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Meal Plan 98 is packed with affordable, comforting recipes your family will actually eat. From crispy oven baked chicken to cozy chili and a fun breakfast favorite, this plan keeps weeknights simple while stretching your grocery budget.
Each recipe is made with everyday pantry staples, keeps dishes to a minimum, and fits into the kind of schedule real weeknights demand. Be sure to check out how we repurposed leftovers into a second meal — an easy way to make your grocery dollars go even further.
Our Weekly Meal Plans continue to help families save both time and money in the kitchen. If you enjoyed this plan, be sure to check out Meal Plan 97, Meal Plan 96 and Meal Plan 95 for even more easy dinner ideas. You might also like our Easy One Pot Dinners for Busy Families Series for simple meals with less cleanup and big flavor.
Why This Meal Plan Works
- Family-tested flavors everyone will eat
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- Includes leftover-friendly meals to stretch your grocery dollars
- Mix of one-pot, oven, and casserole recipes for variety
- Minimal prep and cleanup for busy weeknights
Print Shopping List
Before you head to the store, print this week’s shopping list to make your trip quick and organized. Be sure to check your pantry first — many of these recipes use everyday staples you likely already have on hand.
Monday – Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Golden, crispy skin on the outside and tender, juicy meat underneath make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs the kind of simple dinner that never lets you down. Pair with Cafeteria Noodles for a cozy dinner that tastes like home!
Tuesday – Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Rich tomato flavor and silky sauce make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta a cozy dinner favorite, especially when you serve it with warm Garlic Bread Cheese Sticks for dunking and sharing.
Wednesday – Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole
Creamy and comforting, Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is the kind of easy dinner everyone gets excited about. Serve it with Oven Roasted Carrots for a simple, sweet-and-savory side.
Thursday – Cajun Chicken and Rice
Spice up tonight with bold flavor in Cajun Chicken and Rice, where seasoned chicken and zesty rice make every bite exciting.
Friday – Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Cozy up with a hearty bowl of Copycat Wendy’s Chili that delivers rich, savory flavor without a lot of fuss.
Breakfast – French Toast Sticks
Think crispy edges and soft centers in every bite — French Toast Sticks turn a breakfast favorite into grab‑and‑go comfort you’ll want again and again.
Dessert – Blueberry Cookies
Bursting with juicy blueberries and soft, chewy texture, these Blueberry Cookies make simple snacking feel a little extra special.
We make meal planning even easier with the Lazy Day Cooking Club. Spend just a few minutes adding ingredients to your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a warm, homemade dinner that’s ready when you are.
Leftover Ideas
Stretch your grocery budget by planning for leftovers on purpose. A few small adjustments can turn one dinner into two meals:
- Make extra chili and freeze single portions for quick lunches. You can even make Frito Chili Wraps or check out these Leftover Chili Recipes.
- Shred leftover chicken thighs for wraps, salads, or quesadillas the next day.
- Turn extra Cajun chicken and rice into burritos or stuffed peppers.
- Reinvent creamy pasta or casserole as a baked dish for round two.
- Freeze French Toast Sticks and cookies for easy breakfasts and treats later.
Cooking once and repurposing leftovers saves time, reduces food waste, and helps your grocery dollars go further without adding extra work to your week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Meal plans are flexible. You can swap meals based on what’s on sale, what you already have, or your family’s preferences. The goal is to make dinner easier — not more stressful.
Plan for leftovers intentionally. Double recipes like chili or casseroles and freeze portions. Shred leftover chicken for wraps or salads, and repurpose rice or pasta into new meals later in the week.
Most families find that planning 5–7 days at a time works best. It gives structure without feeling overwhelming and allows flexibility if plans change.
More Side Dish Ideas
Easy Side Dishes
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
Easy Pizza
Little Caesars Crazy Bread
Quick and Easy Vegetarian
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
If you make Meal Plan 98, we’d love to hear what your family enjoyed most! Leave a comment or a star rating on your favorite recipe, your feedback helps other families feel confident trying these meals and shows how simple, affordable dinners can make a real difference.
