School’s back in session, and between homework, activities, and tired kids, the last thing you want is a chaotic dinner scramble. Here’s your solution: 17 easy weeknight dinners that take no time to make. These kid-friendly recipes will get everyone fed and happy, leaving you more time for the important stuff – like surviving those first weeks back!
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a quick back-to-school dinner that turns leftover chicken into a flavorful meal. It’s a colorful mix of rice, tender chicken, and veggies, making it a budget-friendly option. Perfect for busy weeknights, it helps clear out the fridge while keeping everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Cashew Chicken
Cashew Chicken combines crispy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, offering a satisfying crunch in every bite. This easy-to-make dinner is perfect for those hectic school nights. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults, making dinner stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting back-to-school dinner with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth. It’s a simple, hearty meal that’s easy to whip up, especially when using rotisserie chicken. Perfect for unwinding after a long day of homework.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
This Grown-Up Mac and Cheese adds bacon and tomato for a richer version of a classic dish. It’s a quick and comforting choice for those busy back-to-school nights. The added flavors make it a dinner everyone at the table will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful back-to-school dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. The juicy chicken, bursting with lemon and garlic, is easy to make in the Instant Pot. This dish will give you more time to relax after a long day of school projects.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole is a simple and hearty back-to-school dinner. With seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need a meal with minimal cleanup. This casserole will keep everyone full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Honey Glazed Chicken
Honey Glazed Chicken is a back-to-school dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The juicy chicken, caramelized in a sweet and sticky glaze, is perfect for busy nights when takeout isn’t an option. This dish will have everyone looking forward to dinnertime.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a quick and filling back-to-school dinner packed with chicken, beans, and corn. It’s an easy meal to make after a busy day of school and activities. Perfect for nights when you need something warm and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pizza Pot Pies
Pizza Pot Pies are a fun and easy back-to-school dinner that uses leftover chicken. These mini pizzas bake quickly and are a hit with kids, making them perfect for busy nights. They’re a satisfying way to use up leftovers with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pot Pies
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich and creamy back-to-school dinner that’s easy to make. With tender broccoli and melted cheese, it’s a quick way to get a comforting meal on the table. Perfect for nights when time is short, and you need something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups offers all the comfort of lasagna in a quicker, easier form. These roll-ups are perfect for busy back-to-school dinners with little mess and easy prep. They make for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas are a quick and flavorful back-to-school dinner. Using shortcuts, these enchiladas deliver a tasty Mexican meal with minimal effort. They’re perfect for nights when you need a satisfying dinner that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Bacon Egg Salad
Bacon Egg Salad is a quick and easy back-to-school dinner that’s perfect for hungry students. The salty bacon adds a fun twist to the creamy egg mixture. It’s a simple meal that offers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork is an easy back-to-school dinner that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders. Slow-cooked to perfection, it makes a filling meal with minimal effort. Great for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna and Tomato Pasta is a quick back-to-school dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein and ready in about 25 minutes, it’s a meal the whole family can help prepare. This dish makes it easy to get dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting back-to-school dinner with cheesy tortellini and tender chicken in a flavorful broth. It’s a simple meal that’s perfect for using up leftovers. Great for busy nights when you need something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Shortcut Chicken Salad is a quick back-to-school dinner that’s refreshing and easy to make. Using canned chicken, it’s perfect for a light dinner or a fast lunch on hectic school nights. This salad is a great way to keep dinner simple and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad