When it comes to weeknight dinners, easy and quick is the name of the game. After a long day, no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen, and that’s where these meals come in. They’re simple to prepare, use ingredients you likely already have, and take minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, these recipes will make weeknight cooking a breeze.
One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner
This dish features tender pork seasoned with garlic and pepper, roasted alongside potatoes and carrots in one pan. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a time-saving option for busy weeknights. The garlic and pepper blend adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor, perfect for a comforting meal. You’ll love how easily it all comes together with minimal clean-up.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with cilantro and lime, served over fluffy rice. It’s ready in about 40 minutes and offers a fresh, zesty flavor with a hint of tang from the lime. The cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and rice. It’s an easy, satisfying dish for any night of the week.
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Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Pork chops are glazed with a citrus sauce made from fresh oranges and limes, offering a sweet and tangy flavor. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy pork chops with a bright citrus punch that pairs well with your favorite side dishes. The balance of sweet and tart makes this a standout meal. It’s a great option when you want something quick but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
This salad features shredded chicken tossed in a tangy Carolina BBQ sauce, served over a bed of fresh greens. In 20 minutes, you’ll have a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for warmer nights. The BBQ sauce provides a slightly sweet, mustardy kick that complements the crunchy veggies. It’s a great way to enjoy BBQ flavors in a healthier form.
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Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy balsamic sauce, with garlic and herbs rounding out the flavor. This dish takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and comforting dinner. The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tang, balanced by the rich cream sauce. Serve it with rice or pasta to soak up every drop.
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Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes
Tender pork is cooked alongside golden, crispy potatoes, all seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs. This dish comes together in 40 minutes and offers a hearty, savory flavor profile. The garlic adds depth while the herbs bring a touch of freshness, making it a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner. It’s a one-pan wonder that you’ll turn to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This dish features juicy chicken roasted with a medley of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and onions. In just 45 minutes, the chicken and veggies turn golden brown and tender, with a hint of garlic and herbs. The flavors meld together perfectly, making this an easy, satisfying meal. You’ll appreciate the minimal effort for such a wholesome dish.
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Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Bone-in pork chops are served with a rich mustard shallot gravy, creating a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. The mustard adds a sharp bite, while the shallots offer a sweet, caramelized flavor. Together, they create a balanced sauce that pairs beautifully with the pork. This is an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Chicken Shawarma Plate
This dish features marinated chicken shawarma served with rice, salad, and a tangy garlic sauce. In about 45 minutes, you’ll enjoy tender, spiced chicken with a variety of textures and flavors. The spices give the chicken a warm, earthy flavor that’s balanced by the fresh salad and creamy garlic sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that feels like takeout but is easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Chicken breasts are grilled and coated in a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce, ready in 30 minutes. The maple syrup brings a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the sharpness of the mustard. It’s a great dish for when you want something grilled but with a unique twist. Serve it with a side of veggies or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
This classic chicken pot pie is made with a creamy tarragon-infused gravy, filled with tender chicken and vegetables. In about an hour, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal with a flaky crust. The tarragon adds a subtle, earthy flavor that elevates this pot pie from ordinary to special. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy evening at home.
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Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary
Juicy chicken breasts are paired with a creamy sauce made from citrus juice and fresh rosemary. This dish takes about 40 minutes and has a bright, fresh flavor from the citrus, balanced by the earthy rosemary. The creaminess of the sauce adds richness without being too heavy. It’s a light yet satisfying option for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary
Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan
This recipe combines chicken sausage with a variety of vegetables, all roasted together on one sheet pan. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a balanced meal that’s both healthy and delicious. The chicken sausage brings a smoky, savory flavor, while the roasted veggies add a bit of sweetness and crunch. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
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Uzbek Chicken Plov
This traditional Uzbek dish features chicken, rice, carrots, and a blend of warm spices like cumin and coriander. In about an hour, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dish that’s comforting and filling. The spices infuse the rice and chicken with a rich, aromatic flavor. It’s a great meal for when you want something a little different but still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek Chicken Plov
Chicken Colombian Tamales
These tamales are made with seasoned chicken and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Ready in about 2 hours, they offer a rich, hearty flavor with tender chicken and a soft, masa-like texture. The banana leaves add a subtle earthy flavor that’s traditional in Colombian cuisine. It’s a bit more involved but well worth the effort for a special weeknight dinner.
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Chicken Marbella
This dish features chicken thighs baked with prunes, olives, capers, and white wine for a savory-sweet combination. In just over an hour, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich blend of Mediterranean flavors. The prunes add sweetness, while the olives and capers bring a briny, tangy contrast. It’s a unique dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.
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Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
This hearty dish combines chicken, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices, all cooked quickly in an Instant Pot. Ready in about 40 minutes, it has a rich, savory flavor with a slight sweetness from the tomatoes. The chicken is tender and juicy, soaking up all the flavors from the spices and veggies. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are marinated in a blend of garlic, cumin, and citrus juice, then baked until tender. This dish takes about an hour, and the result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a slightly tangy, smoky flavor. The marinade infuses the drumsticks with a bold, savory taste. It’s a simple, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any weeknight.
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Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
This dish features chicken marinated in buttermilk and baked with crispy potatoes for a comforting meal. In about an hour, the chicken turns golden and tender, while the potatoes become perfectly crispy. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that enhances the flavor of the chicken. It’s a simple, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Ground chicken is mixed with herbs and spices, formed into kebabs, and grilled to perfection. Ready in about 30 minutes, these kebabs are juicy and packed with flavor from garlic, cumin, and fresh herbs. The grilling adds a slight char, enhancing the overall taste. Serve with a side of rice or salad for an easy and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab