It happens every year. I declare spring as my least favorite season, preferring summer, fall, even winter. Then, spring arrives with its intoxicating scent of flowers, soil, and rain, shedding the need for heavy jackets. Windows stay open at night, and I'm reminded why I actually love—no, need—spring. It’s like a sweet drink for the soul.
This year, spring feels particularly life-giving. With a new studio, workshops, and a home refresh that included ditching the TV for books, my life feels lighter and more energized. This personal renaissance extends to my approach to cooking. As my 30th birthday approaches, there’s a renewed focus on self-care—eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep—without sacrificing my passion for food.
Back to Basics
I’ve been craving a return to simple cooking, the kind I did before the demands of food blogging. It’s about rediscovering the pure joy of creating meals out of hunger, not for content. It’s about embracing food in its most essential and wonderful form, dishes that we actually want to eat. It's not about complicated recipes, but about the basics and the simple delight they bring.
Sometimes, being a food blogger makes regular life cooking lose its sparkle. We all fall off the wagon with too much takeout. But this spring, I want a fresh start. I want to focus on stripped-down cooking that is still delicious.
The Magic of Simple Meal Prep
This is where the magic of sheet pan meal prep comes in. It’s about saying, “Yes, you can do this!,” to the person with a busy life and an empty fridge. With just 45 minutes of mostly hands-off time, you can have a meal that looks pretty, tastes delicious, and can be enjoyed in multiple ways throughout the week. Think warm bowls, cold salads, soups, pasta, or even tacos—the possibilities are endless.
It’s all about simplifying and making space for more inspiration. It's about embracing the fact that basic can be delicious, especially when you've got a side of hummus and avocado.
The Concept
Instead of a rigid recipe, think of this as a concept: Fill sheet pans with your favorite ingredients (veggies, protein, etc.), toss with olive oil, salt, and spices, and roast. Then, pack them into containers for easy meals all week.
Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: FAQs
What’s the seasoning mix you use?
I love Cajun seasoning—it's a versatile blend of garlic, salt, onion, paprika, oregano, white pepper, and red pepper. You can easily make your own or use any spice mix you like. Adjust for salt and spiciness.
I don’t love broccoli. Any other veggies I can use?
Absolutely! Asparagus, kalettes, brussels sprouts, and carrots all work wonderfully.
Can I make this vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Pan-fried tofu would be a delicious alternative.
Recipe: Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Meal Prep Bowls
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- 3 tablespoons spicy seasoning mix
- Olive oil
- 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets
- Coarse sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
- Avocado, hummus, lemon juice, chives, or olive oil for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss chicken with spices and olive oil, and let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Arrange veggies on sheet pans, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Put the chicken on a separate sheet pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove the broccoli and chicken. Stir sweet potatoes and roast for another 15 minutes.
- Divide into containers and enjoy.
Let's Keep Meal Prepping
Try these other great meal prep options:
- Meal Prep Breakfast Sandwiches
- Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls
- Lentil Greek Salad with Dill Sauce
- Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad
One More Thing!
This recipe is part of our best healthy meal prep recipes. Check it out!
This spring, I’m choosing simplicity, self-care, and the joy of cooking for the love of it. It's about making meals that nourish both body and soul, and I'm so excited to share this journey with you.