Home Chef's New FitMenCook Meals Make Meal Prep a Breeze
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If you're new to meal prep and looking to refresh your dinnertime routine, meal delivery service Home Chef's latest collaboration with Kevin Curry — the creator, entrepreneur and author of FitMenCook — may be just what you need to jumpstart your healthy eating journey.
During the month of August, customers will be able to dig into a lineup of delicious meals and balanced recipes curated by Curry and the Home Chef team. Our Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab pros tested some of the meals and were impressed by the incredible flavor profiles and variety; we sat down with Curry to learn more about the story behind the collaboration as well.
What is Home Chef?
This popular meal kit company was founded in 2013 and is available both online and at more than 2,200 Kroger store locations. The Chicago-based service offers a variety of plans and caters to different dietary preferences, too. Rated as one of the best meal delivery services in our expert and consumer tests, we love that you can choose from over 30 different options every week — everything from five-minute meals to more elaborate kits that take 30+ minutes to whip up.
You start by taking a quiz that assesses your dietary preferences, allergies, level of interest in cooking and delivery needs to help determine which meal plan is ideal for you. Options include:
Traditional Meal Kits, which provide pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow cooking instructions to be ready in about 30 minutes
15-Minute Meal Kits, where all ingredients are already prepped and require only 15 minutes of cooking
Fast & Fresh, which assemble quickly and heat in the microwave or oven
Oven-Ready, which provides pre-portioned ingredients in an oven-safe tray
Grill-Ready, which features an all-in-one kit complete with pre-portioned ingredients and a grill-safe bag
Culinary Collection, which includes premium special occasion meals
Standard meals start at $8.99 per serving, with a minimum weekly order value of $49.95 is required. You can choose from two to six meals per week as well as two to six servings per meal to accommodate for a range of family sizes. All of Home Chef's boxes and dividers are made from partially recycled cardboard and are curbside recyclable. The service is available nationwide.
FitMenCook x Home Chef Collaboration
Curry told Good Housekeeping that he's excited for customers to try his new collaboration with the Home Chef team. "I'm all about convenience, but I also want people to learn to cook and move around in the kitchen," he says. He loves that the Home Chef x FitMenCook offerings provide a ton of variety for cooking novices and seasoned chefs alike. "You can try a traditional meal kit or convenient oven-ready meals, and all options really do grow your confidence and competence in the kitchen."
Curry points out that the oven-ready meals are not only convenient, but also provide multiple portions, making them great for families and also a solution for singles to have leftovers to eat throughout the week. "From a personal standpoint, as somebody who can struggle with motivation due to seasonal affective disorder, those oven ready meals are how I survive," he says. Curry also adds that he is excited to bring a diverse representation to this space and be an inspiring voice and presence in the wellness community.
Curry's convenient and approachable meal kits provide great flavor without sacrificing nutrition and balanced eating. Curry said he was passionate about highlighting his Southwestern background into the meals and adds that his favorite meals from the collaboration are the Stuffed Chicken Parmesan and the Beef Egg Roll Rice Bowl.
You'll be able to start ordering from the Home Chef x FitMenCook menu starting on Monday, July 18th for delivery in-home between August 1st and August 12th. The collaboration is open for a limited time only, and will close on August 5th. Two FitMenCook meals will be on the Home Chef menu each week.
Our Review
We were impressed with the variety of meals, unique and vibrant flavor profiles, and easy-to-follow preparation instructions. The recipes use nourishing ingredients without sacrificing on taste or flavor. Plus, we found the portions satisfying and hearty. The meals available include:
Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos: This juicy chicken combines sweet and spicy flavors with a fire-roasted salsa and delicious guacamole for topping. It's prepared in just 15 minutes and delivers lots fo flavor.
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan: This favorite of Curry's was a top pick with our experts too since it's hearty and feels decadent but offers a carb- and calorie-conscious take. We love that it pairs with seasonal zucchini and red bell peppers.
Beef Egg Roll Rice Bowl: The umami flavors of this deconstructed bowl are satisfying and offer great crunch too. Our registered dietitians appreciate that it's packed with veggies like fresh bell peppers, green onions and cabbage. The beef provides a great protein source as well.
Enchilada Turkey Meatloaf: One of our favorites from the FitMenCook cookbook, this option requires no prep and is both balanced and convenient. The meatloaf packs in poblano and bell peppers, plus black beans and corn.
The bottom line: Not only do the meals taste delicious, but you're able to minimize food waste and not have to spend hours prepping in the kitchen. Meal delivery services like Home Chef can be a solution for busy families and singles alike who are looking for a balanced meal without the hassle and extra trip to the grocery store. Since the Home Chef x FitMenCook collaboration is available for a limited time only, you'll want to place your order soon to get a chance to experience these meals for yourself.
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