Living with my sister, our staple meal was ramen and fast food, despite the fact that she was on a diet. Because she was concerned about what she was eating and I was concerned about what I was spending, our diet ideologies quickly clashed. She wouldn’t eat cheap McDonald’s and even seemed to harbor a violent vendetta against it. However, I could not buy organic food because I would leave a grocery store with my pockets empty and my eyes wet.

Our father, an amazing cook, used to spoil us with his willingness to cook meals for us daily. At some point, my sister and I knew we would eventually have to learn to cook. Blowing the dust off an old cookbook, my sister and I stumbled across a basic recipe for baked chicken that benefitted not only my pockets but also her diet.

To make classic baked chicken, first thaw the frozen chicken thoroughly in cool water, placing it first in a sealed plastic bag to prevent contamination. After the chicken thaws, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grab a pan large enough to hold the chicken breasts and pour enough chicken broth to generously cover the bottom of the pan.

Separate the chicken and place the breasts on a plate to season. For the best flavoring, season the chicken on both sides and space it evenly on the pan. Place the pan in the oven and be cautious not to spill the broth.

Watch three to four episodes of Spongebob Squarepants—equivalent to 90–120 minutes, based on the tenderness preferred. If satisfied with the feel of the breasts, remove the pan and let the chicken cool for 5-10 minutes.

Consider adding rice or vegetables to this meal for the full experience. Doing so will also prevent fighting for the third chicken breast, which often occurs when the older sibling thinks age means she gets everything.

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts
• 1 14 oz. can chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Thaw frozen chicken breasts in cold water.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
3. Open can of broth and pour contents to cover bottom of medium-sized baking pan.
4. Separate chicken and place evenly in baking pan.
5. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place chicken in the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 90–120 minutes or until desired tenderness.
8. Remove from oven.
9. Let cool 5–10 minutes and serve.