Finding time to cook can be challenging, especially when you don’t want to end up with a sink full of dishes. That’s why easy dinners for two that don’t make a huge mess are a lifesaver. These recipes are designed to be simple, delicious, and perfect for small households. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or just a casual meal, you’ll appreciate the minimal cleanup.
![Crispy fried chicken served with ketchup and garnished with fresh tomato slices.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/KFC-Chicken-Recipe-edited-22-1024x785.jpg)
Oven Fried Chicken
![Oven fried chicken with cherry tomatoes.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Oven-Fried-Chicken-2.jpg)
Oven fried chicken offers all the crunch of traditional fried chicken with less oil and mess. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken
Oven Baked Ranch Chicken
![Small batch chicken salad with apples and kale in a white bowl.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Baked-Ranch-Chicken-13-1024x768.jpg)
Oven baked ranch chicken is a simple and flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy. Marinated in ranch seasoning, this chicken is baked until juicy and tender. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings delicious ranch flavor to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ranch Chicken
Dutch Oven Bread
![A loaf of bread in a red and white striped towel.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dutch-Oven-Bread-Small-Batch_-6.jpg)
Dutch oven bread is a great way to enjoy homemade bread without much fuss. This no-knead recipe produces a crusty, artisan-style loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or as a side to your favorite meals. It’s a simple, satisfying way to bake bread at home.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Bread
Jiffy Corn Pudding
![A freshly baked cornbread in a glass dish with a cloth and wooden spoon beside it, on a white surface, tempting everyone to start asking for seconds.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jiffy-Corn-Pudding-EDITED-9-1024x681.jpg)
Jiffy corn pudding is a classic comfort food that’s both sweet and savory. Made with Jiffy corn muffin mix, this dish is easy to prepare and bakes up perfectly every time. It’s a great side dish for holidays or any family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jiffy Corn Pudding
Grilled BBQ Chicken
![Grilled bbq chicken and zucchini on a platter.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Grilled-BBQ-Chicken-EDITED-7.jpg)
Grilled BBQ chicken is a summertime favorite that’s easy to prepare. Brushed with your favorite barbecue sauce, this chicken is grilled to juicy perfection. It’s a delicious and simple option for outdoor gatherings or a casual dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken
Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce
![Cheese sauce over cauliflower in a casserole.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cauliflower-with-Cheese-Sauce-Downsizing-Dinner-6.jpg)
Cauliflower with cheese sauce is a creamy and comforting side dish. Steamed cauliflower florets are smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce, making it a delicious way to enjoy vegetables. It’s perfect for pairing with your favorite main courses.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce
Donut Bread Pudding
![Donut bread pudding on a plate and in a baking dish.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Donut-Bread-Pudding-for-two-11.jpg)
Donut bread pudding is a sweet treat that’s perfect for using up leftover donuts. Mixed with a creamy custard and baked until golden, this dessert is rich and comforting. It’s a creative twist on traditional bread pudding that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Donut Bread Pudding
Oven BBQ Ribs
![A plate of food with meat and potatoes.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Oven-Baked-BBQ-Ribs-13-1024x768.jpg)
Oven BBQ ribs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Cooked low and slow in the oven with a generous coating of barbecue sauce, these ribs are perfect for any occasion. They offer all the smoky goodness of outdoor grilling without the hassle.Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs
Lemon Garlic Chicken
![Small batch chicken gyro with tzatziki sauce on a pita.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Lemon-Garlic-Chicken-9-1024x770.jpg)
Lemon garlic chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, then baked until tender and juicy. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Denver Omelets
![An omelet on a wooden cutting board made with fresh ingredients from a small batch.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Denver-Omelet-Downsizing-Dinner-10-1024x562.jpg)
Denver omelets are a hearty and flavorful breakfast option. Filled with ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese, these omelets are both satisfying and easy to make. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Denver Omelets
Blackened Chicken Thighs
![A small batch of food with tomatoes.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blackened-Chicken_-6-1024x652.jpg)
Blackened chicken thighs are packed with bold flavor and a crispy exterior. Coated in a spicy seasoning blend and seared to perfection, these chicken thighs are both juicy and flavorful. They’re a great option for a quick and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs
Meatball Subs
![A sandwich and broccoli on a plate.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Easy-Meatball-Subs_-11.jpg)
Meatball subs are a classic, crowd-pleasing sandwich. Juicy meatballs are simmered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, all nestled in a crusty roll. They’re perfect for a hearty lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Subs
Air Fryer French Toast
![A plate of french toast with powdered sugar.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/French-Toast-Air-Fryer-2.jpg)
Air fryer French toast is a quick and easy breakfast option. Made with thick slices of bread dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla batter and air fried to golden perfection, this French toast is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a delicious way to start the day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
![Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops covered in gravy with parsley on top.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Smothered-Pork-Chops-Edited_.jpg)
Crock pot smothered pork chops are a comforting and easy meal. Slow-cooked in a rich gravy, these pork chops are tender and full of flavor. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’s perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
KFC Fried Chicken
![A hand holding a piece of fried chicken.](https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/KFC-Chicken-Recipe-edited-22.jpg)
KFC fried chicken brings the iconic flavor of your favorite fast food right to your kitchen. Coated in a special blend of herbs and spices and fried to crispy perfection, this homemade version is sure to impress. It’s a great way to enjoy a takeout favorite without leaving the house.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken