No debates, just dinner: 15 effortless election eve recipes

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Tomorrow’s full of decisions, so tonight, let’s keep things as easy as possible. These recipes are all quick, straightforward, and packed with flavor—no kitchen drama required. Forget takeout and try one of these no-nonsense dinners that let you relax before the big day.

Homemade general tso shrimp with broccoli and rice in a bowl with chopsticks.
General Tso Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pesto salmon is a quick win for election eve—five ingredients, oven-baked, and on the table in 25 minutes. It’s a no-brainer when you want a flavorful dinner without hassle.
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 brings together tender chicken, salsa, corn, and cheddar in under 30 minutes. It’s easy, it’s crowd-pleasing, and it’s one less thing to stress about.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

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.

Classic and simple, bucatini cacio e pepe mixes Pecorino Romano and pasta water to make a rich, creamy dish. Great for when you want something hearty and easygoing.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pecan Crusted Chicken

Pecan crusted chicken cut into slices on a plate with honey dijon sauce and green beans.
Pecan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crunchy pecan-crusted chicken with a honey dijon sauce that’s hard to forget. Perfect for adding a little flavor punch without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cod piccata flips the classic on its head with tangy, pan-fried cod, capers, and lemon. Fast and fresh, it’s an easy choice when you want seafood without the drama.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Mango shrimp served with white rice on a white plate with spoon.
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet and spicy mango shrimp serves up a kick balanced with mango in just 20 minutes. Perfect for keeping it light and fun before the big day.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Turkey Chili Pie

Turkey chili pie in a skillet and serving bowls.
Turkey Chili Pie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey chili pie brings a one-skillet combo of lean turkey chili and cornbread topping. It’s hearty, simple, and ready to calm any pre-election nerves.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Pretzel crusted pork chop on a plate with broccoli and sweet potato.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pretzel-crusted pork chops with maple dijon sauce give you that great crunch and flavor you want. Baked and easy, they keep the stress at bay for a no-fuss night in.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Honey orange chicken with sesame seeds and green beans in a white bowl.
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honey orange sesame chicken takes on the flavors of takeout but is way quicker to make. Sweet, sticky, and ready in no time—perfect for staying in and chilling out.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kung Pao chickpeas bring that bold, takeout flavor with a plant-based twist. Easy to whip up, this one’s great when you want something familiar without all the effort.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer salmon bites are marinated in garlic-ginger soy and cook up fast. Serve with the extra sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a simple but great dinner ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

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.

Gochujang chicken serves up a sticky, spicy sauce in just 30 minutes. Perfect over rice, it’s a takeout vibe without leaving the house—just right for a chill evening.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lightened-up spaghetti alfredo with broccoli gives you creamy comfort without the heaviness. Quick and easy, it’s a go-to when you want simple and satisfying pasta.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli

General Tso Shrimp

Homemade general tso shrimp with broccoli and rice in a bowl with chopsticks.
General Tso Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

General Tso shrimp brings that sweet, slightly spicy sauce you love, ready in 10 minutes. No need to order out when this one-skillet dish is so quick and spot on.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice and chopsticks on the side.
Sweet & Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet and sour tofu combines crispy tofu with a sticky, tangy sauce in under 30 minutes. A veggie-friendly option that brings the takeout vibe to your kitchen fast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

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