13 Easy Meals To Get You Through the Week

Busy weeks call for meals that come together without extra thought or extra dishes in the sink. These 13 easy meals are built for real life, using simple ingredients and cooking methods that save you time. I love having a plan like this because it keeps my kitchen calm and my family fed without last-minute stress. When you have reliable dinners ready to go, the whole week feels more manageable from start to finish.

Air Fryer French Bread Pizza

Air Fryer French Bread Pizza cooks until the bread is crisp and the mozzarella turns bubbly and golden. This quick air fryer meal comes together fast, making it perfect for after-school dinners. The homemade pizza sauce adds extra flavor without extra time. Keep an eye on the bread during the last few minutes so it doesn’t overbrown.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Bread Pizza

Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Sausage and Peppers Recipe simmers Italian sausage with bell peppers and onions until everything is tender and lightly caramelized. It’s a simple stovetop dinner ready in under an hour and works well for family meals. The flavors deepen as they cook together in one pan. Slice the peppers evenly so they soften at the same rate.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Chicken Breast is stuffed with cream cheese, mozzarella, bacon, and vegetables, then air fried until the outside is lightly crisp and the inside stays tender. It cooks quickly, making it an easy option for busy weeknights. The creamy filling keeps the chicken moist without extra steps. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing so the filling stays in place.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are seasoned and air fried until the skin turns crisp and the meat stays tender. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re a quick dinner solution for busy evenings. The lemon pepper seasoning keeps the flavor simple and family friendly. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer so they cook evenly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

30 Minute Caprese Chicken

30 Minute Caprese Chicken starts with breaded chicken cutlets baked until golden, then topped with tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It comes together quickly, making it a simple family favorite for weeknights. The fresh topping keeps the chicken juicy and bright. Spoon the tomato mixture over just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Caprese Chicken

Garlic Chicken Cutlets

Garlic Chicken Cutlets are pan fried until lightly crisp and finished with a rich garlic butter flavor. This quick stovetop meal uses simple pantry ingredients and works for both weeknights and casual gatherings. The chicken stays tender while the edges turn golden. Pound the cutlets evenly so they cook through at the same pace.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Cutlets

Hamburgers in Air Fryer

Hamburgers in Air Fryer cook up with a lightly crisp exterior and juicy center in just minutes. This simple method makes it easy to serve homemade burgers without heating up the grill. It’s a quick dinner that works well on busy days. Check the internal temperature to cook the burgers just the way your family prefers.
Get the Recipe: Hamburgers in Air Fryer

Naan Bread Pizza

Naan Bread Pizza bakes in the oven until the crust is lightly crisp and the cheese melts beautifully. Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s a quick meal that makes weeknights easier. Using store-bought naan keeps prep simple while still feeling homemade. Set out a few topping options so everyone can build their own.
Get the Recipe: Naan Bread Pizza

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits bakes tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce under fluffy biscuits until golden on top. Made in one skillet, it keeps cleanup manageable for a busy week. The biscuits soak up the filling while staying lightly crisp on top. Let it cool slightly before serving so the sauce thickens.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

Cast Iron Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts

Cast Iron Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts are seared on the stovetop and finished in the oven for a golden outside and juicy center. Cooking in a cast iron skillet helps lock in flavor while keeping the method simple. It’s an easy homemade dinner that feels reliable any night of the week. Preheat the skillet first to give the chicken a better sear.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts

One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

One Pan Chicken and Potatoes features breaded chicken breasts and baby potatoes roasted together until crisp on the outside and tender inside. It’s an easy dinner that keeps everything in one pan for less cleanup. The lemon-based marinade adds fresh flavor without extra effort. Line the pan with parchment for even easier cleanup on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken Breast - Dinner for Two!

Sheet Pan Chicken Breast - Dinner for Two! roasts bone-in chicken breasts with potatoes and carrots on one baking sheet until golden and tender. This baked meal keeps cleanup simple and works well for a smaller household. The vegetables cook right alongside the chicken, soaking up the juices for extra flavor. Cut the potatoes evenly so everything finishes cooking at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Breast - Dinner for Two!

One Pot Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole

One Pot Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole cooks rice, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and rotisserie chicken all together in one pot until tender and flavorful. The rice soaks up the sauce and keeps everything nicely combined, so each scoop feels hearty and complete. I love that it saves on dishes and doesn’t need a single extra side to feel like dinner. It’s the kind of simple, family-friendly meal that helps the week run a little smoother.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole