35 Quick Dinner Ideas That Won't Take As Long As Ordering Out

Ever find yourself torn between a hectic schedule and the desire for a delicious, homemade dinner? I get it! That’s why I’m thrilled to share a treasure trove of quick dinner ideas that won’t take as long as ordering out. Whether you’re a parent juggling multiple responsibilities or someone simply short on time, these fuss-free recipes promise to deliver on flavor without the wait. Say goodbye to lengthy prep and hello to a satisfying, home-cooked meal in a flash— because who says fast can’t be fantastic? Let’s dive into the world of hassle-free dinners that cater to your cravings and your schedule!

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Savor the irresistible flavors of garlic butter steak bites, a quick dinner idea that rivals your favorite takeout. These tender, juicy morsels are a go-to choice for those craving a satisfying meal without the wait. Try them now and elevate your at-home dining experience!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Popcorn Chicken

Love the taste of popcorn chicken but want a lighter option? Our baked chicken recipe delivers all the flavor without all the fat, making it a perfect choice for quick dinner ideas that won’t take as long as ordering out. Enjoy the crispy goodness without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Panko Chicken Breast

Panko chicken on a white plate. — Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

For a quick and easy meal idea, give this delicious baked panko chicken recipe a try. Packed with flavor and crunch, this easy dish is ready in about thirty minutes, making it an ideal option for those seeking quick dinner solutions without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

A plate of salmon on a white plate with lemon slices on it. — Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Experience a citrusy delight with this delectable lemon butter salmon, a swift dinner idea that turns a simple seared fish fillet into a gourmet masterpiece. Perfect for those who crave a restaurant-quality dish without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Satisfy your cravings with this easy shrimp and broccoli stir fry recipe, a speedy option ready in 30 minutes, making it a perfect fit for busy weeknights. Enjoy the delicious flavors without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover the savory goodness of this easy ground pork tacos recipe, a delightful combination of tender meat, spices, and fresh ingredients. An excellent choice for those looking to whip up a quick and tasty dinner without the need for extensive cooking methods.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try this delicious and easy chicken divan recipe, a classic casserole dish that combines juicy chicken and crisp broccoli in a cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting option for those seeking a quick and homey dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Chicken Nuggets

Try this easy and delicious homemade air fryer chicken nuggets recipe for a quick and kid-friendly option. Making these crunchy nuggets takes less than a half-hour, perfect for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Wet Burrito

Experience the ultimate wet burrito delight, a hearty creation filled with delicious ingredients and drenched in flavorful sauce. It’s a satisfying and quick dinner option for those who crave Mexican-inspired flavors.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Alfredo Steak Pasta

This easy Alfredo steak pasta recipe is perfect for a quick meal, offering the savory flavor of steak that pairs well with the creamy, cheesy sauce. A delightful choice for those wanting a comforting dinner without the lengthy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Chicken Chop Suey

Experience the perfect blend of Chinese and American cuisine with a delicious chicken chop suey, a classic stir-fry dish that combines meat and vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful option for those seeking a taste of the East in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens. — Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tender and juicy, these Panko Pork Chops are an elegant yet budget-friendly dinner choice with a crunchy coating made from low-cost Japanese panko bread crumbs. An excellent pick for those who want a quick and affordable pork dish.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko Crusted Cod

An easy dinner idea for busy weeknights is delicious panko crusted cod, offering the crunchy texture and flavor of baked fish. Perfect for those seeking a speedy and tasty seafood option without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Shrimp Scampi

A plate with shrimp and bread on it. — Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

For a quick and delicious dinner idea on busy weeknights, try shrimp scampi, a mouthwatering skillet dish that can be on the table in under 20 minutes. It’s an excellent choice for seafood lovers looking for a speedy and delightful meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Tofu and broccoli on a plate. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

When you want a delicious meatless entrée, give this broccoli and tofu stir recipe a try. It’s a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy a vegetarian meal, providing a quick and satisfying dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Want a delicious and satisfying dinner option that’s easy to make? This salmon Alfredo pasta recipe is the perfect choice, offering succulent salmon, al dente pasta, and a rich and creamy sauce. A quick and delightful option for those who appreciate gourmet flavors without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Delicious and easy-to-make shrimp tomato pasta is a go-to recipe for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful meal. The best part is that the dish comes together quickly without fancy ingredients or complex techniques, making it an ideal choice for a swift dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Creamy Chicken Curry

Chicken curry with rice. — Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Are you ready to try a fantastic dish? If you love the flavors of Indian cuisine, then this easy creamy coconut curry chicken recipe is for you. A quick and flavorful option for those who want to enjoy exotic tastes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Copycat Chipolte Chicken Avocado Melt

A sandwich with avocado, chicken and cheese on a plate. — Copycat Chipolte Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The flavors of this copycat Panera chipotle chicken avocado melt are hard to beat. Discover how to make this classic sandwich at home, providing a quick and delicious dinner idea for those who love the taste of Panera but prefer the convenience of homemade.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipolte Chicken Avocado Melt

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus on a white plate. — Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in the sweet and savory taste of honey butter fried chicken. Each crispy piece is cooked to perfection and finger-licking good. A delightful and quick dinner idea for those who appreciate the mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges. — Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Are you tired of the same old grilled shrimp skewers on a stick? Why not try making them in an air fryer? It’s a great alternative to an outdoor grill that produces the same crispy texture and delicious flavor. A speedy and innovative option for shrimp lovers looking to enjoy their favorite dish without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it. — Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover a delicious dinner delight with our steak and mushroom dish drizzled in a delectable balsamic sauce. Satisfaction guaranteed! A quick and savory option for those who want a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Mexican Steak Pizza

This unique pizza made with leftover steak is packed full of flavor. It’s the perfect combination of ingredients that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. An excellent choice for those who want to turn leftovers into a quick and tasty pizza dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Serving of honey butter chicken garnished with parsley on plate. — Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This delicious honey butter fried chicken recipe is a must-try for any chicken lover! Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with this simple yet flavorful dish. A quick and delightful option for those who want to enjoy homemade fried chicken without the lengthy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the crispy perfection of these air fryer chicken tenders. The recipe achieves that golden, flavorful crust without the excess oil. A quick and healthier alternative for those who love the taste of fried chicken tenders without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Personal Pizza

Single serve pepperoni pizza on wooden cutting board. — Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Kid love customizing their own personal pizza. This recipe can be made quickly with a pre-made or easy no-yeast pizza crust. An ideal and fun choice for families seeking a quick and customizable dinner option without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Want a quick and flavorful dinner option? This popular ground pork stir fry recipe combines the savory goodness of ground meat with an array of vegetables, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. A quick and tasty choice for those who want to whip up a satisfying stir fry without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Beef Quesadillas

Entice your taste buds with these mouth-watering beef quesadillas! Our easy recipe will make for a delicious, cheesy dinner for one or two that bakes up quickly. A quick and flavorful option for those who want a satisfying and cheesy dinner without the lengthy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

BBQ boneless chicken thighs on indoor grill. — Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These juicy BBQ boneless chicken thighs will take your grill to the next level! Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. A quick and flavorful choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of BBQ without the need for a lengthy grilling session.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice. — Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The bold flavors of a sweet and spicy sauce complement tender ground and veggies in this Korean beef and broccoli dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner party. A quick and flavorful option for those who want to enjoy the exotic taste of Korean cuisine without the lengthy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked butter fish on a plate with green beans. — Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try this easy-to-make baked lemon butter fish. Deliciously tender and succulent white fish fillets are cooked in a tangy lemon butter sauce. A quick and delightful option for those who want to enjoy a tasty fish dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Try this easy and delicious baked pasta and chicken recipe. It features tender chicken combined with pasta in a creamy sauce for a dish that packed with flavor. A quick and comforting option for those who want a satisfying pasta bake without the lengthy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Take your salad game up a notch with our mouthwatering shrimp macaroni salad. It’s creamy, zesty, and packed with plump seafood for an amazing taste sensation. A quick and flavorful choice for those who want to enjoy a refreshing seafood salad without the need for extensive preparation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover the secret to a delicious black pepper chicken. This easy recipe will have you making a classic Chinese dish in no time. A quick and savory option for those who want to enjoy the exotic taste of Chinese cuisine without the lengthy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air fried chicken with honey sauce on a white plate. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Up your dinner game with juicy air fryer boneless chicken thighs coated with a delicious honey mustard seasoning. It’s an irresistible dish. A quick and flavorful choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of honey mustard chicken without the need for lengthy cooking methods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

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35 Quick Dinner Ideas That Won’t Take As Long As Ordering Out