15 Weeknight Dinners So Easy, You’ll Want to Try Them All

Weeknight dinners shouldn’t be a hassle, and these 23 options make it easy. These recipes are simple to put together, perfect for when you need something fast but still want it to taste great. Whether you’re short on time or just don’t feel like cooking, these meals have you covered. You’ll want to try them all to see how effortless weeknight cooking can be.

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

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

This one-pan meal is a quick throwback to diner classics, ready in just 30 minutes. The dish features tender pork cooked with garlic and bell peppers, creating a savory and slightly spicy flavor combination. It’s a simple meal that delivers big taste, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for those nights when you want a comforting dinner without much fuss. It’s a dish that feels like a nostalgic diner staple brought right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

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

These pork chops are glazed with a sweet and tangy mix of orange juice and honey, making them a bright and zesty dinner option. Ready in about 25 minutes, the citrus flavors perfectly balance the savory pork, creating a deliciously vibrant dish. It’s a simple way to make your dinner stand out without a lot of effort. This dish feels like something you’d find on a classic retro diner menu but made quick and easy at home.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Chicken Shawarma Plate

This dish brings Middle Eastern flavors to your table with marinated chicken that’s tender and delicious. In about 45 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal with sides like rice, hummus, and fresh veggies. It’s a balanced plate that feels satisfying and flavorful, offering something different for your weeknight dinner. If you’re in the mood for a change, this is a great option that delivers on both flavor and ease.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

This one-pan dinner is ready in about 30 minutes and offers a comforting mix of tender chicken breasts in a tangy balsamic cream sauce. The flavors are rich and satisfying, making this feel like a dish straight from a cozy diner booth. It’s an easy meal that brings retro comfort food into your home with a modern twist. Ideal for when you want something simple yet hearty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Enjoy this one-pan meal of tender pork and roasted potatoes, ready in about 45 minutes. The garlic and herb seasoning gives it a nostalgic flavor, reminiscent of hearty meals from 1950s diners. It’s a simple dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table, perfect for any weeknight. If you’re looking for something both easy and flavorful, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

This dish combines juicy grilled chicken with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce. In about 30 minutes, you can enjoy a quick and flavorful dinner with minimal prep. The smoky grilled flavor complements the sauce perfectly, making it a go-to weeknight meal. Serve it with veggies or a salad for a well-rounded dinner that’s easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

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.

This zesty dish brings together marinated chicken and rice in about 40 minutes for a flavorful meal. The lime adds a refreshing brightness, while cilantro gives the chicken a fresh herbal taste. It’s a light yet satisfying dinner, perfect for a weeknight when you want something simple but full of flavor. An easy go-to that doesn’t sacrifice taste for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

This one-pan dinner is as simple as it is satisfying, ready in about 45 minutes. The chicken is seasoned with garlic and herbs, roasted alongside a mix of vegetables that become tender and flavorful. It’s a balanced meal that’s easy to prepare, and the best part is the minimal cleanup. Perfect for a busy night when you need something quick and tasty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

These pork chops are served with a rich mustard and shallot gravy that adds a comforting depth of flavor. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying dish that feels like a classic diner special. The savory gravy perfectly complements the tender pork, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner. This meal brings a nostalgic touch of warmth and comfort to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This quick salad features shredded chicken tossed in a tangy Carolina BBQ sauce served over a bed of fresh greens. It takes about 30 minutes to make, delivering a light yet flavorful dinner option. The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that makes this salad both refreshing and satisfying. Ideal for when you want something easy but with a bold flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

This comforting classic is ready in about 1 hour, featuring tender chicken and veggies in a creamy tarragon-flavored gravy. Each bite of the flaky pie crust and rich filling feels like a warm hug, perfect for a cozy night in. It’s a dish that takes a bit more time but is well worth it for the satisfying flavors. If you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal, this chicken pot pie delivers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

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.

This one-pan meal features chicken and veggies seasoned with smoky paprika, ready in just 35 minutes. The chicken stays juicy, and the vegetables roast to perfection, making it a flavorful and satisfying dinner option. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you need a healthy, balanced meal with minimal cleanup. Perfect for those who love simplicity with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

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

These grilled chicken kofta kebabs take just 30 minutes to make and are full of rich, savory flavors. The ground chicken is seasoned and formed into skewers, then grilled for a smoky finish. It’s a fun and flavorful dish that works well for any weeknight dinner. Pair it with fresh salads or warm flatbreads for a complete and delicious meal.
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.

These chicken drumsticks are marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices, offering bold and zesty flavors. In about 1 hour, you’ll have crispy, juicy chicken that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. The marinade adds a flavorful kick that makes this dish stand out from typical weeknight meals. Great for when you want something simple with a bit of flair.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken Marbella

This savory-sweet dish combines chicken with prunes, olives, and capers, creating a complex flavor that’s both tangy and sweet. Ready in about 1 hour, it’s a great option when you want a dinner that feels a bit more gourmet. The chicken is tender, and the sauce is perfect for soaking up with rice or bread. If you’re in the mood for something unique, this dish delivers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Chicken Colombian Tamales

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

These traditional tamales are packed with chicken, vegetables, and masa dough, all wrapped in banana leaves. Ready in about 2 hours, they’re a flavorful and hearty dinner option that’s perfect for when you have extra time. The tender filling and rich flavors make each bite satisfying. It’s a dish that brings a taste of Colombia straight to your kitchen, ideal for special occasions or a leisurely dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Tamales

Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan

Close-up of roasted meatballs with a mix of colorful, chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices. — Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This one-pan meal features juicy chicken sausage and roasted vegetables, all ready in about 30 minutes. The herbs and spices bring out the natural flavors, making this a balanced and satisfying dinner. It’s a quick, easy, and nutritious option for a busy weeknight. The simple preparation makes it perfect for when you want something tasty without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan

Uzbek Chicken Plov

Chicken plov on a plate with a fork. — Uzbek Chicken Plov. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This hearty rice dish takes about 1 hour to make, combining tender chicken with carrots, onions, and spices. The rice absorbs all the rich flavors from the chicken and vegetables, creating a filling and satisfying meal. It’s a simple dish that delivers big on flavor, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. A great option for when you want something both comforting and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek Chicken Plov

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.

This comforting dish features chicken marinated in buttermilk and roasted alongside potatoes, all ready in about 1 hour. The buttermilk makes the chicken tender and juicy, while the potatoes turn crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a hearty, all-in-one meal that feels perfect for a weeknight. Ideal for when you want something simple yet deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

This dish combines the brightness of citrus with the earthiness of rosemary, creating a flavorful, creamy sauce for tender chicken. In about 40 minutes, you’ll have a comforting yet refreshing meal that works well for any occasion. The citrusy cream sauce perfectly balances the savory chicken. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a well-rounded dinner that’s both satisfying and unique.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

This Mediterranean-inspired dish features tender chicken and vegetables like peppers and tomatoes, all cooked in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes using an Instant Pot, this meal delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. The hearty sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, making it a satisfying dinner option. Great for when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Ghallaba

Easy Beef Stew

Beef stew in yellow bowls. — Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hearty beef stew is a comforting dish that’s ready in about 1 hour. It features tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes simmered in a savory broth. The flavors blend together to create a rich, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight. If you’re craving something warm and filling, this beef stew is a great go-to. It’s an easy way to bring classic comfort food to your table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers. — Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Beef Bulgogi Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It features marinated beef slices cooked to perfection and served over a bed of rice. The beef is tender and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the bulgogi sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that feels light but packs a punch of flavor. Pair it with veggies for a well-rounded dinner that’s easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls