41 Easy Dinner Recipes and Ideas

Dinner is an important meal of the day and everyone has their own preferences when it comes to what they like to eat. Some people prefer simple, easy recipes for dinner that can be made quickly, while others enjoy trying out more elaborate dishes. No matter what your tastes are, this post has a wide range of dinner recipes to choose from. We have compiled a list of delicious dinner recipes and ideas from various cuisines and categories that are sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds.

From roasted vegetables to garlic butter baked salmon, there are plenty of options for those who prefer a vegetarian or seafood-based meal. For those who crave a hearty bowl of comfort food, the white chicken chili and chicken Parmesan are sure to hit the spot. If you're looking to switch things up, the various chicken and rice dishes, including chicken curry, butter chicken, and chicken biryani, offer a taste of international flavors.

Jump to:

For a more traditional pasta dinner, the fettuccine Alfredo and creamy salmon pasta are both classic choices. And if you're a fan of Asian cuisine, the pad Thai, Thai red curry with vegetables, and chicken stir fry are must-tries. Finally, we've included a couple of omelette recipes and several fried rice dishes for a quick and easy dinner option. No matter what you're in the mood for, there's a recipe on this list that will fit the bill.

We hope you enjoy trying out these delicious dishes!

You can also find different collection of recipes below and more at recipe collections.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven Roasted Vegetables are a crispy, simple-to-make, and healthy side dish. It is usually made with fresh vegetables, basic seasoning powders, and herbs. These Roasted Vegetables are one of the best ways to enjoy veggies and are perfect to serve for lunch and dinner.

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan also called Eggplant Parmigiana is a rich, and classic Italian dish. It is usually made with breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. It is the vegetarian version of the popular and classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe. This Eggplant Parmesan is one of the best dishes and tastes great on its own or along with pasta dishes that can be served for lunch and dinner.

Oven Baked Salmon

Oven Baked Salmon is a juicy, healthy, and flavor-loaded seafood dish. It is typically made with salmon fillets, basic seasoning spices, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, and baked at the perfect temperature in the oven. This Oven Baked Salmon is one of the best and easiest to make, requiring under 30 minutes, making it a perfect meal for both lunch and dinner. It pairs well with roasted or baked vegetables, simple side dishes, and salads of your choice.

Baked Salmon fillets in a black plate with brown rice and broccoli.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a juicy, flaky, and fork-tender Italian dish. It is prepared with fresh salmon fillets and rich garlic butter sauce. This Oven Baked Garlic Butter Salmon is one of the best seafood dishes to enjoy for lunch or dinner. The best part is it can be baked along with veggies and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon is a tender, juicy, succulent, and flavorful seafood dish. It is usually made with salmon fillets, basic seasonings and air fried at the perfect temperature. This Air Fryer Salmon is one of the best and most healthy dishes that can be perfect to serve for lunch and dinner. And the best part is it comes all together in under 30 minutes.

Air Fried Salmon Fillets in a black plate with rice, cucumber and lemon slices.

Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki Salmon is a sweet, savory, and juicy Japanese seafood dish that is glazed in a homemade Teriyaki Sauce. It is usually made with salmon fillets, basic aromatics, mirin sauce, tamari sauce, and other basic seasonings. This homemade Teriyaki Salmon is of one the best and easy-to-make seafood dishes that comes in under 30 minutes. And it pairs great with rice, brown rice, or roasted and baked vegetables for lunch and dinner.

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a rich, creamy, flavor-loaded, and comforting Mexican American dish that has origins in North Mexico and Southern Texas. It is usually made with chicken breast, white beans, green chilis, and other basic aromatics. White Chicken Chili is one of the easy and best chili recipes that has a similar comforting flavor and taste to classic beef chili. It tastes great for lunch and dinner along with avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips, and cheese blends as its toppings.

Turkey Chili

Turkey Chili is a healthy, hearty, and filling Mexican-American dish. It is typically made with ground turkey, vegetables, basic aromatics, and flavorful chili seasoning. This homemade Turkey Chili is one of the best comfort foods, making it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. The best part is that it makes for a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknight dinners.

Homemade Chicken Ramen

Chicken Ramen is a popular, flavorful, and comforting Japanese dish. It typically includes ramen noodles, chicken broth, vegetables, soy sauce, and other basic seasonings, and is often topped with sliced grilled chicken, soft-boiled eggs, and fresh greens. This Homemade Ramen is one of the best soups and filling comfort food that's perfect for both lunch and dinner.

Homemade Ramen in a bowl with sliced chicken breast, boiled egg and veggies.

Hot and Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup is a spicy, sour, and popular Chinese takeout classic! Filled with a variety of tasty ingredients like shiitake and wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, chicken breast or pork, tofu, vinegar, white pepper, and classic Chinese sauces, this soup is a meal in itself or the perfect addition to any spread of Asian cuisine for both lunch and dinner. This homemade Hot and Sour Soup is one of the healthy and best soup recipes and is sure to make a filling and hearty meal. Whether you're looking for something to warm you up on a cold day or just want a delicious and satisfying starter for your meal, this Hot and Sour soup is sure to hit the spot.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that is packed with essential healthy nutrients and vitamins. It is made with ingredients such as chicken, noodles, vegetables, chicken broth, basic seasonings, and aromatics. This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is one of the best and most comforting soup dishes that can be perfect for both lunch and dinner. The soup can be served on its own or accompanied by sides such as roasted or baked vegetables, bread, or sandwiches.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and Rice Soup is a healthy and hearty classic one-pot meal that is loaded with nutrition. This flavorful soup is typically made with tender chicken breast, vegetables, aromatics, and basic seasonings. Homemade Chicken Rice Soup is one of the best soup recipes that are perfect for both lunch and dinner. Also, it is a great comfort food when you're under the weather.

Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a juicy, and tender Italian dish filled with flavors of garlic, lemon, butter, and herbs. The Chicken is usually marinated with basic seasoning ingredients, then fried, and then tossed in a special garlic butter sauce. This Garlic Butter Chicken tastes great with rice and veggies and is usually served for lunch or dinner.

Chicken Parmesan (Chicken Parmigiana)

Chicken Parmesan also called Chicken Parmigiana is a classical Italian-American dish. The breaded chicken breast is usually topped with a classic marinara or pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, and baked in a high-temperature oven. This homemade Chicken Parmesan is one of the best dishes that can be served as a main course, or side dish for lunch and dinner.

Roasted Chicken

Oven Roasted Chicken is a juicy, and easy-to-make chicken dish loaded with fresh flavors and a crispy exterior. It is usually made with whole chicken, basic seasoning marinade, and herbs and roasted at a perfect temperature. This Oven Roast Chicken is one of the best whole chicken recipes that can be best served for lunch and dinner. And the best part is the chicken is refrigerator and freezer-friendly in case you are looking for easy and quick meal planning.

Baked Chicken Thighs

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy meal to prepare. These chicken thighs have a crispy exterior and a juicy interior and are often made with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, basic spices, Italian seasoning, and healthy fat like olive oil or butter. These chicken thighs, cooked in the oven, deliver the best, most tasty, and juicy result that is perfect for both lunch and dinner. They can be paired with a variety of side dishes, such as baked or roasted vegetables, potatoes, or rice, to create a well-rounded and flavorful meal.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make. Typically prepared with skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, and basic seasoning, they are air fried at the perfect temperature to deliver crispy and juicy chicken. This recipe is one of the best air fryer recipes that you can make, and it pairs perfectly with roasted or baked vegetables, sautéed dishes, pasta dishes, rice dishes, or any other side of your choice. The best part is that it can be made in under 30 minutes.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is a juicy, creamy, and flavor-packed cheesy chicken dish. It is usually made with chicken breast, cream cheese spinach filling, and basic seasoning powders. This stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese is one of the best low-carb and keto-friendly dishes that can be served for lunch and dinner.

Crispy Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken is a crispy, crunchy, and flavor-loaded deep-fried dish. It is usually made with chicken legs, drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings with basic seasoning, buttermilk and a breading mixture. This Homemade Fried Chicken is one of the easy and best-fried chicken dishes to enjoy for lunch and dinner. And the best part is it tastes similar to your favorite fast food chain restaurants around.

Fried chicken legs and thighs in a white bowl with lemon slice and sauces around

Buffalo Wings

Buffalo Wings is a spicy flavor-packed chicken appetizer dish. It is made with oven-baked chicken that is tossed in a finger-licking homemade Buffalo Sauce. These crispy Buffalo Wings taste great with ranch dip, cheese dip, or similar dipping sauces. And it can be one of the best dishes to serve for parties, get-togethers, or game nights.

Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Stir Fry is a sweet, savory, and protein-packed Asian dish. It is usually made with chicken, vegetables, and flavor-loaded stir fry sauce. This easy homemade Chicken Stir Fry is one of the best quick-to-make stir fry dishes that taste great for lunch and dinner with rice, brown rice, or noodles. And the bonus is you can enjoy a healthy protein-packed meal in under 30 minutes.

Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is a sweet, sour, sticky, and mildly spicy Chinese dish loaded with flavors of orange. It is usually made with crispy fried boneless chicken breast, basic aromatics, and flavorful orange sauce. This Chinese Orange Chicken is an easy-to-make side dish that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. It tastes great over white rice, noodles, or fried rice for lunch and dinner. And the best part is it tastes similar to your favorite Asian take-outs.

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry is a sweet, mildly spicy, and healthy Chinese dish. It is usually made with fresh veggies, stir fry sauce, and basic aromatics. This homemade Vegetable Stir Fry is one of the best and easy-to-make vegan stir fry dishes and can be served as a side dish with rice, noodles or fried rice for lunch and dinner. And the best part is it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Chicken Curry

Chicken Curry is a thick, rich, flavorful, and silky smooth Indian dish loaded with bold flavors and tastes. It is usually made with chicken, spices, Indian herbs, and onion-tomato-based curry paste. This Homemade Chicken Curry is one of the best and easy-to-make curries and tastes great with flatbread such as naan, roti, chapati, and basmati rice, white rice, jasmine rice, and similar rice dishes for lunch and dinner.

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich, creamy, and mildly spicy Indian dish made with golden-fried boneless chicken, basic spices, herbs, and a homemade tomato-based curry sauce. This dish is one of the most popular and best-loved curries and pairs well with basmati rice, naan, roti, chapati, pulao, and biryani. It is a great option for lunch and dinner.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is an authentic and flavorful Indian chicken curry dish. It is usually prepared with fried or grilled boneless chicken that is simmered in tomato sauce, Indian spices, along with yogurt and herbs. It is served as a side dish for lunch and dinner along with roti, rice, and naan.

Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala is a rich, creamy, and classical Indian veg curry dish. It is usually prepared by grilling paneer cubes which are mixed in a spicy onion-tomato gravy. This Paneer Tikka Masala is one of the best Indian curry dishes that pairs great as a side dish with roti, naan, matar pulao, basmati rice, and similar others dishes. And it tastes similar to the curry from your favorite Indian restaurant and can be served for lunch and dinner.

Pad Thai

Pad Thai is an authentic Thai stir fry noodles dish filled with sweet and savory flavor. It is typically made with rice noodles, chicken, egg, shrimp, and tofu that are tossed in a unique Pad Thai sauce. This Pad Thai is an absolute treat to enjoy for lunch or dinner and tastes similar to your favorite restaurant take-outs.

Thai Red Curry with Vegetables

Thai Red Curry with vegetables is a rich, mildly spicy, and flavorful side dish. It is prepared with vegetables that are simmered in an authentic red curry paste sauce along with coconut milk. This Thai Red Curry is a vegan-friendly dish and tastes great with rice, Thai fried rice, and can be served for lunch or dinner.

Thai Yellow Chicken Curry

Thai Yellow Chicken Curry is a thick, creamy, and mildly spicy Thai dish loaded with fresh flavors. The chicken, veggies, or other proteins are sauteed in a flavor-bursting yellow curry paste and then simmered in coconut milk. This Yellow Chicken Curry is one of the best Thai curries that can be made in under 30 minutes. And it tastes great over rice for lunch and dinner.

