Cooking dinner every night can feel like a lot, and no one wants to spend time on a meal that falls flat. These 31 easy, reader-approved recipes have been tested by home cooks who say they deliver both flavor and simplicity. They use basic ingredients that are easy to find, come together quickly, and give you a solid plan for every night of the month. No more guessing what to make when you’re tired, and these are the meals your family will keep asking for again and again.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Curry
Chicken cooks in a creamy coconut sauce with spices that add flavor without extra steps. The recipe comes together fast yet still delivers a hearty and satisfying meal. This easy, reader-approved dinner is one people keep making when they want flavor that works on any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Garlic and lemon simmer with chicken until every bite is tender and bright. It can be made on the stove or in the Instant Pot for flexible prep. This popular recipe is a favorite for anyone who wants a simple, dependable dinner that always comes out right.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Chicken and vegetables cook in a savory sauce and are topped with soft biscuits for a filling dinner. The recipe is simple to make but tastes like it was slow-cooked with care. This trusted, reader-loved dish is one people make repeatedly because it always hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Bacon Egg Salad
Creamy egg salad gets a boost from crispy bacon to make a meal that feels hearty and satisfying. It comes together quickly and works on bread, toast, or by itself. This easy, reader-favorite recipe is one people return to when they need a fast, dependable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Cashew Chicken
Tender chicken cooks with crunchy cashews in a rich, savory sauce that coats every bite. The recipe comes together fast and tastes like takeout without any fuss. This well-loved dish is one people make again and again because it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Pasta sheets get filled with cheese and sauce, rolled up, and baked for a hearty dinner that’s easy to serve. The rolls cook faster than traditional lasagna without losing any flavor. This easy, reader-approved recipe is perfect for anyone who wants comfort food on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spicy chicken mixes with crisp greens and creamy dressing for a salad that feels like a full meal. It comes together quickly and delivers big flavor in every bite. This tried-and-true, reader-loved recipe is one people save for nights when they want something lighter but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken, rice, and vegetables simmer in a savory broth that tastes complete and hearty. The recipe is simple and uses ingredients most kitchens already have. This dependable, reader-approved dinner is one people make again and again when they want comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini float in a savory broth that feels like a home-cooked meal. It cooks quickly without losing flavor or heartiness. This reader-trusted recipe is one people keep on hand for nights when a hearty, satisfying dinner is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Orange Chicken
Tender chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet-and-tangy sauce that clings to every bite. The recipe comes together fast while delivering the flavor of takeout at home. This reader-approved favorite is one people turn to when they want bold flavor without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Salmon cooks in a creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes for rich, satisfying flavor. The recipe comes together quickly but tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. This easy, reader-loved dish is one people make over and over when they want dinner that looks and tastes special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Thai Chicken Chili
Spicy chicken combines with vegetables and bold seasonings for a meal full of flavor. It cooks quickly but still fills the plate like a full dinner. This reader-trusted recipe is a favorite for anyone who wants a quick, flavorful dish with a little kick.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Meatballs and Sauce
Meatballs simmer in rich tomato sauce that fills the kitchen with savory aroma and flavor. Using the Instant Pot makes it fast while keeping every bite tender and tasty. This classic, reader-approved recipe is one people rely on for satisfying, fuss-free dinners.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Chicken and Pea Risotto
Creamy risotto blends with tender chicken and sweet peas for a filling meal that doesn’t feel heavy. The dish uses ingredients most kitchens already have and doesn’t require constant stirring. This easy, reader-favorite recipe is one people return to when they want a hearty, simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto
Cacio e Pepe
Pasta gets coated in melted cheese and black pepper for a dish that’s rich, bold, and satisfying. It comes together in just minutes while still delivering classic flavor. This reader-loved recipe is perfect for anyone who needs a quick and comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken, noodles, and vegetables cook fast in the Instant Pot while keeping a homemade flavor. The recipe is simple and comes together without long prep or fuss. This easy, reader-trusted dinner is one people make whenever they want a comforting and reliable meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken, beans, corn, and spices simmer in a broth that’s full of flavor and satisfying on its own. The recipe comes together quickly while still delivering a complete meal. This reader-approved dish is one people keep on hand for nights when a hearty, easy dinner is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken and vegetables cook together in one pan with seasonings that pack flavor into every bite. Cleanup is easy while the dish still tastes like takeout. This popular, reader-favorite recipe is perfect for nights when a fast, filling dinner is wanted.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Potatoes cook quickly in the Instant Pot and turn into a creamy soup full of comforting flavor. The recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together faster than traditional stovetop methods. This reader-trusted favorite is perfect for anyone who wants a warm, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Canned chicken mixes with creamy dressing for a meal that works in wraps, sandwiches, or on its own. It comes together in minutes and stays flavorful and satisfying. This easy, reader-approved recipe is one people keep on hand for busy nights when a dependable dinner is needed.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Chicken Taco Wraps
Juicy chicken combines with fresh toppings in a handheld wrap that’s fast and full of flavor. It works for lunch or dinner and comes together with minimal effort. This easy, reader-approved recipe is one people turn to when they want a quick dinner that still tastes exciting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Honey Glazed Chicken
Chicken gets coated in a sticky honey glaze that balances sweet and savory in every bite. The recipe cooks quickly while keeping the meat tender and juicy. This popular, reader-loved dish is one people keep making for simple dinners that feel special without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Lemon Butter Pasta
Pasta tossed with butter and fresh lemon creates a dinner that feels bright, fresh, and satisfying. The ingredients are everyday staples, and the recipe comes together quickly. This well-loved recipe is one people save because it proves simple meals can be full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Chicken and orzo mix with herbs and feta for a balanced dinner that fills the plate. The recipe comes together fast and uses ingredients most kitchens already have. This easy, reader-trusted dish is one people make repeatedly because it hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Chicken soaks in lime juice to stay juicy and add tangy, fresh flavor in every bite. It grills quickly and pairs well with a wide range of sides. This well-loved recipe is one people return to often because it delivers simple, bright flavor every time.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Pork cooks slowly with spices until tender, creating a chili that’s hearty and full of flavor. The hands-off recipe allows the flavors to build without extra work. This reader-approved dish is a favorite for anyone who wants a rich dinner that comes together easily.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta turn basic pasta into a dinner that feels flavorful and satisfying. The recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients. This trusted, reader-loved recipe is one people make again and again for easy comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Chicken, vegetables, and rice cook together in foil, keeping every bite juicy and full of flavor. Cleanup is simple, making it practical for busy nights. This easy, reader-approved recipe is one people keep returning to because it reliably delivers a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken cooks in tangy barbecue sauce until tender and full of flavor. The Instant Pot makes it fast while keeping the sauce rich and thick. This versatile, reader-approved recipe works on sandwiches, baked potatoes, or salads and is always a dependable choice.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Crisp vegetables and tender chicken get tossed in a bold sauce that makes each bite satisfying and filling. The recipe comes together quickly and packs a mix of crunch and flavor. This easy, reader-favorite dinner is one people save for nights when they want a fast meal with bold taste.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chicken soaks in lemon juice to stay tender and full of flavor while cooking. The skewers cook quickly and deliver bold taste without extra effort. This easy, reader-approved recipe is one people make again and again for a simple dinner that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs