Slacker's Guide to Effortless Meals

Welcome to the Empowered Slacker Society, where we believe in working smarter, not harder—giving you more time and energy for the things that truly matter. This week, we’re excited to share a powerful slacker hack from our guest expert, Jen Chapin. Learn how to get a kid-friendly dinner on your table in 30 minutes or less with the art of freezer cooking. If you enjoy these tips, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel, follow our podcast, and sign up for our newsletter for weekly inspiration.

Meet Jen Chaplin

Jen Chapin is a full-time working mom who knows just how challenging the dinner hour can be, especially for busy families. With two kids and a demanding job in healthcare consulting, she understands the struggles of getting meals on the table every night. Since launching her YouTube channel in 2018, Jen has been helping working moms and busy individuals master meal prepping, planning, and grocery shopping on a budget. Her passion has led her to achieve remarkable milestones, including publishing a cookbook and reaching impressive financial goals through her side hustles.

What is Freezer Cooking?

Freezer cooking is a strategy where meals are prepared in advance and stored in the freezer, ready to be cooked on busy weeknights. By dedicating a few hours during the weekend to meal prep, you can enjoy stress-free dinners and spend less time cooking throughout the week. This method also helps you save money by reducing food waste and enabling you to take advantage of bulk deals.

The Benefits of Freezer Cooking

By spending just an hour or two preparing meals, you can significantly cut down on the time and mental energy spent on dinner decisions each evening. Freezer cooking allows you to save time during the week and helps keep your grocery bills in check. Moreover, home-cooked meals are generally healthier and more economical than takeout.

Example Recipe: Cool Ranch Chicken Tacos

One of Jen’s go-to recipes is Cool Ranch Chicken Tacos. This versatile dish offers multiple serving options, such as tacos, burrito bowls, or salads. Simply prepare the ingredients, pop them in the slow cooker, and when you get home, dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. Jen emphasizes the importance of labeling your freezer bags to avoid any mix-ups later on.

Common Challenges and Solutions

While freezer cooking might seem overwhelming at first, Jen advises starting with just a few meals and gradually increasing as you become more comfortable. Utilize grocery delivery services to save time and opt for pre-chopped or frozen veggies to make prep work easier. Customize each meal with fresh toppings and seasonings to maintain texture and flavor. Remember, practice makes perfect, so be patient and give yourself grace as you learn.

Take the Challenge

Jen invites you to take action with her free cookbook, "One Hour Freezer Fix," which includes five family-approved recipes. The book offers grocery lists and step-by-step instructions, making it easy to dive into freezer cooking. The best part? You can get all the ingredients for less than $70, feeding a family of six with potential leftovers.

To explore more of Jen’s valuable content, subscribe to her YouTube channel, Jen Chapin. You’ll find videos on meal prep, budget tips, and the everyday life of a working mom. Follow her on Instagram for more insights and check out her cookbook, "The Essential Pantry Cookbook," available on Amazon.

Thank you for joining us for this Slacker Hack of the Week. Remember, smart work beats busy work every time. Until next week, stay empowered, stay slacking. If you enjoyed this post, consider leaving a comment, subscribing, and helping us grow by doing all the things. See you next time!