58 Low Effort Meals For Busy Weeknights

Weeknights can be a blur, and the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I always keep a list of low-effort meals that save time without skimping on flavor. These go-to dinners help me get food on the table fast without stress, no fuss.

A fork holds shrimp and pasta ribbons, with a wooden bowl of pasta in the background. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

A plated piece of seasoned salmon with a portion removed on a fork, served alongside steamed broccolini. — Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This salmon cooks quickly and pairs with a simple sauce that requires little prep, making it a practical weeknight option. The sauce adds a mild, fresh finish that keeps the plate interesting without extra fuss. It’s ready in about 20–25 minutes, which fits a busy evening. Serve it with a quick side for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Sliced grilled chicken breast in a white dish, with whole pieces on another plate in the background, next to a fork and dark cloth napkin. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This BBQ chicken comes out with minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer, which saves time on busy nights. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and pairs well with quick sides. The familiar flavors make it a straightforward family dinner choice. It’s an easy way to get a flavorful protein on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Turkey Taco Soup

A creamy dip with diced tomatoes and cheese, garnished with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro on top, served on a white plate. — Turkey Taco Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This soup is hearty yet fast to put together, and it’s forgiving if you need to swap ingredients. It’s a one-pot option that’s ready in about 30–40 minutes and keeps dishes to a minimum. The warm, family-friendly flavor profile makes it a reliable weeknight pick. It stores well for lunches later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Taco Soup

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it. — Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This mac and cheese delivers rich flavor without complicated steps, which helps when time is short. It bakes quickly and feeds a crowd, so it’s useful for nights when you want leftovers. The creamy texture goes over well with kids and adults alike. It’s an easy comfort option that doesn’t demand extra hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Steak Tips

A bowl of seasoned meat cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side. — Air Fryer Steak Tips. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Steak tips cook fast in the air fryer and need very little cleanup, which helps keep evenings simple. They’re done in about 15–20 minutes and pair easily with ready-made sides. The bite-sized pieces make serving straightforward for small plates or family meals. It’s a fast route to a heartier dinner without much work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Personal Pizza

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza slice being lifted, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. — Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Personal pizzas come together quickly and let each person pick toppings, which saves time on meal decisions. Using pre-made crust or quick dough keeps prep under 20 minutes. They bake fast and cut down on dishes since everyone has their own pie. It’s a convenient, hands-off way to make dinner feel special.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Mediterranean Cod

Cod cooks quickly and pairs with pantry staples for a light, fast dinner that doesn’t take long to assemble. The flavors are mild and family-friendly, which helps with picky eaters. It’s on the table in about 20–25 minutes and keeps cleanup simple. Good for nights when you want a healthy, low-effort option.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Crab Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background. — Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab pasta feels a little special while still being quick to put together, so you get more flavor with little extra work. It uses a short cook time for pasta and light ingredients, keeping prep low. This dish comes together in about 20–30 minutes and serves well for casual weeknights. It’s a handy way to add variety without added hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Shrimp macaroni salad is mostly assembly, so it’s fast to make and easy to keep on hand. It’s a chilled dish that’s ready to serve straight from the fridge, which helps on busy evenings. The make-ahead nature makes it useful for staggered family schedules. It pairs well with simple sides for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken Chop Suey comes together in one pan and uses basic ingredients, making it a practical weeknight option. It’s quick to finish, so you spend less time at the stove and more time with the family. You can serve it over rice or noodles to stretch the meal. It’s a straightforward dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These skewers cook fast in the air fryer and require very little hands-on time, which helps when evenings are tight. Bite-sized pieces make them easy for kids and simple to portion. They’re ready in about 15–20 minutes and pair well with quick sides. This is a handy handheld option when you need dinner done quickly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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

Steak bites sear up quickly and deliver a lot of flavor with little prep, which is ideal for a weekday meal. They’re ready in under 20 minutes and don’t need much cleanup. The garlic butter finish gives a rich touch without extra steps. Pair with a simple side for a complete, low-effort dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Grilled scallops with a lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce. — Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Scallops cook in minutes and require minimal seasoning, so dinner comes together fast even when you want something a bit nicer. The light sauce adds brightness without adding prep time. This dish is done in about 10–15 minutes and works well with quick vegetables. It’s a fast way to have a special-feeling meal on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate. — Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The air fryer makes a tuna melt quick and tidy, which keeps the meal low-effort and satisfying. It’s ready in about 10–15 minutes and needs minimal cleanup. The warm, melty sandwich format makes it easy to serve to kids and adults alike. It’s a simple comfort option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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.

This lemon butter sauce pairs with quickly cooked salmon for an easy weeknight entrée that feels fresh. The sauce comes together fast and brightens the plate without extra fuss. It’s a quick add-on that keeps total cook time under 25 minutes. Serve with a simple side to finish the meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Korean Ground Beef

Korean ground beef is done fast and brings bold flavor using just a few pantry items, which helps when time is limited. It’s ready in about 15–20 minutes and works well over rice or noodles. The strong, familiar taste makes it a practical family dinner choice. Cleanup is minimal since it’s mostly a single pan.
Get the Recipe: Korean Ground Beef

Tomato Garlic Pasta

A shallow white bowl with penne pasta, ground turkey, cherry tomatoes, and sliced zucchini. — Tomato Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This pasta uses simple ingredients and short cook time to give you a warm meal with very little prep. It’s on the table in about 20–25 minutes and only needs a pot and a pan. The straightforward flavors are easy for everyone to accept. It’s a no-fuss dinner that still feels homey.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Garlic Pasta

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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

Shrimp and tomato pasta is quick because shrimp cooks fast and the sauce stays light, which saves time. It’s ready in about 20–30 minutes and keeps cleanup simple. The bright, familiar notes make it a good family meal without much effort. It pairs well with a ready-made side or a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Panko Crusted Cod

The panko crust gives cod a crunchy finish while still being fast to prepare, which helps on busy nights. It bakes or air fries in about 15–20 minutes for a quick dinner. The texture appeals to kids who like crisp coatings. Pair with easy sides for a balanced meal with little work.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

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.

Ground pork stir fry comes together in a single pan and uses quick-cooking vegetables to keep prep time low. It’s done in about 15–20 minutes and makes a filling family meal. The simple flavor profile helps it go over well at the table. It’s a good option when you need dinner without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak)

Tuna steaks cook quickly in the air fryer and need only a few minutes on each side, which is perfect for weeknights. The method keeps cleanup minimal and the result juicy. It’s ready in about 10–15 minutes, which fits a busy schedule. Serve with a quick side for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak)

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet. — Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baked skillet gnocchi melts cheese and sauce together in one pan, so cleanup stays simple and prep is short. It’s a baked meal that finishes in about 25–30 minutes and feeds a group. The soft texture and warm finish make it feel cozy without taking time. It’s a practical pick when you want comfort food on a tight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger casserole delivers classic burger flavors in a single dish, which saves on hands-on time. It bakes in one pan and makes enough for leftovers. The familiar taste helps make it an easy family-friendly pick. It’s a useful option when you want a hearty meal without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Korean Beef and Broccoli

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

This dish comes together quickly in one pan and uses familiar flavors that appeal to many. It’s ready in about 20 minutes and is easy to serve over rice. The mix of protein and vegetables makes it a balanced weeknight meal. Cleanup is limited to a single skillet.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Creamy Chicken Curry

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

This curry uses pantry staples and a short simmer to deliver warm flavor with minimal effort. It’s ready in roughly 25–30 minutes and pairs easily with rice or quick bread. The creamy sauce brings comfort without requiring complicated steps. It’s a reliable, low-effort dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Mexican Steak Pizza

Mexican steak pizza combines quick-cooking steak with ready-made crust for a fast, crowd-pleasing meal. It bakes in about 15–20 minutes and is easy to customize. The hearty toppings make it feel like a full dinner with minimal prep. It’s a handy option for nights when you want something that’s easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Ground Pork Tacos

