17 Easy Dinners Everyone Should Know How to Make

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this gallery of 17 Easy Dinners Everyone Should Know How to Make. From crispy Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings and creamy Salmon Pasta to comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake, these recipes cover a range of quick, flavorful meals. You’ll find easy dinners like Air Fryer Orange Chicken, Garlic Butter Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto, and Colorado-Style Pork Green Chili, perfect for family meals, game nights, or cozy evenings. Whether you’re craving soups, casseroles, tacos, or fried chicken, this collection makes weeknight cooking effortless and delicious. Click through to discover recipes that bring comfort, flavor, and speed to your table.

Crispy Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings

Buffalo chicken wings with ranch dip and celery on parchment paper, garnished with herbs. — Crispy Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

These Crispy Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe are baked to a golden crisp and coated in a sweet-and-spicy glaze that excites the taste buds. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and bold flavor. Serve them at your next get-together and watch them disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Honey Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Easy Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Dish

Spaghetti with pesto sauce, grated cheese, pine nuts, and a sprig of basil on top. — Easy Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Dish. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Easy Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Dish pairs zesty lemon with aromatic basil pesto for a bright, flavorful dinner. Tossed with your favorite noodles, it’s a quick meal that feels fresh and special. This dish makes weeknight dinners lively and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Dish

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings

Two baked chicken drumsticks with garlic and herbs on a white plate. — Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings are oven-baked to crisp perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Ideal for game day or casual dinners, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. These wings keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Wings

Fresh Pico Street Tacos

Two corn tortillas topped with grilled steak pieces and fresh chopped tomato salsa on a white plate. — Fresh Pico Street Tacos Recipe. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Fresh Pico Street Tacos Recipe brings together zesty pico de gallo and tender fillings for a quick, flavorful dinner. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or busy nights, these tacos are satisfying and easy to assemble. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and brightness.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Pico Street Tacos Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

A baked pasta casserole with penne, broccoli, chicken, and melted cheese in a white dish. — Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting, one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a creamy sauce. Baked to bubbling perfection, it’s a family-friendly meal with minimal effort. Its rich, cheesy flavor makes weeknight dinners feel indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Air Fryer Flank Steak with Jalapeno Lime

Sliced grilled steak garnished with cilantro and lime wedges on a white platter. — Air Fryer Flank Steak with Jalapeno Lime. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Air Fryer Flank Steak with Jalapeno Lime delivers juicy, tender steak in just 30 minutes. The quick marinade adds a vibrant, zesty kick while keeping the meat flavorful. It’s a fast, gourmet-feeling dinner perfect for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Flank Steak with Jalapeno Lime

Coconut-Crusted Chicken Strips

Golden brown coconut-crusted chicken tenders arranged on a white plate with dipping sauce in the background. — Coconut-Crusted Chicken Strips. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Coconut-Crusted Chicken Strips offer a kid-friendly, healthy dinner with a crunchy exterior and tender interior. Ideal for weeknights, these chicken strips balance subtle sweetness with satisfying texture. They’re easy to make and naturally Paleo-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Coconut-Crusted Chicken Strips

Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta

A wooden spoon lifts creamy rotini pasta with tomatoes and chives above a dish of more pasta. — Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta blends tender salmon with a rich, creamy sauce for a quick, comforting dinner. Ready in 20 minutes, this dish feels indulgent without the fuss. Its silky sauce and flavorful salmon make every bite enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta

Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings

Golden, crispy chicken nuggets topped with grated cheese and herbs on a white plate. — Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

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Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings are crispy, cheesy bites coated in a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for parties or casual dinners, they deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture. Everyone will love the crispy exterior and Parmesan richness.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings

Classic Loose Meat Sandwich

A sandwich bun filled with loose ground beef and topped with pickle slices, held in a hand. — Classic Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Classic Loose Meat Sandwich is a hearty Midwest favorite with seasoned, juicy meat piled on a soft bun. This simple yet comforting dinner brings nostalgic flavors to your table. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Loose Meat Sandwich

Quick Peanut Butter Chicken Curry

Chicken pieces in a creamy orange curry sauce, topped with chopped peanuts and herbs, in a skillet with a wooden spoon. — Quick Peanut Butter Chicken Curry. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Quick Peanut Butter Chicken Curry features warm spices, creamy coconut, and a rich sauce ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it’s both comforting and flavorful. This aromatic curry is easy to prepare and full of cozy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Quick Peanut Butter Chicken Curry

Garlic Butter Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Plate of pasta with crispy prosciutto and grated cheese, next to a bowl of prosciutto and a glass of white wine. — Garlic Butter Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Garlic Butter Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto combines garlicky, buttery pasta with a sweet-salty crunch for a quick 20-minute dinner. The savory, indulgent flavors make it a comforting meal perfect for any weeknight. Each bite feels rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon

Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon pairs sweet honey with spicy sriracha for a quick, bold-flavored dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, the tender salmon is packed with flavor and a sticky, irresistible glaze. Perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon

Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken features crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy citrus sauce in under 30 minutes. This fast, flavorful dinner balances crisp and saucy goodness for the whole family. It’s simple to make yet impressive in taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Hearty Slippery Dumplings

Hearty Slippery Dumplings are tender, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners. Filled with fresh herbs and chicken, they create a warming, comforting meal. Soft and pillowy, these dumplings bring rich flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Slippery Dumplings

Colorado-Style Pork Green Chili

Colorado-Style Pork Green Chili is a hearty stew of tender pork simmered with spicy peppers. This flavorful dish warms you on chilly nights and satisfies with its rich texture. It’s a crowd-pleasing dinner for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Colorado-Style Pork Green Chili

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken delivers golden, crunchy perfection with juicy, flavorful meat inside. This classic recipe offers comforting, seasoned goodness. Ideal for weekend dinners or any time you crave a fried chicken favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken