Arthur Brooks writes often about happiness in The Atlantic. His essays cover everything from breaking phone addiction to the power of waking up early for improving your mood. But my favorite takeaway? Embrace doing nothing.
Do nothing, you say? SAY LESS. There are just two snags: I still need to eat (I love food), and ordering takeout is my personal nightmare. Luckily, there’s a perfect solution: sheet pan meals.
Sheet pan meals are the absolute best. Everyone loves them (trust me, our reader stats back this up); they’re ideal for busy people, but also a lifesaver for people who just want a break (do nothing!). Every minute I save in the kitchen is another minute I can spend rewatching Heartstopper seasons 1 and 2 — and you really can’t put a price on that.
That’s why I’ve pulled together a list of easy, endlessly tasty sheet pan meals for busy weeknights and quick Shabbat dinners (and, bonus: fuss-free breakfasts). Think chicken, lamb and cod — all customizable so you don’t have to run to the store if you’re missing an ingredient. I swapped the sumac for chili lime seasoning in my favorite recipe (Sumac Chicken and Rice <3), and it turned out amazing.
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And remember: Embrace doing nothing — or, at least, something close to it.
One Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots
Simple roasted chicken is one of those dishes everyone wants to perfect, and this is one of our go-to Shabbat options.
Tahini and Olive Oil Granola
The best breakfast around in any kind of weather; batch it on Sunday for stress-free mornings the rest of the week.
Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken
Food in the diaspora is always influenced by our neighbors, and teriyaki chicken has become a beloved Shabbat staple in many Seattle Jewish homes.
Sheet Pan Chimichurri Cod with Potatoes and Squash
Easy enough to throw together after work on a busy Friday, and still serve up a delicious, healthful and elegant Shabbat dinner.
Sheet Pan Tzimmes-Roasted Chicken Thighs
Sticky and sweet with a chili kick, this is an excellent dinner option for the High Holidays or year-round.
Sheet Pan Lamb Meatballs and Veggies
Packed with spices and bright lemon flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Sheet Pan Sumac Chicken and Rice
A go-to chicken and rice dish looks gorgeous, tastes incredible, comes together in no time, and you can make it all in one pan.
Za’atar Chicken With Cauliflower and Chickpeas
This Israeli-inspired dish is incredibly delicious and easy, and is equally awesome for a weeknight dinner or Shabbat.
Sheet Pan Chicken Recipe with Sumac and Hot Honey
Packed with summer veggies, this one-pan dinner is ready in under an hour.
Sheet Pan Chicken Paprikash
A craveable ode to Hungarian Jewish flavors that’s easy enough to make on a weeknight and stunning enough to serve for Shabbat or holidays.
