Busy weeknights call for dinners that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. These 17 dinner recipes are the perfect solution for families looking to enjoy a meal together without the fuss.
Each recipe is crafted with time constraints in mind, ensuring you can whip up a delicious dinner even on the busiest of evenings. The focus is on simplicity and flavor, creating meals that will please the whole family.
From the comfort of classic dishes to the excitement of trying something new, there’s something for every night of the week. These winning dinners are about making the most of your family meals without compromising on taste or quality.
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a hearty meal combining succulent chicken with a medley of roasted winter vegetables. Ready in about an hour, it features main ingredients like chicken, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, all infused with garlic and herb flavors. The dish offers a comforting taste with a perfect balance of protein and fiber. It’s a nourishing choice for a family dinner that satisfies diverse palates.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Chicken Shawarma Plate
The Chicken Shawarma Plate brings the exotic flavors of the Middle East to your dining table in under an hour. With main ingredients such as spiced chicken, cucumber, and tomatoes, it delivers a burst of savory taste with a hint of garlic and lemon. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy exploring international cuisines in the comfort of their own home. It’s a flavorful meal that’s both filling and aromatic.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate
One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner
One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner simplifies mealtime with a quick, one-pan approach, ready in just 35 minutes. It features tender pork chops, bell peppers, and onions as its core components. The garlic pepper seasoning creates a bold, savory taste that’s sure to please. This dish is a time-saver without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops offer a zesty twist to the traditional pork chop dinner, with a total time of about 25 minutes. Main ingredients include pork chops, orange juice, and honey, culminating in a sweet and tangy taste. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a hint of fruitiness with their meat. It’s a quick and delicious way to brighten up the dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Air Fryer Chicken Legs make for a healthier family meal option that’s ready in approximately 30 minutes. Using an air fryer, this recipe requires minimal oil, yet the chicken legs come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The main ingredients are chicken legs, spices, and a touch of honey for sweetness. It’s a fuss-free dish that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries is a unique combination that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Pork chops are paired with a homemade applesauce enhanced by the tartness of blackberries. The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory pork, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. This dish is a delightful twist on a classic, offering both comfort and a touch of elegance.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice is a zesty, one-pot meal that’s ready in around 30 minutes, featuring chicken, rice, and a burst of lime. The fresh cilantro adds a herby punch, complementing the tangy citrus flavor. This dish is a crowd-pleaser with its refreshing taste and ease of preparation. It’s a complete meal that brings both convenience and a pop of flavor to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy is a classic comfort dish with a twist, ready in about an hour. It combines chicken, vegetables, and a creamy tarragon-infused gravy in a flaky crust. The tarragon adds a subtle anise-like flavor, elevating the traditional pot pie taste. It’s a warming, hearty meal that promises to satisfy on a cozy evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet is a savory dish that can be served up in just 30 minutes. It features tender chicken breasts and mushrooms in a rich, creamy balsamic sauce. The combination of tangy vinegar and cream creates a luxurious taste experience. This skillet meal is a quick and elegant option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce is a low-and-slow dish that takes about 8 hours to reach perfection. The pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender, while the mustard BBQ sauce adds a tangy, sweet-and-spicy flavor. Main ingredients include pork shoulder, mustard, and honey. It’s a hands-off meal that’s ideal for busy families craving comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf combines succulent pork chops with the delicate flavors of seafood, ready in under an hour. The dish pairs meaty chops with shrimp, all grilled to perfection. It’s seasoned with a blend that provides a savory taste with a hint of smokiness. This recipe is perfect for those special family dinners where you want to impress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes
Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes is a robust meal ready in about an hour, featuring juicy pork tenderloin and hearty potatoes. The garlic and herbs infuse the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that simplifies cleanup and maximizes taste. This dish is a solid choice for a satisfying, no-fuss family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes
Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy takes approximately 25 minutes to make, offering a quick yet elegant meal. The pork chops are the star, while the mustard shallot gravy adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the meat beautifully. Main ingredients include pork chops, mustard, and shallots, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. It’s a dish that feels special enough for a weekend but is simple enough for a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken is a sweet and savory dish ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick family meal. The combination of maple syrup and mustard creates a flavorful glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. With chicken breasts as the main ingredient, this recipe offers a lean protein option that’s full of taste. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy grilled chicken with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Cream Cheese Chicken
Cream Cheese Chicken introduces a luxurious texture and rich flavor to the dinner table, ready in about 30 minutes. The dish features tender chicken breasts and cream cheese as key ingredients, with a hint of five-spice for an unexpected flavor kick. The cream cheese creates a velvety sauce that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers a touch of decadence to your meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken is a stir-fry sensation that brings the flavors of China to your kitchen in less than 30 minutes. It combines chicken, bell peppers, and onions with a bold black pepper sauce. The result is a dish with a spicy kick and a robust taste that’s sure to be a hit. This recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken
Chicken Biryani
Chicken Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful Indian dish that takes about an hour to prepare. It’s a one-pot meal with layers of marinated chicken, basmati rice, and a blend of aromatic spices. The taste is rich and complex, with a hint of warmth from spices like cardamom and cinnamon. This recipe is a feast for the senses and a favorite for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani