15 lazy dinners that taste like you tried (but you really didn’t)

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No one’s winning any awards for slaving away in the kitchen on a Tuesday night. If you’re looking for a dinner that screams “I tried” without actually having to try, you’ve come to the right place. These recipes are basically the cheat codes for looking like a culinary genius with minimal effort. From sheet pan wonders to “throw it in the air fryer and pray” meals, we’ve got you covered.

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Blackened mahi mahi over white rice.
Blackened Mahi Mahi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blackened mahi mahi comes together fast with a simple homemade seasoning mix and a few minutes under the broiler. This quick dinner keeps things easy without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This meatloaf recipe is straightforward and delivers on taste. It’s tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that’s thick enough to coat every slice.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This burger in a bowl gives you all the familiar flavors of a fast food favorite but in a bowl. Homemade special sauce brings it all together for an easy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick, Mediterranean-inspired pasta with lemon, spinach, and feta. Whether as a vegetarian dish or topped with your protein of choice, it’s a great go-to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cooking frozen salmon in the air fryer is hassle-free and ready fast. With a simple maple mustard sauce, you can go straight from freezer to table when time’s tight.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken and sweet potatoes with caramelized pecans, all made on one sheet pan. This no-fuss dinner keeps things simple and clean-up easy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick sheet pan pork chops with red cabbage, potatoes, and apples. It’s an all-in-one meal perfect for busy nights, with only one pan to clean.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip takeout and try this honey garlic chicken made in the slow cooker. With a sweet sauce and pineapple chunks, it’s an effortless recipe that the family will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These smashed white bean and kale quesadillas are loaded with melted cheddar and topped with creamy BBQ sauce. A hearty meatless meal made easy.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 30-minute dinner featuring gochujang chicken with a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce that’s perfect over white rice. Quick and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This 20-minute skillet dish has garlic chicken bites with mushrooms, onions, and red peppers. A quick one-pan dinner that’s fresh and fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A Greek shrimp skillet that’s ready in 30 minutes. Packed with tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta, oregano, and lemon, it’s a fast meal with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is an Italian classic made with just five ingredients. The rich, creamy sauce and simple prep make it a standout for an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pesto salmon is an easy, five-ingredient dinner that’s ready in under 25 minutes. Simple, oven-baked, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa chicken is a fast weeknight meal. Baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

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