Tangy one-pan lemon chicken, easy-to-make fluffy couscous, roasted green beans with cheese, and a store-bought dessert make this menu ideal for a small four-person group. Keep it casual with simple table settings, or arrange an elaborate tablescape to make your dinner party feel luxurious.
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Why this menu works
- Complimentary flavors: The simple, fluffy couscous is a nice compliment to the tangy lemon chicken. The oven-roasted green beans with cheese add a savory and salty side dish. And the ice cream means a new prep dessert.
- Comes together quickly: If all your ingredients are prepped, you'll spend about 30 minutes cooking.
- Easy Clean Up: Using foil or parchment paper, a non-stick pan, and store-bought ice cream will reduce the energy required for cleanup.
Appetizer: Cranberry and Rosemary Mocktail
Why I love it: A premade mocktail adds ease and elegance with a fraction of the effort. This luxurious but easy-to-make drink is an elegant and thoughtful touch to welcome your guests.
When to make it: The night before! Skip the sugar rim, make it in a pitcher, and store it in the fridge the night before. Just before guests arrive set out the glasses, fill with ice, and pour the drinks.
Related: Mixed Berry and Sage Mocktail
Main Dish: One Skillet Easy Lemon Chicken
Why I love it: This lemon chicken is low-effort, inexpensive, and easy to clean up. Once it's finished cooking, there is no need to transfer to a serving dish—just place the whole skillet on the table.
When to make it: Start this about 20-30 minutes before guests are scheduled to arrive. It will be finishing right around when they show up. Once finished, turn the stove to warm, partially cover the pan, and keep warm until it's time to eat.
Side Dish: Cheesy Roasted Green Beans
Why I love it: A foil-lined pan makes for easy clean-up. Simple ingredients (green beans, oil, cheese, salt, and pepper) make these so easy to toss together. When it comes time to serve dinner, the baking sheet can go directly on the table without transferring the green beans to a serving plate. Set the table with tongs for easy serving.
When to make it: Put these in a preheated oven just before you start cooking the chicken.
Side Dish: Couscous
Why I love it: The relatively plain ready-to-cook box of couscous is simple, quick to make, and easy to keep warm. It's a perfect complement to the tangy lemon chicken and salty green beans.
When to make it: Start it while the chicken is finishing, OR make it the night before and microwave it shortly before serving.
Hosting Tips:
- Look in the pasta aisle for couscous.
- Make a double batch if you know your guests love carbs.
- Toss in freshly chopped parsley at the end to give it a nice visual pop of color.
Dessert: Store-bought Ice Cream
Why I love it: Store-bought desserts are an easy way to cut down on prep time, dishes, and clean-up time and effort. Serve ice cream with fresh berries for a lighter option or decadent hot fudge if it's a fudge kind of night.
When to make it: Buy ice cream several days in advance so you're not stressing about dessert.
Related: Drizzling Rose Simple Syrup or Hibiscus Simple Syrup over ice cream is delicious!
Hosting Tips:
Set the table before you start cooking. Lay out the whole place setting: glasses, plates, bowls, silverware, and napkins.
Arrange trivets or hot pads so the Lemon Chicken, Cheesey Green Beans, and couscous can go directly from the stove or oven to the table.
Determine what serving ware you need and set it out in advance.
Answering "How can I help?"
If you know guests will ask you, "How can I help?" Have a list of small, simple tasks a guest can do.
Some ideas are:
- Make sure everyone has silverware
- Fill glasses with water
- If you don't want or need help, acknowledge and thank them for their desire to help, then move to the next topic with a follow-up question, such as "Everything is ready, so I'd love to hear about your day!"
Questions?
What questions came up as you thought about this menu or your next dinner party? I read all the comments and would love to help you!
Cheers!
Susan
Drink Ideas
The following drinks are great pairings for this menu!
Join the Discussion!