Fried Shrimp

Fried Shrimp or Shrimp Fry is a crispy, crunchy, and flavorful seafood appetizer dish. The breaded shrimp is usually deep-fried in oil to achieve a crispy outer layer. This Fried Shrimp is one of the best dishes that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or entree for your lunch and dinner.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo also known as Fettuccine al burro is a rich, creamy and smooth Italian dish in which the pasta is tossed in a homemade Alfredo Sauce. It is made with Fettuccine pasta, butter, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and other basic seasonings. This Homemade Alfredo Pasta is one of the best pasta dishes and is usually served for lunch and dinner. It tastes great with roasted and baked vegetables, chicken, shrimp, or other sides. And the bonus is it comes in under 30 minutes from the scratch.

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a delicious Italian-American dish that is known for its rich and creamy flavor. It is made with tender fettuccine pasta, coated in a smooth Alfredo sauce that is prepared using butter, garlic, heavy cream, and other seasonings. The pasta is then topped with pan-fried chicken breast slices. This dish is one of the best pasta dishes similar to plain alfredo pasta and shrimp alfredo pasta and is comfort food for many. It serves as a complete meal for both lunch and dinner and pairs great with roasted or baked vegetables and other sides of your choice.

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta in white bowl with few ingredients scattered around.

Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a rich, creamy and smooth Italian seafood dish. It is made with Fettuccine pasta, shrimp, butter, Italian seasonings, and a rich Alfredo Sauce. This Homemade Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is one of the best and easy-to-make pasta recipes that are usually served along with roasted and baked vegetables, simple salads, or other sides for lunch and dinner. And the best part is, the whole dish comes under in 30 minutes.

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta in a white bowl with few ingredients around.

Creamy Salmon Pasta

Salmon Pasta is a rich, creamy and flavorful Italian seafood pasta dish. It is usually made with angel hair pasta, milk, basic seasonings, and a delicious pan-seared salmon. This Creamy Salmon Pasta is one of the best pasta dishes that can be made in under 30 minutes. And it is perfect to serve for lunch and dinner on a busy weekday, weekend, or on a regular day to satisfy your craving.

How to Make an Omelette

Omelette or omelet is a soft, fluffy, and healthy breakfast dish. It is usually prepared with eggs, veggies, cheese, and herbs. This Omelette is one of the best dishes that can be served for breakfast, or as a quick filling snack. And the best part is you need just under 30 minutes to make it.

Egg Foo Young (Chinese Omelette)

Egg Foo Young is a super delicious, flavor-packed classic Chinese Omelette. It is usually made with beaten eggs, veggies, bean sprouts, and protein like chicken or shrimp and served with a flavor bursting brown gravy. This Egg Foo Young is one of the best omelette dishes that can be enjoyed as a main course meal with rice for lunch and dinner. You can also serve it as an appetizer using the gravy as a dipping sauce.

Egg Foo Young served in a black plate with lemon and cabbage in a cup nearby

Fried Rice

Fried Rice is a fluffy, crisp, and traditional Chinese rice dish that has its origin in Sui Dynasty. It is usually made with cooked cold rice or leftover rice that is stir-fried in a high-heat wok with veggies, eggs, and basic aromatics and seasonings. This homemade Chinese Fried Rice is one of the easy and best rice dishes that taste great with stir fry dishes, and starters for lunch and dinner. The best part is, it is easily customizable, and it takes only under 30 minutes to make the entire dish.

Chicken and Rice

Chicken and Rice is a rich, flavor-loaded, and easy-to-make one-pot meal. It is usually made with chicken thighs, basmati rice or white rice, basic seasonings, and aromatics. The chicken thighs are usually seasoned with spice powders, pan-fried, and then cooked along with a flavorful aromatic rice. This One Pot Chicken and Rice is one of the best and easy-to-make rice dishes that taste great on their own. However, you can also serve it with roasted and baked vegetables, salads, and other side dishes of your choice for lunch and dinner.

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani is one of the age-old, delicious, and authentic dishes from Mughals. This chicken Biryani is prepared with basmati rice, indian spices and herbs. It is an aromatic and flavorsome dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or on a regular day!

Fish Biryani

Kerala style fish dum biryani is a delicious and aromatic South Indian seafood meal. It is prepared by layering Kaima or Seeraga samba rice with smear fried fish and biryani masala gravy in a dum cooking process. It is usually served as a main course meal for lunch and dinner.

Related Recipes:

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply