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I’ve Tried So Many Fast Meals—These 20 Weeknight Dinners Are Keepers


After numerous hectic evenings, it’s clear {that a} strong record of Simple Weeknight Dinners can save anybody’s sanity. These meals come collectively quick with out feeling rushed or slapped collectively. They match into tight schedules, surprising plans, and nights when power ranges are hanging by a thread. Every dish brings sufficient consolation to make the entire routine really feel smoother. As soon as you discover a number of favorites, the week out of the blue feels much more manageable.

Pesto Hen and Avocado

Pesto Hen and Avocado. Picture credit score: Drizzle Me Skinny.

This dish pairs grilled hen with a vibrant pesto and clean avocado for a clear, contemporary meal. It really works nicely if you need one thing fast however nonetheless balanced. You possibly can serve it over greens, grains, or roasted veggies. It suits into the Simple Weeknight Dinners class with out feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken and Avocado

Buffalo Hen Salad

Buffalo Hen Salad. Picture credit score: Drizzle Me Skinny.

This salad mixes crisp greens with Buffalo hen for a meal that feels gentle however nonetheless daring. You possibly can change the toppings with out a lot effort, so it adjusts to no matter you favor. Arduous-boiled eggs or chickpeas add further protein when wanted. It really works nicely for days if you need one thing quick and contemporary.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Cornflake Hen

Cornflake Hen. Picture credit score: Drizzle Me Skinny.

This hen seems crunchy with little or no work because the cornflake coating does a lot of the job. It bakes shortly and stays crisp with out frying. Children normally get pleasure from it, and the leftovers maintain up nicely the subsequent day. It additionally suits properly right into a lineup of Simple Weeknight Dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cornflake Chicken

Bourbon Hen

Bourbon Hen. Picture credit score: Drizzle Me Skinny.

This dish cooks quick and brings a candy and savory sauce that adheres to each chunk. The combo of soy sauce, garlic, and slightly whiskey creates a wealthy end with out a lot effort. It pairs nicely with rice or steamed greens for an entire plate. It really works nice for Simple Weeknight Dinners when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Chicken

Pepper Steak

Pepper Steak. Picture credit score: Small City Lady.

This skillet meal comes collectively shortly, and the sauce blends ginger with a light sweetness that works with the peppers. The steak cooks evenly, so it stays tender the entire means by. You possibly can serve it with rice or noodles relying on what you’ve gotten readily available. It hits the desk quick with out feeling rushed.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Steak

Wholesome Sloppy Joes

Wholesome Sloppy Joes. Picture credit score: Pure & Easy Nourishment.

These sloppy joes lower down on sugar however nonetheless provide you with a wealthy, saucy combine that sticks collectively nicely. The greens mix in easily and assist hold the feel balanced. The flavour feels acquainted with out being heavy. It really works properly for Simple Weeknight Dinners if you need one thing quick however regular.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Sloppy Joes

One Pan Tuna Fried Rice

One Pan Tuna Fried Rice. Picture credit score: Pure & Easy Nourishment.

This fried rice makes use of canned tuna in a means that feels intentional and balanced. The rice will get evenly crisp whereas the greens and eggs spherical it out. It cooks in a single pan, which helps hold cleanup fast. The dish reaches the desk in about 25 minutes and works for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Tuna Fried Rice

Crown Peach Wings

Crown Peach Wings. Picture credit score: Dinners Completed Fast.

These wings crisp up within the air fryer earlier than getting coated in a sticky peach-whiskey sauce. The sweetness blends with the seasoning and provides the wings a singular end with out further steps. They work nicely for informal hangouts or yard meals. Folks are inclined to ask how they’re made as soon as they struggle them.
Get the Recipe: Crown Peach Wings

Tuna Oatmeal Patties

Tuna Oatmeal Patties. Picture credit score: The Cooking Foodie.

These patties come collectively shortly, and the oats assist them maintain form with out flour. The canned tuna stays moist, and the crisp edges give a pleasant distinction. They retailer nicely for meal prep however typically get eaten ahead of deliberate. You possibly can pair them with any easy dip or sauce.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Oatmeal Patties

Basmati Rice with Mushrooms

Basmati Rice with Mushrooms. Picture credit score: Refresh My Well being.

