21 easy dinners to make before the Halloween candy chaos begins

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Before the Halloween sugar rush kicks in, you need something solid to get through the chaos. Between the costumes, candy, and constant doorbell ringing, there’s no time for complicated dinners. That’s where these quick, no-fuss meals come in. They’re easy, hearty, and just what you need to fuel up before diving headfirst into the night’s madness.

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

Salsa Chicken

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

Salsa chicken is your easy answer to a busy night. With chicken, salsa, corn, and cheddar all baked together, it’s on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for getting a quick meal in before the Halloween sugar rush.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

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 crust, quick to make, and paired with a honey dijon yogurt sauce. This dish is a great go-to when you need a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner that won’t slow down your night.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and cabbage come together in a quick skillet meal with just the right kick. Ready in 30 minutes, this stir-fry-style dinner keeps things easy when you’re juggling pre-Halloween madness.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

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.

Baked with a crispy pretzel coating, these pork chops are easy and lean, paired with a quick maple dijon sauce. Great for a weeknight meal that’s done fast, letting you focus on trick-or-treat prep.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One pan, no mess. Chicken, Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries all roast together in a maple mustard glaze. A quick and simple dinner that keeps things calm before the Halloween chaos begins.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco seasoning, ground beef, and veggies make this one-pan dinner a snap to cook. On the table in 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for a quick bite before the Halloween frenzy starts.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms come together in this quick stir-fry with a savory sauce. Simple, fast, and perfect for those evenings when you’ve got a lot on your plate (literally and figuratively).
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan stir-fry is all about ease. Ground beef, fresh veggies, and a garlic ginger sauce that beats any takeout. Ready in no time, so you can focus on wrangling those costumes and candy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

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.

Sticky, sweet, and quick to cook, this honey orange sesame chicken brings a takeout vibe without leaving the house. Easy to whip up, it’s a solid choice for keeping dinner stress-free before the Halloween rush.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for this cheesy, easy casserole. Quinoa, cheddar, and chicken come together for a simple dinner that fits perfectly into your busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

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

Tender chicken bites, mushrooms, and veggies all cooked up in a garlic-infused skillet. A 20-minute dinner that keeps it simple, leaving you more time to prep for Halloween night.
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.

Quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Shrimp, tomatoes, olives, and feta come together for a light but filling dinner you can make in just 30 minutes. Perfect for when you’re in a hurry to get the night going.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thinly sliced beef and broccoli cooked in minutes with a savory sauce. It’s a quick dinner fix when you need something fast and filling before the trick-or-treaters hit the streets.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

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.

Throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work. Honey garlic chicken with pieces of pineapple makes for a great, no-stress dinner that’s ready when you are. Perfect for keeping things easy before Halloween chaos sets in.
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.

Quick, cheesy, and meatless. These white bean and kale quesadillas come together fast with melted cheddar and a little BBQ drizzle. Easy to make before the doorbell starts ringing.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

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 on one sheet pan. It’s a simple, no-mess dinner that gets everything done in a flash—perfect for a busy night.
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.

Pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples all bake on one sheet. A complete meal with minimal cleanup, making it great for hectic weeknights before the candy haul begins.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Sheet Pan Sausage & Vegetables

Chicken sausage and vegetables on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Sausage & Vegetables. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sausage and veggies, all roasted on a single pan for an easy, balanced meal. Quick to throw together when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage & Vegetables

Burger Bowls

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

Everything you love about a burger, but in a bowl. With homemade special sauce and all your favorite toppings, this is a quick, easy option when you need a meal that’s simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Bomb Meatloaf

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

Classic meatloaf that’s tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze. Easy to prepare, making it a great go-to before the Halloween chaos kicks in.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

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.

Quick, easy, and bright, this Mediterranean-inspired pasta brings together lemon, spinach, and feta for a simple dinner. Enjoy it as a light vegetarian meal, or toss in your favorite protein for a bit more heft—perfect for a no-fuss dinner before the Halloween madness.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

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