Date night doesn’t have to mean reservations and crowded restaurants. With the right recipes, you can create a cozy, delicious meal right at home.
Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty like oven-baked ribs or something lighter like strawberry chicken salad, there’s a dish here to fit the mood. These recipes are easy enough to manage without stress but impressive enough to feel special. From rich, creamy three-cheese manicotti to perfectly seared lamb chops, you’ll find something that feels just right for two. Want to keep it simple? Try air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks or blackened chicken thighs.
Light a candle, and turn down the lights date night just got leveled up. Be sure to pour a glass of wine, and let these dishes set the scene for a memorable evening at home.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
This zesty lemon garlic chicken is simple, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The tangy lemon pairs perfectly with the rich garlic, creating a bright, savory dish that’s hard to resist. Serve it with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Sweet strawberries and savory chicken come together in this refreshing salad. Tossed with greens, feta, and a light dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Add some nuts for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chicken Salad
Chimichurri Shrimp
Juicy shrimp coated in a vibrant chimichurri sauce make this dish a total winner. The fresh herbs and garlic give it a bold, bright taste that’s perfect for serving over rice, veggies, or even in tacos. Quick to make and full of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Chimichurri Shrimp
Bang Bang Salmon
This salmon has just the right amount of spice, coated in a creamy, tangy sauce that keeps you coming back for more. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for when you want something a little different for dinner. Serve it with rice or roasted veggies for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Salmon
Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli
This sheet pan beef and broccoli is a lifesaver on busy nights. Tender beef and crisp broccoli are tossed in a savory sauce and roasted to perfection—all in one pan. Serve over rice for a no-fuss, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli
Three Cheese Manicotti
Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this three cheese manicotti is pure comfort food. The gooey cheese filling and rich tomato sauce make every bite satisfying. Pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for the perfect dinner.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti
Apple Cider Chicken Skillet
This apple cider chicken skillet brings together sweet and savory flavors in one easy dish. The chicken is tender and juicy, with a hint of apple that makes it perfect for fall or anytime you want something cozy. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Skillet
Pan Seared Lamb Chops
These lamb chops are pan-seared to perfection, locking in all the juicy, rich flavors. A simple seasoning lets the natural flavors shine, making this an impressive but easy dish for any occasion. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh salad.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Lamb Chops
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
Let the slow cooker do the work with these tender smothered pork chops. They’re cooked low and slow in a savory gravy that’s perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes or rice. Comfort food doesn’t get easier than this.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
KFC Fried Chicken
Crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, this homemade KFC-style fried chicken gives you that crave-worthy crunch at home. It’s easier than you think to get that perfect crispy coating. Serve with biscuits, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken
Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot
This crock pot chicken is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor—so good, they say it could make anyone fall in love! It’s a simple, hearty dish that’s great over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. The slow cooker makes it effortless.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These BBQ chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in tangy BBQ sauce. The air fryer makes them quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken Pot Pies
Classic chicken pot pies filled with tender chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce, all wrapped in a flaky crust. They’re hearty, comforting, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Make them in individual servings or as one big pie.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pies
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
These stuffed chicken breasts are packed with cheesy, savory goodness and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The crispy outside and flavorful filling make them a hit for any meal. Serve with a simple salad or roasted veggies.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Oven Baked Ranch Chicken
Oven-baked ranch chicken is juicy, flavorful, and coated in a crispy ranch-seasoned crust. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Great for weeknight dinners with a side of veggies or potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ranch Chicken
Oven BBQ Ribs
These oven-baked BBQ ribs are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, smoky sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, they’re perfect for when you’re craving ribs but don’t want to fire up the grill. Serve with cornbread, slaw, or baked beans.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs
Meatball Subs
Soft hoagie rolls stuffed with juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese make these meatball subs an instant favorite. They’re hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a casual dinner or game day treat.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Subs
Blackened Chicken Thighs
These blackened chicken thighs are packed with bold spices and cooked until perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. They’re quick, flavorful, and perfect with rice, veggies, or even in a wrap.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs
Oven Fried Chicken
Get that crispy, golden fried chicken texture without all the oil. This oven-fried chicken is crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and easy to make. Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, or your favorite sides.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken