"Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." ~ Sam Keen
For a recent summer bash at church, I loaded up a tray with all the fixings for chicken tacos. Although this has been one of my favorite family meals of late, I had not really thought about sharing it here until the other adults in attendance started making a fuss over the idea.
Perfect any time of year, this quick and easy menu is especially enjoyable on the hottest days of summer when you don't want to turn on the oven or stove.
The focal point of the buffet is this savory chicken, which doesn't even merit a recipe! In the morning, simply place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour a jar of salsa over, and cook on low for at least 8 hours. Shortly before serving, shred chicken with two forks. That's it! This entree really stretches to feed a crowd. I usually use 3 chicken breasts for our family of six, and I always have plenty of leftovers for salads and wraps throughout the week.
Arrange favorite toppings on a tray, and you are ready for dinner out -- whether that means by the pool on a lazy Saturday, on the screened-in porch for a weeknight supper, or at a party with friends.
We took our sweet little neighbors with us to the summer bash, and when I placed this tray in Emma's lap to hold steady during the drive, I heard one of the girls whisper, "We're not allowed to eat in the car." Ha! There was no passing of the taco tray during our commute, but there was a lot of singing "It's Raining Tacos."
Alongside chicken and flour tortillas, we like to serve spring mix lettuces, black beans, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and cilantro. For me, the brightness of the fresh herb turns this easy, breezy weeknight staple into crave-worthy cuisine.
While the kids enjoy making soft tacos, I prefer piling on the greens for a refreshing salad. Add chips and queso, and something frosty and cool for dessert, and you have a menu that is as simple to prepare as it is delicious to eat.
"The summer night is like a perfection of thought." ~ Wallace Stevens
