Create 21 Family Dinners in Just 30 Minutes

How I Used A Simple Hack to Create 21 Family Dinners in Just 30 Minutes (My Exact Strategy Revealed) 

Last week, I found myself staring at an amazing sale on chicken thighs at my local grocery store. The practical side of me couldn’t resist stocking up, but then reality hit – what was I going to do with all this chicken? Between work deadlines, my kids’ after-school activities, and trying to maintain some kind of social life, the thought of planning meals in bulk 30 seemed overwhelming. 

That’s when I turned to my favorite kitchen shortcut: the 2-ingredient dinner hack. Within just 20 minutes, I had prepped enough meals to last us over a month! I’m talking minimal effort, maximum results, and absolutely zero dinnertime stress. 

Less Ingredients = Less Stress and Less Prep Time! 

I’ve always believed that simplicity in the kitchen is the key to easy family dinners. This 2-ingredient dinner hack perfectly embodies that philosophy.  

The 2-ingredient dinner hack is: 

• Super simple  

• Completely customizable 

• Requires very little mental energy 

• Will save you money 

• Reduces food waste 

Life gets busy, and complicated family dinners with long ingredient lists often end up being nothing more than a good idea. This hack strips dinner down to the bare essentials while still delivering on flavor. 

Why You’ll Love This 2-Ingredient Dinner Hack 

• Saves time – Prep once, enjoy for weeks or months 

• Reduces daily stress – No more 5pm “what’s for dinner?” panic 

• Customizable for all dietary preferences – Works with any protein (meat or plant-based) 

• Budget-friendly – Take advantage of sales without worrying about food spoilage 

• Versatile – Create dozens of different flavor profiles with minimal effort 

My Exact Strategy: The 2-Ingredient Blueprint 

Here’s exactly how I turned a great sale on chicken into a freezer full of ready-to-cook family dinners in less time than it takes to watch your favorite tv show: 

Step 1: Grab a Sauce (or Two or Three…) 

The beauty of this system is that your sauce selection is what creates variety without complexity. I opened my pantry and refrigerator and gathered: 

• BBQ sauce 

• Teriyaki marinade 

• Italian dressing 

• Salsa 

• Thai curry sauce 

The amount of sauce you’ll need depends on how many family dinners you want to make. Generally, you’ll need about 1 cup of sauce for every 2 lbs of meat. I’ll break down the exact ratios later. 

Step 2: Choose Your Protein 

While my go-to is boneless skinless chicken thighs (they stay juicy and tender in almost any cooking method), this hack works beautifully with any protein: 

• Chicken (thighs, breasts, drumsticks) 

• Beef (stew meat, flank steak, ground beef) 

• Pork (tenderloin, chops, shoulder) 

• Fish or shrimp 

• Turkey 

• Tofu or tempeh 

• Beans or lentils (pre-cooked) 

I grabbed my chicken thigh packages and was ready for step 3. 

Step 3: Label Your Freezer Bags 

This might seem like a minor step, but it’s crucial! Always label your freezer bags BEFORE filling them with your sauce/marinade and protein. 

I grabbed a permanent marker and labeled each bag with: 

• The sauce name (e.g., “BBQ Chicken“) 

• The date 

• Basic cooking instructions 

Pro tip: I also like to note which family members particularly enjoy each variety, so I know who’ll be extra happy on “Thai Curry Chicken” night. 

Step 4: Fill Each Freezer Bag According to This Ratio 

Here’s where the magic happens. Depending on whether you’re using a thicker sauce or a more liquid marinade, you’ll want to adjust your ratios: 

For sauces: Add 1/2 cup sauce + 1/2 cup water for every 1 pound of protein 

For marinades: Add 1 cup marinade for every 1 pound of protein 

The biggest difference between a sauce and a marinade is the consistency. If your sauce is on the thicker side (like BBQ sauce), adding water transforms it into more of a marinade, which will distribute more evenly around your protein. 

I portioned out my chicken thighs (about 2-3 pounds per meal, depending on my family’s appetite) and added around 1 ½ cups of sauce or marinade to each bag. 

Step 5: Seal Bags and Freeze 

Once filled, I removed as much air as possible from each bag before sealing it tight. This helps prevent freezer burn and ensures even coating of the marinade. 

These meals will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 6 months, though in my house, they rarely last that long! 

When I found those chicken thighs on sale recently, I was able to prep 21 family dinners in 30 minutes. That’s less than 90 seconds per future dinner! 

The versatility continues when it comes to cooking these meals. You’ve got several options: 

1. Slow Cooker Method: Place the chicken thighs directly in your slow cooker and cook on low for 5-7 hours (time varies based on protein). 

2. Instant Pot Method: Place chicken thighs into the instant pot (frozen or thawed), add 1 cup liquid if frozen, then cook using the appropriate setting for your protein (typically 8-10 minutes for chicken thighs). 

3. Oven Method: Thaw in the refrigerator, then bake on a sheet pan at 375°F (190°C) until the protein reaches the proper internal temperature (165°F/74°C for chicken). Throw on some veggies/potatoes for a supreme sheet pan dinner. 

4. Grill Method: Perfect for chicken, beef, or pork. Thaw completely, then grill until proper internal temperature is reached. THE BEST for summer barbecue’s! 

5. Air Fryer Method: Great for delicious dinners in a pinch that still have that crispy vibe we all love from an air fryer.  

My Favorite Sauce Combinations 

While the basic hack uses just sauce and protein, sometimes I get a little fancy and add one or two more ingredients to create specific flavor profiles: 

1. Asian-Inspired: Teriyaki sauce + a tablespoon of honey + squeeze of lime 

2. Mediterranean: Italian dressing + lemon juice + dried oregano 

3. Mexican Fiesta: Salsa + taco seasoning 

4. BBQ Zing: BBQ sauce + as much hot sauce as you can handle 

5. Thai Coconut Curry: Thai curry sauce + coconut milk (added when cooking) 

Top Tips For Success 

1. Use Silicone freezer bags: If you don’t like the idea of plastic freezer bags, reusable freezer bags are a great option! 

2. Lay flat to freeze: Initially freeze bags flat for easier storage and quicker thawing. 

3. Thaw beforehand: Though not always necessary, it is advised to thaw raw meat-based meals in the refrigerator 12-24 hours before cooking. 

Storing and Using Leftovers 

If you happen to have leftovers after cooking (though in my house, that’s rare!), they can be: 

Refrigerated: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. 

Frozen: Cooked meals can be frozen again in airtight containers for up to 3 months. 

Repurposed: Leftover protein is perfect for quick lunches, added to salads, wrapped in tortillas, or stuffed in sandwiches. 

Troubleshooting Common Issues 

Problem: Sauce became too watery after cooking. Solution: After cooking, remove chicken with a slotted spoon and stir in extra sauce from fridge (example BBQ sauce) to bring extra big flavor, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken. 

Problem: Meat seems tough after cooking. Solution: This usually means it’s overcooked. Next time, try reducing the cooking time, or choose a cut with more fat/connective tissue like thighs instead of breasts for chicken. 

Serving Suggestions 

These 2-ingredient meals are delicious on their own, but here are some simple sides to round out your dinner: 

• Rice or quinoa (can be made in bulk and frozen in portions!) 

• Roasted vegetables (toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast while your protein finishes) 

• Simple salad with pre-washed greens 

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls 

• Pasta or noodles 

One of the things I love about this method is the control it gives me over what goes into our meals. By choosing the sauces and marinades myself, I can: 

• Control sodium levels 

• Avoid preservatives or additives (if desired) 

• Cater to specific dietary needs 

• Ensure we’re getting quality protein with minimal processing 

Variations for Different Dietary Needs 

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free sauces and marinades 

• Low-Sodium: Choose low-sodium options or make your own simple marinades 

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use firm tofu, tempeh, or pre-cooked legumes as your protein 

The first time I pulled one of these meals from the freezer after a particularly chaotic day, the relief was indescribable. No shopping, minimal prep, just a home-cooked meal appearing almost magically on our dinner table. 

I used to think meal prepping meant spending entire Sundays cooking elaborate meals, but this 2-ingredient hack has completely changed my approach. It’s proof that effective meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. 

Give it a try the next time you spot a good sale on your family’s favorite protein. I’d love to hear what sauce combinations you come up with and how this simple hack transforms your weeknight dinner routine! 

Ready to try this for yourself? Grab some freezer bags, raid your condiment shelf, and watch as your future self thanks you for the gift of stress-free dinners!