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You'll be sitting down to eat before you know it.
Even if you're short on time, you can still sit down to a comforting home-cooked dinner any night of the week. The key is choosing the right recipe. To help you get started, we gathered our best main dish recipe ideas in one place.
These simple but satisfying dinner recipes don't require much advance prep or a long cooking time, so you'll be sitting down to eat before you know it.
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Beanie Weenies
If you're short on time but craving something cozy and comforting, beanie weenies delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes. With baked beans, hot dogs, and bacon in the mix, it's a stress-free dinner the whole family will appreciate.
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Fettuccine Alfredo
This fettuccini is served with a homemade sauce that doesn't take much more time than opening a jar. Once you see how easy and delicious it is to make it from scratch, you'll never reach for store-bought again.
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Meatball Casserole
With this recipe, it's as easy as dump and bake. There's no need to pre-cook your noodles or any other ingredients.
Quick Tip
To customize this dinner, swap out the shape of pasta to penne, rigatoni, orecchiette, or farfalle, or use Italian or Cheddar cheese.
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Honey-Garlic Chicken
Honey and garlic are always a dynamic duo, especially when used to create a flavor-packed sauce for chicken thighs. We like serving this main dish over mashed potatoes with Bacon-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts on the side.
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Chicken Nachos
Take this sheet pan of nachos straight from the oven to the table so the whole family can dig in. Since the pan is lined with aluminum foil, cleanup will be a breeze.
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Pan-Seared Salmon
A fresh Lemon-Herb Butter gives pan-seared salmon restaurant-quality flavor. Leaving the skin on during cooking makes it easier to flip.
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Lemon Chicken Pasta
Lemon, chicken, and pasta make a flavorful dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes. We made this recipe with linguine but you can use other pasta you may have on hand.
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Pan-Seared Strip Steaks
We're sharing the secret to cooking up a restaurant-quality steak at home: mayonnaise. Just trust us, once you prepare your steaks this way, you'll never return to any other method.
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BBQ Chicken Salad
This hearty salad, including the homemade White BBQ Ranch Dressing comes together in just 20 minutes. You can even make the dressing the day before to cut down on prep time.
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Ham Carbonara With Peas
Anytime you have leftover ham, we recommend putting this carbonara on the dinner menu. It's so good, you'll likely put it on the menu even if you don't have leftovers on hand.
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Skillet BBQ Chicken
Homemade BBQ sauce transforms budget-friendly chicken thighs into a flavorful dinner. You can add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
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Mini Meatloaves
Mini meatloaves deliver all of the delicious flavor of traditional meatloaf in much less time. They're baked in a muffin pan for just about 20 minutes.
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Blackened Chicken
A mix of seasonings, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen, transform boneless chicken breasts into a bold supper. You can control the spice level based on the amount of cayenne added.
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Steak Diane
This retro dinner starts with beef tenderloin filets. Though this cut of meat is a little more expensive, we recommend it for this elegant dinner.
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Heavy whipping cream adds just a little bit more comfort to homemade chicken noodle soup. This creamy take comes together in just 25 minutes.
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Mississippi Pork Chops
Just like in classic Mississippi pot roast, this recipe gets its flavor from a cup of pepperoncini peppers. However, unlike the pot roast which cooks all day, this main dish comes together in just 35 minutes.
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White Bean Chicken Chili
While some chili recipes need to cook all day to develop flavor, this one comes together in under an hour. We like serving with toppings like crushed chips, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
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Chicken-Fried Steak With Cream Gravy
Despite the name, this dish is actually made with an inexpensive cut of beef as the base. For the best results, make sure to pat the meat completely dry before dredging so the coating will stick.
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Bourbon Chicken
This chicken dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, which is most likely even faster than takeout. Serve over steamed rice and garnish with fresh scallions.
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Pork Tenderloin With Apples
Fennel and herbs balance out the sweetness of the apples in this main dish recipe. A cast-iron skillet allows you to move the tenderloin from the oven to the stovetop with ease.
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Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin "Filets"
Using pork tenderloin offers a budget-friendly way to serve up the flavor of bacon-wrapped filets. Starting this recipe on the stovetop and moving to the oven ensures that the bacon is crisp and the pork is cooked through.
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Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Transform chicken drumsticks into a delicious supper with just a few pantry staples. It'll become your go-to main dish when you're not sure what to serve for supper.
