Fast doesn’t have to mean flavorless. These recipes are quick, easy, and full of personality. Perfect for weeknights when time is short but cravings are big. Dinner just got faster and better.

Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

A bowl of white rice topped with a thick brown stew containing chicken pieces, mushrooms, and chopped green onions—perfect for easy dinners or quick dinner recipes.
Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

A quick dinner that mixes bourbon, honey, and barbecue sauce into a sticky, savory glaze, this instant pot chicken hits the spot. It’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and cooks in under 30 minutes, leaving you with tender chicken and a sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice. The pressure cooker does all the work, so you can sit back and enjoy a dish that tastes better than takeout without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

Creamy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe (Quick And Easy)

Fluffy coconut lime rice in a bowl with a brown wooden spoon.
Creamy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe (Quick And Easy). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Coconut lime rice can add a touch of tropical flair to your meal. The unique flavor makes it the perfect choice for something quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Lime Rice Recipe (Quick And Easy)

Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Close-up of a stack of medium-rare, seasoned steak slices, showcasing a pink and juicy interior with a seared crust.
Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

One of the reasons we love the idea of cooking ribeye steak in the air fryer is how fast you can get it done. Prep time is about 10 minutes, primarily because, except for the steak, you’re working with four ingredients only.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye Steaks

Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

A plate of sweet and sour chicken in red sauce, topped with chopped herbs, served over white rice.
Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Air fryer sweet and sour chicken is a delicious dish with a pleasant contrast in taste and texture. The sweet and sour sauce perfectly coats the chicken pieces, giving them a burst of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

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.

Succulent grilled scallops with a zesty sauce of lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio. An elegant, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly dish for a sophisticated summer feast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Lemon, Mint, and Pinot Grigio Sauce

One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Three seasoned chicken breasts simmer in a creamy sauce with wilted spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a black skillet.
One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This creamy chicken dish brings together seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a quick weeknight win. It’s all made in one pan, saving you time on cleanup while delivering comforting Italian flavors that feel fancy without the effort. Perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Get the Recipe: One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken

The Best Chinese Sweet And Spicy Chicken Recipe

Close-up of sesame chicken with chopped green peppers and sesame seeds on a bed of white rice.
The Best Chinese Sweet And Spicy Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This Chinese sweet and spicy chicken has a wonderful combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will have you coming back for more!
Get the Recipe: The Best Chinese Sweet And Spicy Chicken Recipe

String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

A plate of white rice with stir-fried chicken and green beans, garnished with sesame seeds.
String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This Chinese string bean chicken recipe, inspired by Panda Express, is packed with juicy chicken breast chunks and fresh green beans.
Get the Recipe: String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

A close-up of chopsticks holding a piece of glazed, grilled chicken. The chicken appears juicy and well-cooked.
Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

There are a couple of reasons we think you’re going to love learning about how to make BBQ drumsticks in the air fryer. One is it it is much neater than cooking them on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Sauce Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer

Keto Baked Parmesan Salmon

Keto baked parmesan salmon on foil on a baking sheet.
Keto Baked Parmesan Salmon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This crispy Keto Baked Parmesan Salmon is so easy to make and will yield a delicious and nutrient-dense dinner recipe! Prepared, cooked, and served in under 30 minutes, this is a great low-carb, gluten-free, egg-free, coconut-free, and nut-free dish to serve on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Keto Baked Parmesan Salmon

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A plate with breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and cheese on spaghetti, served with a green salad and croutons.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Get dinner on the table fast with crispy chicken coated in a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings, all cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. Juicy inside and crunchy outside, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and cuts cooking time way down, making it a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

A plate of white rice topped with chunks of chicken and sliced green bell peppers, all cooked in a creamy yellow sauce.
Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

With prep and cooking time, we were able to make this Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers in about 20 minutes. That’s not an exaggeration.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken with Pepperoncini Peppers

Teriyaki Steak Bites

A bowl of rice topped with cubed steak bites in a brown sauce, garnished with sliced green onions and zucchini.
Teriyaki Steak Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These teriyaki steak bites are quick and easy to make. They boast a rich Asian flavor and come out so succulent. This recipe is a keeper!
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Steak Bites

Szechuan Beef

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried beef and vegetables, with chopsticks. Green onions, a pot, and condiments are in the background.
Szechuan Beef. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This sizzling, tasty Szechuan beef recipe is so easy to make at home. Spice up dinnertime tonight with this Chinese restaurant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Beef

Steak in the Air Fryer

Close-up of a fork holding a piece of medium-rare cooked beef steak, with visible seasonings and a slice of lemon in the background.
Steak in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Using your air fryer to cook steak is a great option when you want a grilled flavor without having to fire up the grill.
Get the Recipe: Steak in the Air Fryer

Pistachio Crusted Salmon

A plate with two slices of pistachio-crusted salmon, garnished with lemon slices and spinach leaves.
Pistachio Crusted Salmon. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Elevate dinnertime with this easy pistachio crusted salmon. Succulent salmon is topped with crunchy pistachios to make this yummy feast.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Crusted Salmon

Mussels in Cream Sauce

A person holding a bowl of steamed mussels.
Mussels in Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Plump mussels in an easy yet elegant cream sauce that’s elevated by sliced jalapenos and crisp white wine (includes dairy-free option).
Get the Recipe: Mussels in Cream Sauce

Easy Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe (Stir Fry Rice Noodles)

Savory shrimp stir-fried mei fun rice noodles on a plate.
Easy Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe (Stir Fry Rice Noodles). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Shrimp mei fun, also known as shrimp rice noodles, is a mouthwatering and widely beloved Chinese noodle dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe (Stir Fry Rice Noodles)

Instant Pot Crab Boil

A bowl containing crab legs, corn on the cob, small potatoes, a lemon wedge, and sprinkled herbs.
Instant Pot Crab Boil. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Get your Instant Pot ready for a seafood feast that comes together in just about 20 minutes using baby potatoes, fresh corn, and a hefty dose of Old Bay seasoning. This recipe turns a classic crab boil into a quick, mess-free meal that’s perfect for those nights when you want flavor without the long wait. With a luscious garlic butter sauce on the side and the option to add hot sauce for a little kick, it’s a sure way to impress without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Crab Boil

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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