QUICK BACK TO SCHOOL DINNERS

Normal life routine will start soon, and cooking healthy food is a challenging task during those busy days. So, I decided to share some quick back-to-school dinners with you. 

Whether you’re looking for high-protein chicken recipes or vegetable meals, this guide has covered many flavorful, delicious, and easy-to-make dinners. You can make these recipes with a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. 

Now, you don’t need to invest in expensive takeouts or waste your important time in long waiting queues. Make a solid meal plan for the entire week, grab the stuff from the grocery, and you’re good to go. 

All the recipes mentioned below are healthier, delicious, and perfect for those busy days when you come home after long work hours. So let’s see which recipe perfectly fits in your busy meal plan. 

1- Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic butter chicken is my favorite because it’s quick and simple to prepare. The secret garlic butter sauce blend with juicy chicken breasts offers a savory flavor that melts in your mouth with every bite.

 Whether served over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet yet can be on the table in under 25 minutes.

• Calories: 421
• Carbs: 9.5g
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 37g

2- Aloo Gobi Matar Recipe

If you want to savor a tangy vegetarian dish, try this Aloo Gobi Matar. This recipe is the ultimate palate pleaser, made of cauliflower, peas, potatoes, and some staple spice. 

Squeeze a lemon over the dish to give it a citrus and tangy taste. You can serve this delight with tortillas or over rice. 

3- Lemon Pepper Chicken

Say hello to this refreshing chicken curry made with lemon pepper-based marinate. The juicy chicken bites with zesty and tangy sauce feel like a haven on the tongue. This recipe is a breeze, requires a handful of spices, and comes out so fast. 

I’m sure your kids will also praise this quintessential dish, which never fails to impress your guests. 

4- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Do you hate frying things? Don’t worry! Make this Chicken cordon bleu recipe tonight, and you will thank me later. The juicy chicken stuffed with smoked ham and melty Swiss cheese offers a heavenly, delicious taste.  

Thanks to the breadcrumbs, add a layer of crispness to the chicken. 

• Calories: 531kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 70g
• Fat: 17g

5- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the best school dinner. Because of the one-pot, it requires minimal cleanup. The best thing is that this recipe is gluten-free. The heavy cream gives it a silky smooth texture and makes the recipe more satisfying. 

• Calories: 549kcal
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 26g

6- Sheet Pan Stir Fry

From start to end, this Sheet pan Stir fry recipe takes only 30 minutes. This colorful veggie recipe is full of flavors and juicy chicken goodness. The honey garlic sauce over the veggies makes them more flavorful and delicious. 

This is a versatile recipe; you can add and eliminate various vegetables to align them according to your taste buds. 

• Calories: 398kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 9g

7- CRUNCHY BAKED CHICKEN NUGGETS

Craving crispy chicken nuggets that are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor? Give these Crunchy Baked Chicken Nuggets a try! These chicken nuggets are kid-friendly and easy to make. 

They are made with cornflakes that make them even more crispy and crunchy from the outside. This recipe is not only for dinner but also for lunch and kids’ lunchboxes. 

• Calories: 303kcal
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 9g

8- Authentic Fettuccine Alfredo 

Pasta is often easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. That’sthat’s why I often try various pasta recipes for my family. Last week, I discovered this Fettuccine Alfredo recipe that features heavy cream. Butter, garlic, and parmigiano reggiano. 

The best part is that this recipe comes out in 15 minutes and is hearty. Serve this pasta with any chicken recipe, fish, or meatballs. 

• Calories: 582kcal
• Carbohydrates: 61g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 26g

9- Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Sometimes, I get so tired of my kitchen routine and feel drained. During these moments, this Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is my go-to recipe to satisfy my hunger.

This simple pasta recipe is made of spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, and red chili flakes, requiring only 10 minutes to prepare. This Italian dish is dairy-free, a fully vegan recipe, and my staple dish for busy days. 

• Calories: 610kcal
• Carbohydrates: 85g
• Protein: 14.8g
• Fat: 23g

10- HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER

You can make this classic Homemade Hamburger help in just one skillet, ideal for busy weeknights. This recipe includes ground beef, adding a few ingredients, and letting it cook perfectly.

Not only does it taste better from scratch, but it also makes a generous amount that reheats well for leftovers. Enjoy it with a green salad or fresh fruit to complete the meal.

• Calories: 424kcal
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 17g

11- SALMON WITH YOGURT DILL SAUCE

The salmon with this yogurt dill sauce feels hearty and extra delicious. The sauce is simply made with Greek yogurt, lemons, garlic, and fresh dill. If you’re looking for a high-protein dinner that requires minimal effort and can be prepared with handfuls of ingredients, this is the right recipe. 

12- HOMEMADE PANKO MEATBALLS

Are you a beef lover and looking for some juice and crispy meatballs? Try this delicious and filling Panko meatball recipe made with classic spaghetti.

The panko breadcrumbs are the secret to an extra crisp and crunchy exterior, while the inside remains juicy and tender. One bite of these meatballs feels like takeout from a 5-star restaurant.

13- Cajun Chicken Bites

These Cajun Chicken bites are full of spicy and tangy flavors. These boneless chicken breast pieces are incredibly tender and succulent. Thanks to the cajun seasoning, which brings the real flavors, onion, and garlic powder, 

I love this recipe because it’s so simple and easy to prepare for a large batch. I often make this dish on weekend nights and store it for my next working day. Add bell pepper and tomatoes for an additional taste and texture. 

14- Teriyaki Chicken

I had heard a lot of compliments about this Teriyaki Chicken, so I made the recipe last week, and everyone at home loved it! The chicken was incredibly flavorful and tender, and the sauce balanced sweet and savory. It’s now a family favorite that I’ll be making again.

15- Arroz con Pollo

Do you want to introduce your palate to Latin flavors? Try this Arroz Con Pollo—a one-pot chicken and yellow rice dish that requires minimal effort. Thanks to savory spices like cumin and paprika and a hint of smoky bacon.

This cherished Venezuelan family recipe will become a favorite, evoking family dinners and childhood memories.

• Calories: 411 kcal
• Fat: 14.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 43.2 g
• Protein: 27.2 g