January Feel-Good Recipes: Cooking With Intention

Cozy, Comforting Recipes I’m Actually Cooking in January

If January had a flavor profile, it would be cozy, grounding, and quietly nourishing. I’m not interested in extremes—just food that makes me feel good while still being deeply satisfying.

This month’s lineup reflects exactly that balance: meals that are fun to cook, delicious to eat, and good to come home to on a cold winter night. And yes—there are one or two indulgent recipes. 🙌🏻 Because balance isn’t about restriction; it’s about cooking in a way that actually feels sustainable.

↓ Starting strong with a rich, deeply flavored weeknight chicken dinner.

Moroccan braised chicken thighs with olives and lemon.

5 from 1 review

One Pot Braised Moroccan Chicken with Olives

If you've been searching for a way to spice up your same old weeknight chicken dinners, give this tender and fragrant Moroccan Braised Chicken and Olives a try! The unique blend of warm spices along with tangy preserved lemons and savory green olives creates a boldly flavored chicken dish that is surprisingly simple to make. And best of all, it comes together in one pot! Gluten-free and dairy-free. Enjoy with couscous or flatbread.

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↓ I’ve made this next one—a super hearty feel-good soup—more times than I can count. It’s freezer-friendly and fantastic to drop off with friends or family.

5 from 3 reviews

Easy Chicken Sausage, Wild Rice, & Kale Soup

This is not your average chicken and rice soup! It's made with chicken sausage — you can use either spicy or sweet Italian sausage! — and is loaded with kale, mushrooms, and onion, but what really sets it apart is wild rice! This is so flavor-packed, full of veggies, and has the most incredible texture you could dream for in a soup. Ideal for cold winter days or when you need a comforting, home-cooked meal. Gluten-free.

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↓ My newest salmon obsession is tender, flaky, and just the right amount of creamy. 10 outta 10!

A plate with a piece of salmon topped with a creamy spinach sauce, served alongside steamed green beans and a lemon wedge. A hand is using a fork to cut into the salmon.

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke-Stuffed Salmon Filets

This spinach and artichoke stuffed salmon is the kind of dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is completely doable on a weeknight. Tender salmon fillets are filled with a creamy, savory spinach-artichoke mixture—think classic dip vibes, but lighter, brighter, and baked directly into buttery fish. The result is rich without being heavy, deeply flavorful, and finished with just enough lemon to keep everything balanced and fresh.

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↓ A forever favorite winter soup recipe that can be loaded up with all your favorite chili toppings.

Green chicken chili soup with avocado, onions, sour cream, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños.

5 from 15 reviews

Rich, Hearty Green Chicken Chili Soup (Dairy-Free)

This green chicken chili is everything you want in a one-pot meal: bold flavor, just the right amount of heat, and a hearty, nourishing base that’s perfect for cooler nights. Inspired by enchiladas verdes, it features salsa verde, shredded chicken, green chiles, sweet corn, and creamy white beans simmered together in a richly seasoned broth. Best of all? It comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights, game day, or anytime you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

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↓ Do not underestimate the nourishing power of a grain bowl. Not a fan of salmon? Store-bought rotisserie chicken works great here, too.

Barley and salmon grain bowl with creme fraiche dressing.

5 from 4 reviews

Grain Bowls with Salmon, Barley, & Crème Fraîche

If you’re anything like me, you love a meal that feels good and tastes even better — and this warm salmon grain bowl absolutely delivers. It’s one of those dishes that hits all the right notes: flaky roasted salmon, hearty grains, lots of texture, and a punchy, flavor-packed creme fraiche dressing that ties it all together. It’s cozy enough for dinner, fresh enough for lunch, and endlessly riffable based on what you’ve got in the fridge.

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↓ One of my favorite ways to feature mushrooms: in curry!

Thai red curry with white beans mushrooms and spinach.

5 from 1 review

Thai Red Curry with White Beans and Spinach

Say hello to my new favorite weeknight dinner: Thai Red Curry with White Beans and Mushrooms! When I first made this dish, I couldn’t believe how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The combination of creamy beans, spicy curry, and the umami-packed miso butter mushrooms hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight. I can’t wait for you to try it! Omit fish sauce to make vegetarian.

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↓ Ultra crispy chicken skin—need I say more?!

Whole roast chicken with white wine sauce.

5 from 1 review

Roast Tarragon Chicken with Crispy Skin!

Roast Tarragon Chicken with White Wine Sauce is an elegant, yet simple dinner that delivers incredible flavor. Plus, it's got super crispy chicken skin, which cannot be overlooked! Seasoned with fresh tarragon, lemon, and garlic, this tender and juicy chicken recipe is great for both special occasions and weeknights alike!

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↓ For this next one—a super creamy risotto that I’ve been making since I was in grad school!—I occasionally add shredded rotisserie chicken to make it even heartier. It’s loved by all and especially delicious on game days.

Risotto with buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese in a white bowl with a spoon.

Creamy Vegetarian Risotto with Buffalo Sauce

Forget the chicken wings, you'll get all the same familiar flavors in this Creamy Vegetarian Risotto with Buffalo Sauce. The base is made with a classic Italian risotto that is flavored with Frank's Hot Sauce, blue cheese or gorgonzola, and lots of fresh chives. Total comfort food in a bowl!

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Here’s to a year of cooking with intention, flexibility, and plenty of really good food.

If you’re in need of more cozy weeknight dinner inspiration, be sure to check out the full recipe index. You can filter by main ingredient, season, and dietary restrictions. There’s a little something for everyone. And if you want a list of my personal favorite recipes, I’ve got those bookmarked here too. 😉

Cheers to a super delicious year ahead!

Comments

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Robyn says

December 31, 2025 at 4:59 pm

So inspiring! These are on my ‘to make’ list for the beginning of January. Looking forward to more ‘feel good’ recipes! Thank you.

- Ari Laing says
  
  December 31, 2025 at 5:01 pm
  
  Thanks, Robyn! I always hate the idea of a heavy reset in January, and I definitely do not want to hear the word ‘diet’ or feel overly restricted. Just simple, nourishing meals that happen to lean lighter, are a bit healthier, and many of which are naturally gluten-free (which personally makes my body feel good). So appreciate you taking the time to express enthusiasm over this new concept! Happy new year! Ari
  
Erica says

January 1, 2026 at 9:41 pm

Happy New Year Ari, hope it’s a good one for you and yours. Loving all your recipes. x
Made your fish pie on Christmas Eve.

- Ari Laing says
  
  January 2, 2026 at 12:13 pm
  
  Happy New Year, Erica! Wow wow wow, this looks fantastic! It’s one of my favorite recipes on the site, and I haven’t made it in too long. The sauce alone… swoon! Perfect celebratory dish for the holiday season! Cheers, Ari

Cozy, Comforting Recipes I’m Actually Cooking in January

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