10 Easy Meals to Save Time This Winter
This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!
Let’s be real: after all the holiday craze, the last thing you want to do for the rest of the season is spend hours in the kitchen juggling multiple pots and pans. The good news? You don’t have to. These meals are the perfect way to whip up something delicious, hearty, and comforting without creating a mountain of dishes. If you’re craving meals that warm you from the inside out but don’t want to spend forever cooking (or cleaning up), you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up a list of easy, (mostly) one-pot dishes that’ll save you time this winter. Bonus: they’re crazy delicious.
Cuban Chicken and Rice
Want to SAVE this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
If you want comfort food with a little flair, this is it. Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with lime, coriander, and cumin, then cooked on a bed of turmeric-spiced rice. It’s bright, flavorful, and somehow cozy at the same time. Full recipe: Cuban Chicken and Rice
Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya
Who says you need to live in New Orleans to enjoy good jambalaya? This one-pot meal combines chicken, shrimp, and sausage with perfectly seasoned rice, all simmered in a Cajun spice blend that’ll have you going back for seconds (or thirds). It’s packed with flavor, so hearty, and ridiculously easy to throw together on a weeknight. Full recipe: Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Jambalaya
Cast Iron Chicken Pot Pie
This is comfort food on a whole other level. Tender chicken, veggies, and a creamy sauce all come together under a layer of golden, flaky biscuits. And yes, it’s all made in one skillet! This dish is perfect for a cozy night in when you want something hearty and homemade without too much effort. Full recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Pot Pie
Butternut Squash Risotto
If you’ve ever been intimidated by risotto, don’t worry – this recipe has your back. It’s creamy, rich, and full of roasted butternut squash goodness. The best part? You don’t need to stand over the stove stirring forever. This version does most of the work for you, so you can just enjoy a good risotto without all the hard work. Full recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto
Black Bean and Corn Soup
When you need something fast, filling, and full of flavor, this black bean and corn soup has your back. It’s vegetarian (but you’d never guess it with how hearty it is), and it’s loaded with beans, veggies, and a kick of spices. Top it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and maybe some crushed tortilla chips for a little crunch. Dinner = sorted. Full recipe: Black Bean and Corn Soup
Thai Red Curry Chicken
If you’re in the mood for something cozy but with a little kick, this Thai red curry chicken is your answer. Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a rich coconut milk-based curry come together in one skillet for an easy weeknight meal. Serve it over rice (or just grab a spoon and eat it as-is), and you’ve got yourself a bowl of pure comfort. Full recipe: Thai Red Curry Chicken
Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
This is the kind of meal that feels super fancy but is secretly really easy to make. Chicken breasts are stuffed with sweet, juicy apples and creamy brie cheese, then cooked in a tangy sauce – all in one skillet. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to impress someone (even if that someone is just you). Full recipe: Apple Brie Stuffed Chicken
Chicken and Potato Curry
If you love a good curry, this one-pot chicken and potato curry will hit the spot. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes, and rich, flavorful sauce come together in no time. Serve it with rice or warm naan bread to soak up every last drop – it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Full recipe: Chicken and Potato Curry
Vegan Stew
Winter nights call for hearty stews, and this vegan version doesn’t disappoint. Packed with a variety of veggies and simmered to perfection, it’s rich, cozy, and satisfying. It’s proof that plant-based meals can be just as hearty and comforting as their meaty counterparts. Full recipe: Vegan Stew
Minestrone with Orzo
What’s better than a warm bowl of soup on a freezing day? This minestrone is loaded with veggies, beans, and pancetta, with orzo pasta to make it extra hearty. It’s healthy, comforting, and comes together in one pot. Plus, the leftovers are just as good (if not better) the next day. Full recipe: Minestrone with Orzo
