Some nights, dinner feels like just another box to check. But friend, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel good. With a few small tweaks, you can turn the everyday into something a little more special—meals that are easy, satisfying, and still have that “made with love” touch.
The other day I was stressing about dinner that night. I had planned to work in my office, not from home, and knew I would need a simple, easy meal with little prep for that evening. I threw my chicken breasts in the crock pot with a little bit of water, honey, and soy sauce. When I got home, my chicken was fully cooked and provided the perfect foundation for a quick pan sear with a touch of brown sugar, fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. With the rice cooked in chicken broth in just 15 minutes, it was a simple, cozy, and delicious meal after a busy day.
Here are some of my favorite little tricks to elevate weeknight cooking (without spending hours in the kitchen).
Brighten It Up
A squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of good olive oil can make the whole dish taste fresher. I’ll toss roasted potatoes with butter, olive oil and freshly grated garlic for an instant upgrade to regular potatoes.
Make Grains Cozy
Plain rice gets boring, but if you cook it in broth and stir in a little garlic or fresh thyme, it feels rich and comforting. Quinoa and brown rice can be dressed up this way too—always gluten-free and always better with flavor. A new favorite trade off has also been gluten-free orzo instead of rice. It’s delicious, comforting and it always feels a bit more elevated.
Add a Crunch
Texture matters! I love to sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs, toasted parmesan, crushed nuts or freshly toasted gluten-free croutons (if it’s a salad), over my meals. From chicken to salads, I always find a way to add that crunch appeal.
A Sauce Saves the Day
Having a simple sauce in your back pocket changes everything. Whether it’s store-bought (no shame in that!) or you whipped it up, the perfect glaze or sauce instantly elevates any dish.
Serve It Up Pretty
Even if it’s just for you and your family, plating food with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of kosher salt or just in a pretty, neat way, makes everyone feel special.
Easy Gluten-Free Combos to Try This Week
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Pan-seared chicken with lemon, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh garlic. Serve with roasted potatoes that are tossed in olive oil, butter and freshly grated garlic. - Roasted Kale and Sweet Potatoes with Pumpkin Seeds and a Tahini Dressing
Roast kale, sweet potatoes and pumpkin seeds. Then drizzle with a delicious tahini dressing made from tahini, lemon, olive oil and fresh herbs. - Burrata Protein Pasta
Toss gluten-free pasta (we love Banza) with marinara sauce, ground beef and top with burrata. Instant meal upgrade.
Elevating everyday meals isn’t about perfection—it’s about little touches that make dinner feel less like a chore and more like a joy.
Happy eating!
Hannah
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