17 shockingly easy recipes you won’t believe you haven’t made

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You know how we all get stuck making the same few meals every week? Well, here are 17 shockingly easy recipes that’ll make you shake your head, wondering how you never thought to whip them up before. It’s like stumbling on a bunch of secret cooking hacks that are bound to shake up your dinner routine, and you’ll be amazed you haven’t made them until now!

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You’ve got to try making Best Lemon Pasta. It’s one of those shockingly easy recipes you’ll kick yourself for not trying sooner. Just a few ingredients and you’ve got a dinner that screams fancy with none of the fuss. Seriously, it’ll be on your table so often you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a quick and delicious dinner, Easy Chicken Tenders are the answer. They prove that something so simple can be so good, making them a highlight among shockingly easy recipes. Bake or air fry them to perfection—either way, they’re a weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ever wanted a meal that’s both hearty and easy to whip up? Enter Wild Rice Casserole, a real game changer among shockingly easy recipes. It works as a side or the main star of the meal, and either way, you’re going to love it. Trust me, this will spice up your dinner lineup in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Crispy Chickpea Nuggets

A plate of chickpea nuggets with a bowl of sauce.
Crispy Chickpea Nuggets. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a fun twist on the usual, Crispy Chickpea Nuggets are a revelation. They’re part of those shockingly easy recipes that’ll make you question why you haven’t made them before. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and totally guilt-free, they’re a hit with everyone. Plus, they’re super fun to make.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chickpea Nuggets

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s tender, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make, which is why it’s among the shockingly easy recipes you need in your life. Just set it and forget it, and come dinner time, you’ve got a feast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who knew you could replicate Chick-fil-A Nuggets in your own kitchen? And easily at that, making them a no-brainer for this list of shockingly easy recipes. Perfect for a fun meal or snack, these nuggets will make you a home-cooking hero. Get ready for them to become a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re after a dish that’s both tasty and effortless, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the way to go. It’s part of the shockingly easy recipes gang for a reason. Toss everything in the morning, and by dinner, you’re all set. It’s perfect for when you want your food to practically cook itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Vegan chicken nuggets in a bowl with dip.
Vegan Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Got a craving for nuggets but want to keep it plant-based? Vegan Chicken Nuggets are here to blow your mind. They’re crispy, delicious, and unbelievably simple to make, earning their spot among shockingly easy recipes. Trust me, even the non-vegans will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Eggplant Casserole

A plate of eggplant casserole with sauce and cheese.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

So, you think you’re not an eggplant person? Eggplant Casserole will absolutely change your mind. It’s packed with flavor and simplicity, making it a star in the world of shockingly easy recipes you won’t believe you haven’t made. And it’s a sneaky way to get more veggies into your day, winning all around.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole

A baked rice casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Need something comforting with minimal fuss? Chicken and Rice Casserole is your hero. It’s cozy, satisfying, and absurdly easy to make, fitting perfectly into the shockingly easy recipes theme. Cleanup’s a breeze too, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chick-fil-A Sauce

A bowl of smooth, creamy peanut butter with a hint of Chick-fil-A sauce and a spoon inside.
Chick-fil-A Sauce. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever find yourself craving that Chick-fil-A Sauce on a day they’re closed? Well, making it at home is laughably simple. It’s among those shockingly easy recipes you won’t believe you haven’t made. Before you know it, you’ll be putting this sauce on everything.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Sauce

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs.
Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you need something nutritious but are low on effort, Vegetable Casserole has got your back. It’s definitely one of those shockingly easy recipes that turn out to be a delightful surprise. Throw your ingredients in, relax, and get ready to enjoy a colorful, tasty dish. It really is that simple.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Getting Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice right might seem tricky, but it’s actually a breeze. Halfway through, you’ll be amazed by how something so simple qualifies as one of those shockingly easy recipes. Perfect by itself or with any dish, it’s a no-brainer for any rice lover. You’ll nail it every single time, promise.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving takeout but want to stay home? The Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken recipe comes to the rescue. It’s a standout in the realm of shockingly easy recipes you won’t believe you haven’t made. Whip this up, and your family will think you’ve turned pro.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto.
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

On the lookout for something creamy yet not too heavy? Asparagus and White Bean Risotto is the answer among those shockingly easy recipes. It’s surprisingly simple to make and feels like you’re treating yourself. This dish is a total win for those nights when you need a little pampering without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Sweet corn risotto in a skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’ve never tried Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto, you’re missing out. It’s comfort food made easy, sitting pretty on the list of shockingly easy recipes you’ve got to try. The sweetness of the corn and the tang of the leek come together perfectly. It’s like summer in a bowl, every time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Tuna burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bun, served on a white plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever tried an Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich? Because, wow, it takes the classic to a whole new level. It earns its place among shockingly easy recipes with how crispy and delicious it turns out. After one bite, you’ll be making them this way every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

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