These 15 minute dinner recipes are designed for busy families who need quick weeknight meals without a lot of fuss, prep or stress.
Sometimes, 15 minutes is about all I have the time and energy for when it comes to making dinner. And I know I'm not the only one.
Maybe it's because we've got sports practices and activities, maybe it's a busy season at work with late nights, maybe you're juggling medical issues or mobility problems. And maybe you're just worn out at the end of the day or don't love spending time in the kitchen.
No matter the reason, it's always a good idea to have a handful of super quick and easy recipes to get dinner on the table fast.
What Counts as a 15-Minute Dinner?
These are meals that can be made start to finish in 15 minutes.
We're relying on quick proteins and quick cooking methods. Most of the recipes are skillet meals. The only oven recipes here are things that are broiled. (Ovens take time to preheat so that doesn't count as 15 minutes to me.)
Also no marinades or work that has to be done hours in advance.
Basically, these need to be last minute, easy prep, weeknight friendly dinner winners for busy families to qualify for inclusion.
To note: These skew heavily chicken because that's what we eat most, but there are also a few seafood, pork and vegetarian recipes highlighted. And while some of the recipes are protein only components of the meal, some are complete meals in themselves.
Tips for Quick Dinners:
Read the recipe first so you're prepared and don't have any surprises.
Prep as you go. While the skillet is heating, for example, chop the first ingredient to go in. While that sautés, chop the next ingredient to layer in or get the spices ready, etc.
Smaller protein cooks faster. Cutting chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes is one of my favorite ways to ensure fast and more even cooking. Plus, it's bite-size and ready to eat. Win, win, win!
Pair with easy sides if needed. Opt for pre-cooked or instant rice, microwave baked potatoes, a bagged salad kit from the store, warmed frozen peas, a quick steamed vegetable, etc., to round out your meal quickly.
Add your favorite toppings. Let everyone customize or dress up their dinner with any appropriate toppings, dipping sauces, etc. Pull these out of the fridge or from the pantry to keep things simple.
Popular 15 Minute Chicken Dinner Recipes
Here are some of the most popular 15 minute skillet chicken recipes on my site, with this quick honey garlic chicken being an absolute favorite with rave reviews. The skillet paprika chicken is what I make when I'm out of ideas for cooking chicken. And I love using the easy turmeric chicken as a last-minute dinner and also as a meal-prep healthy protein for salads and grain bowls.
Full Meals in 15 Minutes
Sometimes we like to just throw everything in a skillet and call it dinner. My dad created our family's original one pot wonder with chicken, field peas and spinach, and I make a variety of versions cause it's so easy and so good. Easy chicken Parm is a shortcut broiled version of this favorite Italian dish that we pair with pasta, marinara and a salad for a quick supper. And quick chicken curry uses rotisserie chicken for an easy, saucy curry in a hurry.
15 Minute Seafood, Pork & Vegetarian Dinners
Need a break from chicken? Shrimp makes a fantastic quick protein - this 5-ingredient, 10-minute honey garlic shrimp is a favorite with some rice and a veggie - or try a quick broiled salmon like this southwest baked salmon that then gets loaded up with fun toppings. The vegetarian chickpea curry is great for a quick meatless dinner with big flavor.
Looking for more quick and easy dinners? Check out all of my 15-minute chicken recipes for more weeknight dinner inspiration.
And stay tuned as I update this page from time to time with new popular recipes.
FAQs on 15 Minute Dinners
Technically yes. I love saving leftovers for another day but know that with these quick cook proteins that are smaller in size, it's easier for them to dry out a bit when reheating. They are intended to be made and enjoyed immediately.
Often times, yes. I use a lot of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and boneless, skinless chicken thighs can always be substituted. When they are cut into small pieces, they cook in about the same time. You could also try shrimp in place of the chicken for some of these recipes. Just always ensure your protein is cooked through to a safe temperature.
They sure are! All kids are different, of course, but these recipes are tested and enjoyed by my own children and use easy, accessible flavors to make them family friendly.
Yes, many of these recipes are naturally gluten free. You will want to check each recipe and ingredients individually. And be sure to check any condiments and sauces to ensure you're choosing a gluten-free option if that's needed. (And of course, choose gluten-free sides as needed to round out the meal.)
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