Freezer & Pantry Friday

Some Friday nights call for a movie, a warm plate of comfort food, and a sigh of relief that the week is done. But that doesn’t have to mean drive-thru or soggy supermarket shortcuts.

This week’s Freezer & Pantry Friday is all about using what’s already in your freezer — like chicken pieces — and pairing them with easy, from-scratch baked beans (or a seasonal slaw) for a meal that feels like takeaway… only better.

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🍗 Freezer Airfryer “KFC” Chicken

Use what you have:
Drumsticks, thighs, wings, tenderloins — even bone-in cuts work great.

Ingredients:

• Chicken pieces (fresh or defrosted)
• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: a pinch of cayenne or chilli for heat
• 1 egg or splash of milk to help coating stick
• Olive oil spray

Method:

1. Preheat your airfryer to 190°C.
2. Mix flour, crumbs, herbs, and spices in a bowl or a zip lock bag.
3. Pat chicken dry, dip in egg or milk, then coat in crumb mix.
4. Place in the airfryer basket in a single layer.
5. Spray lightly with oil.
6. Cook for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until crispy and golden.

✅ Tip: Cook a double batch and keep some pieces in the fridge for the weekend.

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🫘 Homemade Healthy Baked Beans

Forget the tinned stuff. These beans are rich, filling, and customisable — and they taste even better the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped or grated
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Splash of water or broth to loosen if needed

Method:

1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft (if using).
3. Add carrot and cook for another few minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, herbs and paprika.
5. Add beans and a splash of water.
6. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until thick and saucy.

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🥬 Not a Fan of Baked Beans?

No problem. Try this easy Garden Slaw instead — fresh, crunchy, and seasonal.

Quick Garden Slaw:

• Finely shredded cabbage (green or red)
• Grated carrot
• Spring onion
• Chopped herbs like parsley or dill
• Toss with a dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard and a dash of honey

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🎥 Friday Night Serving Suggestion

• Plate of crispy airfryer chicken
• Baked beans or slaw
• Hand-cut chips or roasted sweet potato
• A cosy couch and a family movie

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💡 Why It Works

✔ Uses what’s already in the freezer and pantry
✔ Family-friendly and filling
✔ Balanced with fibre, protein, and flavour
✔ Budget-friendly and easy to adapt
✔ Ready in under 30 minutes

This is what real food made simple looks like — comforting, satisfying, and better than takeaway.