Some nights, cooking a big meal just isn’t an option. Whether the day was long or there’s not much energy left, dinner still needs to happen. These recipes keep things simple with quick prep and easy ingredients. They come together fast, so a satisfying meal is on the table without extra work.
Canned Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Smoky, tender chicken gets coated in tangy BBQ sauce for a meal that’s big on flavor. Serve it in a sandwich, over rice, or on its own for a meal that tastes slow-cooked but comes together fast. This is a quick and satisfying dinner that keeps things easy when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken Taco Wraps
Juicy, seasoned chicken gets wrapped in a soft tortilla with fresh toppings for a meal packed with flavor. Warm spices and cool toppings balance each bite, making it both hearty and refreshing. This is a quick and delicious dinner that makes mealtime simple and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Cacio e Pepe
Creamy, peppery pasta comes together with just a few ingredients for a dish full of bold flavor. The sauce clings to every strand, making each bite rich and satisfying without extra effort. This is a fast and delicious dinner that proves great meals don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Honey Glazed Chicken
Tender chicken gets coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s packed with flavor. The sauce thickens as it cooks, adding just the right balance of sweetness and depth without extra steps. This is a quick and delicious dinner that proves simple meals can still feel special.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Canned Chicken Salad
Creamy dressing turns canned chicken into a flavorful and satisfying meal in minutes. The mix of tender chicken and bold seasoning makes every bite hearty without extra work. This is an easy and quick dinner recipe that takes the stress out of mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad
Cashew Chicken
Bold, savory flavors come together in no time with this homemade version of a takeout favorite. Tender chicken and crunchy cashews get tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce that ties everything together. This is a fast and delicious dinner that proves homemade is just as good as restaurant food.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Pesto Salmon
Garlicky pesto melts into flaky salmon as it bakes, locking in moisture and adding big flavor. The sauce keeps the fish tender while bringing a fresh, herby taste to every bite. This is a quick and flavorful dinner that makes cooking feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Fresh herbs, tender chicken, and simple seasonings create a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Every bite balances bright flavors with hearty orzo, making it feel fresh but still filling. This is a quick and easy dinner that brings big taste without the extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Rich, savory broth filled with tender chicken and soft tortellini makes this soup hearty and satisfying. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a meal that tastes slow-cooked but comes together fast. This is an easy and delicious dinner that’s perfect when time is short but flavor still matters.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Pea Pasta
Velvety sauce wraps around tender pasta, creating a meal that feels rich without being heavy. Sweet peas add freshness, making every bite smooth, creamy, and balanced. This is a quick and delicious dinner that proves simple ingredients can still make a meal feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
One pan, bold spices, and hearty quinoa come together for a meal that’s packed with flavor. Everything cooks together, blending perfectly while keeping cleanup easy. This is a quick and satisfying dinner that proves fast meals can still be full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Tomato Lime Chicken
Zesty lime and savory tomato create a bold sauce that makes tender chicken burst with flavor. The tangy and rich combination keeps the dish light but satisfying, perfect for busy nights. This is a quick and easy dinner that tastes like it took far more effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor, these enchiladas come together fast without losing that homemade taste. Rotisserie chicken keeps things simple while the creamy filling adds the perfect balance of comfort and spice. This is an effortless and delicious dinner that makes mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Honey Habanero Tacos
Sweet honey and fiery habanero bring just the right balance of heat and bold flavor to these tacos. Each bite packs a kick without being overwhelming, making them hard to put down. This is a fast and delicious dinner that brings big flavor without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
All the flavors of an egg roll come together in one pan without the deep frying. Savory chicken, crisp veggies, and a bold sauce make it feel like takeout but with half the work. This is a quick and flavorful dinner that keeps things simple without losing taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Kefta Kebabs
Juicy, spiced ground meat gets grilled to perfection on skewers for a meal that’s packed with bold flavor. Serve them with rice, flatbread, or fresh veggies for a dish that’s simple but satisfying. This is an easy dinner recipe that proves bold flavor doesn’t have to mean extra work.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Poached Orange Salmon
Bright citrus flavor infuses tender salmon as it gently poaches, keeping every bite moist and fresh. The light, zesty broth adds depth without overpowering the natural richness of the fish. This is a quick and healthy dinner that proves fresh flavors don’t have to take all night.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Get all the bold, savory flavors of takeout in a fast, homemade stir fry that’s ready in no time. Tender beef and crisp broccoli cook up in a rich sauce that brings everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that keeps things easy while still tasting like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot
Rich, hearty flavors come together fast in this comforting beef stew. Tender meat simmers in a flavorful broth, creating a dish that tastes like it cooked all day. This is a quick and satisfying dinner that proves slow-cooked taste doesn’t have to take hours.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot
Quick Baked Salmon with Mayo
A creamy mayo glaze locks in moisture, keeping this salmon tender and full of flavor as it bakes. The simple prep makes it easy to get a healthy, satisfying dinner on the table in no time. It’s a great choice when you want something rich and flavorful without the hassle of a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon with Mayo
Bloody Mary Shrimp
Bold, savory flavors turn tender shrimp into a quick and exciting meal. A zesty sauce inspired by the classic cocktail adds heat and depth while keeping things simple. This is a fast and flavorful dinner that brings big taste without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp