Mexican Chicken Mashup

My mom and I walking into my new house for the first time- June 17, 2008

Have you ever been sitting at home, staring at your pantry, wondering to yourself, 'What in the world am I going to have for dinner tonight?'  Of course you have.  Then you start weighing your options.  'Should I go pick up something? No- that costs money and I have to get in my car and drive.  Too much effort... Should I order in? No- that also costs money, and I'd have to order more than I need to make up for the delivery cost... Do I need to really eat?  Maybe it isn't worth the trouble.  Yes, my stomach is grumbling- bad idea.'  This was a conversation I had with myself one too many times when I was single and living on my own.

Walking into my new house! -June 17, 2008

I stared, and I stared, then I started pulling out cans.  A can of corn, a can of beans, and a can of chunky tomatos.  'Surely, I can make something with this.  I've made it as a side before.  But I need something to add to it to make it more filling than just a side dish...'  Aha, I knew that jumbo bag of boneless, skinless frozen chicken breasts would be needed someday! Seriously- grab one from the store next time you're there, you never know when it'll come in handy.  Before I knew it, wam bam, I had dinner for one and leftovers for three, all from the comfort of my pjs.

Junior Year Roommates from Villas Nueces #317-
Marissa, me, Hayley, and Erin- Halloween 2006 at the SAE house

Living alone and cooking for one isn't all bad.  I remember the day I moved into my house.  I had my Jeep Grand Cherokee loaded to the brim, and my parents followed in their Highlander, and we went to sign the papers at the title loan company.  I actually got lost on the drive from the title loan company to my house (took a wrong turn- whoops).  Then, when we got to my humble abode, I turned around for a quick pic, all ready to triumphantly enter my new house.  Triumph-ness killed, moment spoiled.  My key didn't work.  Terrific, day one, and I'm already going to have to shimmy through the window.  After much trial-and-error, the key I had unlocked the door from the garage to the laundry room.  I was inside and doing cartwheels in the living room in no time.  Living in the same town as my parents (but at a different house) took some time to get used to.  I was used to my loved ones being three hours and a highway away.  I talk to my parents at least once, if not four times, daily, and it's very comforting to know that they're a quick 15 minute drive away these days.  Plus, they're nearby in case of emergency, like my oven catching on fire.

Senior Year Roommates at The Windsor House-
Fran, Lauren, Erin, and me- Halloween 2007 at our house

Now, I don't cook for one anymore, but living on my own has become my norm.  In fact, I can't imagine living with a roommate- putting someone else's decorations up, having to share the tv or fridge space- I shudder to think about it!  Don't get me wrong, I loved my college roomies (shoutouts to Erin, Lauren, Fran, Hayley, Marissa, and Hannah!), but I LOVE living on my own.  The memories I made at Apartment 317 and the Windsor House will have to have their own posts, respectfully- so look forward to a post about them and those great girls!  The next time you find yourself staring at the cans of food in your pantry wondering how they could possibly come together to make a meal, remember that I was successful, and you can be too.  Whether you're cooking for one or four, this Mexican Chicken Mashup is quick, easy, and can probably be made from ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Erin and I lived together for two and a half years in college!
Red River Rivalry, UT/OU Weekend- October 2010

I got a new roommate in January of 2009- at 4.7 lbs, she doesn't take up much space.

Mexican Chicken Mashup
Kate Strickland
Servings: 4; Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value: 6



Mexican Chicken Mashup

• 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked & cubed
• 15 1/4 oz (28 g) canned black beans, drained
• 15 1/4 oz (28 g) canned whole corn kernels, drained
• 8 oz canned tomatos with or without green chilis

1. Mix chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes all together
2. Serve in bowls

Keep on cookin'!
-Katherine