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Smothered Pork Chops
A rich mushroom gravy transforms bone-in pork chops into a flavor-packed main dish. We recommended using a meat thermometer when cooking pork chops so you don't overcook them which will result in tough meat.
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Spiced-Rubbed Turkey Tenderloin With Gravy
This recipe is here to prove that turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving. It makes a great, protein-packed main dish year-round.
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Lemon Chicken Thighs
Fresh lemon, thyme, and garlic deliver maximum flavor to this chicken dish with little effort. From start to finish, this main comes together in just 35 minutes.
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Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes
Transform basic baked potatoes into a meal with the addition of pulled pork and veggies. You can also swap in shredded chicken if preferred.
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Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
With this recipe, you can serve up baby back ribs with just 20 minutes of hands-on time. Plus, you don't even have to leave your kitchen when using the oven instead of the grill.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This dish is a no-brainer since you're likely to already have the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. But this version of the family favorite feels more special than the standard breaded chicken, thanks to well-seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with lemon wedges and pasta or crusty bread.
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Crunchy Potato Chip-Crusted Fish Sticks
Potato chips allow you to skip the mess of a fryer and still sink your teeth into a crispy fish stick. This recipe works well with catfish, cod, tilapia, or other white fish. Try the homemade tartar sauce or another of our favorite seafood dippers.
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Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Cutlets With Haricots Verts
This impressive meal is surprisingly quick to make because of the fast-cooking cut of meat. After the chicken bakes, the green beans cook in the juices of the prosciutto-wrapped, mustard-slathered cutlets. Fresh tarragon adds a lovely anise flavor.
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Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
If you're on dish duty tonight, cook your main and sides all in one sheet pan. Two spice rack staples—cinnamon and nutmeg—give this simple chicken recipe a wonderful depth of flavor. This recipe preps quickly and cooks in 35 minutes.
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One-Pan Ranch Chicken And Vegetables
The ranch dressing fans out there will love this sheet-pan dinner. Toss your chicken tenders, frozen vegetables, and bite-size potatoes in ranch seasoning, stick the pan in the oven, and bake. That's all there is to this no-fuss meal.
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Fresh Salmon Cakes With Buttermilk Dressing
Remember the canned salmon cakes from your childhood? They're all grown up and served alongside tender lettuce and crisp peas and radishes. Drizzle with our homemade Buttermilk Dressing, which you can make ahead of time and will want to add to everything.
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Supreme Pizza
Fresh prepared pizza dough from the grocery store and jarred marinara make this Supreme Pizza recipe almost as easy as ordering delivery, but a whole lot more fun. Use Rao's sauce for the best homemade flavor, and a hot pizza stone or baking sheet for a nicely browned crust.
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Fish Tacos And Topping Bar
A new twist for taco Tuesday, this recipe amps up the fun for family meals with a unique topping bar for your table. Most of the work involves assembling the Asian Slaw, Quick Chipotle Cream, and other toppings, which can always be prepped in advance.
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Shrimp With Honey-Garlic Sauce
It's hard to believe that this elegant supper comes together in just 15 minutes. Our secret? It's all in the sauce, a simple combination of butter, honey, garlic, soy, and lemon.
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Pan-Seared Flank Steak With Herb Sauce
Requiring just 30 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe proves that even a steak dinner can be weeknight-friendly. Sear the flank steak in a cast-iron skillet, then whip together a chimichurri sauce while the steak rests. You can pair this main dish with roasted potatoes or a green salad.
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Ravioli Lasagna
With a little help from store-bought ravioli, this 30-minute supper combines two of our Italian favorites for one cozy weeknight meal. It's a versatile recipe that allows you to add greens or try different types of ravioli fillings. Even better, this is a one-skillet meal that requires almost no washing up.
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Creamy Kale And Pasta Bake
This meat-free casserole is one delicious way to enjoy your veggies this week. Even kids love kale mixed with pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The dish primarily comes together on the stovetop, with just a quick broil in the oven.
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Baked Ziti With Sausage
Equal parts easy and cheesy, our Baked Ziti with Sausage is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's ready in under an hour. The homemade meat sauce is well worth 15 minutes of your time: Smoky pancetta, fresh torn basil, and crushed tomatoes really pack in the flavor.
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Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon And Vegetables
Salmon, sugar snap peas, and yellow bell peppers combine to create a healthy supper in just 35 minutes. Even your little ones will rave about the sweet and tangy sauce on this new weeknight standard. Serve with rice, couscous, or fast-cooking farro.
