I used to be known for my elaborate dinner parties, but now hot dogs are my specialty.

(I can hear the parenting criticisms being formed as I write this.)

I needed a better plan.

Southern Living Crispy Ranch Chicken on a plate to serve with spaghetti

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

That was my lofty goal, anyway.

The chicken is pan-fried until golden, like a juicy and crispy schnitzel.

And the ranch adds zingy notes of buttermilk, savory garlic, and brightness from dried herbs.

Southern Living Five-Minute Fried Chicken Salads on a plate to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Depending on your child, you may or may not want to call it a schnitzel.

Happily, Theo had the latter reaction, uttering those four precious words: Is there any more?"

Slice 2Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets, and place 1 on top of each salad.

Southern Living Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches on a plate to serve

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Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette.

Chicken Parm Sandwiches

Preheat oven to broil with rack about 4 inches from heat source.

Butter cut sides of 2ciabatta rollswith 2 Tbsp.

Southern Living Cheesy Chicken Casserole after baking ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Place buttered sides up on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.

Place half of 1 Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlet on bottom half of each roll.

Top each with 2fresh mozzarella cheese slices; sprinkle withParmesan.

Broil until cheeses are melted, about 3 minutes.

Spoon 1/4 cup warmedmarinara sauceevenly over each; place remaining half of each roll on top.