Small batch recipes to save you time, money, and dirty dishes

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Cooking in smaller batches can save you time, money, and reduce the number of dishes to wash. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a small family, these recipes are designed to be easy and efficient. They allow you to enjoy delicious meals without the hassle of leftovers or excessive prep work. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to keep things simple, these small batch recipes are both practical and satisfying.

A cast-iron skillet with cooked chicken thighs and slices of peaches on a wooden surface makes for perfect dinners for two.
Apple Cider Chicken Skillet. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Oven Fried Chicken

Oven fried chicken with cherry tomatoes.
Oven Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Oven fried chicken offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying, perfect for small batches. This recipe yields crispy, flavorful chicken without the need for deep frying. It’s great for a quick dinner, delivering all the satisfaction of fried chicken with less mess.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken in a wrap with lettuce and tomatoes.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Lemon garlic chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for small servings. The combination of fresh lemon and garlic creates a bright, savory taste. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Oven BBQ Ribs

Ribs and a potato on a plate.
Oven BBQ Ribs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Oven BBQ ribs are a delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without a grill. This small batch recipe is perfect for a few servings, making it ideal for a cozy dinner at home. The ribs are cooked slowly to ensure they’re fall-off-the-bone tender.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

Blackened Chicken Thighs

Chicken coated in seasoning on a plate with tomatoes.
Blackened Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Blackened chicken thighs are packed with bold flavors and perfect for small batch cooking. This recipe uses a blend of spices to create a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Denver Omelets

A omelette on a paper.
Denver Omelet. Photo Credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Denver omelets are a classic breakfast dish that works well in small portions. Filled with ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese, these omelets are both hearty and satisfying. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick, protein-packed meal any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Denver Omelets

Chicken Pot Pies

Two pot pies sitting on top of a baking sheet.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo Credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Chicken pot pies are a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to make in small batches. These individual pies feature a creamy chicken and vegetable filling encased in a flaky crust. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or to enjoy as leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pies

Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Ranch baked chicken next to a rocket salad.
Oven Baked Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Oven baked ranch chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a small batch. The chicken is coated in a tangy ranch seasoning and baked until crispy and golden. It’s an easy dinner option that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops covered in gravy with parsley on top.
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Crock pot smothered pork chops are a great small batch recipe for a comforting, hearty meal. The pork chops are cooked slowly in a rich gravy, making them incredibly tender and flavorful. Perfect for a cozy dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A chicken drumsticks in a pan.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks are a quick and easy small batch recipe. The air fryer cooks the drumsticks to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior and juicy inside. Finished with your favorite BBQ sauce, they’re a great option for a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

A plate of marry me chicken over pasta.
Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Marry Me Chicken in the crock pot is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for small servings. The chicken is cooked slowly in a rich sauce, making it tender and delicious. It’s an easy recipe that’s great for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

An air fryer basket with stuffed chicken breasts.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Air fryer stuffed chicken breasts are a quick and delicious small batch recipe. These chicken breasts are filled with cheese and spinach, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. They make a great dinner option that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

A cast-iron skillet with cooked chicken thighs and slices of peaches on a wooden surface makes for perfect dinners for two.
Apple Cider Chicken Skillet. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Apple cider chicken skillet is a flavorful and easy small batch recipe. The chicken is cooked in a savory apple cider sauce, making it tender and juicy. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy dinner with a touch of fall flavor.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

Pork Steak in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Pork Steak in the basket of an air fryer.
Pork Steak in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pork steak in the air fryer is a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for small batches. The air fryer cooks the pork steak to perfection, giving it a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s a great option for a fast and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Steak in the Air Fryer

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