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Fried Pork Chops With Peas And Potatoes
This speedy fried dinner has all the flavors of the classic dish without so much fat. The potatoes and onion bake in the oven while you lightly fry the chops in olive oil. The delicious white wine gravy adds a touch of class to this comforting meal.
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Quesadillas Al Pastor
Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe has a tropical take on quesadillas. It's also a great way to use leftover pulled pork. For an easy side, melt a few tablespoons of butter with minced garlic and a dash of chili powder in a microwave-safe bowl; pour over boiled or grilled corn on the cob.
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Sloppy Joe Casserole With Dinner Rolls
A ground beef casserole topped with sweet, buttery rolls is a weeknight wonder that even the pickiest eaters will request again and again. A gooey layer of Cheddar cheese waits for you underneath. Use pre-baked rolls for quick preparation.
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Pasta With Shrimp And Tomato Cream Sauce
Bring a taste of the coast to your kitchen table in just 25 minutes. We recommend using fresh shrimp, not frozen, for the best flavor. The cherry tomatoes only need a few minutes in the pan, along with shallots, garlic, cream, and tarragon.
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Muffin Tin Meatloaf
With a little help from our trusty muffin tins, we gave this nostalgic dish a weeknight update. Our rendition includes all the ingredients of Mama's favorite recipe, including Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, thyme, allspice, and—of course—ketchup. All that delicious flavor cooks up quickly in individual portions.
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Roasted Beef Tenderloin
This tender cut of beef is quick enough for every day meals, but pretty enough for a party platter, too. Tenderloin only requires about 20 minutes of roasting time.
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Chicken Caprese Pasta
With a little help from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, you can turn this beloved summer salad into a hearty pasta with a refreshingly light sauce. Make your own pesto or buy your favorite brand of jarred pesto sauce from the store.
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Cast-Iron Chicken Piccata
Serve this Italian restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home. Be sure to add the fresh ingredients like lemon juice and parsley just before serving. This will help maintain the bold flavors of this quick and easy dish.
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Crawfish Fried Rice
Your classic fried rice recipe gets a Southern twist with loads of fresh or frozen crawfish. The sesame oil, fresh ginger, and scallions release their savory aromas while you whip this dish together. Leftover rice works especially well as the slightly drier texture lends itself to a crispy finish.
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Green Chile Mac And Cheese With Chicken
This easy, speedy supper combines velvety macaroni and cheese with convenient rotisserie chicken and spicy poblano pepper. Poblanos are a milder pepper that will appeal to the whole family (though the red ones have a bit more kick). Skip the rotisserie chicken for a vegetarian version.
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Deep-Dish Ham Pot Pie
Store-bought pie crusts and deli ham make preparing this delicious pot pie a breeze. This French-inspired recipe uses the flavors of Dijon mustard, tarragon, and Swiss cheese to satisfy your sophisticated tastebuds. Par-baking the crust keeps the bottom nice and firm.
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Chicken Cutlets With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Sun-dried tomatoes lend their sweet and smoky flavor to a rich and creamy sauce. It's all drizzled over thin chicken cutlets that take just a few minutes to brown in a skillet. This divine dish is ready in less than half an hour and belongs on your weeknight rotation.
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Texas Dinner Twinkies
All you need is 20 minutes of active time to make this spicy dinner dish. Poblano peppers are the perfect base for an overflow of pulled pork, corn, cheese, and any other topping you desire.
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Simple Pan-Seared Fish
The easy pan-searing method we share here works with any white fish—though fresh is always preferable. Basic salt and pepper is all the seasoning your fish needs. It's the perfect complement to a tossed salad of sugar snap peas, radishes, onion, and lemon zest.
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Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Now you can savor the flavor of chicken enchiladas with a lot less work. In this recipe, all the ingredients are tossed together (even the tortillas), spread in a casserole dish, and topped with cheese. Using rotisserie chicken or leftover chopped chicken allows you to prep this dish in 15 minutes.
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Beefy Skillet Lasagna
Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes. After you make the tomato and beef mixture, the noodles cook right in the skillet with it. Top with cheese and finish under the broiler.
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Easy Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
If you have cooked rice in the fridge, try this stir fry that comes together in only 20 minutes. Spread the ground beef in an even layer in the pan to create a nice sear. The rice and vegetables soak up the sweet soy sauce mixture and are accented with a sprinkling of green onions.
