Dinner does not have to feel complicated to feel complete. I have found that the simplest meals often bring the most comfort when the week is full, and the budget is tight. This set of 17 dinners leans on pantry basics, reliable methods, and flavors your family already likes. You can sit down knowing the meal makes sense both on the plate and at the register.

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Marinated Chicken Cutlets in Oven

Marinated Chicken Cutlets in Oven are baked until tender with a simple Dijon, onion, and honey marinade that uses pantry staples. Sliced apples roast alongside the chicken, adding balance without extra cost or prep. I like this recipe for busy nights when I want something homemade but easy to pull together. Using thin cutlets helps everything cook evenly and keeps dinner moving.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Chicken Cutlets in Oven
Sheet Pan Chicken Cutlets

Sheet Pan Chicken Cutlets are roasted with broccoli on one pan for an easy dinner with minimal cleanup. The orange, honey, and ginger marinade bakes right into the chicken, giving it plenty of flavor without extra steps. This is a helpful option when time and energy are limited. Lining the pan with foil makes cleanup even faster.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Cutlets
Italian Chicken Cutlets

Italian Chicken Cutlets are pan-fried until lightly crisp on the outside and tender inside using simple seasonings. This recipe works well with pasta, salad, or whatever sides you already have planned. I often make these when I need a dependable dinner everyone recognizes. Pounding the chicken evenly helps it cook quickly and stay juicy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets
Chicken with Mozzarella and Tomato

Chicken with Mozzarella and Tomato is baked until the cheese melts and the chicken stays tender. Fresh tomato slices and simple seasoning keep the ingredient list short and familiar. This is a nice choice for weeknights when dinner needs to be quick but still feel complete. Using evenly sized chicken pieces helps everything finish at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Mozzarella and Tomato
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Stuffing

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Stuffing is baked until juicy and filled with a savory stuffing made from Stove Top and cranberries. It’s an easy way to stretch a few ingredients into a filling family dinner. I like making this when I want something comforting without extra work. Securing the chicken with toothpicks keeps the filling in place while baking.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breast with Stuffing
Hasselback Caprese Chicken

Hasselback Caprese Chicken is baked with sliced mozzarella and tomatoes tucked right into the chicken breasts. The simple Hasselback cut helps the chicken cook evenly and looks nice on the plate. This recipe works well for weeknights when you want something a little different using familiar ingredients. Slicing carefully without cutting all the way through makes stuffing easy.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Caprese Chicken
Cast Iron Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts

Cast Iron Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts are seared and then finished in the oven for a tender, reliable result. This method uses one pan and keeps cleanup simple. I turn to this recipe when plain chicken needs a little boost without extra cost. Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps keep it juicy.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts
Chicken Cutlets with Gravy

Chicken Cutlets with Gravy are pan-fried until golden and served with mashed potatoes and homemade gravy. This meal uses basic ingredients and fills everyone up without stretching the grocery bill. I like serving this on nights when comfort food just makes sense. Making the gravy in the same pan adds flavor and saves time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cutlets with Gravy
Hasselback Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil

Hasselback Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil is baked until the cheese melts and the chicken stays tender. The simple stuffing uses ingredients many families already have on hand. This recipe works well when dinner needs to feel special but stay simple. Cutting shallow slices helps the chicken cook evenly.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Chicken Stuffed with Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast is baked with marinara until the chicken is tender and the cheese melts inside. This recipe turns a small amount of cheese into a filling dinner the whole family enjoys. I like this one for busy nights when oven cooking keeps things easy. Securing the filling helps prevent leaks while baking.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
Naan Bread Pizza

Naan Bread Pizza is baked until lightly crisp and ready in about 15 minutes. Using naan keeps prep quick and helps stretch toppings across multiple pizzas. This is a helpful option for nights when everyone wants something different. Pre-baking the naan for a few minutes keeps it from getting soggy.
Get the Recipe: Naan Bread Pizza
Sheet Pan Chicken Breast – Dinner for Two!

Sheet Pan Chicken Breast – Dinner for Two! is roasted with potatoes and carrots for a complete meal on one pan. Bone-in chicken stays tender while the vegetables cook alongside it. This recipe is perfect for smaller households or quiet weeknights. Cutting vegetables evenly helps everything finish together.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Breast – Dinner for Two!
Pollock Fish Tacos

Pollock Fish Tacos are cooked quickly and assembled with simple toppings for an easy weeknight dinner. Pollock is an affordable option that cooks fast and works well in tacos. This is a good choice when you want something lighter without extra prep. Cooking the fish just until flaky keeps it from drying out.
Get the Recipe: Pollock Fish Tacos
Dutch Oven Whole Chicken

Dutch Oven Whole Chicken is roasted until tender and basted with homemade garlic butter. Cooking the chicken whole helps stretch leftovers for multiple meals. I like making this on weekends to simplify the week ahead. Letting the chicken rest before carving keeps the juices in.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
Canned Tuna Nicoise Salad

Canned Tuna Nicoise Salad is assembled with cooked potatoes, green beans, eggs, and pantry tuna. This recipe works well for lunches or easy dinners that don’t require cooking meat. It’s a practical way to use budget-friendly ingredients. Cooking the vegetables ahead makes assembly quick.
Get the Recipe: Canned Tuna Nicoise Salad
Bubble Pizza Casserole with Pillsbury Grands Biscuits

Bubble Pizza Casserole with Pillsbury Grands Biscuits is baked until bubbly and lightly browned on top. Refrigerated biscuits help stretch toppings into a filling family dinner. This recipe works especially well for kids and casual weeknights. Cutting the biscuits evenly helps them bake through.
Get the Recipe: Bubble Pizza Casserole with Pillsbury Grands Biscuits
One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

One Pan Chicken and Potatoes is roasted until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are lightly crisp. Everything cooks together, keeping prep and cleanup simple. This is a helpful option for busy family nights. Spreading ingredients in an even layer helps them roast properly.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken and Potatoes


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