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

Ground pork tacos brown fast and let you serve family-style with minimal fuss. They’re ready in about 15–20 minutes and are easy to set out for everyone to assemble. The quick cook time makes them a reliable weeknight staple. They work well with simple sides for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Salmon in a creamy pasta brings a rich feel while staying quick to prepare, which helps on busy nights. It’s ready in about 25–30 minutes and uses a single pot for much of the work. The blend of protein and pasta makes it a filling, easy dinner. It’s a good pick when you want something a little special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A skillet containing a stir-fried mix of ground meat, sliced bell peppers, leafy greens, and white sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. Plates with flatbreads are in the background. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This skillet meal cooks up fast and combines protein and veggies in one pan to keep things simple. It’s ready in about 20–25 minutes and minimizes dishes. The hearty mix makes it a good choice for dinner when time is short. Leftovers reheat well for an easy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers grill in minutes and need little seasoning, making them perfect for fast dinners. They’re done in about 10–15 minutes and are easy to plate with quick sides. The handheld format makes serving straightforward for families. It’s a low-effort way to add seafood to the weeknight menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Close-up of a stack of seasoned, grilled chicken drumsticks, with one drumstick partially eaten, revealing moist, cooked meat inside. A lemon wedge and herbs are visible in the background. — Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Drumsticks crisp up in the air fryer with minimal oil and low cleanup, which helps on busy evenings. They’re ready in roughly 25–30 minutes and are easy to portion for the family. The size makes them simple for kids to hold and eat. They’re a dependable protein option when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

This pasta bake combines spicy buffalo flavor with cheese and pasta in one dish, saving on time and cleanup. It bakes in about 25–30 minutes and is easy to reheat. The mix of familiar flavors makes it a crowd pleaser. It’s a good choice when you want a quick comfort meal that feeds several.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

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

Black pepper chicken cooks quickly in a single pan and brings a bold but straightforward flavor that’s easy to pair with rice. It’s ready in about 20 minutes and keeps prep short. The dish fits well into a busy weeknight rotation. It’s a simple way to add variety without added work.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Bacon-wrapped salmon bites are small and quick to cook, which helps keep hands-on time low. They’re ready in about 15–20 minutes and make a neat, portioned dinner or appetizer. The combination of flavors feels special while still being simple. It’s an easy, fast option for a higher-impact weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Plate of crispy chicken pieces with walnuts and green onions, served next to white rice on a patterned cloth with a fork. — Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Honey walnut shrimp offers a sweet-savory finish while still coming together quickly, which helps on packed nights. It’s ready in roughly 20 minutes and pairs well with rice or greens. The make-ahead-friendly components make serving smooth. This dish brings a bolder flavor without requiring extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers stuffed with chicken and cheese. — Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stuffed poblanos bake in one pan and deliver a cheesy, filling meal without a lot of hands-on time. They roast in about 25–30 minutes and serve as a main with a quick side. The stuffed format makes portioning easy for the family. It’s a practical pick for a weeknight that feels a little different.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

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

Honey butter fried chicken gives you a crisp finish with a short cook time using an air fryer or oven method, keeping prep manageable. It’s ready in about 25–30 minutes and pairs well with simple sides. The sweet glaze is familiar and family-friendly. It’s a good option when you want comfort food without a long process.
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.

These tenders are done fast in the air fryer and require minimal cleanup, which is ideal for busy nights. They’re ready in about 12–15 minutes and are easy to dip and serve. The quick cook time makes them a regular weeknight go-to. They store and reheat well for quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Steak and pasta in a creamy sauce feel hearty while still being fairly quick to finish, which helps on tight evenings. This dish is ready in about 25–30 minutes and fills the table with one main course. The familiar flavors make it easy to serve to kids and adults. It’s a useful option when you want comfort without a long prep.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken cooks fast and is easy to portion for kids, which helps get dinner on the table quickly. It’s ready in about 12–15 minutes in the air fryer and keeps cleanup light. The bite-sized pieces work well with simple dipping sauces and sides. It’s a handy choice for nights when speed matters.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef quesadillas come together in minutes and are simple to serve, which helps when you need dinner fast. They cook quickly in a pan or oven and require only a few ingredients. The handheld format makes them easy for younger eaters. It’s a low-effort way to get protein and carbs on the table.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Chicken Divan

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

Chicken Divan bakes in one dish and pairs protein with a creamy sauce to make a full meal with little fuss. It’s ready in about 30–35 minutes and keeps cleanup to a minimum. The familiar, mild flavors appeal to most family members. This is a solid option for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and pasta finish fast and the garlic butter flavor is straightforward, so you get a full meal in under 30 minutes. The short cook time keeps the evening stress low. It’s easy to pair with a quick salad or steamed veg. This dish is a solid choice when you want a quick but satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Wet Burrito

A wet burrito is baked in one dish and brings filling ingredients together for an easy weeknight meal. It warms through in about 25–30 minutes and is simple to portion. The sauced format keeps it easy to serve without extra sides. It’s a practical dinner that reheats well.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Baked salmon fillet with asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers on a white plate, garnished with herbs. — Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan salmon and vegetables roast together, which saves on hands-on time and cleanup. It’s ready in about 20–25 minutes and gives you a balanced plate in one go. The one-pan approach is ideal for busy schedules. It’s a quick, healthy option for a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

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

Panko breading gives these pork chops a crisp finish while baking or air frying keeps prep tidy. They’re ready in about 20–25 minutes and pair well with straightforward sides. The familiar breaded texture makes them easy to serve to kids. It’s a simple, practical dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko Chicken Breast

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

Panko-coated chicken breasts cook quickly and hold up well as leftovers, which helps with weekly planning. They’re done in about 20–25 minutes and keep prep short. The crunchy exterior appeals to many palates. This is a useful, low-effort protein for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Shrimp Scampi

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

Shrimp scampi cooks in minutes and delivers bright, garlicky flavor with very little prep time. It’s on the table in about 15–20 minutes and pairs well with pasta or bread. The quick cook time and minimal cleanup make it a weekday favorite. It’s an easy way to bring seafood to the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken nuggets are quick to make and easy for kids to handle, which helps on hectic evenings. They’re done in the air fryer in about 12–15 minutes and need little cleanup. The bite-sized format makes serving straightforward. They’re a reliable go-to for simple weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

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

This melt combines bold, familiar flavors on toasted bread for a quick, handheld dinner option. It’s ready in about 15–20 minutes and keeps cleanup minimal. The avocado adds creaminess without added work. It’s a fast, satisfying meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli and tofu stir fry cooks up quickly in a single pan and gives you a balanced plate with minimal effort. It’s ready in about 15–20 minutes and pairs easily with rice or noodles. The simple seasoning keeps prep short and ingredients familiar. It’s a practical weeknight option for plant-forward meals.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Lemon butter fish bakes quickly and brings bright flavor with very little prep, which helps in the evening rush. It’s ready in about 15–20 minutes and pairs nicely with quick sides. The light finish keeps the plate feeling fresh and simple. It’s a fast, reliable choice for weeknight seafood.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

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.

Steak slices and mushrooms cook quickly and come together with a simple sauce that adds depth without extra steps. The dish is ready in about 20–25 minutes and works well with quick sides. The format keeps cleanup limited to a pan. It’s a practical pick when you want a richer meal without added effort.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

A grilled chicken thight with barbecue sauce and a side of green beans on a white plate, garnished with chopped parsley. — Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Boneless thighs grill or air fry fast and bring a smoky flavor that’s easy to pair with quick sides. They’re done in about 20–25 minutes and require minimal hands-on time. The boneless portion makes serving and portioning easy for the family. This is a solid weeknight option when you want something flavorful with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces. — Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Boneless thighs in the air fryer cook up juicy and crisp with very little cleanup, which helps when time is short. They finish in about 20–25 minutes and are simple to season. The result is a dependable protein that goes with many sides. It’s a low-effort way to get dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Bruschetta chicken uses fresh toppings but takes little time to make, which keeps the meal quick and bright. It’s ready in about 20–25 minutes and pairs well with simple sides or salad. The fresh topping adds a finish without added work. This is a handy option when you want a light, fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Shrimp and broccoli finish fast in a single pan and give you a balanced plate with minimal prep. It’s ready in about 15–20 minutes and works well over rice or noodles. The simple ingredients keep cleanup and hands-on time low. This is a practical weeknight choice for a quick protein-plus-veggie meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream cheese adds a smooth finish that keeps the dish comforting without extra effort, which helps on busy nights. This baked or skillet dish is ready in about 25–30 minutes and pairs easily with quick sides. The familiar flavors make it easy to serve to the family. It’s a straightforward, low-effort weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken