23 Easy Meals to Get Dinner Done Before the Holiday Rush

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The holidays are busy enough without stressing over dinner every night. These easy meals are here to help you get food on the table fast while still feeling like a real meal. They’re simple, comforting, and perfect for those nights when your to-do list is longer than your patience.

Weeknight Teriyaki Chicken Made Easy

 

Juicy chicken cooks quickly in a glossy teriyaki sauce that feels familiar and weeknight-friendly. Serve it with rice and a simple vegetable for a dinner that fits neatly into busy holiday schedules.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Teriyaki Chicken

Fast Beef and Broccoli for Busy Nights

Tender beef and crisp broccoli come together in one pan with a savory sauce that cooks fast. Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it a smart pick during the pre-holiday rush.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers for Quick Dinners

Garlic parmesan chicken skewers cook quickly in the air fryer with very little prep. They’re done in about 20 minutes, which helps keep dinner simple on packed December evenings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

Salt and Pepper Shrimp in a Hurry

Crispy shrimp with garlic, salt, and pepper cook in minutes on the stovetop. It’s a fast dinner option when time is tight but you still want something that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Salt And Pepper Shrimp

Quick Korean Beef for Weeknights

Ground beef simmers in a Korean-style sauce that works well with rice or tucked into bowls. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that keeps dinner moving during busy holiday weeks.
Get the Recipe: Quick Korean Beef

Homemade Orange Chicken, No Takeout Line

Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a bright orange sauce that comes together quickly at home. Skipping takeout saves time when evenings are packed with holiday plans.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Without the Wait

Skillet chicken simmers in a parmesan sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It feels comforting yet manageable on nights when holiday prep already fills the schedule.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Tuscan Chicken

Thai Chicken Bites for Fast Suppers

Crispy chicken bites with sweet and savory notes cook quickly in a single pan. They’re a fun change of pace when dinner needs to be fast but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Bites Recipe

Maple Glazed Pork Chops in Under 30 Minutes

Pork chops cook quickly with a maple glaze that caramelizes right in the pan. It’s a solid dinner choice when you want something comforting without adding extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Light Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Seasoned ground turkey and crisp vegetables make these wraps quick to assemble. They’re a lighter option that still works well during hectic holiday weeks.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Lettuce Wrap

Weeknight Korean Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs soak up a bold Korean-inspired marinade and cook up juicy and sticky. They’re great for nights when you want big flavor without a long prep list.
Get the Recipe: Korean Chicken Thighs Recipe

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Made Simple

Tender chicken wrapped in tortillas bakes up with a creamy sour cream sauce. It’s a dependable make-ahead dinner when holiday errands take over the evening.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Hands-Off Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Chicken, peppers, and onions cook together slowly with very little hands-on work. It’s an easy dinner solution when the holiday rush leaves no room to stand at the stove.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken for Busy Holiday Nights

Short on time during the holiday rush, this stuffed chicken keeps dinner feeling planned without extra steps. A simple ingredient list and quick bake make it an easy choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Frozen Veggie Stir Fry for Fast Weeknights

When the calendar fills up fast, frozen vegetables help dinner come together without a grocery run. This quick stir fry keeps things flexible and fits right into packed holiday schedules.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Recipe With Frozen Vegetables

Parmesan Baked Cod in Under 20 Minutes

Busy holiday weeks call for dinners that feel thoughtful without taking much time. This baked cod goes from fridge to table quickly while still feeling like a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe

Baked Fish Tacos for a Faster Taco Night

Skipping the fryer makes taco night much easier during a packed holiday week. These baked fish tacos keep prep light while still giving dinner some variety.
Get the Recipe: Baked Fish Tacos Recipe

Sweet and Sour Tofu for Meatless Busy Nights

Holiday schedules often call for a quick meatless option that still feels complete. Crispy tofu and vegetables coated in sauce make this one easy to plan into busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Saucy Sweet And Sour Crispy Tofu

Crispy Chicken Wraps for On-the-Go Dinners

Wrapped dinners work especially well when evenings are rushed and plans overlap. These chicken wraps come together fast and are easy to serve without much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Wraps

Creamy Tortellini and Chicken in One Pot

One-pot meals help keep dinner manageable during the holiday rush. Tortellini and chicken cook together quickly, making this a practical option for full calendars.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Tortellini With Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Ribeye for a Fast Steak Dinner

Steak night does not have to disappear during a busy holiday stretch. The air fryer keeps cook time short while still getting dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

Garlic Butter Steak Bites for Quick Plates

Small cuts cook faster, which helps a lot when time feels tight before the holidays. Steak bites work well on their own or paired with simple sides for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Taco Rice for Easy Weeknight Bowls

Simple bowl dinners help keep evenings moving during a crowded holiday season. Taco rice comes together quickly and uses pantry basics you may already have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Easy Taco Rice