I was thinking last week that I should make a list of easy dinners. For me, an easy recipe takes 30 minutes to make and doesn’t require complicated steps. But, of course, they should be healthy and delicious.
There is certainly a time and place for a recipe with lots of ingredients and steps. But on busy days when everyone is tired and hungry, we all want a great meal that is quick and easy.
Asian-Inspired
I was making this tasty egg roll in a bowl while thinking about easy dinners. Ground turkey, cabbage, and a few flavorful ingredients in a bowl. Serve over rice or make it super simple by serving over chow mein noodles.
Chicken vegetable fried rice is a similar option. I love vegetable fried rice under recipes like this and this to incorporate vegetables into a meal that would otherwise be chicken and rice. By simply adding chicken and a few extra ingredients, you have a complete dinner.
Mexican-Inspired
Sheet-pan chicken fajitas are one of my favorite sheet-pan dinners. The chicken, veggies, and spices cook together on the sheet pan for an easy, hands-off weekday meal.
The secret to a quick dinner of a Chipotle-style chicken bowl is making the chicken ahead of time. When I make Chipotle chicken or chicken tinga, I always make a double batch. This is a great way to have a head start on an easy dinner in the future.
Fish
Fish is a great choice for a quick dinner simply because it cooks so fast. These chili-lime tilapia fillets take only 10 minutes in the skillet. A baked potato and roasted green vegetables round out the meal nicely.
Pasta
Lots of pasta dishes are good for a quick dinner, but none quicker than orzo. This little rice-shaped pasta takes only 10 minutes to cook. Cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is a favorite of mine.
Sheet Pan Dinners
Sheet pan orange ginger chicken is just one of many easy sheet pan dinners I turn to on busy nights. While dinner cooks, I can prep my overnight oats and lunch for the next day and feel organized.
An easy dinner doesn’t have to mean take-out, delivery, or something unhealthy. There are many simple, wholesome options to add to your menu.