Publix Standard Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Slow-Braised Pork Picnic Half with Sweet Corn and Bush's Best Baked Beans
Description: A budget-friendly pork picnic half is slow-braised low and slow until fork-tender, then served alongside sweet charred corn on the cob and smoky Bush's Best Baked Beans for a hearty, satisfying dinner for two. Plan to start this one in the morning or early afternoon since the pork benefits from 3 to 4 hours of low oven time to reach its best texture.
Sale items used: Publix Pork Picnic Half ($2.49/lb), Bulk Sweet Corn (5 for $3.00), Bush's Best Baked Beans (2 for $3.00)
Prep time: 20 minutes active (plus 3 to 4 hours braising)
Serving note: Purchase approximately 2 lbs of pork picnic half (yielding generous portions for two after braising shrinkage) at $2.49/lb; use 2 ears of sweet corn; use 1 can of Bush's Best Baked Beans. Make-ahead tip: braise the pork earlier in the day and rest it covered until dinner, then reheat gently while the corn cooks.

Tuesday
Meal: Chimichurri-Marinated Chicken Thighs Pan-Seared with Zucchini and French Bread
Description: Publix Chimichurri-Marinated Chicken Thighs are pan-seared until golden and juicy, then served alongside sliced zucchini sauteed in the same pan to soak up all the herby drippings. Thick slices of warm French Bread round out the plate for a bright, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Sale items used: Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Chimichurri-Marinated ($7.99), Zucchini or Yellow Squash ($3.49), French Bread ($2.49)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: One package of Publix Chimichurri-Marinated Chicken Thighs at $7.99 provides 2 to 3 thighs per person; use 1 medium zucchini (approximately half the bag or one loose squash); use half the French Bread loaf at dinner and save the rest for snacking.
Recipes:
- Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs With Chimichurri
- Best Chimichurri Chicken

Wednesday
Meal: Ground Chicken Lettuce-Wrap Style Skillet with Broccoli and Knorr Rice Side
Description: Seasoned ground chicken is cooked in a hot skillet with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce, then spooned over crisp broccoli florets and served alongside a fluffy Knorr Rice Side for a lighter but filling midweek meal. The skillet comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Sale items used: Perdue Ground Chicken (2 for $8.00), Broccoli or Cauliflower (2 for $6.00), Knorr Sides (4 for $4.00)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package of Perdue Ground Chicken (the 2-for-$8 deal requires buying 2 packages; use the second package later in the week or freeze it); use 1 head of broccoli from the 2-for-$6 deal (the second head is used Thursday); prepare 1 Knorr Rice Side pouch per the package directions.

Thursday
Meal: Smithfield Pork Sausage Patty and Chickpea Skillet with Broccoli and Swanson Broth
Description: Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties are crumbled and browned in a skillet, then combined with tender chickpeas and broccoli florets simmered in savory Swanson Broth for a rustic, protein-packed one-pan dinner. The broth ties everything together into a light but satisfying sauce that soaks beautifully into the chickpeas.
Sale items used: Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties ($4.99), Publix Chickpeas ($0.89), Broccoli or Cauliflower (2 for $6.00 - second head from Monday purchase), Swanson Broth (2 for $4.00)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use the full $4.99 package of Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties (typically 6 to 8 patties; use 3 to 4 per person and crumble them); use 1 can of Publix Chickpeas at $0.89; use the second broccoli head from Wednesday's purchase; use 1 can of Swanson Broth from the 2-for-$4 deal.

Friday
Meal: Pan-Fried Catfish Fillets with Publix Idaho Russet Potatoes and Publix Classic Salad Blend
Description: Catfish fillets are seasoned with Cajun spices and pan-fried in a light coating until crispy and golden, then plated alongside roasted Idaho Russet potato wedges and a fresh tossed salad from Publix Classic Salad Blend. It is a classic Southern-inspired Friday night dinner that feels special without breaking the budget.
Sale items used: Catfish Fillets ($9.99/lb), Publix Idaho Russet Potatoes ($3.99), Publix Classic Salad Blend (2 for $4.00)
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Purchase approximately 1 lb of catfish fillets (about 0.5 lb per person) at $9.99/lb for a total of $9.99; use 2 to 3 medium russet potatoes from the $3.99 bag (the rest keep well for the week); use 1 bag of Publix Classic Salad Blend from the 2-for-$4 deal.
Recipes:
- Pan Fried Catfish
- Pan Fried Cajun Catfish with Browned Butter

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Publix Pork Picnic Half (2 lbs at $2.49/lb): $4.98
- Bulk Sweet Corn (x2 ears from 5 for $3.00 deal, cost prorated): $1.20
- Bush's Best Baked Beans (x1 can from 2 for $3.00 deal): $1.50
- Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Chimichurri-Marinated (x1 package): $7.99
- Zucchini or Yellow Squash (x1): $3.49
- French Bread (x1 loaf): $2.49
- Perdue Ground Chicken (x2 packages, required for 2-for deal): $8.00
- Broccoli or Cauliflower (x2 heads, required for 2-for deal): $6.00
- Knorr Sides (x1 pouch from 4 for $4.00 deal): $1.00
- Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties (x1 package): $4.99
- Publix Chickpeas (x1 can): $0.89
- Swanson Broth (x2 cans, required for 2-for deal): $4.00
- Catfish Fillets (1 lb at $9.99/lb): $9.99
- Publix Idaho Russet Potatoes (x1 bag): $3.99
- Publix Classic Salad Blend (x2 bags, required for 2-for deal): $4.00

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for pan-frying and sauteing)
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Fresh or ground ginger
- Soy sauce
- Cajun or blackening seasoning
- All-purpose flour or cornmeal (for catfish coating)
- Salt and black pepper
- Butter (optional, for finishing the chicken and potatoes)
- Salad dressing of choice (for Friday salad)