Heading back to school often means busy schedules, homework, and a constant juggle. But, just because the days are packed doesn’t mean dinner must be stressful. Dive into our handpicked collection of dinner recipes that are too cool for school, and perfect for those bustling school nights. From quick casseroles to dishes that impress the whole family, these meals are just the ticket to make evenings smoother and much more flavorful. Let’s make every school night a dinner success!
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-easy, this dish is a hit with kids and busy parents alike. When homework piles up, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is here to save the dinner rush. Quick to prepare, its succulent flavors are sure to satisfy every student at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Crispy Chicken Tenders
No more cafeteria blues with these Crispy Chicken Tenders on the menu. They’re a surefire hit, making weeknight dinners both fun and fuss-free. And talk about perfect leftovers for lunch boxes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Tenders
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Elevate weeknight dinnertime with these easy-to-make stuffed chicken breasts. While they feel fancy, they’re straightforward to whip up, ensuring a delicious meal in no time. Filled with flavorful ingredients that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Chicken Fajita Casserole
After a bustling school day, unwind with this simple Chicken Fajita Casserole. A kid-friendly twist on classic fajitas, this casserole is quick and easy to make, packing all the delicious flavors of fajitas in a comforting bake. So easy, so delicious, and perfect for busy school nights!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole
Grilled Chicken Tenders
Grill up some goodness on school nights with these Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tenders. Simple yet flavorful, they’re a fresh twist on a classic favorite. Plus the leftovers from these grilled chicken tenders make excellent leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Tenders
Creamy Ranch Chicken
Let the familiar flavor of ranch make school evenings smoother with this Creamy Ranch Chicken dish. A comforting plate that’s as easy as ABC!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ranch Chicken
Bacon Chicken Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
With crispy tater tots, bacon, chicken, and ranch flavors, this casserole is a quick and kid-friendly delight that’s perfect for busy nights. Everyone loves a good tater tot casserole!!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Chicken Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Mini Meatloaf
Serve up some homey vibes with Mini Meatloafs. Perfectly portioned, these are a quick solution for those “What’s for dinner?” school nights.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf
Beef and Noodles
There’s nothing like the hearty combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles to bring warmth to the dinner table. This Beef and Noodles dish strikes the right balance between comfort and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Quick and satisfying, it’s school night dining made easy. Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, a timeless peasant dish from Italy, is here to save the day—and your taste buds! Simplicity is key in this recipe, as it features just five ingredients, making it a perfect go-to for ANY hectic night
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Chicken Piccata
As the school year kicks off and busy schedules return, there’s nothing better than having a delightful and stress-free dinner waiting on the table. Enter this Easy Chicken Piccata—a dish that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your home!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Are you looking for a meal that your kids will finish every time? Quick and easy for busy weeknights This recipe of tender chicken and hearty cream cheese snuggled in a fluffy golden crescent is a surefire winner. Easy to make and fun to eat!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Taco Fiesta in a Casserole
Layered with classic taco flavors, this crowd-pleasing casserole is the perfect solution for busy school nights that will leave everyone asking for seconds. When school tasks feel endless, this casserole brings a fiesta to the table.
Get the Recipe: Taco Fiesta in a Casserole
Lasagna Soup
Reimagine a beloved classic with Lasagna Soup. Offering the comfort of lasagna but quicker, it’s a warm embrace after long school hours.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup
Shrimp Lo Mein
Back-to-school season can leave families craving the convenience of takeout, but why not bring the taste of your favorite Asian restaurant right to your dinner table? This Shrimp Lo Mein is speedy to prepare and brimming with flavors the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Irresistibly cheesy and easy to make, these stuffed shells are a favorite among kids, making dinner a joy for both kids and parents. This filling dish will fuel both study sessions and playtimes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Tortellini & Meatballs
Get ready to add a burst of color and flavor to your back-to-school dinners with this scrumptious tri-color tortellini dish. Pairing pasta with meatballs, this dish is a comforting hug after school. Packed with plump and tender pasta, a generous helping of meatballs, and an explosion of flavors, this easy-to-make meal is a hit with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini & Meatballs
Lazy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Let the air fryer do the heavy lifting on busy school nights. This Chicken Cordon Bleu variant is both effortless and delectably satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lazy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Start your day off right by making dinner in the morning! Set it, forget it, and focus on schoolwork. Come dinnertime, this cheesy ranch chicken is ready to serve and savor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Two Pesto Chicken Pizza
Two Pesto Chicken
Get the Recipe: Two Pesto Chicken Pizza
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Turn a busy weeknight dinnertime into a delicious adventure with these bacon-wrapped chicken thighs. Juicy and savory, each bite is a burst of flavor that will make your little ones smile. Simple, savory, and perfect for school evenings: these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs promise a delightful dining experience in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
After a long school day, let the slow cooker gift you this savory Beef and Broccoli. Busy school days call for easy dinner solutions like this slow cooker beef and broccoli. Tender beef simmered in a savory sauce with crisp broccoli florets makes for a well-balanced and nutritious meal that even picky eaters won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Spaghetti Casserole
Bring a fresh twist to the spaghetti night with this casserole. A hearty dish that’s perfect for post-school refueling.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
School nights get a tasty upgrade with this BBQ Chicken
Get the Recipe: Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
Air Fryer Calzones
Quick, crispy, and utterly satisfying, these Air Fryer Calzones are the perfect remedy to school day fatigue. Make the best air fryer calzones with this super easy recipe. Handheld dinners are fun and easy for everyone on any night of the week. And the leftovers go perfectly in school lunches!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Calzones
10 Minute Ramen Noodle Stir Fry
Quick dinners don’t compromise on flavor with this Ramen Noodle Stir Fry. Ready in just 10 minutes, veggies and noodles are stir-fried in a spicy garlic ginger sauce. So easy you’ll make it again and again, and the leftovers are perfect in lunch boxes!
Get the Recipe: 10 Minute Ramen Noddle Stir Fry
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
Busy weeknights are perfect for sheet pan dinners. Keep school night dinners simple yet nutritious with this one-pan wonder. This Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies is an easy and delicious school night dinner recipe pairing baked salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, savory asparagus, and thyme.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
Chicken Nuggets
A timeless favorite, Chicken Nuggets are always a hit. Try this easy and delicious homemade air fryer chicken nuggets recipe. Making these kid-friendly crunchy nuggets takes less than a half hour, so they’re perfect for busy nights when you don’t have time to think about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Infuse school nights with a touch of Mexican flair. Make these Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas in the morning and reap the rewards in the evening. Back-to-School nights are perfect for any night when you won’t have time to cook. Tangy, cheesy, and delicious. Plus, they’re ready when you walk in the door!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Turkey Smash Burgers
Everyone loves burgers and fries on busy nights. It’s just one meal that everyone loves. This delicious turkey smash burger recipe is the best you’ve ever tasted. Swift to cook and packed with flavor, these Turkey Smash Burgers make school nights more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta
Whisk together the comforting flavors of a juicy hamburger and classic pasta in this cheesy hamburger pasta casserole that kids will adore. This dish is a creamy, meaty, and utterly delightful dinner, perfect for busy back-to-school nights. Quick to whip up, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta
Sausage and Peppers
This easy and delicious grilled sausage and peppers recipe combines smoky sausage with vibrant, sweet bell peppers for a quick, satisfying meal kids and parents love! Serve them in buns for a sandwich favorite. Simple to prepare, it’s a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers