22 time-saving recipes to free up your weekend

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Weekends are meant for relaxation and enjoyment, not spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why we’ve compiled 22 time-saving recipes that are perfect for weekend meals. These dishes are quick to prepare, using simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Make your weekends easier and more enjoyable with these straightforward and delicious recipes.

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet with fresh herbs.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans.
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish combines juicy grilled pork chops with succulent shrimp, creating a delightful surf and turf experience. Ready in just 30 minutes, the main ingredients are pork chops, shrimp, and a flavorful marinade. The combination offers a savory and slightly smoky taste with a hint of the sea. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Dairy Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

white bowl with chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic and a light linen around the bowl.
Dairy Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

This dairy-free slow cooker chicken Alfredo is creamy and rich without any dairy. Taking about 4 hours in the slow cooker, it features chicken, dairy-free cream, and pasta. The result is a comforting and indulgent dish with a smooth, savory flavor. It’s a time-saving recipe that allows you to enjoy your weekend while it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Close-up of roasted meatballs with a mix of colorful, chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices.
Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This sheet pan recipe combines chicken sausage with a variety of fresh vegetables for a nutritious meal. Ready in about 40 minutes, it includes ingredients like chicken sausage, bell peppers, and zucchini. The dish is flavorful and hearty, with a mix of savory and slightly sweet notes. It’s a convenient option for a balanced weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork chops with blackberry applesauce on a gray plate.
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This recipe pairs tender pork chops with a sweet and tangy applesauce enhanced by fresh blackberries. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features pork chops, apples, and blackberries. The combination offers a delightful contrast of savory meat with fruity, slightly tart sauce. It’s a quick and unique dish perfect for weekend meals.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish features tender chicken marinated in cilantro and lime, served over fluffy rice. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with main ingredients including chicken, cilantro, lime, and rice. The flavors are bright and zesty, with a refreshing citrusy kick. It’s an easy and flavorful meal for a relaxed weekend.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pork chops are coated in a tangy citrus glaze, creating a deliciously bright and savory dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, the main ingredients are pork chops, orange juice, and honey. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the meat perfectly. It’s a quick and delightful recipe for a weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Roasted chicken and vegetables in a skillet on a cutting board.
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This one-pan meal features roasted chicken and a variety of winter vegetables, making it hearty and nutritious. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, with ingredients like chicken, carrots, and potatoes. The dish is savory and aromatic, with herbs enhancing the natural flavors. It’s a convenient and wholesome option for a weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This recipe offers pork chops topped with a rich mustard shallot gravy. Ready in 30 minutes, the main ingredients are pork chops, mustard, and shallots. The gravy adds a tangy and savory depth to the tender meat. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weekend dining.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Curry Chicken with Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This curry chicken dish features tender chicken pieces cooked with onions in a flavorful curry sauce. It takes about 30 minutes to make, with main ingredients including chicken, onions, and curry spices. The result is a warm, spicy, and aromatic dish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for a cozy weekend.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This one-pan dinner combines pork with garlic and pepper for a simple yet flavorful meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, it includes pork, garlic, and bell peppers. The dish is savory with a hint of spice from the pepper. It’s an easy and quick option for a delicious weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

These grilled chicken kofta kebabs are seasoned with a blend of spices, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with ingredients like ground chicken, garlic, and various spices. The kebabs are savory with a hint of smokiness from the grill. It’s a quick and tasty option for a weekend barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Chicken Shawarma Plate. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chicken shawarma plate features marinated chicken served with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce. Ready in 40 minutes, it includes chicken, garlic, and a mix of spices. The flavor is rich and aromatic, with a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. It’s a delicious and quick meal for a weekend feast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fried chicken leg quarters served on plates.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer chicken legs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They take about 25 minutes to cook, with main ingredients including chicken legs and a simple seasoning blend. The result is a savory and satisfying dish with a perfect crunch. It’s a quick and easy option for a weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Ramen Chicken Noodles

Keto Ramen Chicken Noodles in a black bowl with various vegetables and boiled egg.
Ramen Chicken Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This ramen chicken noodle dish is a quick and tasty meal featuring tender chicken and flavorful broth. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, with ingredients like chicken, ramen noodles, and broth. The flavors are savory and comforting, with a hint of umami. It’s a perfect quick fix for a weekend lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Chicken Noodles

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This oven-baked dish features tender buttermilk-marinated chicken and crispy potatoes. Ready in about 45 minutes, the main ingredients are chicken, buttermilk, and potatoes. The flavors are rich and savory, with the buttermilk adding a slight tang. It’s a hearty and convenient meal for a relaxed weekend.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This grilled chicken dish is coated in a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with ingredients including chicken, maple syrup, and mustard. The flavors are a perfect blend of sweet and savory. It’s a quick and delightful option for a weekend barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers.
Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These beef bulgogi bowls feature marinated beef served over rice with fresh vegetables. Ready in about 30 minutes, the main ingredients are beef, soy sauce, and rice. The dish is savory and slightly sweet, with a rich umami flavor. It’s a quick and flavorful meal for a satisfying weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet with fresh herbs.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This creamy balsamic chicken skillet combines tender chicken with a rich balsamic cream sauce. It takes about 30 minutes to make, with main ingredients including chicken, balsamic vinegar, and cream. The flavors are savory and slightly tangy, with a creamy texture. It’s a quick and indulgent dish for a weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This chicken pot pie features a flaky crust and a savory tarragon gravy. Ready in about 45 minutes, the main ingredients are chicken, tarragon, and pie crust. The flavors are rich and comforting, with a hint of herbaceous tarragon. It’s a hearty and satisfying option for a weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This dish combines tender pork with garlic and herb-seasoned potatoes for a flavorful meal. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare, with ingredients like pork, garlic, and potatoes. The flavors are savory and aromatic, with herbs enhancing the dish. It’s a quick and hearty meal for a weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani on a plate with raita.
Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This chicken biryani features fragrant rice and tender chicken cooked with aromatic spices. Ready in about 45 minutes, the main ingredients include chicken, basmati rice, and a blend of spices. The flavors are rich, aromatic, and slightly spicy. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weekend feast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This bomb meatloaf is packed with savory flavors and a tender texture. It takes about 1 hour to prepare, with main ingredients including ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish with a rich, savory taste. It’s a perfect choice for a comforting weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

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