challenging to come up with picnic recipes that everyone will love and that you don't need to heat. We've compiled a list of transport-friendly food options that can be served at room temperature and will suit a wide range of taste buds. 

Keep in mind any ingredients from this list can be removed or substituted for any preferences or allergies. You may also want to size up or down for these recipes depending on how many people you're serving!

1. Steak and Brie Sandwich 

For an easy, on-the-go version of a gourmet pub-style sandwich, try this delicious steak and brie recipe that your whole family will love! Here's what you'll need for this recipe:

• Your choice of steak or beef 
• Red onion
• Dijon mustard
• Fig jam
• Arugula 
• Brie cheese
• Bread of choice 

Start by cooking or heating your steak and slicing it thinly, as you would with steak fajitas. Using John Soules Foods Steak Strips can make this part of the recipe super quick and easy! Next, caramelize the onions in a skillet with a few teaspoons of Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Slice up your brie cheese and bread and lay them out so you can assemble your sandwiches. 

Starting with the bread, add arugula to one slice of each sandwich. Top it with the steak, brie and caramelized onions. On the other slice of bread, spread the fig jam for a touch of sweetness, close the sandwiches and cut them in half. If you're not a fan of figs, you can use regular steak sauce or even mayonnaise. 

2. Nugget Board

If you have some younger ones in your family, a nugget board is a fun way for them to eat their lunch! It takes minimal effort and can be entirely customized to your family's favorite picnic foods. Here's a simple recipe to give you some inspiration:

• John Soules Foods Jurassic World Dominion Chicken Nuggets, John Soules Foods Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips or John Soules Foods Southern Style Chicken Bites
• Cheddar cheese slices
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Grapes
• Pickle slices
• Apple slices
• Pretzels 
• Watermelon
• Ranch, barbecue or other sauce of choice for nuggets 

For this recipe, all you need to do is cook your pre-made chicken nuggets. For the rest of the nugget board, simply cut up some fruits and vegetables for your family to enjoy. Have your family help you assemble the board together to get everyone involved. 

3. Classic Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a common spring picnic idea because it's easy to assemble and versatile! You can eat it by itself, spread it onto a croissant or sandwich roll, eat it as a lettuce wrap or eat it with crackers. Here's what you'll need:

• 4 cups of John Soules Foods Flame Grilled Chicken, chopped
• 1 cup of celery, chopped
• 1 cup of red seedless grapes, chopped
• ½ cup of almonds, walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup of dried cranberries
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients besides the parsley. Stir until well combined. You may want to start off using a small amount of mayonnaise at a time until you reach the desired creaminess. Garnish with a tablespoon of parsley. Cover with a lid and enjoy at your picnic! 

4. Chicken or Steak Fajita Salad 

Despite what you may think, you can take fajitas on the go! With this fajita salad recipe, you can enjoy a bunch of different flavors in a refreshing bed of lettuce. You'll need the following ingredients:

• 16 oz. of John Soules Foods Chiekn Fajitas or John Soules Foods Steak Fajitas
• 3 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• 1 medium red pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cans of chopped green chiles
• 1 cup toasted almonds 
• 2-3 tablespoons of canola oil 
• ½ cup lime juice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

In a skillet, heat up a tablespoon of canola oil and saute the garlic, onion, red pepper and chiles. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender and crisp. Once fully cooked, set aside. Add another tablespoon of canola oil and heat up your chicken or steak of choice. Turn the meat several times to ensure it's fully heated, then add your vegetables back in to combine. 

Stir in the almonds until they are just toasted, then remove the skillet from heat. In a large salad bowl, add your shredded lettuce, tomatoes and avocado. Once your fajitas have cooled a bit, add them to your salad. For extra flavor, add lime juice over the salad and toss until well combined.

