Crispy, Cozy, and Ready in a Flash—14 Dinners You Need Tonight

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Nothing beats a savory, oven-baked dish that’s as satisfying as it is effortless. Whether you’re craving the crispy edges of Pretzel Crusted Chicken Bites, the vibrant flavors of Baked Zucchini Tian with Middle Eastern Spices, or the comfort of Eggplant Parmesan, these dinner ideas are here to save your weeknight dinner dilemmas. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory, don’t miss the Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken or the Healthy Baked Salmon Tacos. These easy-to-make, baked wonders prove that dinner doesn’t have to be a hassle when the oven does all the work!

Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

baked chicken leg quarters.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Oven-baked chicken leg quarters that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—ready in under 40 minutes! Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

Baked Salmon Filets

A plate of grilled salmon topped with herbs, accompanied by roasted onion and lemon slices, garnished with fresh dill.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill

Baked Salmon Filets on zesty lemon slices, glazed with a sticky honey-garlic-herb sauce—bursting with flavor and done in under 20 minutes!

To learn more: Baked Salmon Filets

Baked BBQ Pork Chops

Close-up of a fork holding a slice of tender chicken in savory sauce, garnished with herbs, against a blurred background of more chicken.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook

Baked BBQ Pork Chops – Juicy, tender pork chops slathered in a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze, baked to perfection for a simple, family-friendly classic!

To learn more: Baked BBQ Pork Chops

Chili Lime Baked Trout

A fork pulling apart succulent, seasoned trout fillet, garnished with parsley and served with lime wedges on a plate.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

Chili Lime Baked Trout – Zesty, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor, this simple baked trout takes your fish dinner up a notch. With a touch of honey and a quick bake time, it’s a tender, delicious dinner winner!

To learn more: Chili Lime Baked Trout

Au Gratin Potatoes

a wooden spoon scooping au gratin potatoes out of a 9x13 baking pan.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes – Baked in a rich, creamy sauce, these potatoes are the ultimate side dish to elevate any meal!
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potatoes

Baked Ziti

A serving of baked pasta in tomato sauce with ricotta cheese, piled on white plates with a light background.
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook

Baked Ziti – A classic, no-fail pasta dish that’s cheesy, saucy, and downright irresistible. Comfort food at its finest—because who doesn’t love a bubbling, baked pan of pure pasta perfection?

To learn more: Baked Ziti

Hot Honey Bangin’ Crunchy Cornflake Baked Chicken

cornflake baked chicken on a plate with fries and dip
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Crunchy Cornflake Baked Chicken – Coated in savory spices and drizzled with hot honey, this crispy chicken is a dinner you’ll crave again and again!
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Bangin’ Crunchy Cornflake Baked Chicken

BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Two racks of bbq ribs with one cut into rib servings with a serving of barbecue sauce on the side
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Ultimate BBQ Baby Back Ribs – Smothered in a smoky-sweet dry rub and finished with BBQ sauce, these ribs can be slowly baked or grilled over hot coals for the perfect bite every time!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Baked or Grilled Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon

These EASY Baked or Grilled Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon are so ADDICTING!  they are perfectly spiced, ssooooo cheesy and I love the soft centers and crispy edges!  Tastes like potato skins but better!
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Baked or Grilled Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon – These perfectly seasoned, super cheesy potatoes with bacon are so addicting, they’re the ultimate side dish for any season!
Get the Recipe: Baked or Grilled Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon

Healthy Baked Salmon Tacos

healthy baked salmon tacos with avocado and cilantro lime Greek yogurt dressing
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Healthy Baked Salmon Tacos – Fresh, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, these tacos are topped with a cilantro lime Greek yogurt dressing that’s just as tasty as sour cream but with fewer calories!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Baked Salmon Tacos

Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

baked pineapple teriyaki chicken in a baking dish
Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken – Ready in under an hour, this quick dinner is packed with bold, fresh flavors from homemade teriyaki sauce you control! Serve it with rice or quinoa and veggies for a wholesome, crave-worthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

Big bowl of linguine noodle topped with marinara and vegan eggplant parmesan
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

Crispy Eggplant Parmesan – This Italian classic takes crispy to the next level with perfectly fried eggplant slices, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese. A dish so crispy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Bites

pretzel crusted chicken bites on a white plate
Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Bites – Baked to golden perfection, these chicken bites are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. No frying needed, just pure crunchy goodness the whole family will devour!
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Chicken Bites

Baked Zucchini Tian

Baked Zucchini Tian- A baked zucchini dish with Middle Eastern flavors thats vegan and GF. Serve over Rice for a simple delicious meal. | www.feastingathome.com
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

Baked Zucchini Tian with Middle Eastern Spices – A flavor-packed, mouthwatering dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it as a vibrant vegan side or over rice for a light, satisfying meal!
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini Tian

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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