How to get a good recipe from AI

Hello.  Welcome to Life AI Hacks.

Today I'm going to show you how to start eating like a king using AI.  This should work no matter what AI Model you choose to use. Chat GPT, Gemini, Copilot, etc.

Here you see I've created an image of a stunning dish.  A savory Chicken Stir-Fry with roasted Green Beans, Potato's and Corn, over White Rice.  

Chicken Stir-Fry

I did it using only ingredients that I had in my house, which is pretty limited at the moment, but we have to make the best of what we have.  So here is what you do.

Step 1

Create a list of all the ingredients that you have in your home.  Include spices, condiments, sides, veggies, the meat you want to use, oils, etc.  If you keep this list updated, you can refer back to it for future recipes, or what to add to your shopping list.

Here is the list I created in a document on my computer.

Step 2

With that list, I created a prompt, asking AI to create a stunning dish. To include only ingredients that I had in my home.

A Prompt is a set of instructions that you give to AI, requesting a response.  It can be as simple as asking a question like, "Can you give me a good chicken recipe?" but you can do so much more and get much better responses by crafting better prompts.  

The recipe that I was given was based on the ingredients that I put on that list.  I also assigned it a roll, "Michelin Star Chef

You are a Michelin Star Chef, who is giving me a delightful recipe for the boneless chicken breasts that I have in my refrigerator.

It needs to be top-notch, deliciously seasoned, good enough to serve in a top restaurant.  And it needs to include only the ingredients that I have.  

• Parsley flakes

• Orange pepper

• Cajun seasoning

• Spicy Montreal steak seasoning

• Brown sugar

• Apple cider vinegar

• Paprika

• Crushed red pepper

• Montreal steak seasoning

• Garlic salt

• Hamburger seasoning

• Cinnamon

• Whole oregano

• Dried onion

• Olive oil

• Vegetable oil

• American cheese

• Mustard

• Mayonnaise

• Dill relish

• White Rice

• Chicken Flavored Rice-a-Roni 

• Yellow potatoes.

• Corn

• Green beans

Out of this, I want to create a stunning dish.  You don't have to use all ingredients.  Include the sides, with their perspective seasonings.  I don't want it to be too spicy, just absolutely delicious.

Please give me the recipe and complete cooking instructions.  It will be cooked in the oven.

A few seconds later I had recipe for wonderful sounding Herb & Paprika Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast.  The ingredients included only, but not everything, of what was on my list.

Step 3

Assess the response and revise the prompt.

This is the recipe that Copilot gave me.  

Main Dish: Sweet & Savory Paprika Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients •     1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes •     2 tbsp olive oil (divided) •     1 tsp paprika •     ½ tsp garlic salt •     ½ tsp dried onions •     ½ tsp parsley flakes •     ½ tsp whole oregano (lightly crushed) •     1 tsp apple cider vinegar •     1 tsp brown sugar •     Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional, for gentle warmth) Vegetables (from your sides) •     1 cup green beans, trimmed •     1 cup corn kernels •     1 yellow potato, diced small (pre-roasted for texture)
Instructions

1.     Prepare rice base: Cook white rice (or Rice-a-Roni if you prefer) according to package instructions. Keep warm.
2.     Pre-roast potato: Dice yellow potato into small cubes, toss with 1 tsp olive oil and a pinch of garlic salt. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden. This gives the stir fry a hearty bite.
3.     Cook chicken: •     Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. •     Add chicken cubes, paprika, garlic salt, dried onions, and oregano. Sauté until lightly golden (about 5–6 minutes).
4.     Add vegetables: Stir in green beans and corn. Cook for 3–4 minutes until beans are tender-crisp.
5.     Create glaze: In a small bowl, whisk apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. Pour over chicken and veggies. Toss until glossy and slightly caramelized.
6.     Finish in oven: Transfer skillet to oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking.
7.     Combine: Add roasted potato cubes back into the skillet, toss gently.
Serving •     Spoon hot rice onto a plate. •     Top generously with the stir fry, letting the sweet-savory glaze coat the rice. •     Garnish with parsley flakes for a fresh finish.
Flavor Profile •     Paprika & garlic salt → smoky, savory backbone •     Brown sugar & apple cider vinegar → sweet-tart glaze, restaurant polish •     Green beans & corn → crisp and sweet contrast •     Roasted potato cubes → hearty, golden texture

It wasn't even that hard to do.  It was sooooooo good.