5. Chicken Club Lettuce Boats 

Everyone loves a chicken club sandwich! Switching out the bread for some crispy, refreshing lettuce can be a perfect treat on a hot day! For this recipe, you'll need:

• 2 cups of your choice of chicken, like John Soules Foods Flame Grilled Chicken
• 8-10 leaves of romaine or iceberg lettuce
• 4 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup of grape tomatoes, diced
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste 

First, you'll want to make the creamy dijon dressing. Combine the Dijon mustard and sour cream, then add salt and pepper to taste. Prep the rest of the ingredients beforehand and store everything in plastic containers. 

Once you arrive at your picnic, lay out your lettuce leaves on each plate and add your chicken. Then, set out the rest of your toppings and allow everyone to build their lettuce boats with the ingredients of their choice. Drizzle a little bit of the creamy dressing over the lettuce boats. Simply wrap them up and eat them like a taco!

Make Hosting and Family Meals a Breeze With John Soules Foods Fully Cooked Chicken and Beef

Finding recipes that are quick and easy can be a saving grace if you're hosting a picnic, party or summer barbecue. No matter what the occasion, having delicious, pre-cut, pre-seasoned and pre-cooked meats on hand makes cooking much more convenient. At John Soules Foods Fully Cooked Chicken and Beef, it's our goal to help you spend more time with your loved ones with our products. Our fully-cooked products allow you to make practically any dish without needing to marinate and cook, meaning you can make a delicious meal in minutes. 

Whether you're making dinner for your family or serving many loved ones, we make it easy to save time and effort with our exceptional, mouth-watering products. Find a store that offers John Soules Foods Fully Cooked Chicken and Beef near you, or check out our website for more delectable recipes. 

Potluck gatherings bring a touch of magic to the table, where an array of homemade dishes transforms into a tapestry of flavors, stories and shared moments. In a world that sometimes rushes past, these communal feasts evoke the warmth of old traditions and the joy of new connections. Picture a setting where friends and family unite, each bringing a culinary creation embodying their culinary prowess and love. 

If you're trying to find good food to bring to a potluck, explore these potluck recipe ideas that connect hearts and palates.

What Is a Potluck?

In a potluck, each participant contributes a dish to a communal meal. It's a time when everyone brings their signature dishes, cherished family recipes or even experimental creations to the table. The result? An eclectic spread that showcases a medley of flavors, cultures and traditions, truly exemplifying the saying, "Variety is the spice of life."

The Beauty of Sharing

At the heart of a potluck lies a tradition as old as time itself — friends, family and neighbors coming together to share a meal. Potlucks celebrate unity, diversity and the joy of communal dining. They provide an opportunity to connect, engage in conversations and share stories. As each person contributes their dish, they bring a part of their background, history and heritage to the mix. It's a chance to learn about different cuisines, hear tales of family traditions and discover the common ground that binds us all — a love of good food and company. 

Potluck Etiquette and Tips

Potlucks are an exercise in giving and receiving. Make sure to bring a dish that's big enough to share with everyone attending. Whether it's an appetizer, main course, side dish or dessert, the key is to prepare something you're proud of and excited to share. Here are a few tips to remember: 

• Bring enough: Ensure your dish can serve multiple people.
• Notify about allergies and ingredients: Inform the host of any potential allergens or notable ingredients, such as gluten, in your dish. You may want to try to bring a dish that everyone can enjoy. 
• Coordinate potluck dishes: Communicate with others to avoid duplicate dishes and ensure a balanced spread.
• Align your meal to the potluck theme: If applicable, align your food with the event's theme for a cohesive menu. 
• Use appropriate containers: Ensure your dish is easily transportable and can be served in a presentable manner.
• Bring serving utensils: Include any necessary utensils for serving your meal, such as tongs or spoons.
• Arrive on time: Arrive punctually to set up your meal and help with any necessary arrangements.
• Clean up after yourself: Dispose of your disposables and clean your serving area before leaving.
• Offer leftovers: If there are leftovers, offer to share them with others.

Let's explore a variety of dishes and recipes so you can discover the perfect food to bring to a potluck. Whether you need recipes for a holiday potluck or are gathering with friends for a movie night, we've got the perfect recipe. 

Quick Bites and Snacks to Bring to a Potluck

Crafted to deliver quick and flavorful solutions, these potluck ideas cater to solo cravings and shared snacking moments. This selection offers various choices, from crispy quesadillas to zesty skewers, perfect for casual hangouts or movie nights with friends.

1. Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

Prepare to savor the fusion of flavors in these Chicken Fajita Quesadillas and please all your guests. In a bowl, combine John Soules Foods Chicken Fajitas with 8 ounces each of shredded pepper jack cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. 

Spread the mixture evenly over 8 tortillas, and place another tortilla on top of each one. Cook these cheesy delights in a preheated skillet until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is melted. Make sure to spray your skillet with nonstick spray first. Repeat for the rest of your quesadillas. 

Slice these quesadillas into wedges and relish the harmonious blend of tender chicken and ooey-gooey cheese in each bite. These quesadillas are sure to delight friends and family and be one of the best potluck dishes. 

2. Blackened Chicken Skewers

Elevate your grilling game with delicious Blackened Chicken Skewers at your next potluck. Begin by mixing 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of fajita seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

Thread John Soules Foods Blackened Chicken pieces, large green bell pepper pieces and red onion chunks onto skewers. Brush your grill grates with oil, and cook the skewers until the chicken is warm and the veggies are tender.

Serve these skewers as a satisfying main course, pairing them with cooked white rice for a complete and hearty meal.

3. Grilled Chicken Caprese Flatbread

Elevate your appetizer game with a Grilled Chicken Caprese Flatbread bursting with flavors. Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and placing a 10-inch frozen cauliflower crust onto a baking sheet.

Spread a layer of marinara sauce over the crust, leaving a small border. Arrange 4 ounces of sliced fresh mozzarella and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes over the sauce. These ingredients bring a creamy and vibrant contrast to the dish.

Add John Soules Foods Flame Grilled Chicken for protein. These perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken pieces provide a savory balance to the other flavors.

Bake until the crust is golden and the toppings are heated through — approximately 10-15 minutes. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze over the top for sweetness and depth. Finish with some fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

This flatbread is an excellent potluck dinner idea, or you can serve it as a shareable snack before the entree. 

4. Mongolian-Style Beef Lettuce Cups

Indulge in Mongolian flavors with these Mongolian-Style Beef Lettuce Cups that will please all guests. To begin, combine ¼ cup of water, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl. This concoction will be the secret behind the dish's savory allure. 

Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add John Soules Foods Steak Strips and heat for about 4 minutes. 

Introduce matchstick carrots, thin red bell pepper slices and the prepared sauce to the wok's sizzling dance. Stir gently as the sauce transforms into a thick glaze, coating everything in a mouthwatering sheen.

Take a moment for the mixture to cool, letting the flavors meld and deepen. Assemble the dish by artfully arranging bibb lettuce leaves to form natural cups. Fill each leafy cup with the Mongolian-style beef mixture, a symphony of flavors and textures.

Wholesome Salads and Hearty Sandwiches

Tailored to suit diverse tastes, these recipes encompass everything from refreshing Mediterranean-inspired gyro wraps to classic Caesar salads. This section presents an assortment of flavors and textures, catering to those seeking lighter fare and those searching for heartier meal choices.

1. Blue Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Salad

Serve a fiery and spicy Blue Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Salad as a perfect side at your potluck. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place John Soules Foods Buffalo Style Chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

Chop romaine lettuce and halve some cherry tomatoes. Slice celery into strips and grate some carrots or use packaged shredded carrots. Divide lettuce into bowls before adding the tomatoes, celery and carrots. Top with heated chicken. Drizzle blue cheese dressing to taste.

2. Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

A classic Crispy Chicken Caesar salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Start by baking John Soules Foods Southern Style Chicken Bites in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit until golden and crispy. This will likely take between 12 and 14 minutes, and you'll want to flip the chicken halfway through. 

