Getting back to basics doesn't have to be boring.
The early January, post-holiday slump is so real, and I find that no matter how much I plan and keep myself busy, I fall into it anyway. Rather than fighting it, I just focus on the basics: keeping myself well-fed and hydrated are at the top of that list. It's tempting to resort to freezer food and takeout when you're not feeling like yourself, but when I take that path I often find myself leaving the table feeling less than satisfied.
These five easy mains check all the boxes for what I want to cook and eat this time of year: low effort, accessible ingredients (or stuff I already have in the pantry), high protein, quick and easy to make, and big on flavor. Everything is homemade, so there's nothing that relies too heavily on processed or convenience ingredients that leave you feeling empty. These dishes can't solve the winter sads, but they sure help!
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Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This easy recipe is all about using pantry staples for deep, complex flavor. Seasoned with ketchup, soy sauce, honey, and plenty of garlic, boneless chicken thighs come to life as the backbone of a simple weeknight dinner. Just add perfectly cooked rice and a simple green veggie like roasted or steamed broccoli or asparagus and dinner’s on the table in 30 minutes.
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Panko-Crusted Salmon Cakes
These super versatile salmon cakes can be made with leftover cooked salmon or canned salmon, and you can change the flavorings and add-ins to fit what you’ve got in your fridge and pantry. No matter the flavor, they’re loaded with protein and get beautifully browned and crisp in the skillet. If you have leftovers, serve them atop a big green salad for lunch the next day.
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Shrimp Quesadillas
Quesadillas are practically the poster child for easy weeknight dinners, but they can be lacking in the protein department. These quesadillas feature quick-cooking shrimp along with sauteed bell pepper and onion as the filling and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to bind everything together. Serve them with rice, refried beans, and a simple guacamole for a complete meal.
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Easy Classic Meatloaf
There are a million dressed-up versions of meatloaf out there, but most of them are wanna-bes. The classic version is the one I’ll turn to when I need a big dose of comfort on a cold winter evening. For the ultimate comfort meal trifecta, serve this meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and some roasted green beans.
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Continue to 5 of 5 below
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BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This is the moment that rotisserie chicken has been waiting for. Just shred it, mix it with your favorite barbecue sauce, and stuff it inside roasted sweet potatoes. The potatoes are topped with shredded mozzarella and broiled for a melty, cheesy photo finish. This dish is almost a meal on its own, but it would be even better next to a mound of tangy slaw.
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