# Grocery shortcuts for quick weeknight dinners

> Frozen chicken cutlets and saucy beans simplify dinner prep without takeout.
- Title: Grocery shortcuts for quick weeknight dinners · Salon
- Summary: Frozen chicken cutlets and saucy beans simplify dinner prep without takeout. Ashlie Stevens recommends frozen chicken cutlets, saucy beans and other quick…
- Keywords: frozen chicken cutlets, saucy beans, whole foods frozen chicken, heyday canning beans, laoban popcorn chicken, jenny's tofu, frozen scallion pancakes, pre-shredded cabbage, pre-shredded carrots, sauz lemon pepper pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, curry paste
- Source: Salon — https://salon.com/2026/11/05/the-grocery-store-shortcuts-that-make-weeknight-dinners-easier
- Author: Ashlie D. Stevens
- Published: 2026-11-05T15:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: frozen chicken cutlets, saucy beans, whole foods frozen chicken, heyday canning beans, laoban popcorn chicken, jenny's tofu, frozen scallion pancakes, pre-shredded cabbage, pre-shredded carrots, sauz lemon pepper pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, curry paste
## My autumn dinner routine
I finish work, head to dance class or gym, then open the fridge to cook dinner.
## The problem with weeknight cooking
Dirtying three bowls for chicken cutlets or peeling vegetables when hungry is time-consuming.
## My grocery philosophy
I can’t be a domestic goddess for everything, convenience is part of healthy cooking.
## The things that do the heavy lifting
Whole Foods frozen chicken cutlets and frozen meatballs simplify dinner prep without extra chopping.
## Heyday saucy beans
Canned beans with velvety sauces are easy to heat and eat without extra work.
## Laoban popcorn chicken
Frozen chicken with soy garlic sauce cooks light and crisp for quick takeout-style meals.
## Jenny’s smoked tofu
Tofu made 10 minutes from Chicago apartment is great for sandwiches and wraps.
## Frozen scallion pancakes
Scallion pancakes with toppings are easy to make without chopping vegetables.
## The 'why the hell not?' vegetables
Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots add crunch and color without extra effort.
## Pre-shredded cabbage
Cabbage adds crunch to tacos, rice bowls and steak chili with minimal effort.
## Pre-shredded carrots
Carrots blend into sauces and curries for quick, flavorful meals.
## Frozen vegetables
Frozen veggies like corn, peas and edamame add fiber without extra chopping.
## The things that make everything taste better
Sauces and pastes like pesto add flavor without extra shopping.
## Sun-dried tomato pesto
Sun-dried tomato pesto adds deep flavor to pasta and sandwiches.
## Curry paste
Curry paste allows for quick improvisation with protein and vegetables.
## Mekhala lemongrass turmeric paste
Lemongrass turmeric paste adds aromatic depth to soups and stews.
## Pacific Foods ramen broth
Ramen broth is the base for quick, flavorful dinners with minimal prep.
## Gravy packets
Gravy packets simplify weeknight cottage pie without extra work.
## Frozen ginger cubes
Frozen ginger, onion and garlic cubes save time by eliminating chopping.
## Dinner examples
Semi-homemade ramen, cottage pie and bean skillet use the recommended groceries.
## Key takeaway

Ashlie Stevens recommends frozen chicken cutlets, saucy beans and other quick groceries for under-hour dinners that taste great.