Toss roughly chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing in a large bowl. Top the salad with crispy chicken chunks, croutons and grated Parmesan cheese. Add freshly ground black pepper for an optional touch of extra flavor. This salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, making it a satisfying way to get some veggies in at your potluck.

3. Greek Chicken Gyro With Tzatziki Sauce

Elevate your potluck spread with a Greek Chicken Gyro — a simple dish brimming with Mediterranean charm. To make your tzatziki sauce, mix 8 ounces of plain Greek yogurt, 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of dill leaves, 1 ½ tablespoons of minced garlic and some diced cucumber. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. 

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add John Soules Foods Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken Strips, 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Pour in about ¾ cup of tzatziki sauce and simmer until the chicken is tender.

To assemble, warm up your pita bread and fill or top with the chicken and tzatziki sauce. Garnish with romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato and red onion as desired. Wrap it up for a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

4. Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Indulge in the timeless flavors of Chicken Parmesan with this delectable twist. Bake John Soules Foods Chicken Patties at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the chicken, followed by some shredded parmesan and slices of provolone cheese. Pop these delectable creations back into the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve these cheesy, saucy patties on toasted Kaiser rolls for a satisfying bite.

Mini Sliders and Classic Hotdogs

These recipes bring cherished comfort foods to the forefront, transforming them into snackable portions suitable for various occasions. This section caters to those seeking simplicity and familiar flavors.

1. Mini Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders

If you're looking for a versatile option, serve up a stack of Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders that pack a punch and are perfect for a brunch potluck. Bake John Soules Foods Southern Style Chicken Bites for 12-14 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway through. Spread honey mustard over some rolls, add your chicken and pickle chips, and assemble. Get ready to enjoy a small delight with big flavors.

2. Loaded Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Dogs

Bake John Soules Foods Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Strips until they're cooked through and irresistibly flavorful. We recommend baking them in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 7 minutes, flip each piece over, and pop them back in the oven for 12-14 minutes. 

Meanwhile, saute thinly sliced yellow onions until they turn golden brown and tender. Place a cooked chicken strip in a hotdog bun, and top with the sauteed onions, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped plum tomatoes and a drizzle of honey mustard.

Whether you enjoy a backyard barbecue or a cozy night in, these fully Loaded Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Dogs bring a delightful twist to a classic favorite.

3. Nashville Chicken Sliders

For a taste of Southern hospitality with a spicy twist, present Nashville Chicken Sliders at your potluck. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake John Soules Foods Southern Style Chicken Bites until crispy, about 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the chicken bakes, whisk together ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss in 16 ounces of coleslaw mix and stir until well combined.

Once the chicken is ready, place a piece onto a Hawaiian sweet roll. Top with a generous scoop of the coleslaw mixture, and crown your sliders with the remaining roll halves. These Nashville-style sliders pack a flavorful punch, combining spicy, tangy and crispy elements in each bite.

Bold Tacos and Flavorful Nachos

Ideal for game nights with friends or as a special treat, these recipes unite crunch, spice and savory goodness, creating a memorable culinary journey.

1. Chicken or Beef Nachos 

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious nachos at your next event. Smash black beans and smear them over a platter of chips. Scatter John Soules Foods Chicken Fajitas or Steak Fajitas over the beans. Sprinkle lots of shredded cheddar and pepper Jack cheese on top.

Microwave the nachos on high for 4 minutes until the cheese is melted. Top with drained diced tomatoes and sliced jalapeno for an extra kick of heat. These nachos are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for snacking or sharing.

Bring the Flavor to Your Next Potluck With John Soules Foods

When it comes to your potluck spread, the quality of your ingredients can make all the difference. John Soules Foods can help simplify your cooking experience with our range of premium products like pre-cooked frozen and refrigerated chicken and beef products. Whether it's a holiday gathering or another occasion, our offerings ensure quick and mouthwatering dishes. 

Our protein options can help you craft remarkable recipes that will leave a lasting impression on your potluck pals. You can visit a store near you to find your perfect ingredients.