This rice dish stays easy whereas nonetheless bringing loads of taste from the mushrooms. The basmati retains the feel gentle, and the mushrooms deepen the general profile with out further effort. It reheats nicely and works beside many predominant dishes. You could wish to double the batch because it disappears quick.
Get the Recipe: Basmati Rice with Mushrooms

Hen Stuffed Peppers

Hen Stuffed Peppers. Picture credit score: I Coronary heart Naptime.

I crammed the peppers with seasoned hen and cheese, then baked them till every part turned sizzling and bubbly. The peppers stayed agency sufficient to carry the filling with out falling aside. I like prepping a tray earlier within the day so dinner feels simpler later. This dish works nice if you need easy 5-Ingredient Dinners with out fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Soy Sauce Hen Wings

Soy Sauce Hen Wings. Picture credit score: Oh My Meals Recipes.

I simmered the wings in a wealthy soy combination, they usually soaked up the flavour from edge to edge. The sauce tasted even higher over plain rice, so I by no means skip that combo. Cleanup stayed straightforward since every part cooked in a single pot. These wings work for fast dinners or last-minute company.
Get the Recipe: Soy Sauce Chicken Wings

Wholesome Burger Bowls

Wholesome Burger Bowls. Picture credit score: The Clear Completely satisfied Life.

I constructed these bowls with seasoned floor beef, contemporary veggies, and a drizzle of sauce that tied every part collectively. The setup feels enjoyable as a result of everybody can select their very own toppings. I change to turkey or hen on lighter days, and it nonetheless hits the spot. This dinner retains issues fast with out dropping that acquainted consolation.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Burger Bowls

Scorching Smoked Hen Wings

Scorching Smoked Hen Wings. Picture credit score: Dutch Oven Daddy.

I smoked the wings till they picked up deep taste, then served them in a sizzling skillet so that they stayed heat. The pores and skin held a slight crunch, whereas the meat stayed juicy. They give the impression of being spectacular on the desk, despite the fact that the steps keep easy. Associates at all times return for seconds earlier than I seize my very own serving.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Smoked Chicken Wings

Cashew Hen

Cashew Hen. Picture credit score: Small City Lady.

I cooked the hen till crisp, then tossed it with broccoli, peppers, and toasted cashews in a daring sauce. The entire dish got here collectively in below half-hour, and it beat my ordinary takeout order. I serve it with brown rice once I need one thing balanced. This meal suits busy nights with out draining power.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Beef Ramen

Beef Ramen. Picture credit score: The Healthful Spoon.

I simmered beef, veggies, broth, and noodles in a single pot till every part blended into a comfy bowl. The flavour got here collectively quick, which shocked me. My child even ate the pea pods with out a criticism, so I name {that a} victory. This ramen works nice on nights once I want one thing straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Beef Ramen

Lemon & Garlic Salmon

Lemon & Garlic Salmon. Picture credit score: Mommy Rose.

I seared the salmon with garlic and contemporary lemon, and the rosemary added simply sufficient elevate with out overwhelming something. The fish cooked quick and stayed tender. I paired it with easy veggies so the meal stayed gentle. Cleanup took barely any time, which at all times feels good on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Lemon & Garlic Salmon

Parmesan Garlic Wings

Parmesan Garlic Wings. Picture credit score: The Healthful Spoon.

I baked the wings on a rack so the pores and skin crisped up properly. After that, I tossed them in heat butter, garlic, and parmesan, and the scent hit me instantly. They disappeared nearly immediately as soon as I set them out. A double batch normally saves me from complaints.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Wings

Hen Wing Dry Rub

Hen Wing Dry Rub. Picture credit score: Aubrey’s Kitchen.

I combined a mix of candy and spicy seasonings and coated each wing till they seemed absolutely coated. The wings crisped up and held onto that daring taste from the primary chunk. They match completely into recreation evening spreads or informal weekend meals. I hold further rub in a jar as a result of I exploit it typically.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wing Dry Rub

Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls

Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls. Picture credit score: The Clear Completely satisfied Life.

I cooked the shrimp shortly in a sizzling pan with herbs, then layered them over contemporary greens and heat grains. The bowl felt gentle however nonetheless filling sufficient for dinner. Since every part makes use of primary components, prep stays fast. I exploit this recipe for meal prep, however it additionally works nice once I desire a quick weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls