15 skillet recipes that tell trendy meal kits to take a hike

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Somehow, dinner turned into a parade of subscription boxes and step-by-step cards like we’re all training to be contestants on a cooking show. Not here. These skillet recipes keep it simple, cozy, and just plain good. One pan, big flavor, and no mini bottles of mystery sauce to unpack.

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken skillet is perfect for ditching meal kits. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy chicken thighs with fresh spinach and tangy Dijon mustard topped with crispy bacon. The rich, creamy sauce is great for drizzling over rice or pasta, and the leftovers are even better. Making this at home means you control the ingredients, making it a great choice for a hearty weeknight dinner. Plus, you get to enjoy real, fresh flavors without the usual meal kit hassles.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Skip the meal kits and make Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach in 30 minutes. Cook shrimp in a garlic and tomato sauce with fresh spinach, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic, grape tomatoes, and basil. The light sauce keeps the flavors bright and refreshing. This recipe is a healthier and cheaper way to bring a taste of Italy to your table. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a fresh, homemade dinner without the cost and wait of trendy meal kits.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Forget meal kits with this Sausage Curry skillet. In 45 minutes, you get sausages, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, curry powder, chicken stock, tomato paste, coconut aminos, and heavy cream in a rich curry sauce. The sauce is thick and flavorful, perfect for spooning over rice or naan. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and a great way to spice up dinner. You’ll love how simple it is to make a delicious meal without relying on overpriced meal kits.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops are a great meal kit alternative. Sear seasoned scallops to a golden crust, then toss in a garlic butter sauce with lemon juice for a tangy touch. The simple ingredients make it easy to whip up this dish in no time. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor without the high cost, making it a perfect choice for a quick gourmet dinner at home. It’s a fast, fancy meal that’s way easier and cheaper than ordering from a trendy meal kit.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ditch meal kits for Creamy Tuscan Chicken. This dish features browned chicken thighs with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce that’s ready in no time. Perfect over pasta or with bread, it’s a comforting meal rich in flavor. This recipe is great for impressing guests or enjoying a gourmet meal at home without the high cost or hassle of a meal kit. It’s a smart choice for those who want to enjoy a fancy meal without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Cabbage and Sausage skillet for a quick dinner that’s better than meal kits. Sauté smoked sausage with tender cabbage and sweet onions until caramelized. The flavors are simple but hearty, making it a great one-pan meal. This easy recipe saves cleanup time and is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty dinner without the cost or wait of meal kits. It’s a comforting choice for the family. This dish is all about quick, filling flavors with minimal time and effort involved.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Skip meal kits and make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Ready in 20 minutes, these bites have tender chicken seasoned and cooked to perfection, then coated in rich garlic butter, perfect for a quick dinner. This dish is versatile and pairs well with any side, making it easy to fit into your meal plan. Plus, you can cook in bulk and reheat throughout the week. This is a great option for busy folks who want a quick, flavorful meal without the hassle of meal kits. It’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to save time and enjoy a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A skillet of creamy mushroom sauce chicken with chunks of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce garnished with chopped parsley, stirred with a wooden spoon.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Say goodbye to meal kits with Chicken and Creamy Mushroom Sauce. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken thighs in a creamy mushroom sauce made with garlic, thyme, chicken stock, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Perfect over rice or noodles, this dish is rich in flavor and easy to reheat with a splash of milk. This quick skillet meal makes dinner easy and delicious without the need for a trendy meal kit. It’s perfect for anyone looking to make a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Forget meal kits and make Fried Cabbage with Bacon tonight. In 25 minutes, you’ll have a hearty dish with rich bacon and crisp cabbage sautéed with onions and a touch of sweetener. This meal is great with pork chops, bread, or soup and reheats well, maintaining its texture and flavor. It’s an easy-to-make option that shows you don’t need a meal kit to enjoy a great meal. This dish is perfect for those who want a quick, filling dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Broccoli Fritters

A stack of broccoli fritters on a plate.
Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re tired of meal kits, make Broccoli Fritters instead. In 35 minutes, you get crispy patties made from steamed broccoli, Parmesan cheese, and eggs, perfect for dipping in sour cream, yogurt, or spicy mayo. These fritters are great for meal prep and easy to reheat throughout the week, making them a perfect quick snack or side dish. This recipe shows that you can enjoy delicious and convenient food without relying on meal kits. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to add more veggies to their meals.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Skip the meal kit and go for Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts, ready in 30 minutes. This dish features seared chicken thighs paired with tender artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce, creating a rich and hearty meal. Serve it over rice or pasta for a complete dinner. This recipe is a great option when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen or too much money on a meal kit. Plus, it’s easy to make and brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a quick skillet meal that beats pricey meal kits. In just 30 minutes, you get chicken loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for that burst of flavor. It’s perfect over pasta, mashed potatoes, or veggies, making it versatile and hearty. If you’re short on time but want a meal that feels gourmet, this recipe is perfect. Plus, the leftovers heat up well, so you’ve got a great meal ready in minutes without the extra cost of a meal kit.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a great choice that beats meal kits. This dish is ready in 30 minutes with tender chicken simmered in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Made with whipping cream, garlic, Parmesan, and chicken stock, it’s perfect over pasta or veggies. For a quick yet impressive dinner that’s easy to clean up, this one-skillet meal is perfect. It’s a stress-free way to get a fine dining taste at home without the hassle of meal kits. This recipe also saves you money and time while delivering rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is a simple skillet recipe that’s better than meal kits in taste and convenience. Ready in just 20 minutes, it combines shredded chicken with green chilies, onions, and garlic for a flavorful dish. Enjoy it on its own, over cauliflower rice, or in tortillas for a flexible meal option. If you need a recipe that saves time and money but is full of flavor, this is perfect. It’s also great for using leftover chicken, making meal planning easy and exciting without relying on meal kits.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet is your go-to for quick, delicious meals that beat meal kits. This 30-minute recipe includes ground beef, mushrooms, cauliflower rice, and a creamy sauce topped with cheese and broiled until golden. It’s a great, comforting weeknight meal that’s low on carbs but high on taste. For a dish that’s easy, budget-friendly, and filling for the family, this skillet meal is perfect. Leftovers reheat easily, making weekday lunches simple and saving you from the cost and hassle of meal kits.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

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