Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas

We all know those weeknights! The clock is ticking, everyone's hungry, and the thought of spending hours in the kitchen feels impossible. That's where Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas comes in. Forget complicated recipes and endless prep time. We're talking quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meals that come together in minutes. These are the dinners that save my sanity on busy Tuesdays, and I hope they'll become your go-to solutions, too!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

My grandma used to say, "A happy family starts with a good meal, even if it's a quick one!" Growing up, weeknights were always a little chaotic, but dinner was sacred. It was the time we all came together, shared stories, and nourished our bodies and souls. Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas echoes that sentiment – it’s about creating those moments even when time is tight. This isn’t just food; it’s connection, comfort, and a little bit of love served up in a flash.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
5. Add chopped bell pepper, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and flavors have melded.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Enjoy your Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas!

Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• to taste Salt and pepper
• Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Large skillet or pot

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
   1 tbsp olive oil
2. Add chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
   1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
   1 onion
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
   2 cloves garlic
5. Add chopped bell pepper, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
   1 red bell pepper, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   to taste Salt and pepper
7. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and flavors have melded.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Enjoy your Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas!
   Chopped cilantro, Sour cream or Greek yogurt