These 15-Minute Dinner Recipes Could Change Your Entire Weeknight Routine

If you need help dealing with that familiar dinnertime panic when you have hungry kids and under 15 minutes, stress no more. Despite popular belief that it's impossible to serve up a healthy, home-cooked meal in minimal time, these 12 hearty dishes may leave you speechless. From flavorful chicken to zesty fish (and don't forget the sides!), these dinner ideas are total game changers. Each recipe is for a complete meal — without any frozen or premade additions — that is truly something to get excited about!

01
Balsamic Chicken With Vegetables
Averie Cooks

Balsamic Chicken With Vegetables

After you whip up this recipe for one-skillet balsamic chicken with vegetables, you'll end up with a delicious dish topped with a layer of balsamic reduction — all in under 15 minutes.

02
Lime Cilantro Chicken With Mixed Rice and Black Beans
Averie Cooks

Lime Cilantro Chicken With Mixed Rice and Black Beans

When you combine fresh lime, flavorful cilantro, and an unbelievably fast recipe, you're bound to have a winning meal that will have the whole family excited that it's time for dinner.

03
Thai Chili Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
RecipeTin Eats

Thai Chili Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

This delicious take on a classic Thai takeout dish can be prepped and served in no time. Plus, it uses hassle-free, everyday ingredients.

04
Creamy Salmon Orzo
RecipeTin Eats

Creamy Salmon Orzo

Although it might be hard to believe, it's possible to quickly serve up this recipe for creamy parmesan orzo with salmon — even on a busy school night when you're running completely behind schedule.

05
Ranch Chicken and Vegetable Skillet
Averie Cooks

Ranch Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

When you have lots of leftover produce that needs to be used up in little time, consider this crowd-pleasing recipe for ranch chicken and veggies. With little prep and lots of flavor, both you and your kiddos will be equally pleased with how this dish turns out.

06
Lemon-Butter Grouper Fish Tacos
Averie Cooks

Lemon-Butter Grouper Fish Tacos

This recipe for fish tacos will become a welcome addition to your weeknight repertoire. Bonus: seasoned kitchen pros can make it in 10 minutes!

07
Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp With Angel Hair Pasta
Averie Cooks

Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp With Angel Hair Pasta

Both angel hair pasta and shrimp cook particularly quickly, and when you add lemon, butter, and garlic to the mix, you end up with a dish that might cut time but definitely not flavor!

08
Fish Piccata With Crispy Smashed Potatoes
RecipeTin Eats

Fish Piccata With Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Just because your schedule is packed doesn't mean you can't serve an impressive homemade meal. This dinner of pan-fried fish with asparagus and crispy smashed potatoes can be put together when you and your little ones have a small amount of time but major appetites.

09
Lemon Pepper Pork
RecipeTin Eats

Lemon Pepper Pork

Get this: not only is it possible to find a recipe that isn't intimidating for lemon pepper pork with grilled vegetable couscous, but you can also make it from scratch in a matter of minutes without being stressed out.

10
Chicken With Creamy Marsala Sauce, White Bean Puree, and Asparagus
RecipeTin Eats

Chicken With Creamy Marsala Sauce, White Bean Puree, and Asparagus

Filled with helpful shortcuts and beneficial tips, this recipe for creamy chicken marsala (and two sides!) can actually be prepped and plated in so little time that you'll actually be able to sit down and enjoy dinner.

11
Teriyaki Chicken
RecipeTin Eats

Teriyaki Chicken

There's something about teriyaki chicken that both kiddos and adults love. From the sweet and tangy homemade sauce to the protein-packed chicken, this is one dinner that everyone can get behind.

12
Zucchini Pasta With Cherry Tomato Basil Sauce
Half Baked Harvest

Zucchini Pasta With Cherry Tomato Basil Sauce

It's amazing the difference some fresh produce can make when it comes to a memorable meal. You might not think that it's possible to serve a farm-to-table-inspired dinner in minimal time, but this recipe for zucchini pasta with a cherry tomato basil sauce will prove any doubters wrong.