So Bad, It's Good.

I'm hesitant to share this definitely beyond-fattening, non-fancy (but undeniably deliciously homey and shamefully easy) dish with you:  Chicken Stroganoff.  I'd like to call it The Cheater's Chicken Stroganoff.  If you're in a rush, feeling lethargic, and not really wanting to move from your couch (which you should do after eating this dish; really, you should run a mile), this is for you.  Just look at it.

The ingredients:  4 chicken breast halves, cubed; 2 tablespoons of butter; dry Italian dressing mix (do not skip this; this is the flavor-key); 1 can of cream of chicken soup; 1 oz container of cream cheese (what is it with me and unhealthy volumes of cheese?); fresh parsley (optional); a splash of red wine (optional); and a large bag of egg noodles.  Oh, and a crockpot.  Though, I question whether a crockpot is really necessary; I think this dish could be prepared on the stovetop, following the same instructions below.  

The (simple) process:  Place your cubed chicken, butter, and dry dressing mix in the crockpot.  Mix.  Let cook on low for 7 hours (listen, my crockpot is crazy and possibly defectively powerful, so I cooked it for 3 hours and a second over would've resulted in charred chicken.  Be judicious and set the time based on your particular pot). Then, add in the soup and cream cheese, heating everything for 30 minutes or so.  If you'd like, throw in a dash of red wine (I did).  Mix.  Warning:  one look at this mixture and you're going to doubt this dish.  It looks totally unappetizing at this point. That said, cook up your noodles and combine it with the curious-looking stroganoff.  (I chose to mix my noodles in with the mixture, adding a dash of the noodle water.  This helped to absorb some of the extra cheesiness.) Sprinkle with the parsley.

My doubts about this dish were rendered meaningless.  It was that yummy (and so easy).  It was so yummy, in fact, that I ate a tiny dish of it for breakfast this morning (mind you, I'm pregnant and I know no food boundaries), wishing I hadn't promised all the leftovers to M., who's on his own for dinner tonight.  Anyway, make it. Actually, double the recipe.  Skip the crockpot, even.  And enjoy.