Weeknight dinner sos: 21 recipes to save you from takeout

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Let me tell you a secret: cooking on a weekday doesn’t need to be a drag! Trust me, with these 21 simple recipes, you’ll be whipping up dishes that are way better than takeout. So sit tight, because your weeknight dinner SOS with these recipes is about to save you from takeout!

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

A Thai omelet with jasmine rice in a bowl.
Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s say farewell to takeout and say hello to a homemade Quick Thai Omelet Recipe. Seriously, this dish is a breeze, it’s loaded with taste and you’ll have it ready in a jiffy. No more time wasted on what to cook tonight, this recipe has got you covered. It’s a mini flavor trip to Thailand right from the comfort of your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)

Chicken and Rice Casserole

A baked rice casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for a complete meal without the hassle? The Chicken and Rice Casserole is a real jackpot. Imagine a full meal in one dish, all taken care of in the oven. This recipe is your go-to for a fuss-free dinner and an amazing alternative to the same old daily takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The Slow Cooker Pot Roast might become your new best friend for busy weeknights. It’s all taken care of while you go about your day. By the time you reach home, a good dinner is waiting for you at the table. Trade your takeout cravings for a home-cooked roast with almost no work involved.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Why go out when you can make the best chicken nuggets right at home? The Chick-fil-A Nuggets recipe brings the same crunch and flavor that you love from the franchise but to the comfort of your dining table. It’s fast, it’s delicious, and it knocks the socks off the takeout version.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Think of the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork as your tasty ally when you want to avoid the drudgery of daily cooking. Let it slow-cook through the day and by evening, voila! A hearty pulled pork meal is ready to be served. No need for takeout when you can walk into the comforting smell of a delicately cooked meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Easy Chicken Tenders

Breaded chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce.
Easy Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes it’s the simplest dishes that save the day, like these Easy Chicken Tenders. They’re straightforward, quick, and a hit across all ages. Perfect for those days when you wish you could dial for fast food, but would rather skip it. With a taste like this, takeout’s got nothing on you.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Eggplant Casserole

A plate of eggplant casserole with sauce and cheese.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Have an easy weeknight with an Eggplant Casserole. Seriously, this dish is packed with veggies and simple to make. You’ll love how it takes the stress out of cooking, plus it stands up really well to reheating. Bonus points for saving you from reaching for takeout tomorrow lunchtime too.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever tried making your favorite takeout-style chicken at home? With the Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe, you can beat the takeaway at their own game. It’s quick, tasty, and best eaten right from your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto.
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Giving fancy risottos a run for their money is the Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. It’s creamy, easy to make, and brings a touch of class to your typical Tuesday dinner. Keep in mind, that this dish tastes like effort, but it’s truly a breather to create. Bye-bye, takeout; hello, homemade elegance.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Sweet corn risotto in a skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Here’s a dish that feels like summer but is a go-to any time of the year – Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. It’s easy, tasty, and a definite show-stealer. Need a comforting dish without shaking your fists at a complicated recipe? Well, this is the one.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crave comfort food? You might want to veer away from the usual takeout and try making Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. This recipe gives you that classic taste and a warming hug on a plate when you need it most. This dish is about being your cozy savior after a long day at work.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Believe it or not, a tasty rack of ribs doesn’t necessarily mean you need a grill. With the Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe, you can have tender ribs with ease. It’s about getting big flavors with minimal effort. Say goodbye to takeout ribs and hello to a relaxed dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring the heat home with the Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. It’s comfort food with a kick and won’t stress you with any complex how-to’s. Who knew homemade fare could be this exciting and as easy as your favorite takeout?
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring the restaurant dining experience home with the Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. It’s a rich dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t come with the usual plush price tag. This recipe’s all about adding a touch of magic to your dinner table without sweating it out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Glazed barbecued chicken drumsticks on a white plate.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Swap out takeout for an easy home-cooked meal with the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Juicy, flavorful, and a breeze to make – yup, that’s right. Not to mention, the clean-up is a walk in the park. That’s dinner sorted without any trouble!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Skip the fast-food joint and make a Homemade KFC Zinger Burger instead. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and much easier to put together than you’d think. Ready to say goodbye to waiting at the drive-thru and hello to a mouthwatering homemade burger? This is your ticket.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Roasted air fryer whole chicken served on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Want a rotisserie chicken without the fuss? The Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe makes that possible and then some! It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a lifesaver for weeknight dinners. Why opt for takeout when you can roast chicken at home?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

A gochujang cabbage steak on a bed of white rice.
Gochujang Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Up for a different kind of steak tonight? The Gochujang Cabbage Steaks might just be your new go-to. It’s a cinch to make and brings a flavorful Korean twist without the need for any meats. So why dial for takeout when you can whip up this tasty side in no time?
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The Chipotle Grilled Chicken is perfect if you’re in the mood for something flavorful but easy to handle after a long day. With the grilling doing most of the work, this dish turns into an effortless winner. So, why opt for a takeout box when you can have this tasty chicken dish at home?
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Baked Mushroom Rice

A plate of mushroom baked rice served next to a cast iron skillet.
Baked Mushroom Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Frustrated with side dishes? The Baked Mushroom Rice is easy to make and a major crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect solution for those days you don’t know what to make to complement your meal. Put that carryout menu away and give this a whirl.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Air fryer chicken wings served with fresh tomatoes and herbs on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No deep frying is needed here. The Air Fryer Chicken Wings are extra crispy and super quick to make. Plus, your kitchen stays clean – yes, really! Handy, tasty, and quicker than your favorite wing takeaway can deliver.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

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