17 Easy Dinners To Make for Times Your Office Chair Has Become Your Second Home

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17 Easy Dinners To Make for Times Your Office Chair Has Become Your Second Home

When you’ve been glued to your office chair for hours and the day is finally winding down, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time cooking. That’s why this list of 17 easy dinners is just what you need. These recipes are great for those days when your to-do list was endless, but your energy for kitchen work is not.

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are the perfect quick and flavorful dinner for exhausted desk workers. Cut chicken breast into chunks, cook them on the stovetop, and coat them in a garlicky butter sauce made with garlic, butter, and seasonings. Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Add a veggie side for a complete meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s a great way to break up your usual dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal even after a long day at work.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe is a breeze to whip up, giving you crispy pork chops in just 25 minutes without the need for frying. It’s a great pick for a weeknight meal when you’ve been at your desk all day and need something straightforward and quick. Easy to make and a hit with families, it’s a solid go-to for new cooks or anyone looking to get dinner sorted without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is a crowd-pleasing side dish that makes dinner more exciting for exhausted desk workers. Fresh broccoli florets are baked in a creamy sauce made with cream, cheddar cheese, and seasonings, then topped with crushed crackers. It takes just 50 minutes from start to finish, and you can serve it with rice, quinoa, or protein for a filling meal. This casserole is a great way to enjoy broccoli when you’re tired of plain steamed veggies. Plus, it’s a comforting and hearty dish that will help you unwind after a long day at the office.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a filling and nutritious one-pot meal that’s perfect for tired desk workers. It takes only 40 minutes to make, so it’s great for weeknight dinners when you want something comforting without the hassle. The combination of chicken, tortellini, veggies, and a flavorful broth will leave you feeling happy and full. It’s really easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, so you can make it your own and enjoy a comforting meal after a stressful day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is an easy one-dish meal that’s perfect for tired desk workers who want to break free from boring dinners. It’s a great way to use up extra bell peppers, and leftovers keep well for busy weeknights. It’s always a a great choice for any exhausted desk workers who want a delicious and filling meal quickly and easily.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is a quick and veggie-packed meal that’s perfect for exhausted desk workers. Brown chicken thighs, then layer them with fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish before popping it in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve this easy one-dish bake with a side salad or roasted potatoes for a fast and fresh dinner that busts you out of a rut. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet and enjoy a flavorful dinner after a long day at work.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting dish that’s great for busy desk workers. Toss broccoli and cauliflower with a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and seasonings, then bake until golden. This straightforward casserole is ready in 30 minutes and works well for meal prep. Pair it with a light arugula salad for a complete meal that says goodbye to boring dinners.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a lifesaver for tired desk workers who want a great homemade dinner fast. With just one pan to clean, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can switch up the sausage and veggie combos for new flavors each time. This easy and versatile dinner is a great way to save time and energy after a long day at work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one combines tuna, noodles, and a creamy sauce for a comforting casserole. It’s simple to prepare: Put together egg noodles, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, cheddar cheese and bake. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner, it’s ready in under an hour. Pair with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Top with grated cheese before serving for an extra flavor boost. Refrigerate leftovers for easy reheating. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s a perfect comfort food meal to help you unwind after a long day at the office.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Perfect for desk workers looking for a quick and nutritious option, this White Bean Soup can be prepped in 40 minutes with a single pot. It features cannellini beans, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, broth, and seasonings. It’s a great dinner option for incorporating more fiber and vegetables into your meals. To round out the dish, consider adding a side of fresh greens or some toasted bread. It’ll give you the energy boost you need to tackle tomorrow’s workday.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage dish is a quick 25-minute meal using pantry staples like cabbage and your choice of sausage. It’s a great last-minute dinner solution, allowing you to switch up the sausage type for variety. Simple to prepare by sautéing the cabbage, sausage, onion, and garlic. A flavorful yet effortless dish that celebrates the joy of minimal effort cooking. Serve it over mashed potatoes to soak up the flavors. Never settle for a boring dinner again with this easy, customizable skillet meal. This dish is perfect for exhausted desk workers who want a quick and delicious dinner without spending endless hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fajita Baked Chicken combines seasoned chicken breasts with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, all baked together. Adjust the fajita spices to your liking for a versatile dish. Ready in 30 minutes and made in one baking dish for an effortless dinner. Pair it with tortillas or rice for a complete fajita-style meal. Refrigerate leftovers for easy reheating.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A pot of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a straightforward recipe with minimal steps – sauté, simmer, and blend the sweet potatoes and red peppers. Ready in just an hour for a quick, homemade meal. The creamy texture and sweetness make for a hearty yet simple soup. Freeze leftovers for future homemade dinners. Garnish with cream and serve with crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for exhausted desk workers who want to enjoy a really good meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Break out of your dinner rut with this one-skillet ground beef and cauliflower rice dish. It combines lean ground beef, shredded cheddar, riced cauliflower, and mushrooms into a hearty complete meal. Super easy to make and always a great choice for making after a long work day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This creamy garlic chicken is a great way to dine extra special, even on a busy weeknight, featuring ingredients like chicken, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Chicken breasts are pan-seared and smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect decadent yet fast dinner. Serve over pasta, rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the velvety sauce. Easily double the recipe and refrigerate leftovers for lunch the next day. Sure to become a new favorite among exhausted desk workers who want to treat themselves to a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and heavy cream create a rich, comforting soup ready in 30 minutes. This quick and hearty option with Italian flavors is perfect for weeknights. Brighten it with fresh herbs for added freshness. Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers. You can swap out mild Italian sausage with hot Italian pork sausage, sweet Italian pork sausage, ground turkey sausage, ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick dinner solution, make these chicken and bacon poppers paired with homemade ranch dressing. This dish is prepared in the oven, so it’s an extra convenient choice for busy evenings and is ready in under an hour. The ranch dressing, made from common pantry items, pairs with the poppers perfectly. They’re perfect for exhausted desk workers who want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Plus, leftovers make for a great snack or lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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