If there’s one thing that makes eating well during a busy week actually happen, it’s protein prep. Not complicated recipes. Not perfectly portioned containers. Just real, flavorful proteins ready to go so meals come together in minutes instead of spiraling into takeout. This week’s meal prep is all about protein-first cooking, done efficiently — everything staggered in the oven so I’m not cooking all day, but I still end up with four completely different proteins that don’t f

Some dinners don’t need to be complicated to feel nourishing and satisfying and this lemon paprika chicken is proof of that. This is the kind of meal you make on a busy weeknight when you still want something homemade, flavorful, and balanced without pulling out ten pans or a long ingredient list. The chicken thighs are coated generously in warm paprika, a touch of crushed red pepper for heat, sage for depth, and finished with fresh lemon juice. As they bake, the spices bloom

If you want a show stopping main that feels festive yet simple, this Olive Pistachio Crusted Chicken is it. The flavors are rustic, aromatic, and deeply savory: a mix of golden roasted veggies, fragrant herbs, and a rich pistachio olive tapenade crust that transforms the whole chicken into something special. The chicken roasts over a bed of potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion so it becomes a one-pan meal that’s hearty, nourishing, and visually beautiful. The herb stuffing in

There’s nothing cozier than a whole roasted chicken filling your home with the scent of citrus, herbs, and slow-cooked vegetables. This Citrus Herb Roasted Mediterranean Chicken  is the kind of one-pan meal that feels both rustic and elevated: simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and almost no hands-on work once it’s in the oven. This recipe is built around bright citrus, earthy herbs, and a luscious yogurt–olive oil marinade that keeps the chicken incredibly tender. As the b

these quick air fryer pesto egg bagels are everything you want in a breakfast, crispy, herby, melty, and ready in minutes. the idea is simple: a swirl of pesto forms the base, the bagel gets toasted right into it, and the egg cooks perfectly in the center. top it with mozzarella, a little spice, and you’ve got a quick, high-protein breakfast or brunch that feels totally gourmet. i love how the air fryer toasts the bagel edges golden-brown while keeping the inside soft and che

If there’s one comfort food that never fails, it’s pasta loaded with chicken, cheese, and bold flavors. This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is my healthier, homemade take on a restaurant-style creamy pasta dish. It has tender chicken breast, a rich tomato-based sauce with a little kick of spice from sriracha, and plenty of melty mozzarella cheese. The best part? It all comes together quickly in one pan while your pasta boils on the side. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish ba

When I want a quick, flavor-packed dinner that feels both comforting and nourishing, this is always at the top of my list. It’s the kind of weeknight meal that comes together in one basket, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers restaurant-level flavor with every bite. The secret is in the marinade: a savory-sweet blend of miso paste, soy sauce, ponzu, ginger, and garlic with just a touch of chili sauce and honey. It hits all the flavor notes—salty, tangy, spicy, and slightly

Butter chicken is a classic comfort dish, but it doesn’t have to be heavy to be delicious. This healthier version swaps out heavy cream for Greek yogurt and a splash of milk, keeping it creamy and rich while lowering calories and fat. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and adds tang, while a blend of spices gives it that signature warmth and depth of flavor. I paired this with my homemade naan recipe! Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special meal, this butter chicke

If you're looking for a bold, protein-packed snack or appetizer with a delicious crunch, these Pistachio Crusted Buffalo Chicken Skewers  are perfect for you! Combining the heat of buffalo sauce with the nutty richness of Buffalo Wing Seasoned Pistachios , this dish delivers a unique twist on classic buffalo chicken. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have these skewers ready in no time. The air fryer ensures the chicken stays juicy inside with a crispy exterior. Per

This colorful, flavor-packed bowl is loaded with spiced chipotle chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy toppings, all tied together with a creamy green goddess dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner! The Star of the Show: Chipotle Chicken At the heart of this bowl is the chipotle-seasoned chicken. Juicy, tender strips are perfectly spiced with a smoky chipotle rub, garlic powder, and paprika, giving them a robust, fiery flavor. They're pan-seared to perfection, locking

If you love In-N-Out’s protein-style burgers, let me introduce you to their taco counterpart: Protein Style Chicken Tacos ! These lettuce-wrapped tacos are fresh, flavorful, and packed with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. The star of the show? A dreamy sweet chili peanut sauce that ties everything together. These tacos are not only delicious but also versatile—you can switch up the toppings or even swap the chicken for a plant-based protein. Whether you’re lo