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Shrimp Perloo
In this low-country staple, the rice soaks up the savory flavors of bacon and the Holy Trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper. The perloo is prepared in a Dutch oven, with the seafood tossed in at the end. If shrimp doesn't appeal tonight, substitute chicken or sausage instead.
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Chicken Bog
Our version of another low-country favorite, Chicken Bog, simplifies the dish for an easy and family-friendly weeknight meal. This recipe uses common kitchen staples plus a rotisserie chicken. Parsley and lemon juice should be added right at the end to preserve their zest.
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Buttermilk Alfredo Chicken Spinach Pasta
We replaced the heavy cream with whole buttermilk in this recipe to create an appealing, velvety, and satisfying cheese sauce with less fat than other cheese sauces. Baby spinach leaves are delicious in this dish, but you can use blanched broccoli, green peas, or another favorite vegetable.
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Simple Oyster Stew
This stew lets fresh-shucked oysters shine in a simple, no-frills broth. A few scallions and oyster crackers are the only embellishment required. Pick up a dozen oysters for two or double or triple the recipe for your family.
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Vegetarian Skillet Chili
Portabello mushrooms and white beans add heartiness to this veggie-packed chili, while its fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapenos, and spices will warm you from the inside out. Better yet, it takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
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Baked Tortellini Alfredo With Mushrooms
Who can say no to a rich and creamy Alredo sauce, especially after it turns brown and bubbly in the oven? This skillet supper is so easy to make, too, thanks to store-bought cheese tortellini. Cremini mushrooms and a pinch of nutmeg add a special touch.
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7-Can Soup
Just as the name promises, this soup doesn't involve much more than pouring seven cans of veggies and chili in a stock pot. Use a packet of taco seasoning or make your own. Add rice or meat if you want to beef it up. After 10 minutes of simmering, your full-flavored dinner is served.
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Sheet Pan Fajitas
A sheet pan covered in aluminum foil makes for easy cooking and cleanup. Toss all your fajita ingredients together with your preferred blend of spices and roast under the broiler for about 10 minutes. The squeeze of lime juice at the end really makes this meal shine.
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Beef Tamale Pie
This Tex-Mex favorite is sure to become a regular request, and it's ready in no time thanks to a package of corn muffin mix. We blend the muffin mix with a healthy dose of Cheddar cheese and top it with jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
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Pasta Primavera With Shrimp
Who doesn't love a one-pot meal on a busy night? Loaded with healthy vegetables, fresh shrimp, and a light sauce, this 30-minute pasta is as colorful as it is good for you. The entire dish is prepared in a Dutch oven, including the pasta.
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Unique suppertime soup comes together in under an hour thanks to a rotisserie chicken and gnocchi from the grocery store. Lots of hardy veg ensure that this meal will be satisfying and healthful.
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Burrito Bowls
Quick and easy dinner with a Southwestern flair can be on the table in just 10 minutes. This vegetarian supper is bursting with bright flavor and easily customizable to each family member's tastes.
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One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
Bring the sizzling excitement of a fresh plate of fajitas to your dinner table with this delectable recipe. Add chopped jalapeños if you like it hot or follow our recipe as-is for savory, smoky, Tex-Mex goodness.
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Skillet-Toasted Gnocchi With Peas
Pillowy gnocchi turn into golden nuggets of goodness when sautéed in butter. This springtime recipe calls for sweet peas, parsley, lemon, and Parmesan cheese, but of course, you can substitute your favorite vegetables.
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Skillet Enchiladas Suizas
Our easiest enchilada recipe ever comes together in just 25 minutes. No filling or rolling necessary for this delicious and zesty supper.
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Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy
This ground beef recipe helps you make the most of your busy weeknights. You can make the patties ahead, then simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before using. You'll love the moist and tender gravy and rich and earthy mushroom flavor.
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Lemon Chicken
A reader-favorite main with a short ingredient list, this easy dish pairs well with crisp veggies and a side of rice for a delicious dinner. Lemon slices cook alongside the chicken and add bright, zesty flavor. Add a sprinkling of capers if you want even more tang.
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Simple Salmon Croquettes
This dish comes together in a flash when it's time to cook. Make the croquettes ahead of time and refrigerate so they'll hold their shape while frying. The mouthwatering Lemon-Caper Cream can be made up to two weeks in advance.
Read the original article on Southern Living
