3 Weekend Recipes That Set Up A Whole Week Of Easy Dinners

One of the best ways to streamline weeknight meals is with a big, relaxed Sunday cook. Easy techniques such as gentle simmering and slow roasting let flavours deepen and set you up with flexible building blocks for quick dinners throughout the week. A tender roast chicken, creamy white beans and a big pot of hearty grains will later become aromatic Thai curry, warming burritos, a cozy casserole and more.

The Big Sunday Cook

Slow Cooker "Roast" Chicken

A slow, gentle cook transforms chicken into something deeply tender and rich, with the meat practically falling off the bone. Low heat keeps the meat juicy while breaking down collagen for an ultra silky texture. For extra flavour, reserve the cooking liquid to use in the soup or casserole recipes that follow. Get this slow cooker "roast" chicken recipe.

Big Batch Brown Rice

Using the pasta method for making rice (or other grains, such as quinoa, farro or barley) is a hack my Indian mother-in-law taught me. Now I can’t do it any other way: so easy, zero measuring, and it makes fluffy, tender grains every time. Get this big batch brown rice recipe.

Creamy White Beans with Garlic and Onion

Salt helps beans cook evenly. Plenty of olive oil brings a deep, satisfying creaminess. Get this white bean with garlic and onion recipe.

Five Weeknight Dinners

Monday: Chicken, White Bean and Rice Soup

This hearty soup is a comforting choice for any weeknight. It’s extra flavourful with the addition of leftover cooking liquid from the roast chicken (see tip), and made fast with precooked rice and beans. Get this chicken, white bean and rice soup recipe.

Tuesday: White Bean Burritos

These no-fuss burritos come together quickly thanks to precooked beans. With just a little kick of spice and a crispy exterior, they make an easy, satisfying meal or snack. To make them more filling—or to stretch to more servings—add 1/3 cup of cooked rice to each burrito. Get this white bean burrito recipe.

Wednesday: Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Creamy, comforting and packed with chicken, broccoli and rice, this one-skillet casserole is the perfect blend of flavour and texture. Get this chicken and broccoli casserole recipe.

Thursday: Almost-Instant Thai Chicken Curry

This vibrant, Thai-inspired curry is a weeknight go-to, combining creamy coconut milk, fresh vegetables and a touch of lime. Precooked chicken cuts down on prep, bringing together a flavour-packed meal in no time. Get this Thai chicken curry recipe.

Friday: Quick Paella

This hearty paella marries chorizo, chicken and saffron rice for a zesty one-pan dish. Get this quick paella recipe.