Small batch recipes for small families

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Cooking for two or just don’t want leftovers cluttering up your fridge? Our collection of small batch recipes is exactly what you need. These dishes are perfectly portioned to serve two, making them ideal for a cozy dinner at home or a quiet evening with someone special. Each recipe is designed to minimize waste and simplify mealtime, from the zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken to the indulgent Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot. Say goodbye to endless leftovers and hello to fresh, delicious meals that fit just right.

Plate of creamy mushroom beef stroganoff served over mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley, with a fork on the side.
Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

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

Lemon Garlic Chicken offers a refreshing twist to your dinner routine, making it a perfect meal for two. The zesty lemon and aromatic garlic create a flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken with a delightful taste. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s easy to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening together.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

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 foolproof dinner option that brings a burst of flavor with minimal effort. The ranch seasoning gives the chicken a deliciously tangy and herby taste, making it a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s an ideal choice for a hassle-free dinner, leaving you plenty of time to relax and savor the meal.
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.

Set it and forget it with these Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops, a dish that simmers to perfection while you go about your day. By dinner time, you’re rewarded with tender pork chops smothered in a rich, savory sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes any ordinary evening feel like a special occasion, with very little effort on your part.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Oven Fried Chicken

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

Craving something crispy? Oven Fried Chicken is here to satisfy those desires without the mess of traditional frying. This version gets its crunch from a clever oven-baking technique, resulting in a golden exterior and juicy interior. It’s a comforting classic made easy, perfect for a laid-back dinner for two.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

Blackened Chicken Thighs

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

Blackened Chicken Thighs are sure to spice up your dinner plans. Coated in a blend of bold spices and seared to perfection, these thighs are juicy on the inside with a flavorful crust on the outside. It’s a quick and easy way to bring some excitement to the table, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce

Cheese sauce over cauliflower in a casserole.
Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Transform a simple vegetable into a showstopper with this Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce. The creamy, cheesy sauce drizzled over tender cauliflower makes for a side dish that could easily steal the spotlight. It’s a great way to add a touch of indulgence to your dinner for two, with very little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce

Oven BBQ Ribs

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

Bring the taste of the barbecue indoors with Oven BBQ Ribs. This recipe lets you enjoy fall-off-the-bone ribs any time of year, slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce for that perfect sticky-sweet finish. It’s a hands-off dinner that’s ideal for a cozy night in, letting the oven do all the work.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

KFC Fried Chicken

A hand holding a piece of fried chicken.
KFC Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Recreate the iconic KFC Fried Chicken for a fun and casual dinner for two at home. This homemade version captures the secret blend of spices for that addictive taste and crispy texture. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s sure to bring smiles and is perfect for a laid-back evening together.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken

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 gets its name from its ability to impress, and this Crock Pot version makes it effortlessly romantic. With its creamy, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish meant for special nights in. Serve this, and it might just elicit a proposal, or at the very least, a request for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot

Chicken Pot Pies

A homestyle pot pie served with a fork and knife.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Chicken Pot Pies are the epitome of comfort food, making them a perfect dinner for a chilly evening. With a flaky crust and a creamy filling of chicken and vegetables, these individual pies are a delightful way to end the day. They’re surprisingly easy to make, offering a homemade touch to your dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pies

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 bring elegance to the dinner table without the hassle. Stuffed with your favorite fillings and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these chicken breasts are juicy, flavorful, and ready in no time. It’s a dinner that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to pull off, making it perfect for a date night at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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