Let’s get honest, Fall can be chaotic. Back to school, sports schedules, work ramping up, and just getting back into routines after summer ends. Everything hits at once and dinner becomes this thing you’re scrambling to figure out every single night.
I’ve perfected so many marinades over the years, but here are the five I come back to again and again. These are the ones my family actually asks for. The ones that work with literally everything you throw at them. They’re versatile enough for a weeknight sheet pan dinner, to toss in a crockpot, into an air-fryer or on a grill.
Nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated when life is already pulling you in a hundred directions.
Grab a big pack of chicken, pull out some reusable freezer bags, and spend 10 minutes making these. You’re set for weeks of easy dinners that actually support your energy, hormones & body.
THE FIVE MARINADES
Each of these is sized for 4 large chicken breasts. Scale it up or down depending on what your family needs.
Mini Burrata Potato Bowls
A simple, elegant freezer meal with tender chicken, roasted potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and fresh burrata. High protein, high fiber, hormone-supporting dinner ready in minutes.
Equipment
- 1 reusable freezer bags I linked mine in the notes section
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts approx. 4
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp dark balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or 1 tbsp dried
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano chopped or 1 tbsp dried
- 1.5 lbs mini potatoes
- 8 oz mini burrata balls or mini bocconcini balls
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and basil.
- Add chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly in the marinade.Divide chicken into freezer bags. Divide potatoes and cherry tomatoes among the bags as well.
- Pour remaining marinade over everything. Add the mini burrata balls or mini bocconcini balls on top of each bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- TO COOK - Sheet Pan Method:Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 375°F. Pour entire contents of bag onto a sheet pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and potatoes are tender. Top with fresh burrata balls at the end.
- TO COOK - Slow Cooker Method:Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Pour entire contents into slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Top with fresh burrata balls just before serving.
Notes
The mini burrata balls or bocconcini are added on top of the bag before freezing and stay frozen with everything else. They'll thaw along with the rest of the meal during the overnight refrigerator thaw. No need to add them separately at the end. You can substitute regular mozzarella if burrata isn't available, or use fresh ricotta for a creamier option. Storage: Freezer bags keep beautifully for up to 3 months.Keep thawed leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serving suggestion: Serve over mixed greens as a salad, or serve in a bowl as is. My Favourite Oils/ Vinegars: I love nelson olive oil for taste and quality. You can use code "Rejoice-10" at discount. Click here to Shop FREEZER BAGS I USE: I use reusable freezer bags because they're better for the planet and they hold up for years saving money over time.You can grab them here- Shop on Amazon
WHY THIS MATTERS
Life gets busy. Schedules get full. But your nutrition doesn’t have to take a backseat because you’re in chaos mode. 10 minutes of prep work gives you weeks of easy dinners that actually nourish your body.
Your energy stays steady. Your hormones stay supported. You’re not living on stress and takeout. You’re actually eating real food that makes you feel good.
These five marinades have been my saving grace for over a decade. My family asks for them. They work with literally everything. Once you make them, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to them.
In great health, Jo
