One pan to rule them all: 9 Easy dinners for busy nights

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If you’re looking for delicious and hassle-free meals, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite one-pan dinners to simplify your weeknight routine. These recipes offer tons of flavor and require minimal cleanup, so you can enjoy dinner without dreading the dishes. From meaty mains to veggie-packed dishes, there’s something for everyone here.

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs

Oven BBQ chicken in a tray with a salad.
Oven BBQ Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Save time and space with these Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs. Arrange the thighs in a single pan, coat with BBQ sauce, and bake. You’ll end up with juicy chicken that’s perfectly charred around the edges, all without juggling multiple pots and pans.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs

Creamy Ranch Chicken

Ranch chicken in a cream sauce in a blue skillet.
Creamy Ranch Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

For those who love the zesty tang of ranch dressing, this Creamy Ranch Chicken is a dream come true. Combine chicken, ranch seasoning, and a few other ingredients in one pan. The result is a creamy, savory dish that pairs well with almost any side, all made in a single pan.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Chicken

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole with avocado slices on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Get all the flavors of your favorite fajitas without the fuss with this Chicken Fajita Casserole. Simply layer chicken, bell peppers, onions, and spices in a pan, then bake. The one-pan wonder simplifies both cooking and cleaning, making your dinner routine a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Oven BBQ Pork Chops

BBQ Pork Chops in a cast iron frying pan.
Oven BBQ Pork Chops. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

If you’re craving barbecue but don’t want to fire up the grill, these Oven BBQ Pork Chops are your answer. Just lay the seasoned chops on a pan, slather them with your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the oven do the work. You’ll have tender, flavorful pork chops all made in one pan for easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Pork Chops

Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Satisfy your craving for Mexican cuisine with these Enchilada Meatballs. Combine ground meat, enchilada sauce, and spices, then cook everything in one pan. It’s a flavorful dish that gives you the essence of enchiladas without the need for rolling or layering.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup in a spoon over a bowl of soup.
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska

For a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, try this Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Toss chicken, gnocchi, veggies, and broth into a single pot, and let the magic happen. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that minimizes kitchen clutter.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Piccata

A skillet with chicken piccata in it on a wooden board on a white back ground.
Chicken Piccata. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Get a taste of Italy with less effort using this one-pan Chicken Piccata recipe. Cook the chicken and create a zesty lemon-caper sauce all in the same pan. You’ll save time on cooking and cleaning, but still enjoy a gourmet meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Chicken Marsala

Roasted chicken with mushrooms and potatoes in a cast iron skillet.
Chicken Marsala. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Why go out for Italian when you can make Chicken Marsala at home, and all in one pan? Cook the chicken and simmer it in a Marsala wine sauce, all without switching utensils or cookware. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal with the ease of one-pan cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Garlic Chicken

A cast iron skillet with chicken in a creamy sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

If you’re a garlic lover, this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to. Toss chicken breasts into a pan and let them sizzle, then add garlic and cream to create a sumptuous sauce. Everything cooks in one pan, making both preparation and cleanup incredibly simple while delivering a dish that’s rich in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken

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