Long weekend’s over: 13 simple dinners to beat the back-to-work blues

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Long weekend fading faster than your tan? Don’t let the back-to-work blues steal your shine! These 13 simple dinners are what you need! Make delicious meals in no time, putting the “yum” back in your weeknights and leaving you feeling energized and ready to tackle anything.

A serving spoon scoops into a baked casserole with penne pasta, cheese, jalapeños, and bacon pieces.
Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and dates on a white plate.
Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Serve this impressive Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Dates in under an hour! The juicy chicken filled with a flavorful mix of fresh spinach and sweet dates creates a tasty and healthy dinner option that your whole family will surely enjoy. This quick recipe requires minimal baking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Chicken Caprese with tomato and basil on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Skip the wait for restaurant-quality food! Make this Air Fryer Caprese Chicken at home for a healthier twist on the classic Italian takeout. Layers of juicy chicken breast, fresh tomatoes, and melty mozzarella cheese cook to crispy perfection in minutes, with no added oil. It’s incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

A plate with puff pastry cheese pockets on it.
Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Resist the urge for greasy takeout and make these quick and easy Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets instead! The flaky, golden pastry bursts with melty cheese, creating a warm and comforting bite. These delicious pockets come together in no time, leaving you more room to relax after a long day!
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

Mushroom Hummus

Hummus with mushrooms and crackers on a white plate.
Mushroom Hummus. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Say goodbye to bland store-bought dips and take your weeknight meal to the next level with this Mushroom Hummus! The earthy mushrooms and creamy chickpeas blend together for a rich and savory dip that’s perfect for scooping up with your favorite veggies or pita bread. The best part? This recipe uses pantry staples and comes together in a flash, saving you precious time after a long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus

Spicy Cauliflower Bites

A plate of baked spicy cauliflower bites with red sauce next to it.
Spicy Cauliflower Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These addictive Spicy Cauliflower Bites are the perfect way to add some excitement to your weeknight routine, minus the hassle.Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a crispy, flavorful batter with a touch of heat. Baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized goodness are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight side dish or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt

A plate of shredded chicken and green beans served with a garnish of herbs, accompanied by lemon slices and bowls of food in the background.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Enjoy a delicious and comforting meal without the evening rush with this Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt! Simply toss chicken with a flavorful and creamy yogurt marinade, pop it in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Dinner practically cooks itself, leaving you with juicy, tender chicken ready to fall off the bone!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt

Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans on a plate with a fork.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Craving that comforting taste of home cooking but don’t have the energy to cook after a long weekend? This Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken is your weeknight savior! Skip the drive-thru and recreate that familiar, crispy golden chicken with simple ingredients. This easy recipe brings the warmth of home cooking straight to your table!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

A bowl of chicken and dumplings with a spoon and parsley.
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Say goodbye to post-weekend blues with a warm hug in a bowl – Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings! Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmer together in a flavorful broth, recreating those comforting flavors that chase away the Monday blues. This hearty and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Healthy Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata with lemon and capers on a plate.
Healthy Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Don’t let the post-weekend slump weigh you down! This Healthy Chicken Piccata is a light and flavorful option that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tangy lemon sauce adds a burst of brightness to the tender chicken, making it a refreshing change from heavy takeout options. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, leaving you more time to unwind and ease back into your routine!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Piccata

Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Salmon fillets stacked on a plate with lemons and herbs in the background.
Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Treat your family to restaurant-worthy flavor in under an hour with this Quick Baked Salmon with Mayo! This healthy and impressive dish features a flaky salmon fillet bathed in a creamy mayo sauce that feels like a special occasion, minus the takeout guilt. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, so you can have more time to relax and recharge after a busy weekend.
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole

A serving spoon scoops into a baked casserole with penne pasta, cheese, jalapeños, and bacon pieces.
Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Spice up your weeknight meal with this Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole! Creamy cheese and fiery jalapenos come together with juicy chicken in a casserole that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a quick and easy dish that satisfies your comfort food cravings without the wait or expense of takeout.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Thai chicken lettuce wraps with peanut sauce on a white plate.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are a refreshing and flavorful alternative to takeout! Packed with bold flavors, this dish combines tender chicken, a rich peanut sauce, and crisp lettuce leaves for a fun and interactive meal. It’s ready in minutes and offers a delicious escape from boring routine dinners!
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Missing the fun of weekend gatherings? Spice up your weeknight with this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole! This dish is bursting with flavor, combining creamy cheese, fiery jalapenos, and juicy chicken in a comforting casserole. It’s an easy way to satisfy your comfort food cravings without the wait or expense of takeout!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

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