Freezer meals for new moms are lifesavers. When you get home from the hospital with a newborn in tow, the last thing you need is the pressure of cooking meals from scratch. But if you have frozen packs of food in the fridge, you don’t have to struggle your way around the kitchen. You just have to defrost your freezer meals, cook them in your Instant Pot, then you’ll have decent food to serve. Keep reading to learn more about any of the easy new mom meals below!
Healthy Freezer Meals New Moms Would Love
1. Honey Sesame Chicken Breasts
The return of something sweet: Honey Sesame Chicken Breast! pic.twitter.com/zMAE4Z5mtM
— Panda Express (@PandaExpress) October 1, 2014
These honey sesame chicken breasts are sweet and savory with just a hint of heat. You can easily add your favorite vegetables to this dish or pair it with steamed rice.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 large chicken breasts (1 lb)
- toasted sesame seeds
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients (except the cornstarch and sesame seeds) in a heavy duty quart-sized bag.
- Squeeze air out. Freeze the bag for up to 3 months.
- Unfreeze completely to cook.
- Put the mixture in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Cook on manual high pressure and set to “Seal” for 8 minutes.
- Do a quick pressure release by pushing the valve to “Venting” when the timer beeps.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Place them on a cutting board to rest for around 10 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water and cornstarch into the pot.
- Set to “Sautee” and wait until it thickens and is bubbling. Remove the Instant Pot’s base to avoid burning.
- Slice the chicken as desired and add the sauce on the top. Sprinkle the sesame seeds onto the dish before serving.
Health Benefits:
- Honey, especially from a high-quality source, is rich with antioxidants. It may even improve cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.
- Sesame seeds, like honey, also have properties that lower the blood pressure. Aside from this, the seeds also help balance the hormones and even shows potential in fighting cancer.
2. Cauliflower Herb Freezer Sandwiches
Even when you’re in a rush, it’s still possible to have a healthy breakfast. Make these cauliflower herb freezer sandwiches, and you’ll have a decent meal on-the-go at the start of your day.
Ingredients:
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp dill
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 2 cups riced cauliflower
- 4 slices ham
- 4 English muffins
- 4 slices mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 6 large eggs
Directions:
- Heat the oven to 375°F
- Take an 8×8 inch glass dish. Spray with oil and set aside.
- Mix all ingredients (except the ham, the English muffins, and the cheese) together. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
- Bake for around 25 minutes.
- Let it cool. Slice into squares or circles and set into English muffins. Top with ham or cheese.
- To store, wrap the sandwiches in a small freezer bag. Remove air.
- Put it inside a plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, unfreeze completely.
- Heat inside a microwave and wait until the muffins are heated through the middle and the cheese is melted.
Health Benefits:
- Cauliflower is an antioxidant and a good source of fiber. With its properties, it keeps the digestive system in order and boosts brain health, too.
- Herbs like dill, oregano, and basil contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
3. Spicy Thai Chicken Curry
With this recipe, you can still have a savory and aromatic meal, even when you’re caring for your newborn. It’s not only delicious, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout, too.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1 lb)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (can be reduced)
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 4 cups sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and red onions
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients (except the lime juice and sliced vegetables). Put inside a gallon-sized freezer bag.
- Squeeze air out. Freeze the bag for up to 3 months.
- Unfreeze completely to cook.
- Put ingredients in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Cook on high for around 8 minutes.
- Do a quick pressure release.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Set to “Sautee” and add the sliced vegetables and lime juice. Stir frequently while cooking for around 3-5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken and put back in the Instant Pot.
- Serve as desired.
Health Benefits:
- Bell Peppers are rich sources of vitamins C, B6, A, and K1. They also contain potassium and folate.
- Snap peas also have high levels of vitamin C, making them good antioxidants.
- Onions are rich in folic acid, which helps the body make new cells.
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The freezer meal recipes we shared with you are simple and healthy, plus, you can keep them for up to 3 months! Make enough of these, and you’ll have meals on-the-go even when you’re busy.
What do you think of these freezer meals for new moms? Let us know in the comments section below!
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