17 “brainless cooking” recipes for when your mind is mush

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Feeling like your brain is about to short-circuit? Don’t worry, these 17 effortless recipes is what you need! Think autopilot deliciousness for nights when your mind is on mush but you still need to feed the family. Get ready for stress-free meals that are as easy as 1-2-3!

A plate with roasted chicken, seasoned baby potatoes, and a lemon wedge.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Chicken Caprese with tomato and basil on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Brain fog got you down? This Air Fryer Caprese Chicken is a lifesaver! Tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and melty mozzarella in under 30 minutes? Yes, please! Plus, the air fryer keeps the mess to a minimum – perfect for nights when you just can’t deal!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

A bowl of chicken and dumplings with a spoon and parsley.
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Experience those happy Sunday vibes with this Copycat Cracker Barrel recipe! Crispy, tender chicken made with simple ingredients brings back the familiar flavors you crave. No need to wait in line or spend hours in the kitchen – taste the warm feeling of childhood in under an hour with this home-cooked comfort!
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

A plate with puff pastry cheese pockets on it.
Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets are the ultimate pick-me-up. Warm, flaky pastry filled with melty cheese in every bite – pure comfort food magic in just minutes. Whip them up for a quick dinner, appetizer, or even a stress-busting snack!
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

Loaded Smashed Potatoes

A plate of loaded smashed potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped green chives.
Loaded Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Loaded Smashed Potatoes are ready in a flash, taking mashed potatoes to the next level! Creamy, cheesy, with a crunchy twist, they’re not your ordinary side dish! Plus, minimal effort means more time to relax and recharge – perfect for nights when your brain needs a break!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt

A plate of shredded chicken and green beans served with a garnish of herbs, accompanied by lemon slices and bowls of food in the background.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt isa set-and-forget recipe, literally! Simply marinate some chicken in yogurt, toss it in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Dinner practically cooks itself while you unwind and recharge. Perfect for when your energy reserves are running low!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt

Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans on a plate with a fork.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Does the thought of cooking make you yearn for simpler times? This Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken is your ticket back to those cozy Sundays! Crispy, juicy chicken bursting with familiar flavors you love – all recreated in your own kitchen, without the wait or the travel. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can savor the taste of nostalgia without the stress!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Salmon fillets stacked on a plate with lemons and herbs in the background.
Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Perfectly cooked salmon bathed in a creamy mayo sauce – this Quick Baked Salmon with Mayo is a luxurious and flavorful dish ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy, so you can skip the takeout menus and save your brain some stress while enjoying a delicious home cooked meal!
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Healthy Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata with lemon and capers on a plate.
Healthy Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Tender chicken bathed in a tangy lemon sauce – this Healthy Chicken Piccata is fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. No complicated techniques or long prep times! Plus, the healthy ingredients give you a guilt-free boost, perfect for when your brain needs a refresh and your body craves something delicious!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Piccata

Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta

A plate of pasta with shrimp, asparagus, tomatoes, and a garnish of fresh herbs. A skillet with more pasta and additional tomatoes and asparagus can be seen in the background.
Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Escape the kitchen chaos with this Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta! Fresh shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in a creamy garlic sauce for a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly simple. With minimal prep required, you can spend less time wrestling with pots and pans and more time enjoying this impressive dish with your loved ones!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Thai chicken lettuce wraps with peanut sauce on a white plate.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Brain fried from a long day? Spice up your dinner routine (and your mood) with these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce! Packed with bold flavors and vibrant colors, these wraps are a fun and interactive way to enjoy a delicious meal. Toss everything together, let everyone assemble their own wraps, and skip the dishes for an easy and engaging dinner experience!
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A white plate with vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms garnished with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Forget bland vegetarian options – these Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are bursting with savory goodness! Plus, the best part is you can customize the filling to your cravings, making it a fun and creative way to fight off the brain fog! Enjoy a hearty and delicious meal that even meat lovers will devour!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Spicy Cauliflower Bites

A plate of baked spicy cauliflower bites with red sauce next to it.
Spicy Cauliflower Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Spicy Cauliflower Bites are the perfect finger food to add a touch of excitement to a dull day! Crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a flavorful sauce with a kick, making them addictive. Plus, they’re completely vegan, so everyone can enjoy the delicious crunch and the stress-relieving heat!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

A plate with roasted chicken, seasoned baby potatoes, and a lemon wedge.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Drowning in a to-do list and feeling overwhelmed? Let your slow cooker work its magic with these Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes! Creamy, cheesy, and infused with fragrant garlic, these potatoes are the ultimate comfort food cure for a long day. Just toss the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do the work while you unwind!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Mushroom Hummus

Hummus with mushrooms and crackers on a white plate.
Mushroom Hummus. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This Mushroom Hummus is the pick-me-up dip you crave! Creamy chickpeas and savory mushrooms blend together for a rich and flavorful dip perfect for pairing with almost anything! In minutes, you can have a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer ready to chase away the mental block!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus

Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and dates on a white plate.
Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Juicy chicken breasts filled with a vibrant spinach and healthy surprise ingredients – these Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach is a delicious way to refuel your body and mind after a crazy day! Plus, the surprise addition of sweet dates adds a unique twist. This impressive dish is so simple to prepare, so you can enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without the hassle!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Feeling too drained to cook but still craving something special? These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are your effortless elegance in a flash! Flaky crescent dough filled with a creamy chicken mixture that comes together in under an hour, creating an effortless yet elegant appetizer or light main course. Quick and easy to make, these rolls are perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole

A serving spoon scoops into a baked casserole with penne pasta, cheese, jalapeños, and bacon pieces.
Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole is packed with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and pops of jalapeno heat come together in one dish for a burst of flavor and texture! Plus, no need to fear the spice – this recipe is perfectly balanced, even kids can enjoy it! Enjoy an exciting meal all without the fuss of complicated recipes!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole

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