Hey, fellow lazy chefs! Let's be real — cooking at home can feel like a chore, even though we know it’s cheaper, healthier, and often tastier than eating out. But who has time to spend hours slicing, dicing, and mastering gourmet techniques? That’s where these kitchen hacks come in handy. Think of them as shortcuts for turning "ugh, I need to cook" into "this isn’t so bad!"

Whether you’re new to the kitchen or just looking for some fresh ideas, these tips will help you whip up meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor—while staying on trend with the latest kitchen know-how.

1. Microwave Garlic to Peel It Faster

Peeling garlic is one of those tiny steps that somehow feels like it takes forever. Here’s an easy hack to save time (and your patience): pop a clove in the microwave for 10 seconds. The heat loosens the skin, so you can just pinch it off. No more sticky hands or fumbling with knives!

Pro Tip: If you’re not into peeling garlic every time, buy pre-peeled cloves or even minced garlic. Just keep an eye on those expiration dates.

2. Upgrade Your Dishes with Frozen Herbs

Fresh herbs are great for adding that “fancy chef” taste to meals, but they don’t last long in the fridge. Enter frozen herb cubes, one of the trendiest kitchen hacks right now. You can buy pre-made herb cubes from the store or DIY them by finely chopping herbs, mixing them with olive oil or butter, and freezing the mixture in an ice cube tray.

Next time you’re cooking, toss a cube into sauces, soups, or stir-fries for instant flavor—no chopping required. It’s like having a garden in your freezer!

3. The Sheet Pan Dinner Shortcut

Sheet pan dinners are so in right now, and for good reason. They’re practically a lazy chef’s dream. All you need is a single baking sheet, your favorite protein (like chicken or salmon), and some chopped veggies. Season everything, drizzle on some oil, and bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes.

The best part? One pan means way less cleanup. Plus, you can experiment with different spices and sauces to keep things exciting. Pesto, teriyaki, or even ranch seasoning take your sheet pan dinners to the next level.

4. Use a Hand Mixer to Shred Chicken

If shredding cooked chicken with a fork feels like a workout, it’s time to grab your hand mixer. Yep, you can use this handy gadget to turn cooked chicken breasts into perfect shredded chicken in seconds. Just toss the chicken in a big bowl, turn on the mixer, and watch it work its magic.

This hack is ideal for meal prepping taco fillings, chicken salads, or sandwiches. Bonus points for making you look like a kitchen pro.

5. Invest in a Reusable Oil Spray Bottle

Cooking sprays are convenient, but they sure run out fast (and can get pricey). A reusable oil spray bottle is a game-changer for lazy chefs. Fill it with olive oil, avocado oil, or even flavored oils to lightly coat pans, veggies, or air fryer goodies.

Not only does this save money, but it also lets you control how much oil you’re using while keeping things healthy. Sustainability win, too!

6. TikTok’s Tortilla Hack

Social media is full of great kitchen ideas, and one hack that’s gone mega-viral is the tortilla fold. Instead of wrapping up a messy burrito, cut a single slit in a tortilla from the edge to the center. Divide your fillings into four quadrants, and fold the sections over themselves into a neat triangle. Grill or toast it for melted, handheld goodness.

It’s perfect for lunch, breakfast, or even midnight snacking—and it’s less likely to fall apart than a traditional wrap.

7. Steam Clean the Microwave Like a Pro

Lazy chefs often rely on the microwave, but cleaning it? Not so much. If your microwave is a disaster zone, this hack will save you. Fill a bowl with water and a few slices of lemon or a splash of vinegar. Microwave it on high for 3 minutes, then leave it closed for another 2-3 minutes to steam.

The steam softens all the food gunk. Just wipe it down with a paper towel, and voilà—your microwave looks as good as new with almost zero effort.

8. Batch It With Overnight Oats

Prep breakfast like a trendsetter with overnight oats. Just combine rolled oats, your favorite milk, and any mix-ins (like fruit, nuts, or sweeteners) in a jar. Pop it in the fridge before bed, and breakfast is ready when you wake up!

Overnight oats are super customizable, so you’ll never get bored. Try trendy combos like matcha and coconut, or peanut butter and chocolate. Lazy yet delicious.

Being lazy in the kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing good food. These hacks are designed to save you time and make cooking a whole lot more approachable. Try adding one or two of these tricks to your routine. Who knows? You might actually start enjoying cooking—just a little bit.

Happy hacking, lazy chefs!