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Weeknight dinners don’t have to be a production. Whether you’ve got 20 minutes or an hour, this collection of quick and easy Southern dinners has something for everyone at the table. From crispy salmon patties and creamy chicken casseroles to shrimp tacos and skillet lasagna, these recipes are all about getting a delicious meal on the table without the stress.

Most of them come together in 30 minutes or less, use simple ingredients you probably already have, and create minimal cleanup so you can actually enjoy your evening. Bookmark this one, because you’re going to come back to it again and again.

three salmon burgers stacked on a white platter
5 from 4 votes

Canned Salmon Patties

These crispy salmon patties come together in minutes with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. They're a true Southern classic that's been feeding families for generations, and once you try them, you'll understand why.
BBQ Pork Pizza with Roasted Corn, Jalapeno, and Smoked Mozzarella is super easy using pre-cooked bbq pork. This BBQ Pork Pizza pops with flavor and is a great addition to a weekly meal plan.
5 from 1 vote

BBQ Pork Pizza

Smoky pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese on a crispy crust make this pizza a Southern spin on a Friday night favorite. Use store-bought dough and leftover pork to get it on the table even faster.
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Green onions garnishing a chicken breast.
5 from 10 votes

Quick Garlic Chicken

Tender chicken breasts get a bold, savory coating of soy sauce and garlic that caramelizes beautifully in the pan. This one is a weeknight lifesaver that goes from stovetop to table in about 30 minutes.
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Closeup of prosciutto wrapped chicken on a baking sheet.
4.28 from 11 votes

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken is everything you need a quick and easy meal to be: melted cheese draped over salty prosciutto wrapped around a succulent chicken breast. Comes together in minutes!
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A jalapeno turkey burger with lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickled onions, and ketchup on a white plate.
4.50 from 2 votes

Jalapeno Turkey Burgers

These juicy turkey burgers get a kick from fresh jalapenos that keeps things interesting without being overwhelming. They cook up fast on the grill or stovetop and make a lighter but still satisfying weeknight dinner.
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A plate of nachos topped with melted cheese, chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, black beans, and barbecue sauce.
No ratings yet

Pulled Pork Nachos

Got leftover pulled pork? Layer it over crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese and all your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in no time. This one disappears fast, so make plenty.
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A shrimp taco on a corn tortilla topped with sliced radishes, jalapeños, shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a drizzle of white sauce, with lime wedges nearby.
No ratings yet

Baha Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Fresh, fast, and full of flavor, these shrimp tacos are loaded with tender seasoned shrimp, crunchy slaw, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. Dinner is on the table in about 20 minutes.
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A cooked chicken breast served over pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce on a white plate.
5 from 1 vote

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Okay, so this one takes a little trip to Tuscany, but the creamy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken make it worth the detour. One pan, minimal cleanup, and a dinner that feels fancy without any fuss.
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Sausage, Peppers, and Onions served on a plate.
5 from 1 vote

Sheet Pan Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Sausage, Peppers, and Onions on a sheet pan baked in the oven—so easy! 
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A bowl filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, sliced cucumber, pickles, crispy onions, dressing, and sweet potato fries on the side, set on a wooden surface.
No ratings yet

Burger Bowl Recipe

A hearty Burger Bowl with seasoned beef, sweet potato fries, fresh veggies, and tangy sauce in every bite.
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Oven baked fish in a white bowl with fresh summer vegetables like spinach, corn, and tomatoes will be one of your weeknight favorites! This recipe is quick and easy and everyone loves it!
4.55 from 11 votes

Oven Baked Fish

Fresh summer vegetables like spinach, corn, and tomatoes will make this easy oven baked fish one of your weeknight favorites!
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A close up of food on a plate, with Chicken.
5 from 2 votes

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Crispy, golden chicken tenders with a sweet and tangy honey mustard coating that the whole family will love. These are so much better than anything you'd get from a drive-through, and they're ready in about 30 minutes.
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Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is a Southern favorite and this version has a few secret ingredients that make it the best! It's perfect for a potluck gathering or new parents and it's freezer friendly!
5 from 2 votes

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole is easy and a family favorite that is great for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Made with sour cream and crunchy cracker topping, this one is a crowd pleaser.
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Broiled Shrimp with Vegetables and spicy peanut sauce.
5 from 1 vote

Broiled Shrimp and Vegetables

Broiled Shrimp and Vegetables with a spicy peanut sauce is a quick and easy recipe that’s made on one baking sheet with little effort and easy cleanup.
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Chili Mac and Cheese is a blend of two beloved comfort foods, chili and macaroni and cheese. Best of all, it's made in one pot so it's easy!
5 from 2 votes

Chili Mac and Cheese

Chili Mac and Cheese is a blend of two beloved comfort foods, chili and macaroni and cheese. Best of all, it’s made in one pot so it’s easy!
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Easy skillet lasagna without ricotta cheese—just sausage and ground beef, tomatoes, noodles, and three cheeses! This recipe is quick, easy, and kid-friendly!
5 from 6 votes

Easy Skillet Lasagna Without Ricotta

Easy skillet lasagna without ricotta cheese — just sausage and ground beef, tomatoes, noodles, and three cheeses! This recipe is quick and easy and kid-friendly!
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A cooked pork chop served on a white plate with carrots, potatoes, and green beans in a savory sauce.
4.60 from 5 votes

Skillet Pork Chops with Vegetables

Pork chops and vegetables in a tangy sauce all in one skillet, a one-dish meal that works for a busy weeknight.
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Baked Fish Sticks

Crunchy baked fish sticks are easy enough for a busy weeknight and delicious enough for company!
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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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