Holiday Chaos? Relax, These 23 Dinners Are Faster Than Your In-Laws' Arrival

The holidays can be a whirlwind, and the last thing you need is a complicated dinner. These 23 meals come together faster than the chaos at your door. Perfect for when you need something quick, but don’t want to sacrifice on flavor. Skip the stress and make dinner easy with these fast, no-fuss options.

White bowl with chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic and a light linen around the bowl. — Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy is a comforting dish featuring a flaky crust filled with tender chicken and a rich tarragon gravy. This meal is ready in about an hour, making it a perfect choice when time is tight. The savory filling and buttery crust create a satisfying experience that feels like home. For those busy nights, this recipe offers comfort without the long prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce delivers juicy, tender pork shoulder bathed in a tangy BBQ sauce, all with minimal effort. This slow-cooked dish takes 8 hours, letting you go about your day while it cooks. The deep flavors from the mustard BBQ sauce infuse the meat, making it a perfect hands-off dinner. This recipe fits seamlessly into your schedule when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables features juicy chicken paired with a variety of roasted vegetables, all ready in about an hour. The caramelized veggies and tender chicken create a balanced meal that’s simple yet flavorful. It’s an excellent choice for those evenings when you want something delicious without hours in the kitchen. This recipe makes weeknight dinners easier and more enjoyable.
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Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables

A blue roasting dish containing a cooked beef roast with a red center is surrounded by perfectly roasted potatoes and vegetables, making it one of those dinner ideas that elevate your meal. — Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Beef Tenderloin with Winter Vegetables is a hearty meal ready in about an hour, showcasing juicy beef tenderloin and roasted winter vegetables. The rich beef flavor is complemented by the earthy vegetables, creating a satisfying dish. This option is perfect for those who want a comforting meal without spending too long cooking. When time is of the essence, this recipe hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Winter Vegetables

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken combines sweet maple syrup with tangy mustard in a dish ready in just 20 minutes. The juicy chicken packs a punch of flavor, making it an impressive choice for both weeknights and cookouts. This quick recipe is perfect for when you want something tasty without spending much time in the kitchen. It’s a fast meal that hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce offers a gourmet experience at home in just 30 minutes. The juicy filet mignon pairs perfectly with a sweet and tangy sauce made from fresh peach, mango, and cilantro. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table without the hassle of lengthy prep. When you’re short on time, this recipe makes a delightful impression.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner is a straightforward meal that features tender pork and perfectly seasoned vegetables, all ready in 40 minutes. The combination of juicy pork and crisp veggies creates a satisfying dinner without the hassle of multiple pans. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something quick and flavorful. For a no-fuss dinner solution, this recipe does the job perfectly.
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.

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops offer a bright and zesty meal with tender pork chops and a tangy citrus glaze, ready in about 30 minutes. The juicy chops paired with the citrusy glaze create a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is a light yet satisfying option for busy nights when you want to keep things simple. Quick and flavorful, this recipe makes dinner stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions combines juicy steak with sweet peaches and savory onions, ready in just 30 minutes. The contrast of flavors makes this a unique and delicious dinner choice. It’s an impressive meal that fits easily into a busy evening. When you want something different and quick, this recipe delivers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

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 pairs juicy pork chops with succulent seafood, all ready in just 30 minutes. This dish combines the best of land and sea, making it an exciting option for busy nights. Quick to prepare, it still feels like a gourmet meal. For a fast and impressive dinner, this recipe fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

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 features tender chicken paired with zesty cilantro-lime rice, all made in just 30 minutes. The citrusy rice complements the juicy chicken, creating a refreshing meal. This dish is light yet satisfying, perfect for weeknights when you need something quick. When time is short, this recipe packs a flavorful punch.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes includes tender pork and seasoned potatoes, all ready in about 40 minutes. The juicy pork pairs perfectly with crispy, roasted potatoes, making for a hearty meal. This dish is great for when you’re craving comfort food without a long wait. For a filling dinner that’s quick to make, this recipe is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy features tender pork chops smothered in a rich, tangy gravy, ready in just 30 minutes. The juicy chops and savory gravy create a comforting meal for busy nights. This dish is perfect when you want something flavorful without the time commitment. Quick preparation doesn’t mean sacrificing taste with this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

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 juicy pork chops with sweet-tart applesauce, enhanced by fresh blackberries, taking around 45 minutes to make. The balance of savory and fruity flavors makes this dish unique and enjoyable. It’s a delightful option when you want something special without a long cooking time. Quick and tasty, this recipe brings a twist to a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet features tender chicken simmered in a rich balsamic sauce, all ready in about 30 minutes. The creamy and tangy flavors make this dish satisfying and quick to prepare. Ideal for a busy night when you need comfort food fast, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. When you want a meal that seems indulgent but is quick, this skillet dish shines.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

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

Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe combines flavorful chicken sausage with perfectly roasted vegetables, ready in 40 minutes. This hands-off meal solution is both simple and nutritious, ideal for busy evenings. The juicy sausage and roasted veggies create a well-balanced dinner without the fuss. For a quick, delicious option, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Easy Beef Stew

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

Easy Beef Stew is a hearty dish featuring tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, ready in about 2 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld, creating a comforting meal perfect for colder nights. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or mashed potatoes. When you have a little time but want a comforting dish, this stew is the right choice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo offers a rich, creamy sauce made without dairy, all prepared easily in 4 hours. The tender chicken and smooth sauce create a comforting dish for busy days. With its hands-off slow cooker prep, it provides a delicious meal with minimal effort. For those seeking a convenient option, this recipe meets your needs perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish. — Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bomb Meatloaf is a juicy, flavorful meatloaf with a savory glaze, ready in about an hour. The tender meatloaf and rich glaze offer great comfort food, ideal for those nights when you want something hearty. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. When you want a classic dinner that comes together quickly, this meatloaf delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is a fragrant rice dish featuring tender chicken and aromatic spices, taking about an hour to prepare. The blend of spices creates a rich, savory flavor that stands out. It feels indulgent yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. For a meal that’s flavorful without taking all day, Chicken Biryani is the perfect pick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

Beef Bulgogi Bowls feature marinated, grilled beef served over rice with fresh vegetables, all ready in just 40 minutes. The tender beef is flavorful with a slight sweetness, perfectly balanced by the veggies. This dish brings the essence of Korean BBQ to your table quickly, ideal for busy nights. Quick, balanced, and full of flavor, this recipe fits into a fast-paced dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Ramen Chicken Noodles

Ramen Chicken Noodles provide a quick, flavorful dinner with tender chicken and savory broth, ready in just 30 minutes. The hearty noodles and juicy chicken create a filling dish perfect for a busy night. It offers comfort and warmth without spending hours cooking. For those times when you need something fast yet satisfying, this recipe is a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Chicken Noodles

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Chicken Legs are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfectly seasoned, these chicken legs make for a flavorful weeknight meal. The air fryer ensures a quick, hands-off cooking experience so you can focus on other things. When you want a fast and tasty dinner, this recipe is an excellent choice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs