25 Recipes That’ll Make Your Week Feel Like the Best One Yet

Every week deserves a few meals that make you look forward to dinner again. These recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to turn ordinary nights into something special. Whether it’s quick comfort food or a dish that feels like a little celebration, each one brings the good kind of energy back to your kitchen. With 25 recipes this satisfying, your week might just end up being the best one yet.

Chicken enchilada casserole with corn and jalapenos. — Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish. — Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice comes together in about 30 minutes as a one-pan dinner that helps make the week feel easier to manage. The rice cooks with the chicken for a complete meal that saves time and keeps cleanup simple. Bright flavors from lime and cilantro bring energy to weeknight meals, which is exactly what the best recipes should do. This dish brings a lift to the middle of the week when the schedule starts to demand convenience.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

A white plate with saucy shredded meat, herb garnish, and a fork on top. — Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce cooks low and slow for about 8 hours, creating tender pork without hovering over the stove. The slow cooker method frees up the day and supports a smoother week, which is what the best recipes deliver. Tangy mustard BBQ sauce adds bold flavor that feels rewarding at dinnertime. This meal ends a long day on a high note that can make the week feel like the best one yet.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork chops with blackberry applesauce on a gray plate. — Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries cooks in about 25 minutes, giving busy weeks a quick dinner that still feels thoughtful. The skillet method keeps prep straightforward, helping the best recipes bring balance to packed schedules. Sweet apples and blackberries pair with savory pork for a refreshing combination at the end of the day. This dish brings a boost to any evening that needs something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes. — Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops sear in the pan and finish with a simple glaze in about 20 minutes, ideal for busy stretches. The bright citrus flavor makes the meal feel fresh, which is what the best recipes add to the week. Quick stovetop cooking keeps the process manageable while still serving something that feels upbeat. This is the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary night into a highlight.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Close up of chicken shawarma. — Chicken Shawarma Plate. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Shawarma Plate marinates and roasts in about an hour, bringing seasoned chicken and fresh sides to the table. Meals like this support the idea of the best recipes by creating something bold without needing a complicated process. The method keeps the steps manageable while still delivering strong flavor. This plate has the power to reset a busy week with one satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans. — Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf cooks in about 30 minutes on the grill for a dinner that brings something special to weeknights. Pairing pork chops and shrimp creates a meal that feels rewarding, the kind of result the best recipes are known for. The grilling method keeps the flavors clean and the process straightforward. This dish can upgrade any weeknight into something that feels worthy of celebration.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Garlic herb pork chops and golden roasted potatoes in a cast iron skillet, garnished with fresh herbs. — Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes roasts in about an hour for a hearty dinner that supports steady, comforting weeknight meals. The sheet-pan method keeps everything in one place, saving time and helping the best recipes work harder for the schedule. Garlic and herbs bring familiar flavor that suits any day of the week. This dinner grounds the evening and makes the week feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate. — Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes bakes in about an hour for a complete meal with very little hands-on work. Buttermilk coating keeps the chicken tender, while roasted potatoes round out a balanced plate that reflects what the best recipes can do. Oven baking keeps cleanup small and the process simple. This dish supports a smoother week by giving the night a reliable finish.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

A chicken pot pie in a skillet with a silver spoon rests inside. — Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy bakes in just over an hour and twenty minutes, creating a flaky dish that brings comfort to the table. The method delivers a meal that steadies the week, which is why pot pie remains one of the best recipes for tough days. Tarragon gravy adds aroma and depth that make the longer bake worthwhile. This meal can anchor the week and bring everything back into rhythm.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

A plate of sliced pork with mushroom sauce, fork above, and wine bottle behind. — Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy cooks in about 30 minutes on the stovetop, giving the week a fast dinner with rich character. The pan-seared method and quick pan gravy show how the best recipes can still be efficient. Shallots and mustard build flavor without extra steps. This dish brings the kind of finish that helps the whole week feel more rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

Cooked seasoned pork surrounded by diced vegetables in a black skillet on a wooden table. — One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner cooks in about 30 minutes with everything in a single skillet for easy cleanup. The one-pan method keeps the meal week-friendly and aligns with what the best recipes accomplish: less work with plenty of payoff. Garlic, pork, and peppers create bold flavor without complicating dinner. This dish powers through midweek nights with a simple but memorable finish.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Garlic Pepper Pork Dinner

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a fast choice for busy stretches. The stovetop and assembly method help the best recipes keep pace with the week while still delivering strong flavor. Crisp greens and barbecue chicken add variety that breaks up heavier meals. This salad lightens the week without losing momentum.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet cooks in about 25 minutes in a single pan, perfect for uplifting the middle of the week. The stovetop method keeps dinner efficient, supporting the goal of finding the best recipes for busy routines. Cream and balsamic create a rich finish that feels rewarding without taking extra time. This meal adds a bright spot to any evening that needs it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables bakes in just over an hour for a balanced sheet-pan dinner that feels steady and reliable. With minimal steps, it reflects what the best recipes should do: simplify the night while delivering comfort. Roasting deepens the flavor of both chicken and vegetables with very little attention. This dish gives the week an anchor that everyone can count on.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken cooks in about 20 minutes on the grill, adding a flavorful highlight to weeknight meals. The grilling method makes cleanup easy and supports the idea behind the best recipes: fast cooking with memorable results. Maple and mustard caramelize into a savory-sweet finish. This chicken brings a spark to the week in the time it takes to set the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Crock Pot Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes. — Crock Pot Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot Pork Chops simmer for 6 hours for a dinner that cooks itself and keeps the week on track. Slow cooking reflects the goal of the best recipes by creating flavorful results with minimal attention. The method allows the pork to turn tender while freeing up the day. This meal smooths out busy schedules and helps the week feel more manageable.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pork Chops

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken cooks in about 30 minutes from start to finish, giving weeknights a fast boost. The pressure cooker method helps the best recipes add convenience without losing flavor. Honey and garlic create a balanced finish that works on any night of the week. This dinner brings energy to the evening and keeps the week moving forward.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Pumpkin Fries

Pumpkin Fries bake in about 30 minutes for a quick side that adds fun to the week. The oven method is hassle-free and still supports the spirit of the best recipes by keeping things simple. Light seasoning lets the pumpkin stand out without extra prep. This side adds personality to the week in just half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Fries

Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Two breaded pork chops on a gray plate with parsley. — Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops cook in about 20 minutes, delivering a crunchy finish with minimal oil. The air fryer method supports what the best recipes should do: speed things up without losing appeal. Seasoned breading gives the pork both texture and flavor in one easy step. This meal adds excitement to a weeknight rotation that needs a little lift.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fried chicken leg quarters served on plates. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs cook in about 30 minutes, bringing crispy chicken to the table with very little hands-on work. The air fryer method helps the best recipes stay quick and dependable on busy days. Seasoned chicken cooks evenly for a simple and flavorful result. This dinner keeps the week moving and ends the day with something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken drumstick. — Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken cooks in about 20 minutes, giving the week a crispy dinner without deep frying. The air fryer keeps the process easy and reflects how the best recipes support tight schedules. Buttermilk adds tenderness while seasoned coating brings crunch. This meal brings a sense of reward to any night that needs a lift.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Curry Chicken with Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion simmers in about 30 minutes on the stovetop for a flavorful dinner with minimal steps. The method keeps the dish week-friendly, aligning with what the best recipes accomplish for busy routines. Onions and spices create bold character without adding extra prep time. This curry turns a regular night into something worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops take 6 to 8 hours and deliver tender results with almost no effort. Using a slow cooker shows how the best recipes make the week smoother by handling the work in the background. Herbs and broth deepen the flavor while freeing time for everything else. This dish brings calm to the schedule and finishes the day with comfort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream Cheese Chicken cooks in about 30 minutes on the stovetop and brings a creamy finish to weeknight meals. The method keeps the steps simple, and meals like this represent what the best recipes add to the week. Five-spice seasoning and cream cheese create a memorable balance. This dish turns an ordinary evening into something worth looking forward to.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole bakes in about 40 minutes and delivers bold flavor in a single pan. The casserole method keeps things efficient and reflects the goal of the best recipes by reducing prep and cleanup. Jalapenos and chicken create a lively combination that stands out at dinnertime. This meal closes out the day with something that keeps the week feeling upbeat.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole