Cooking for one: delicious and easy single servings

January 23, 2024

When cooking for one, it’s easy to fall into the routine of eating the same dishes over and over again. It’s even tempting to succumb to the allure of takeout or instant meals. However, why settle for the mundane when you can infuse some excitement, and flavor, into your single-serving meals?

This article aims to inspire you with some delicious and easy single-serving recipes. From a fresh and vibrant avocado salad to a comforting chicken soup, these recipes can be whipped up in minutes, and are both satisfying and nutritious.

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Quick and Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes

Cooking a chicken dinner doesn’t have to be a time-consuming affair. These single-serving recipes are not only quick and easy to prepare, but they also pack a punch in terms of flavor.

Lemon and Garlic Roasted Chicken

Photo credit: Liz McDowell

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This recipe, courtesy of food blogger Liz McDowell, is a quintessential dinner that’s both hearty and healthy. It requires a handful of ingredients and less than an hour of your time.

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken breast
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place the chicken breast on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and grated garlic.
  3. Slice the lemon and arrange the slices around the chicken.
  4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the lemon slices are caramelized.
  5. Serve hot.

Cooking this recipe not only provides a mouthwatering dinner, but it also infuses your kitchen with a refreshing citrus aroma that’s sure to whet your appetite.

Erin McDowell’s Chicken Soup

Photo credit: Erin McDowell

Erin McDowell, known for her soulful cooking, shares her recipe for a comforting chicken soup that’s perfect for a quiet evening at home. The recipe is easy to follow and requires ingredients that are most likely already in your pantry.

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little olive oil until they soften.
  2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Add the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Serve hot.

This soup is not only warming and satisfying but also low in calories, making it a perfect dinner option if you’re watching your weight.

Nutritious Avocado Salad Recipes

Avocados are a nutrient-dense food, rich in healthy fats, fiber, and various important nutrients. Here are some easy avocado salad recipes that taste as good as they look.

Avocado, Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Photo credit: Liz McDowell

Liz McDowell shares another one of her fabulous recipes – a fresh and vibrant salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, tomato, and cucumber.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
  3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve immediately.

This salad is not only refreshing and flavorful, but it also offers a variety of textures that make every bite interesting.

Avocado and Chicken Salad

Photo credit: Erin McDowell

Erin McDowell presents a hearty avocado and chicken salad recipe that’s perfect for those days when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and diced avocado.
  2. Add the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
  3. Serve on a bed of lettuce, or spread it on a slice of toasted bread.

This salad, rich in protein and healthy fats, is not only hearty and satisfying, but it’s also versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own, as a filling for a sandwich, or as a topping for a green salad.

Cooking for One Made Easy

Cooking for one doesn’t have to be a chore. With these recipes from Liz and Erin McDowell, you can create flavorful and satisfying single-serving meals in minutes. Whether you’re craving a hearty chicken dinner or a fresh and vibrant avocado salad, you can whip up these dishes with ease and enjoy the process of cooking for yourself.

Remember, the beauty of single-serving meals is that you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal preferences. So don’t be afraid to experiment and make these recipes your own. After all, when you’re cooking for one, you’re the chef, the critic, and the satisfied customer, all in one.

Healthy and Delicious Single-Serving Breakfast Ideas

Getting your day off to a good start is easy with these single-serving recipes from Liz and Erin McDowell. They are quick to prepare, tasty, and will keep you feeling full and energized all morning.

Overnight Oats with Fresh Berries

Photo credit: Liz McDowell

Start your day off on a healthy note with this delicious and easy overnight oats recipe by Liz McDowell. It’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, and high protein content that will keep you feeling satiated.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup mixed berries
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. In a jar, combine the oats, almond milk, and honey.
  2. Stir until well combined, then top with the mixed berries.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Serve cold in the morning.

This breakfast is not only nutrient-dense but also super easy to prepare. You can make it in advance and enjoy a healthy breakfast without any morning rush.

Smoked Salmon and Avocado Egg Breakfast

Photo credit: Erin McDowell

Erin McDowell brings us this deliciously savory, low carb, and high protein breakfast option that’s perfect for those on a keto or gluten-free diet.

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 slice of smoked salmon
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the egg to your preference (poached, scrambled, or fried).
  2. Place the smoked salmon and avocado slices on a plate.
  3. Add the cooked egg on top.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve immediately.

This filling and nutritious breakfast option is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can enjoy it as is, or serve it with a slice of gluten-free bread.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Single-Serving Cooking Experience

Cooking for one doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. As showcased by Liz and Erin McDowell, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious meals that are easy to prepare and perfect for a single serving. From a hearty chicken dinner to a refreshing avocado salad or a high protein breakfast, you can enjoy a different meal every day.

Whether you’re using a slow cooker, an air fryer, or a simple sheet pan, these recipes are designed to be quick, simple, and satisfying. They cater to a range of dietary preferences, including low carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free, providing something for everyone.

Cooking for one also offers the opportunity to really get creative and experiment with flavors. Adjust the ingredients in these recipes to cater to your taste buds, try out new combinations, or even create your own unique dishes.

Remember, just because you’re cooking for one doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a variety of delicious food. With these easy and delicious single-serving recipes, you can enjoy the process of cooking and the satisfaction of a great meal, all by yourself. So, get your apron on, start cooking, and bon appétit!