Time Based Dinner Decision Tree

This time based dinner decision tree helps match you with an easy, delicious dinner that works with the time you have available today, even if it's just 15 minutes. Walk through the questions to find your match!

Some nights, there's a time squeeze for dinner and some nights, not so much. Either way, it IS possible to get a delicious and healthy dinner on the table. 

Time Based Dinner Decision Tree

Follow the path and answer the questions to find a delicious and do-able dinner recipe, no matter how much time you have for cooking.

Here are your recipe results in a quick view-and-click format. Read on below for more details and some bonus recipes to consider.

15 Minute Recipes

Perfect for busy evenings or when you walk in the door just before dinner time. These recipes are ready in 15 minutes or less!

Chicken, Black Bean & Spinach Skillet is just a few simple on-hand ingredients and makes for an easy, last minute dinner that's ready in 15 minutes!

Skillet Paprika Chicken uses my favorite quick-cook trick (cutting chicken into small pieces so they cook quickly and evenly) and is a go-to when I don't know what to do with chicken breasts. It's simple but so well seasoned. Serve with rice or potatoes and a salad or steamed veggie!

Honey Garlic Shrimp is just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to make with the most delicious sauce.

Southwest Baked Salmon is seasoned and broiled and then topped with your favorite southwest toppings - salsa, guac, cilantro, etc.

20-30 Minute Recipes

Maybe you've got just a little more time for dinner, but still want to whip something up quickly. Try one of these!

Taco Pasta is an all-in-one pan 30-minute dinner with taco meat, tomatoes, beans, pasta and cheese. A fun twist on taco night!

Quick Chicken Cacciatore is a saucy, flavorful and cozy family dinner that's ready in about 30 minutes. Serve with spaghetti or rice and get ready to dig in

20-Minute Chicken Paprikash gets rave reviews! It uses simple, on-hand ingredients and is ready in no time.

Curry Ground Turkey with Rice & Peas is full of warm, rich flavors but easy to make and ready in about 20 minutes!

30+ Minute Recipes

Plan to make one of these recipes on a day you know you'll have a bit more time to spend on cooking - or want to make something that feels extra special!

Classic Chicken and Sausage Gumbo smells amazing as it cooks, is deliciously flavorful, and makes such a hearty, warm and comforting meal. The long cook time is worth it to develop the authentic flavor, and this recipe uses an easy dark roux so no filé or okra are needed

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce is a delicious and impressive main dish that's easy to make and ready in 30 minutes!

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken is just a few basic ingredients and quick to prep, with a deliciously creamy sauce that coats every piece. Serve with rice or potatoes and add your favorite veggie.

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is my favorite prep-ahead dinner for serving a crowd! The marinated, tender pieces of chicken are so flavorful and go great with pita bread, rice, hummus and veggies for making salad or grain bowls that everyone can customize.

Whole Roast Chicken is simply seasoned and perfectly cooked for an easy but impressive main dish. My favorite tip? Roast 2 chickens while you're at it!

Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken with potatoes and broccoli is an all-in-one family-friendly dinner with a yummy sauce drizzled on top.

Bonus Recipes

None of these feel quite right? Here are a few additional recipes to consider:

You might also be interested in this collection of 15 minute dinners or these chicken recipes ready in under 30 minutes.

Or find a recipe based on how much energy you have tonight with this energy level dinner decision tree.

Happy cooking and enjoy!

XO,

Kathryn