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Weeknight Dinners? 15 Easy Recipes Better Than Takeout And Faster Too

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Forget takeout—why wait 45 minutes when you could whip up something faster at home? With 15 easy weeknight dinner recipes that promise more flavor and less waiting, dinner can be on the table in less time than it takes to decide where to order from. Now, that’s what we call fast food with a twist!

Close-up of a cheesy enchilada topped with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions, served on a white plate with a side of vegetables.

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Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

After a long day, who wouldn’t love a quick meal that beats delivery times? Try Bombay Sandwiches, ready faster than your local sandwich shop could deliver them. It’s a surefire way to fulfill your hunger without the hassle of a long prep time.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Think of a dish like Creamy Tuscan Chicken that’s ready almost as soon as you think of it. This meal is for those evenings when you want something a bit special but don’t have the time for a complicated recipe. It’s all about enjoying a delicious dinner without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Dan Dan Noodles

A close-up of twirled dan dan noodles on a fork with herbs and bits of meat.
Dan Dan Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Think of this: a comforting bowl of Dan Dan Noodles, ready before your last-minute dinner guests even arrive. It’s faster than picking up the phone and easier than finding parking at your favorite restaurant. This recipe is your new go-to for beating the clock with a meal that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Quicker than waiting for a table at a crowded restaurant. Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a testament to what can be achieved when dinner doesn’t take all evening to prepare. This dish is a stress-free way to cap off a busy day, providing comfort without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Avocado toast on a wooden cutting board.
Avocado Toast with Grated Egg. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Who says you can’t have a restaurant-quality dinner at home, and quickly at that? Avocado Toast with Grated Egg is the champion of quick and nutritious meals, ready faster than your coffee brews in the morning. It’s perfect for those days when time is short but the desire for a good meal is high.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Peanut Sauce Beef and Ramen Noodles

A bowl of noodles with meat sauce garnished with herbs, with a fork twirling some noodles.
Peanut Sauce Beef and Ramen Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Think about a comforting bowl of Peanut Sauce Beef and Ramen Noodles that doesn’t involve waiting for delivery. This quick-fix meal is perfect for those evenings when you need something hearty but fast. It’s the kind of dinner that reminds you why staying in beats eating out.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Sauce Beef and Ramen Noodles

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The magic of the Air Fryer Enchiladas is that they’re ready before your kitchen even has time to heat up. This recipe offers a delicious dinner on the table quicker than you could drive to pick up takeout. It’s all about less time cooking and more time enjoying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

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Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Stir-fried noodles with shrimp and beef in a pan with chopsticks.
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Dig into a plate of Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles faster than it takes to choose a movie to watch. This quick, no-fuss meal is ideal for those nights when you’re craving something a bit more exotic but just as easy to prepare. It’s about getting a delicious dinner on the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both quick and a crowd-pleaser, look no further than Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. They cook up faster than your kids can ask, “What’s for dinner?” It’s the perfect way to end a busy day, with a fulfilling meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fish tacos with shredded cabbage and cilantro lime crema.
Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Forget the fish and chips from down the street and say hello to Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema. They’re not only quick to make but also bring a fresh twist to your dinner routine. It’s about enjoying what you eat and having it ready before you get tired of waiting.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Stir-fried diced chicken with dried chilies and spring onions in a black skillet.
Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Let’s be honest, sometimes dinner needs a kick, and Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken does just that without the wait. This dish comes together quicker than you can scroll through a food delivery app. It’s the perfect solution for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Thai Fried Rice

Overhead shot of Thai fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet of fried rice on the side.
Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This meal doesn’t just save you time; it’s a flavorful retreat from the usual, quicker than your favorite takeout could arrive at your doorstep. Thai Fried Rice is your answer to getting dinner done in the blink of an eye. It’s about simplicity and speed, without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Close-up of a cheesy enchilada topped with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions, served on a white plate with a side of vegetables.
Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who needs to preheat an oven when Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas can be ready in a flash? This dish is a game-changer for weeknight meals, bringing convenience and flavor to your dinner table quicker than you can say “takeout”. Enjoy a meal that’s fuss-free and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Blackened Fish Tacos

Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This quick meal is the answer to your midweek dining dilemma, offering a burst of flavor in less time than it would take to get a table at your local taco spot. Blackened Fish Tacos are here to spice up your dinner routine without the long waits associated with dining out.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Why spend hours cooking when Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma can be ready in a fraction of the time? This meal proves that you don’t need to wait around for great flavor. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight, combining convenience with the joy of a home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

By on September 3rd, 2024
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About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind Eggs All Ways. She's a writer, recipe developer, photographer, and cookbook author with more than 40 books to her name, including the bestselling Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications, both print and digital, including MSN, Cooking Light, Fitness, Buzzfeed, and Eating Well.

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