27 Weeknight Recipes So Good They Taste Like Cheating

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27 Weeknight Recipes So Good They Taste Like Cheating

Busy schedules often leave little time for cooking, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. These 27 dinner choices are designed to help you get a tasty meal on the table quickly, perfect for weeknight crunches. From comforting classics to fresh takes on familiar ingredients, each recipe promises a satisfying dinner with minimal time spent in the kitchen.

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Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Marbella

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate.
Chicken Marbella. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Marbella is a flavorful dish that cooks in about an hour, known for its blend of sweet, savory, and tangy elements. It features chicken thighs marinated with prunes, olives, capers, and white wine, which create a unique and rich flavor profile. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering a combination of tastes that complement each other beautifully. Chicken Marbella is a standout choice for those seeking a dinner that’s both sophisticated and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Roasted chicken and vegetables in a skillet on a cutting board.
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a one-pan meal that’s ready in about an hour, combining the simplicity of roasted chicken with an array of seasonal vegetables. The main ingredients include chicken breasts, carrots, and potatoes, all roasted with herbs to perfection. The result is a dish with a comforting, home-cooked taste, featuring tender chicken and veggies with a hint of herbaceous flavor. It’s an ideal choice for a nutritious and complete meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes takes about an hour and a half to cook, resulting in a dish that’s comforting and full of flavor. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, ensuring it stays juicy and tender, while the potatoes roast to a golden crispness. With chicken and potatoes as the stars, the dish has a creamy and savory taste that’s sure to satisfy. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a hearty, classic dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken Karaage

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side.
Chicken Karaage. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Karaage is a Japanese-style fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside, ready in just 25 minutes. The chicken is typically marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then coated in potato starch and fried. The main ingredients are chicken thighs and a blend of Asian seasonings, resulting in a taste that’s both savory and slightly sweet. It’s an excellent choice for a quick, flavorful meal that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

A cast iron skillet filled with pork tenderloin and vegetables.
One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner is a straightforward meal that can be on the table in 40 minutes, featuring pork tenderloin as the main ingredient. The pork is seasoned with garlic and pepper, then roasted alongside vegetables for a complete meal in one dish. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, with a hint of garlic and the warmth of pepper enhancing the pork and veggies. This recipe is perfect for a no-fuss, delicious dinner on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that can be grilled up in just 20 minutes. The chicken is mixed with spices and herbs, then formed around skewers and grilled to create a smoky and aromatic flavor. Main ingredients include ground chicken, onions, and a variety of spices, offering a taste that’s both exotic and comforting. It’s a great choice for a quick and tasty dinner that’s a little out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate.
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks bring a South American flair to your dinner table in just 40 minutes. The drumsticks are marinated in a blend of citrus juices, garlic, and spices, then baked until golden. The main ingredients are chicken drumsticks and a zesty marinade, resulting in a taste that’s tangy, garlicky, and slightly spicy. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold, vibrant flavors in a simple-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy is a comforting classic that takes about an hour to make, perfect for a cozy evening. The pie is filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy tarragon-infused gravy. The main ingredients are chicken, mixed vegetables, and tarragon, resulting in a dish that’s savory with a subtle anise-like flavor from the herb. This recipe is ideal for those who love traditional comfort food with a flavorful twist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans.
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf combines the land and sea on your plate in just 30 minutes. The dish features juicy pork chops paired with shrimp, all grilled to perfection and served with a savory butter sauce. The main ingredients, pork chops and shrimp, are enhanced by the rich sauce, offering a taste that’s both succulent and indulgent. It’s a quick way to enjoy a classic surf and turf without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fried chicken leg quarters served on plates.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs are a healthier alternative to traditional frying, ready in about 30 minutes. The chicken legs are seasoned and air fried until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With chicken legs as the main ingredient, this dish has a delightful taste that’s both savory and slightly smoky. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a quick, tasty, and less-greasy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork chops with blackberry applesauce on a gray plate.
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries combines the classic flavors of sweet applesauce and tart blackberries with savory pork chops in under 30 minutes. The main ingredients are pork chops, apples, and fresh blackberries, creating a balance of flavors that’s both hearty and refreshing. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures, with the tender meat complementing the fruit’s softness. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

A plate of pulled pork with BBQ sauce with a fork on it.
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce is a fuss-free dinner option that slow cooks to perfection over 8 hours. The pork shoulder becomes exceptionally tender, infused with a tangy and slightly sweet mustard BBQ sauce. Key ingredients include pork shoulder, mustard, honey, and spices, melding together for a rich, deeply flavored dish. This recipe is ideal for those who love to set up their meal in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet delicious meal that takes about 4 hours to cook. The chicken is slow-cooked in a sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce, resulting in a sweet and savory taste with a hint of garlic. It’s a hands-off dish that allows the flavors to deepen over time, featuring chicken thighs as the main ingredient. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a meal that’s both effortless and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy is a dish that can be prepared in roughly 25 minutes, making it a quick and flavorful dinner choice. The pork chops are cooked to a perfect sear and then draped in a creamy mustard and shallot gravy. The main components of this meal are pork chops, mustard, and shallots, offering a taste that is both robust and slightly tangy. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken inside cast iron.
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken is a dish that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. The chicken breasts are topped with tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasonings, then baked until bubbly and golden. The main ingredients, chicken, tomato, and mozzarella, create a taste that’s reminiscent of a Caprese salad with a hearty twist. It’s an excellent option for those craving a simple yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is a speedy dinner option that’s ready in just 15 minutes, ideal for those hectic weeknights. The dish features thinly sliced beef and fresh broccoli, stir-fried with a savory sauce. Main ingredients include beef, broccoli, and a blend of soy sauce and sesame oil, which create a rich, umami-packed taste. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious meal that delivers on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

A serving of creamy balsamic chicken skillet next to a serving of green salad.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet is a dish that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner. The chicken is pan-seared and then simmered in a creamy balsamic sauce, resulting in a rich and tangy flavor. With chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, and cream as the main components, this meal is both indulgent and satisfying. It’s an ideal recipe for those who love a touch of gourmet without the long cooking times.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Ajiaco Recipe

Bowl of chicken Ajiaco soup.
Ajiaco Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ajiaco Recipe is a traditional Colombian soup that’s hearty and can be ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s a comforting blend of chicken, potatoes, and corn, simmered together with a herb called guascas, giving it a distinctive flavor. The main ingredients are chicken, three types of potatoes, and guascas, creating a taste that’s both unique and homey. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy exploring international cuisines and love a filling soup.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe

Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)

Colombian tamales on a plate.
Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano) are a festive and flavorful dish that takes about 3 hours to prepare. This traditional recipe involves wrapping a mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices in banana leaves and then steaming them. The main ingredients, chicken and masa, are enhanced by the steaming process, resulting in a taste that’s moist, tender, and richly seasoned. It’s a great choice for those looking to try their hand at authentic Latin American cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes is a savory dish that’s ready in about an hour, perfect for a hearty dinner. The pork tenderloin and potatoes are seasoned with garlic and herbs, then roasted to create a flavorful and comforting meal. The main ingredients are pork, potatoes, and a medley of herbs, offering a taste that’s robust and aromatic. This recipe is ideal for those seeking a simple yet satisfying dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Overhead shot of grilled maple mustard chicken.
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken is a dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a swift and tasty option for dinner. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce, then grilled to perfection. The main ingredients are chicken breasts, maple syrup, and mustard, creating a flavor that’s both bold and slightly sweet. It’s an excellent choice for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheddar Chicken Bake is a comforting and hearty meal that’s ready in about 45 minutes. The dish combines chicken, quinoa, and broccoli in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked until bubbly. The main ingredients are chicken, cheddar cheese, and quinoa, resulting in a taste that’s cheesy and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for those who love a good casserole with a healthier twist.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

A bowl of spinach salad with apples and walnuts.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad is a refreshing and quick dish that can be enjoyed in just 20 minutes. The salad features shredded chicken tossed in a tangy Carolina BBQ dressing, served over crisp greens. The main ingredients, chicken and a vinegar-based BBQ sauce, offer a taste that’s both sharp and slightly sweet. It’s a great choice for a light dinner or a quick lunch that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice is a vibrant dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for a zesty and fulfilling dinner. The chicken is cooked with cilantro and lime, providing a fresh and tangy flavor, and served over rice. The main ingredients are chicken, cilantro, lime, and rice, creating a taste that’s bright and citrusy. This recipe is perfect for those in search of a quick and flavorful meal that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a white plate with oranges and limes.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops are a dish that can be served in roughly 25 minutes, offering a sweet and zesty flavor profile. The pork chops are glazed with a citrus sauce made from orange and lemon juices, then seared to a caramelized finish. The main ingredients, pork chops and citrus fruits, combine to create a taste that’s tangy and refreshing. It’s a wonderful choice for those looking for a dinner that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts is a dish with a cooking time of about 1 hour, featuring a sweet and nutty flavor. The chicken is simmered in a pomegranate sauce and adorned with crunchy walnuts. The main ingredients, chicken, pomegranate molasses, and walnuts, meld together for a taste that’s both rich and tart. It’s an excellent option for those seeking an exotic and tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a simple and healthy meal that’s ready in about 45 minutes. The chicken and a variety of vegetables are seasoned with paprika and roasted on a single sheet pan. The main ingredients are chicken, paprika, and assorted vegetables, resulting in a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a fuss-free dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

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