Unlock Your Kitchen: Easy Cooking for Busy Lives

That 30 minutes you spent waiting for overpriced, often disappointing takeout? You could’ve made yourself something vastly more satisfying. I get it; life feels like it’s in constant motion, and we’re all caught in the hustle; but we are tricking ourselves into thinking there’s no time for meaningful things — like a home-cooked meal.

How is it that we can spend 45 minutes watching a mindless TV show but cringe at the idea of spending that same time on a meal? What if I told you that you could watch that TV show and have a proper home-cooked meal every day if you choose? You’ll thank me when you see how much better it is for your wallet too.

Cooking Isn’t a Chore — It’s Time for You

It’s time to reframe the way we think about cooking for ourselves and our families. First, let’s stop looking at it as a chore. It’s something to look forward to, a little daily event just for you. Personally, I have a few playlists queued up that turn my kitchen into my own concert hall. You’ll find me belting out karaoke hits while cooking up dishes even Gordon Ramsay would call “f***ing delicious.” So, don’t be afraid to make an event out of it!

If you have kids, a spouse, or even a dog, rope them in. I won’t judge. It’s a fun way to foster stronger bonds while making priceless memories. You’re cooking up more than just food here —you're making moments that’ll stick with you.

Get Efficient, Batch Cook, and Enjoy the Free Time

A well-organized kitchen is the key to cutting down time spent hunting for ingredients. If you don’t mind leftovers, batch cooking is your secret weapon. Sure, it takes some time upfront, but the payoff? Your week is yours again. Imagine the luxury of eating a delicious meal on Tuesday night, knowing you spent Sunday afternoon making it. You can use the rest of your free time for whatever fills your cup — whether it’s self-care, enrichment, or even just taking a nap.

Personally, I like to make at least two different meals at a time. That way, I can alternate between them, so I never get bored of eating the same thing. Meal fatigue? Never heard of her.

For the No-Leftover Crowd: Meal Prep Like a Pro

But hey, if you’re like my husband and can’t stand leftovers, don’t worry. You don’t have to choose between endless takeout and a fridge full of the same meals. You’ll just need to invest a bit of extra time one day a week to prep your ingredients. My favorite time for this is right after a market trip when everything is already in a bit of chaos. I take that moment to clean, season, and portion out my meats, veggies, and whatever else my weekly menu calls for. That way, when it’s time to cook, all I need to do is toss everything into the pot. Easy peasy.

If You Just Want to Eat and Not Cook... I Got You

If cooking sounds like too much work and you’re thinking, “I just want to eat,” then let’s talk about your kitchen appliances. Slow cookers, multicookers, air fryers — these gadgets are your best friends. Trust me, I couldn’t imagine my life without my slow cooker and Ninja 10-in-1 multicooker. Set it, forget it, and still enjoy a delicious meal without lifting a finger after the initial prep.

Another tip: stick to simple recipes with easy-to-find ingredients. Don’t overcomplicate it. Cooking doesn’t need to be a gourmet experience every single night. One of my go-to meals that never fails to deliver on flavor and lasts for days is this Jamaican-style pot-roasted Roasted Chicken. Not only is it a Sunday classic, but it’s versatile enough to carry you through the week — whether you’re using it in soups, salads, or even turning the scraps into stock. Here’s how I do it:

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Jamaican-Style Pot Roasted Chicken

8 servings | 90 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 sprig thyme
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 6 scallion stalks
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tbsp Maggi bouillon

Instructions:

1. Rinse chicken in lime water or white vinegar. Drain well and pat dry.
2. Season with thyme (use half), garlic, sugar, salt, and Maggi. Rub thoroughly, making sure to season the cavity and under the skin. Let it sit for an hour.
3. Beat or bruise the scallion and then chop it roughly.
4. Stuff the cavity of the chicken loosely with onion, scallion, and the remaining thyme.
5. Heat a Dutch oven for 1 minute, then add the oil. When the oil shimmers, brown the chicken on one side for about 15 minutes with the lid on.
6. Turn and allow to simmer on medium-low heat for an additional 35 minutes.
7. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Remove the onion, scallion, and thyme from the cavity and blend with the soy and oyster sauce. Pour over the warm chicken.
9. Cut up and serve in sauce.

Cooking Tips:

• Use leftovers in soups or salads.
• Save scraps to make stock!

Want to keep this delicious recipe handy? Download your free recipe card below!

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Take Advantage of Meal Kits —Don't Let Anyone Tell You Otherwise

Now, if you really can’t be bothered with prep, meal kits have your back. Don’t let people tell you they’re too expensive. I’d argue they actually save you money in the long run. You avoid those impulse grocery buys that end up in the trash at the end of the week. With meal kits, you know everything you’re getting is going to be used. That peace of mind alone is worth the investment.

Conclusion: Rediscover the Joy of Cooking

So, there you have it! Cooking doesn’t have to be this daunting task that steals your time. Instead, it can be a fun and fulfilling way to bring delicious meals to your table without breaking the bank. By shifting our mindset, setting up our kitchens for efficiency, and maybe even cranking up that playlist for a mini karaoke session, we can turn cooking into an enjoyable part of our routine.

Don’t shy away from leftovers; they can be your best friend! And if you need a little help, meal kits are a game-changer, making sure you use every ingredient you buy without the hassle of prepping. Plus, with simple, flavorful recipes like my Jamaican Pot Roasted Chicken, you’re not just feeding your family; you’re creating opportunities for connection and memories.

So, grab that spatula and embrace the joy of cooking. Who knows? You might just find that you have more time for the things you love while whipping up meals that even Gordon Ramsay would applaud. Let’s get cooking!

Stay lovely, my friends.