17 weeknight dinners so easy, your caveman self can make them!

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Feeling like a caveman after a long day? Dinner shouldn’t feel prehistoric! These 17 weeknight recipes are so easy, even your inner cave dweller can make them in no time. We’re talking delicious, satisfying meals that take minimal effort. Fuel up for tomorrow’s adventures with yummy food that’s easy on you!

A plate of pasta with shrimp, asparagus, tomatoes, and a garnish of fresh herbs. A skillet with more pasta and additional tomatoes and asparagus can be seen in the background.
. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

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.

Say goodbye to the dinner rush with this Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt! Just marinate the chicken in creamy yogurt, set it in the slow cooker, and let it cook to tender perfection. By dinnertime, you’ll have juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken ready to serve—ideal for a stress-free weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken with Greek Yogurt

Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

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

For a quick and impressive dinner, try this Air Fryer Caprese Chicken! Layer chicken breasts with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, then cook to crispy perfection in the air fryer. Sounds fancy? Don’t be fooled – you’re caveman self can whip this up in no time! It’s simple to make and delivers a meal that feels restaurant-worthy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

Loaded Smashed Potatoes

A plate of loaded smashed potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped green chives.
Loaded Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a quick way to add a burst of flavor to your dinner! Crispy and cheesy with a tangy twist, they’re great as a side dish for family meals or as bite-sized appetizers for gatherings. Easy to prepare, these potatoes are sure to become a household favorite!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A white plate with vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms garnished with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Escape the takeout trap with these Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms! These earthy mushrooms filled with a flavorful blend are hearty and delicious, perfect for a vegetarian main course. With minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time—ideal for those nights when you need something easy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

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.

Make these Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls and your beginner self will be amazed by how they’re easy to make! Filled with tender chicken and creamy cheese, wrapped in flaky crescent dough, and baked to golden perfection, they’re incredibly easy to prepare. This quick meal is a warm, comforting option that even the most primitive cook can master!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

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.

Add a kick to your weeknight with this Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole! Juicy chicken mixed with creamy cheese and spicy jalapenos creates a flavorful casserole that’s ready in a snap. It’s an easy, comforting dish that brings bold flavors to your table without the hassle of takeout!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole

Spicy Cauliflower Bites

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

Turn up the heat on your weeknight dinner with these Spicy Cauliflower Bites! Coated in a crispy batter with a kick, these bites are bursting with flavors and textures. Quick to make and utterly addictive, they’re perfect for novice cooks like me!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Mushroom Hummus

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

Upgrade your weeknight snacks with this easy Mushroom Hummus! The blend of earthy mushrooms and creamy chickpeas creates a dip that’s rich and versatile. It’s a quick and easy appetizer that adds a flavorful twist to any meal, proving you don’t need advanced skills to enjoy something special!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus

Healthy Chicken Piccata

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

Simplify your dinner routine with this Healthy Chicken Piccata! The tender chicken bathed in a tangy lemon sauce offers a burst of freshness that’s quick and easy to prepare, even an amateur cook can whip this up in minutes! This healthy and delicious meal is sure to become a favorite and perfect for those nights when you want a quick dinner that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Piccata

Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta

A plate of pasta with shrimp, asparagus, tomatoes, and a garnish of fresh herbs. A skillet with more pasta and additional tomatoes and asparagus can be seen in the background.
Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Made with fresh shrimp and juicy tomatoes in a garlicky cream sauce, this Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta will have everyone craving for more! A sprinkle of basil adds a fresh kick, making this a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under an hour. No culinary degree required – this recipe is so easy!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta

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.

Feeling burnt out but craving something impressive? This Quick Baked Salmon with mayo is your weeknight lifesaver! This melt-in-your-mouth salmon is baked to flaky perfection in under 30 minutes with a creamy touch of mayonnaise. It’s a surprisingly easy and healthy dish that leaves you more time to relax after a long day!
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets

A basket of football shaped buffalo chicken pockets on a table.
Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets are a fun and easy way to celebrate game night or any night! Packed with juicy chicken in a fiery buffalo sauce, these mini bites are perfect for entertaining your crew. Don’t be intimidated by its visual appeal – they’re so quick and easy to assemble!
Get the Recipe: Football-Shaped Buffalo Chicken Pockets

Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

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

The flaky pastry bursts with melty cheese in these golden Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets, create a warm and irresistible bite that will make your guests raving the whole night! No fancy skills required – just a few ingredients and a quick bake time for a delicious and comforting meal that will surely disappear right away!
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

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 perfect for conquering those weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have time for complicated recipe! The tender chicken is tossed in a bold sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, making it a refreshing meal that’s bursting with Thai-inspired flavor. It’s a healthy alternative to takeout that you’ll love assembling together with the whole family!
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce

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.

Channel your inner chef with these Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach and Dates! The juicy chicken breasts filled with a flavorful blend of fresh spinach and sweet dates creates a surprisingly easy and impressive meal. Plus, this delicious meal only requires minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

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.

Remember those warm, comforting meals from childhood? This Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings brings back the feels without the fuss! Tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmering in a savory broth – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home! No need to worry about fancy ingredients – this recipe only requires kitchen staples!
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

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.

This copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken brings all the crispy, juicy goodness to your table, minus the long wait! With a crispy, golden crust and juicy chicken on the inside, this copycat recipe is sure to be a hit for both kids and adults! Plus, it’s simple enough for even the most basic of chefs, yet delivers irresistible flavor!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

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