Modern home cooking no longer involves spending hours in the kitchen, thanks to store-bought kits. These options are shortcuts to sides, salads and ready-to-heat entrees that pair easily with almost everything — and they’re actually delicious.
Here are the best store-bought kits to go with any meal that can cut your cooking time by half or more.
1. Side Delights®
Side Delights® by Masser Family of Companies is considered among the best store-bought kits to go with any meal for a reason. It makes potatoes easier to enjoy by reducing prep time without sacrificing taste. Each product consists of high-quality potatoes that offer dependable flavor and texture.
The newest addition to the lineup is Flavorables®, which features farm-fresh petite yellow potatoes paired with chef-crafted seasoning blends from Spiceology®. There are four different flavors to choose from, including butter-licious, cheese pizza, Greek freak and vampire killer. Since the spices are ground fresh, you can expect a burst of flavor in every bite. Best of all, you only need to cook it for five minutes in the microwave or 15 to 18 minutes in the air fryer.
Key features:
- Healthy, convenient and can be cooked in five minutes
- Available in most major grocery store retailers
- Dependable, with eight generations of experience
2. Taylor Farms
Taylor Farms is the go-to option for chopped salad kits that prioritize freshness and convenience. Each one includes crisp, prewashed greens, as well as complementary toppings and dressing. To prepare the salad, all you have to do is open the bag, combine the ingredients, toss and serve. It works just as well as a side dish as it does a light lunch. You may also add extra toppings if you’d like.
The range of flavors available makes it easy to find a kit that pairs well with your meal. Options include asiago kale, bacon caesar, avocado ranch, chipotle ranch and creamy Italian. Taylor Farms also offers mini, single-serving sizes that are convenient to take to work or enjoy on the go.
Key features:
- Complete kits with greens, toppings and dressing
- Consistent freshness and clear portioning
- Suitable as a side or stand-alone meal
3. Kevin’s Natural Foods
If you’re looking for a heat-and-eat entree with clean ingredients, give Kevin’s Natural Foods a try. The brand focuses on fully cooked, sous-vide chicken that’s both tender and juicy, paired with gluten-free, paleo and keto-certified sauces. The variety of flavors will take your taste buds around the world, with options like Korean barbecue-style chicken, teriyaki chicken, Thai-style coconut chicken and Jamaican jerk chicken.
Preparing the kits is easy. You only need to sear the chicken briefly in a pan and simmer it in sauce, or heat it directly in the recyclable tray for an even faster option. In addition to entrees, Kevin’s Natural Foods also offers soups, pastas and sides.
Key features:
- Fully cooked proteins with accompanying sauces
- Short stovetop cooking time
- Works well with grains, vegetables or salads
4. Knorr
Knorr rice and pasta sides are often touted as the best store-bought kits, as the products can help upgrade your meal in minutes. With 35 seasoned options available, you can quickly add flavor without extra prep or planning. One of the brand’s most popular choices is Spanish rice sides, which brings together peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic and tomato sauce.
Another favorite is chicken broccoli rice. It’s a combination of rice and pasta in a creamy, chicken-flavored sauce with broccoli florets. It’s great to enjoy as-is or to use as a base for other recipes when you want something delicious but still convenient.
Key features:
- 35 seasoned rice and pasta options
- Ready in minutes on the stovetop
- Great as a side or recipe base
5. Soules Kitchen
Soules Kitchen helps you bring home-cooked flavor to the table without spending too much time in the kitchen. Its lineup includes seasoned proteins like thinly sliced steak strips that give you a head start on meals. You can use them for cheesesteaks, stir-fries, fajitas, salads or sandwiches.
Because the protein is already fully cooked, you can heat it in a skillet, air fryer, oven or microwave. It typically takes four to five minutes on a skillet, and five to six minutes in an oven or air fryer. You can be confident serving the products on busy weeknights, for casual meals or for quick snacks, knowing the brand uses responsibly sourced ingredients and boasts decades of experience.
Key features:
- Stays fresh for five days after opening once thawed
- Versatile for many meal types
- Made of responsibly sourced ingredients
Comparing the Best Store-Bought Kits
What are the best store-bought kits to go with any meal? Here’s a side-by-side comparison.
| Brand | Product Type | Best For | How to Prepare |
| Side Delights® | Fresh, prepared potatoes | Versatile side for any meal | Microwave, oven, grill or air fryer |
| Taylor Farms | Chopped salad kits | Fresh side or light lunch | No cooking required |
| Kevin’s Natural Foods | Fully cooked sous-vide chicken | Quick heat-and-eat entree | Skillet or microwave |
| Knorr | Seasoned rice and pasta sides | Pantry-friendly side | Stovetop |
| Soules Kitchen | Fully cooked, seasoned proteins | Fresh protein base for meals | Microwave, oven, grill or air fryer |
Criteria for the Best Store-Bought Kits
This list of the top store-bought kits focuses on products that make everyday cooking easier while still offering quality and flavor. Each was evaluated based on how well it integrates with a wide range of meals, whether as a side, base or ready-to-serve component.
Versatility, ease of preparation and ingredient quality were also important factors. Lastly, the kits are widely accessible in major grocery retailers across Pennsylvania and the U.S.
Making Mealtime Easier and More Delicious
The best store-bought kits make everyday meals more convenient and delicious. With much of the prep already done, you can spend less time cooking and more time sitting down, relaxing and enjoying a home-cooked dinner.
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