17 shortcut recipes that don’t short cut on flavor

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At the end of the day, so often the last thing we want to do is spend a lot of time cooking. And takeout gets expensive. These meals are shortcuts on time but definitely not on taste. Everything can easily be on the table in a half hour or less.

With just a few simple steps, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready to enjoy with your loved ones in no time. Take, for example, our semi-homemade chicken enchiladas made with leftover rotisserie chicken. In just a few easy steps, you can have this or any other of these comforting and flavorful meals on the table that’ll have your whole family asking for seconds. Whatever your taste preferences, these shortcut recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

And the best part? Your family will rave about your cooking skills, even though you’ve spent minimal time in the kitchen. You don’t need to tell them, just bask in their praise. With these recipes in your repertoire, you’ll be a culinary hero in no time.

Honey glazed chicken on a blue plate.
Honey Glazed Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey Glazed Chicken

Treat yourself to the deliciousness of honey glazed chicken, a perfect shortcut dinner for busy weeknights. Coated in a sweet and sticky glaze, this easy-to-make dish is sure to please your taste buds with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Say goodbye to mealtime stress with these cheesy chicken enchiladas made using rotisserie chicken. In just a few simple steps, enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows a closeup of Kung Pao Chicken Salad in a white bowl.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Spice up your salad routine with this zesty Kung Pao chicken salad, packed with bold flavors and crunchy veggies. It’s a refreshing and satisfying meal option that’s quick and easy to prepare using leftover chicken, perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Canned Chicken Salad

Enjoy a hassle-free meal with canned chicken salad, perfect for hot days when you don’t feel like cooking. Pair it with greens or enjoy it as a sandwich for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option that requires no cooking.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Poached Orange Salmon

Delight in the ease and flavor of poached orange salmon, a quick and healthy dish suitable for any occasion. With minimal effort, enjoy the deliciousness of this flavorful fish for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows an overhead shot of chicken taco wraps cut into pinwheels and on a wooden skewer.
Chicken Taco Wraps. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Taco Wraps

Enjoy the convenience of these chicken taco wraps, a great shortcut dinner made with leftover chicken. No cooking required, so you can savor the cool and flavorful wrap without heating up your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps

Overhead shot of chicken tortilla soup in a red bowl on wooden table with tortilla strips on the soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Delight in the simplicity of chicken tortilla soup, a quick and hearty meal perfect for any occasion. With leftover rotisserie chicken chicken, canned beans, and corn, it’s a great shortcut dinner that’s both easy to make and satisfying to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Image shows a closeup of chicken egg roll in a bowl in a blue enameled cast iron pot.
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Discover the mouthwatering simplicity of Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl—a quick and flavorful recipe that satisfies your cravings effortlessly. Enjoy leftover rotisserie chicken, crisp veggies, and savory seasonings for a fuss-free meal in about 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kefta Kebabs

Switch up your dinner routine with these flavorful kefta kebabs, an easy and delicious alternative to burgers. Packed with flavor and simple to make, these kebabs are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Enjoy a protein-packed meal with Mexican skillet quinoa, filled with flavor from salsa, beans, corn, and more. This one-pot wonder is both easy to make and delicious, making it the perfect shortcut dinner option for any night.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey Habanero Tacos

Spice up Taco Tuesday with these flavorful honey habanero tacos, a quick and easy twist on the classic ground beef tacos. Enjoy the deliciousness of this recipe that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cacio e Pepe

Experience the simplicity of Cacio e Pepe, a quick and fancy-sounding dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. In just 15 minutes, indulge in the cheesy goodness of this classic pasta dish with minimal effort required.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Image shows Creamy Pea Pasta in an enameled cast iron pot.
Creamy Pea Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy Pea Pasta

Satisfy your cravings with Creamy Pea Pasta, a meatless Monday favorite that’s both quick and delicious. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this flavorful dish for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pesto Salmon

Delight in the vibrant flavors of pesto-infused salmon, a healthy choice that’s bursting with freshness. Enjoy the balanced and nutritious dinner option that combines the herbal notes of pesto with the richness of salmon.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato Basil Bisque

Experience the comforting harmony of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil in this rich Tomato Basil Bisque. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic soup offers a warm and satisfying dinner option that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows Soy ginger salmon on a white plate with sweet potato tater tots.
Soy Ginger Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soy Ginger Salmon

Treat yourself to the succulent flavors of soy ginger salmon, a quick and healthy dish bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. Savor the delicate taste and texture of this easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Yes, you can quickly and easily make sushi at home with these tantalizing Spicy Tuna Rolls, a convenient and delicious alternative using canned tuna. Discover a mouthwatering blend of flavors and textures that satisfy your sushi cravings effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

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