I took a Mexican Chicken and rice dish, and everyone liked it. It's in a cookbook though, and I don't see the recipe equivalent online, but you get the general idea. This one is similarish www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/one-pan-mexican-chicken-rice/. We didn't use enchilada sauce, but it would be fine either way. We used chicken broth. And don't use brown rice because it will take a million years to cook.
Otherwise maybe a lasagna that you can make ahead.
Will you have a place to plug in a crock pot? If so...
Chili
Or tacos in a crock pot - just shredded chicken, salsa, taco seasoning, beans, corn (or leave those out) and have hard and soft shells with a few fixings?
Lasagna or Baked ziti can be done in a crock pot
Ham and cheese sliders on hawaiian rolls are good, but better when warmed
k3am, I do fruit salad or pasta salad as then I'm know DD will eat something somewhat healthy. mae0111, I'm leaning towards crock pot and then run home between graduation and DD's banquet. I looked at the time and graduation is supposed to be over at 4 because the next group starts at 5:30. I'm having DH drop DD and me off at graduation so we don't have to deal with parking on campus with all the other people.
My mom always makes simple calzones for big family parties and they’re a hit. Use refrigerated pizza dough from the grocery store, roll out to a rectangle, lay down layers of provolone and pepperoni or salami down the middle. Then fold up each sideto overlap and seal it and egg wash it before baking. They’re even really good room temperature.
Mac and cheese is always a hit. I have a pyrex 9x13 with the insulated case and hot pack. Keeps it nice and warm. Pigs in a blanket -- cocktail weenies in crescent rolls -- same transportation but also ok room temp. Or you could do full size hot dogs probably easier and cheaper.
Talked with the other parents last night at gym. We were all shocked with the main and dessert for 10+ people. I'm tag teaming with another parent. He is making pulled pork and I'm bringing buns and two different salads. He is having some major health problems and needs the salads. I'm doing the kale bag salad from Costco along with a fruit salad (apples, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and maybe pears. DD asked me to make cut out sugar cookies in the shape of a crown for dessert.
I make a really nice charcuterie board. Pot lucks never have enough fresh or light foods - so I load mine up with fruits, veggies, hummus, nice cheeses, and some meats. Add in pickles, olives, crackers, and a few chocolates, and it's always picked clean at the end.