Weeknight Meal Solutions for the Over-Scheduled Parent

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It’s 5 PM, and you’ve still got football practice, a grocery run, and laundry on your playbook. Don’t worry—we’ve got a game plan for you. These dinners are fast, easy, and will get your family fed before the post-practice meltdown. Because even the best-prepared parents need a solid game-time meal strategy.

Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

A stainless steel pan containing creamy chicken and sundried tomato cream sauce, garnished with basil, with a spoon resting inside the dish, on a marble countertop.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce is a one-pan wonder for busy weeknights, delivering a delicious meal in under an hour with minimal fuss and ingredients!

Get the Recipe: Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs

Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs
Photo credit: Inspired Taste

You won’t believe how amazing these hot chicken meatballs are! Crafted with ground chicken, these sweet and spicy meatballs are juicy, tender, and drenched in the most mouthwatering spicy honey butter. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Francaise

A skillet with lemon chicken and lemon slices.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Chicken Francaise features tender chicken cutlets smothered in a rich sauce made with fresh lemon, dry white wine, and plenty of butter. This easy-to-follow, one-skillet recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect option for busy cooks who want a flavorful meal without the hassle! Get the Recipe: Chicken Francaise

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli cooked in a pan ready to serve.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. Tender chicken mingles with crisp-tender broccoli florets, all bathed in a flavorful sauce infused with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

French Onion Salisbury Steak

A plate of meatloaf with gravy, served with mashed potatoes and corn on the side, garnished with parsley. The plate is set on an orange-patterned napkin.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Take your weeknight meals to the next level with this easy French Onion Salisbury Steak in rich gravy. This updated version of a classic dish delivers gourmet taste on a budget, and it’s ready and on the table in just one hour! Get the Recipe: French Onion Salisbury Steak

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

With this easy one dish taco rice skillet dinner will be on the table in about 20 minutes! Only 8 simple ingredients for a tasty family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Italian Sausage Meatballs

Italian Sausage Meatballs
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Hankering for comfort food but short on time? These Italian sausage meatballs come to the rescue! Super easy to prepare, they simmer in a delicious homemade tomato sauce, creating a perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Meatballs

BBQ Beef Stuffed Potatoes

A baked potato topped with sour cream, scallions, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce sits on a foil-lined surface. A fork is placed nearby. Another baked potato is partially visible in the background.
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Slow cooker shredded beef, cheddar cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, and green onions are all piled into a fluffy baked potato for an easy all-in-one dinner.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Beef Stuffed Potatoes

Fettuccine Alfredo

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in creamy Italian luxury in just 20 minutes! This quick and easy recipe is the perfect answer to your pasta cravings.
Get the Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo

Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Two breaded pork chops on a gray plate with parsley.
Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Say goodbye to dry, tasteless pork! Air fryer breaded pork chops give you juicy, tender pork with crispy breading! Get lots of flavor with this easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

French Dip Sliders

French Dip Sliders
Photo credit: Corrie Cooks

Indulge in easy-to-make French Dip Sliders – perfect as a hearty snack or appetizer, with melty cheese and rich beef flavor.
Get the Recipe: French Dip Sliders

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Flavorful chicken thighs cook perfectly in this Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. Ready in about 30 minutes, you can be feasting on a hot meal in no time! P
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin on a plate.
Photo credit: call Me PMc

30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin is an old favorite using thinly sliced beef or pork tenderloin.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Pieces of chicken on a plate of spaghetti.
Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Air fryer chicken parmesan is crispy outside, juicy inside & covered with melted cheese! This classic Italian dinner is hearty and healthy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Penne Pasta Bake

A wooden spoon scooping a portion of penne pasta bake.
Photo credit: The Honour System

This Penne Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious recipe that combines cooked penne pasta with a rich, beefy marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping. Baked until bubbly and golden, the result is a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta Bake

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Get delicious homestyle cooking with this mouth-watering copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection!
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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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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