5 Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Cooks

Life can get pretty hectic, leaving little time for cooking elaborate meals. However, this doesn't mean you have to compromise on taste or nutrition. In fact, with the right recipes, you can whip up delicious, wholesome dinners in no time. Here are five easy dinner recipes tailored for those short on time but still looking to enjoy a good meal.

1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

What could be simpler than cooking everything in one pot? This chicken and rice dish is a classic for a reason. Here's how to make it:

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a large pot, sear the chicken on medium-high heat until golden brown. Remove chicken from the pot.
3. Using the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
4. Add rice and stir for a minute or two.
5. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then return the chicken to the pot, reduce heat to low, and cover.
6. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and chicken is tender.
7. Mix in the peas, cook for another 5 minutes, then serve.

🔁 Note: Feel free to substitute with brown rice, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

If you're looking for a lighter, refreshing meal, this chickpea salad is an excellent choice. It requires:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cans chickpeas, drained
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for dressing
• Instructions:
1. Combine all vegetables in a large bowl.
2. Add chickpeas and feta.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently to mix. Serve immediately or let it marinate for richer flavor.

3. Stir-Fried Noodles with Tofu

Get your veggies and proteins in with this quick stir-fry. You'll need:

• Ingredients:
• 8 oz firm tofu, cubed
• 1 pack of fresh or dried noodles
• 1 broccoli head, cut into florets
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Instructions:
1. Prepare noodles as per package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. In a hot wok, sauté tofu until golden brown, remove.
3. Add veggies to the same wok, stir-fry until tender-crisp.
4. Add ginger and garlic, stir until fragrant.
5. Toss in noodles and tofu, mix with soy sauce, and sesame oil.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.

✅ Note: If using dried noodles, ensure they are well-drained to prevent sogginess.

4. Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

For a set-it-and-forget-it dinner, the Instant Pot is your best friend. Here's an easy recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 jar of your favorite salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 tsp each of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Instructions:
1. Season chicken with spices and salt.
2. Place chicken in the Instant Pot, pour in salsa, black beans, and corn.
3. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.
4. Shred chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce. Serve with rice or tortillas.

5. Quick Beef Stir-Fry

If you're craving beef, this stir-fry will not disappoint. You will need:

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
1. Toss beef with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok.
3. Stir-fry beef until it's nearly cooked, then remove from pan.
4. Add sesame oil, stir-fry garlic until fragrant, then add onions and bell peppers.
5. Return beef to the pan, mix in soy sauce, and oyster sauce, and cook until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

These five dinner recipes are perfect for those with busy schedules. They use minimal ingredients, require simple preparation, and deliver maximum flavor. Whether you prefer something quick to throw together or meals you can prepare in advance, there's something here for every taste. Enjoy cooking, eating, and reclaiming your evening hours for relaxation or family time!

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

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Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the recipes based on your dietary preferences or what you have available. For example, if you’re vegetarian, you can replace meat with tofu or legumes in dishes like the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad or the Instant Pot Salsa Chicken.

How can I make these recipes healthier?

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To make these meals healthier, use lean cuts of meat, incorporate more vegetables, and opt for low-sodium options for sauces. Additionally, you can substitute refined grains with whole grains, like using brown rice instead of white.

Can these meals be prepped in advance?

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Yes, all these recipes can be meal prepped. The One-Pot Chicken and Rice, for instance, can be cooked in advance and reheated. Salads like the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad can be assembled and stored, adding dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.