Now that school is in full swing and sports and after-school activities are keeping families bustling, it’s great to have simple meals that can be made ahead and reheat nicely.

Soda Pop Chicken will surely be a conversation piece — not only because of its name, but because it’s tasty. Soy Sauce Chicken is an old favorite that’s sure to please both young and old. Guava nectar gives the Guava Chicken a nice depth of flavor that will have others guessing about the "special ingredient."

A bonus: These recipes can easily be doubled if you’re cooking for a crowd, such as a sports team potluck gathering.

SODA POP CHICKEN

1 can (12 ounces) Coke, Pepsi or other cola
2 cups ketchup
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon mustard powder
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
5 pounds chicken pieces

In large pot or Dutch oven, combine soda, ketchup, garlic, mustard powder and onion. Add chicken.

Cover pot and bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer about 40 minutes or until chicken is tender, stirring occasionally. Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving (chicken has skin on): 560 calories, 35 g total fat, 10 g saturated fat, 190 mg cholesterol, 850 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 19 g sugar, 40 g protein

SOY SAUCE CHICKEN

5 pounds chicken pieces
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water
» Marinade:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

Combine marinade ingredients. Marinate chicken at least 2 hours.

Bring chicken and marinade to boil and simmer 40 minutes or until tender.

Dissolve cornstarch in water; stir into chicken. Cook to thicken. Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving: 420 calories, 27 g total fat, 8 g saturated fat, 150 mg cholesterol, 950 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 6 g sugar, 33 g protein

GUAVA CHICKEN

5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
» Marinade:
1 can (12 ounces) frozen guava nectar, thawed
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
2 cloves garlic, minced

Combine marinade ingredients. Add chicken and refrigerate overnight.

Broil or grill 10 to 15 minutes on each side. Serves 10.

Approximate nutritional analysis, per serving: 400 calories, 9 g total fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 190 mg cholesterol, greater than 1,000 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 27 g sugar, 46 g protein

For more Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes visit www.heco.com.