We all know the struggle of finding the motivation to cook on those busy days. After a long day at work or managing household chores, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But what if cooking could be fun and fulfilling rather than a chore? Here are some cooking mantras and tips to get you into the kitchen, along with a delicious chicken recipe to inspire your culinary adventures.

 

  1. Plan Ahead For Easy Cooking

A woman thoughtfully filling out her food planner while sitting at a table, ready to organise her meals for the week for easy cooking
Planning for Success: Organise Your Week with a Food Planner

One of the biggest hurdles to cooking on busy days is not knowing what to make. By following a journal of health meal planning in advance, you eliminate the stress of last-minute decisions. Spend a few minutes every weekend planning your weekly meals, and make a grocery list accordingly. This simple of planning your meals step can save you a lot of time and effort during the week.

  1. Keep It Simple

On hectic days, simplicity is key. Choose recipes that are quick and easy to prepare. Focus on one pot meals or 30 minute recipes that don’t require a lot of ingredients or time. Simplicity doesn’t mean compromising on flavour; there are plenty of delicious and straightforward recipes to choose from.

  1. Prep in Advance

A weekly planner with meal planning is a lifesaver for busy individuals. Spend some time on your day off chopping vegetables, marinating proteins, and portioning out ingredients. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, when it’s time to cook, you have everything ready to go, making the process faster and more enjoyable.

 

  1. Set the Mood

Cooking doesn’t have to be a mundane task. Turn it into a fun activity by setting the right mood. Play your favourite music, listen to a podcast, or even watch a cooking show for inspiration. Creating a pleasant atmosphere can make cooking feel less like a chore and more like a hobby.

A woman happily cooking in the kitchen, with headphones on, grooving to music as she enjoys the process
Cooking isn’t just about the food – it’s about the vibe! Turn up the tunes and let the rhythm inspire your culinary creations.
  1. Get the Right Tools

Investing in a few basic kitchen gadgets that are essential can make cooking much easier. A good quality knife, a sturdy cutting board, and some basic utensils can significantly improve your cooking experience. Having the right tools can speed up the process and make it more enjoyable.

 

  1. Experiment with Flavors

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours and cuisines. Trying out new recipes can be a great way to keep things interesting and prevent cooking from becoming monotonous. For example, if you’re new to cooking Indian food, butter chicken is a fantastic dish to start with. 

There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a dish like butter chicken. The process of simmering the spices to perfection and creating a rich, velvety sauce can transform a busy day into a rewarding experience. The aroma of butter chicken wafting through your kitchen is like a warm hug, making you feel content and proud of your culinary achievement. Cooking this dish doesn’t just fill your stomach; it nourishes your soul and brings a sense of joy and accomplishment that’s hard to beat.

 

  1. Reward Yourself

Cooking can be a rewarding experience. Treat yourself to a small reward after completing a meal. Whether it’s enjoying a piece of your favourite chocolate or watching an episode of your favourite show, having a reward to look forward to can be a great motivator.

 

  1. Chicken Recipe Mantra: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Here’s a quick and easy chicken recipe to get you started. This lemon garlic chicken is perfect for busy days and is packed with flavour.

A mouthwatering plate of Lemon Garlic Chicken, served on a bed of fluffy rice with colourful veggies on the side, bursting with flavour . Have a happy cooking experience.
Dinner with a Zing: Lemon Garlic Chicken Served Just Right

Ingredients:

– 4 Premium Boneless Antibiotic-residue-free Chicken Breast Fillet by FreshToHome

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– Juice of 2 lemons

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Do so until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  5. Pour the lemon juice over the chicken and garlic. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
  7. Serve with a side of vegetables or over a bed of rice.

This lemon garlic chicken recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

 

Conclusion

Finding the motivation to cook On busy days can be challenging, but with these tips and mantras, you can turn cooking into an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Remember to keep it simple, plan ahead, and have fun experimenting with new flavours. And next time you’re in need of a quick and delicious meal, try out the lemon garlic chicken recipe. Happy cooking!

 

By incorporating these cooking tips, advance meal prepping routine and mantras, you’ll find yourself more motivated to step into the kitchen, even on the busiest of days.