I’ve put together a simple, quick, and easy meal prep plan and recipes to help you get through a busy week with less stress.
One of my best tricks for smoothing out weeknight dinners is doing as much prep as possible on the weekend. A little advance work—like cooking and shredding chicken—saves time and decision fatigue on hectic weeknights. It keeps dinner straightforward and lets you focus on enjoying the meal instead of rushing to get it on the table.
This week’s plan starts with baked, shredded chicken that can be used in multiple recipes. Having that base ingredient ready makes several dinners take only minutes to assemble.
Click on the pictures for the full recipes for this quick and easy meal plan
Shredded Chicken for Meal Prep
Cook a few boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This shredded chicken becomes the foundation for quick casseroles, tacos, salads, and more. It’s versatile, freezes well if you make a large batch, and saves you time all week.
Everything Bagel Casserole
With cooked shredded chicken on hand, this casserole comes together in minutes. It’s a savory, crowd-pleasing breakfast-for-dinner option that makes great leftovers. If you already have Everything Bagel seasoning from another recipe, it adds a bold, familiar flavor without extra effort.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos
A fun twist on taco night: shredded chicken combined with crispy bacon and a creamy ranch-style dressing makes a satisfying, family-friendly meal. These tacos are great for customizing—add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions for texture and brightness. If you have extra ingredients, prepare meal-prep salads for lunches to stretch your effort further.
Salmon with Pesto and Feta
This is a simple, three-ingredient dinner that feels special but requires very little hands-on time. Pesto brings vibrant herb flavor while a sprinkle of feta adds tang and salt. It’s a healthy option that goes well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. If someone in your family avoids feta, you can omit it or offer it on the side.
Poblano Chicken Chili
Reserve this one for the weekend when you have time to relax in the kitchen. Poblano chicken chili fills the house with comforting aromas and is perfect for simmering gently so flavors develop. Consider doubling the batch and freezing portions for future busy nights. Soup and chili are excellent make-ahead meals that reheat beautifully.
Chopping and combining the ingredients is therapeutic for many cooks—then you can let the pot do the work while you unwind. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
Check out last week’s Weekly Meal Plan too!
For more quick and easy meal plans follow me on social media
Find additional meal ideas, short videos, and behind-the-scenes tips on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. These platforms are great for quick inspiration and bite-sized cooking guidance.
Join the Grilling and Smoking Facebook Group to swap recipes, ask questions, and get community support for grilling and meal prep techniques.
My new cookbook is now available — check it out here!
If you enjoy these meal plans and want more approachable weeknight recipes, my new cookbook collects easy, family-friendly dishes and practical meal prep tips to make cooking less stressful and more enjoyable. It’s designed for busy cooks who want flavorful meals without complicated steps.
Meal prep doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. Even small steps—like cooking a batch of shredded chicken or pre-measuring spice mixes—can cut evening prep time and make dinner feel effortless. Use this weekly plan as a starting point, swap ingredients to suit your family’s tastes, and tweak portions to match your schedule. Happy cooking!