If you've been on the fence about a meal kit, let me talk you through my experience of one to help you make your decision. In short, we found the Chef'd Asian Chicken and California Prunes Lettuce Wraps kit to be delicious! Thanks to California Prunes through Kitchen PLAY for sponsoring this post.
If you've visited here for a bit, you'll have seen I share a lot of main meals. I try to share a mix of both quick cooks (like spaghetti alla carbonara), as well as some for when you have a bit more time (like braised lamb shanks). However, believe it or not, I nearly always have to think about what we're going to eat each week and sometimes have some gaps.
We have some regular favorites (like carnitas tacos), and others we have fairly often when the season fits (like chicken satay in the summer and moussaka in winter). But I like to have variety too. I might try looking up ideas, including reminding myself of some we've tried and enjoyed.
But that can take time I don't always have. And I know I'm not alone, right? That's where, to me, things like meal kits can come in handy.
Now, you may have seen me talk about going to the farmer's market, getting a local meat delivery, etc, and I absolutely believe in that way of shopping and cooking from scratch. But at the same time, I can see a place for meal kits.
If you're a bit unsure of your cooking skills, short on time and/or inspiration and it's a case of meal kit or take out, if the kit is something like this Asian Chicken and California Prunes Lettuce Wraps, I'd say hands down, go for a meal kit.
Chef'd is a popular meal kit delivery service and they've partnered with California Prunes to bring a series of tasty and nutritious meal kits featuring prunes. They've all been developed by sister registered dietitian nutritionists The Nutrition Twins®. And if the other meal kits are anything like these wraps, you're in for a treat with all of them.
What do you get and what do you have to do?
Everything comes pre-measured and the chicken is pre-cooked, so all you need to do is chop things up then the cooking itself is really quick. I added a little more sesame oil to the beans, as I felt I wanted a little more than suggested. But basically you have everything you need to make the meal apart from utensils. I was impressed by how many fresh ingredients were in the kit, and everything was good quality.
We didn't actually have these for dinner but instead I packed them to go. We were meeting friends and so we all snacked on them over lunch. Everyone loved them! The flavors in the wraps worked really well, and the beans had a nice spice kick from a scattering of red pepper flakes. I can be a little wary of chicken breast for things like this, but the fact it was cooked sous vide before, then is almost steamed with the sauce made it tender and moist.
As well as the wraps and beans tasting delicious, they are great from a nutritional point of view too. Alongside the lean chicken and vegetables, the California prunes give a great boost being high in fiber, with a nice dose of vitamin K and antioxidant polyphenols, as well as containing no fat or cholesterol.
From the great, healthy ingredients, to the quick cook and delicious end result, we were impressed by these Asian Chicken and California Prunes Lettuce Wraps.
Ann from Sumptuous Spoonfuls
This looks delish! I want that for lunch.
Caroline's Cooking
It would be a great lunch, for sure.
Robin Daumit
I love dried fruits with savory meals!
Caroline's Cooking
I agree, they add a lovely burst of sweetness.
theresa
I love the prunes in this
Caroline's Cooking
They work so well!
Hadia
Sounds fantastic, Caroline, a feast for the eyes! Wonderful!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it was delicious as well!
ally phillips
I've never tried one of these meal kits, and you make it look superbly homemade!!
Caroline's Cooking
It was a first for me, but I was impressed by the flavors in this and that it was healthy too.
Christine
Looks fantastic!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks!
Deanna Segrave-Daly
I had a hard time choosing between the 3 options - these look delish!
Caroline's Cooking
I know what you mean, they all sounded good and this one was delicious!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks
This looks fantastic, Caroline! I want to lick my screen.... lol.
What a great idea to pack these up to go!
Bryan Carey
I tried Chef'D for the first time a couple weeks ago and loved it! I got the Juicy Lucia Burgers with Parmesan Fries. Went very well with an American Pale Ale! Y
Caroline's Cooking
They're a handy option, that sounds good too.