30-Minute Dinners for When School Nights Hit Hard

Busy school nights donโ€™t have to mean cereal for dinner. These recipes are fast, fuss-free, and packed with flavor, so you can get a real meal on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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Juicy chicken gets a quick sear, then simmers in a rich Dijon mustard sauce with fresh spinach and crispy bacon. Itโ€™s a one-pan wonder thatโ€™s ready in half an hour and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This cheesy, comforting casserole is loaded with ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and melty cheddar. Itโ€™s hearty, full of flavor, and weeknight-friendly at just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup in a white bowl on a cutting board.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A warm, satisfying soup with bold flavors and a low-carb twist. It comes together quickly, makes plenty for leftovers, and keeps you cozy all week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry

Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, this shrimp stir fry is better than takeout and on the table in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry

Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Chicken Broccoli Pasta. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta in a creamy garlic sauce make this an easy comfort meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A rich, cheesy beef skillet with mushrooms and cauliflower rice. Made in one pan for quick cooking and easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Easy Cheeseburger Bowl

Easy Cheeseburger Bowl. Photo credit: Simple and Fraiche.

All your favorite burger flavorsโ€”beef, cheese, pickles, and special sauceโ€”served in a low-carb, high-protein bowl thatโ€™s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Bowl

Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

A close-up of ground beef taco skillet being served with a metal spoon.
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Everything you love about tacos in one skillet, from seasoned beef to melty cheese, ready in less than half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole

A wooden spoon scooping chicken broccoli alfredo casserole out of a serving dish.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Creamy alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and tender broccoli baked together for a quick, family-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

A fork lifting a portion of chicken bacon ranch casserole from a white plate.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

A cheesy, comforting mix of chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and melty cheeseโ€”ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Ceasar Pasta Salad

Chicken Ceasar Pasta Salad . Photo credit: Pumpkin n Spice.

Romaine, pasta, chicken, and parmesan tossed in creamy Caesar dressing for a light yet filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Ceasar Pasta Salad

Chicken Fried Rice

A white bowl filled with chicken fried rice featuring peas, carrots, and chunks of chicken, with a wooden spoon inserted.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A homemade classic thatโ€™s quick, satisfying, and perfect for using up leftover rice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters

Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters in a white casserole dish.
Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Garlic, lemon, and 30 minutes are all you need for these juicy, flavorful chicken quarters. Bonusโ€”theyโ€™re keto and paleo friendly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broiled Chicken Leg Quarters

BBQ Hawaiian Pizza

BBQ Hawaiian Pizza. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet pineapple, smoky BBQ sauce, and ham come together for a quick, fun twist on pizza night.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Hawaiian Pizza

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Cheesy chicken stuffed eggplant on a baking sheet.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Eggplant halves filled with chicken and cheddar make for a quick, tasty dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Cooked chicken skillet, with cheese, pepper, avocado and cilantro on it.
Easy Chicken Taco Skillet. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Juicy chicken coated in spices and BBQ sauce makes for a flavorful, fuss-free taco night in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

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

Tender beef in a rich, savory-sweet sauce thatโ€™s just as good as restaurant takeout but much faster.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Mongolian Tenderloin

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turkey meatballs simmered in creamy coconut curry sauce for a bold, flavorful dinner thatโ€™s low-carb and quick.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken breasts in a velvety Parmesan garlic cream sauce for a meal that feels special but only takes 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Chicken Fajita Casserole with avocado slices on the side.
Chicken Fajita Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

All the flavor of chicken fajitas in a hands-off casserole thatโ€™s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Chewy udon noodles stir-fried with tender beef and savory sauceโ€”all in one wok and under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you love buffalo wings, youโ€™ll love this spicy, cheesy chicken soup with tender orzo pasta.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Cantonese Ground beef And Eggs (Under 30 Minutes)

A bowl of rice topped with minced beef, green peas, and a fried egg, garnished with sliced green onions.
Cantonese Ground beef And Eggs (Under 30 Minutes). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Silky scrambled eggs with seasoned ground beef over rice make for a comforting, budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cantonese Ground beef And Eggs (Under 30 Minutes)

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

From freezer to plate in under 30 minutes, these air fryer chicken breasts come out juicy and tender every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

A white plate with air-fried country style ribs, garnished with barbecue sauce and parsley.
Air Fryer Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Juicy boneless ribs with a crispy edge and big BBQ flavor in half an hourโ€”no messy grill required.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Country Style Ribs

Canned Salmon Burgers

A plate of canned salmon burgers on a bed of greens, served with a side of red dipping sauce in a small white bowl.
Canned Salmon Burgers. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Pan-fried salmon patties that are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and ready for a quick low-carb dinner.
Get the Recipe: Canned Salmon Burgers

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