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The Passport Kitchen

16 Quick Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Cook

March 13, 2025 by Amanda Tyler Leave a Comment

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Ever been just way too tired to cook? There are just some days when it’s just too much. I know how you feel. There are so many times when I’m just too tired to cook. Of course, if I’ve meal prepped, then that is awesome, but there are more times than not that I haven’t planned anything at all. Please tell me I’m not the only one this happens to!

These quick dinners are amazing to whip up when you’re just too tired to cook! They all take 20 minutes or less!

 Thai Red Salmon Curry with Basil

20-Minute Thai Red Salmon Curry with Basil.

Image Credit: The Passport Kitchen.

This tasty Thai red curry with salmon comes together in just 20 minutes! By using shortcuts like Thai curry paste and quick-cooking salmon, you can have a delicious red curry salmon with basil on the table in less than half an hour. Serve with jasmine rice for the ultimate accompaniment to your Thai salmon curry.

Get The Recipe: 20-Minute Thai Red Salmon Curry with Basil

10-Minute Garlic Shrimp

10-Minute Garlic Shrimp.

Image Credit: Chew Out Loud.

This 10-minute Garlic Shrimp recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s a wonderfully light and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy but doesn’t compromise on flavor!

Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Shrimp

Flatbread Pizza 

Flatbread Pizza (Fast, Delicious 10-Minute Recipe!) .

Image Credit: Foodess.

This flatbread pizza recipe is super easy and makes a thin, crispy pizza that can rival a restaurant with a wood-fired oven. It’s simple, tasty and takes less than 10-minutes to make. 

Get the Recipe: Flatbread Pizza 

10 Minute Salmon Avocado Salad

10 Minute Salmon Avocado Salad (Baked!).

Image Credit: Yummy Bowl.

This roasted Salmon Salad is the perfect lunch: fresh, full of protein, and just 10 minutes to make. It’s the perfect quick dinner!

Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Salmon Avocado Salad

Panko Chicken

Panko Chicken.

Image Credit: Living Lou.

Meet your new favorite dinner: perfectly crispy baked panko chicken. It has parmesan cheese and toasted panko bread crumbs that create a crispy crust on chicken breast cutlets. It will be ready in less than 25 minutes and become your new staple weeknight dinner.

Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken

Chicken Teriyaki Broccoli Skillet

Chicken Teriyaki Broccoli Skillet.

Image Credit: Fits As A Mama Bear.

This 15-minute dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. This chicken teriyaki broccoli skillet combines bite-sized, tender chicken cooked in a homemade, gluten-free teriyaki sauce. It’s a dinner recipe perfect for busy moms and dads. 

Get the Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Broccoli Skillet

Chicken Tzatziki Salad with Couscous

Chicken Tzatziki Salad with Couscous.

Image Credit: Athlete Lunch Box.

This chicken tzatziki salad is packed with juicy rotisserie chicken, tender pearl couscous, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a homemade tzatziki salad dressing with dill, garlic, and cucumber. It’s fresh, creamy, and the perfect cold salad for buys days. It comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a no-fuss meal prep!

Get the Recipe: Chicken Tzatziki Salad with Couscous

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of sun dried tomato pasta.
Photo Credit: Vibrantly G-Free.

This creamy and delicious pasta uses sun-dried tomatoes to achieve the best flavor and gorgeous color. You can make it with gluten-free ingredients for a meal everyone will enjoy.

Get the recipe:  Air fryer steak bites

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets 

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets (10 Minute Recipe).

Image Credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

You can prepare these Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets in under 10 minutes. Bold and spicy flavors transform tender chicken into a fiery, savory dish.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets 

Chickpea Avocado Salad

Chickpea Avocado Salad.

Image Credit: Flavorful Eats.

This Chickpea Avocado Salad is a fresh and healthy salad filled with tender chickpeas, red bell pepper, and creamy avocado with fresh lime juice and cilantro. This wholesome recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prepping!

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Avocado Salad

Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken 

Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken (10 Minutes!).

Image Credit: Cookrita.

If you have an air fryer, you can quickly make these vegetables with chicken! It’s super easy to prepare, you can make it ahead of time, and best of all, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken (10 Minutes!)

Air Fryer Fish Tostadas

Air Fryer Fish Tostadas.

Image Credit: Happi Homemade.

Crispy battered fish fillets are fried in the air fryer and stacked on a tostada shell with guacamole. Easy substitutions make this gluten-free or dairy-free so it’s perfect for everyone!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tostadas

 

Read More:

Close up Thoughtful Young Woman Eating Healthy Soup cozy winter soup at Home with Eyes Close and Happy Facial Expression.

Image Credit: stockfour/Shutterstock.

Looking for more good food? Check out these awesome recipes!

Like this:  14 Soups We Want to Make Every Single Day This Winter

And This: 10 of Grandma’s Best Cake Recipes

And This: 20 Japanese Dishes You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Now!)

 

Get the recipe: Crab salad sandwiches

Air Fryer Steak Bites

A plate of steak bites with a fork.
Photo Credit: Love From the Oven.

On a very busy night, why not surprise your family with steak for dinner? This recipe makes the most tender and tasty steak bites in your air fryer in a matter of minutes. Serve with potatoes in any form and a veggie for a fast and filling dinner.

Get the recipe:  Air fryer steak bites

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets 

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets (10 Minute Recipe).

Image Credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

You can prepare these Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets in under 10 minutes. Bold and spicy flavors transform tender chicken into a fiery, savory dish.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets 

Chickpea Avocado Salad

Chickpea Avocado Salad.

Image Credit: Flavorful Eats.

This Chickpea Avocado Salad is a fresh and healthy salad filled with tender chickpeas, red bell pepper, and creamy avocado with fresh lime juice and cilantro. This wholesome recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prepping!

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Avocado Salad

Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken 

Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken (10 Minutes!).

Image Credit: Cookrita.

If you have an air fryer, you can quickly make these vegetables with chicken! It’s super easy to prepare, you can make it ahead of time, and best of all, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken (10 Minutes!)

Air Fryer Fish Tostadas

Air Fryer Fish Tostadas.

Image Credit: Happi Homemade.

Crispy battered fish fillets are fried in the air fryer and stacked on a tostada shell with guacamole. Easy substitutions make this gluten-free or dairy-free so it’s perfect for everyone!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tostadas

 

Read More:

Close up Thoughtful Young Woman Eating Healthy Soup cozy winter soup at Home with Eyes Close and Happy Facial Expression.

Image Credit: stockfour/Shutterstock.

Looking for more good food? Check out these awesome recipes!

Like this:  14 Soups We Want to Make Every Single Day This Winter

And This: 10 of Grandma’s Best Cake Recipes

And This: 20 Japanese Dishes You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Now!)

 

Get the recipe: Buffalo chicken wrap

Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken

Sliced chicken breast over pasta.
Photo Credit: Cuisine and Travel.

This baked chicken dish only takes 15 minutes to prepare. It is bursting with parmesan and garlic flavor in each bite. Serve it over pasta or seared veggies for a wholesome meal that will be ready in a flash. 

Get the recipe: Garlic parmesan baked chicken

Crab Salad Sandwiches

A platter of crab salad sandwiches.
Photo Credit: Glue Sticks and Gumdrops.

Why not skip cooking on a busy night and settle for a cold crab salad sandwich? These are so good and pair well with coleslaw, potato salad, or chips on the side. This recipe will be a family favorite for a quick meal. 

Get the recipe: Crab salad sandwiches

Air Fryer Steak Bites

A plate of steak bites with a fork.
Photo Credit: Love From the Oven.

On a very busy night, why not surprise your family with steak for dinner? This recipe makes the most tender and tasty steak bites in your air fryer in a matter of minutes. Serve with potatoes in any form and a veggie for a fast and filling dinner.

Get the recipe:  Air fryer steak bites

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets 

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets (10 Minute Recipe).

Image Credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

You can prepare these Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets in under 10 minutes. Bold and spicy flavors transform tender chicken into a fiery, savory dish.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets 

Chickpea Avocado Salad

Chickpea Avocado Salad.

Image Credit: Flavorful Eats.

This Chickpea Avocado Salad is a fresh and healthy salad filled with tender chickpeas, red bell pepper, and creamy avocado with fresh lime juice and cilantro. This wholesome recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prepping!

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Avocado Salad

Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken 

Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken (10 Minutes!).

Image Credit: Cookrita.

If you have an air fryer, you can quickly make these vegetables with chicken! It’s super easy to prepare, you can make it ahead of time, and best of all, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken (10 Minutes!)

Air Fryer Fish Tostadas

Air Fryer Fish Tostadas.

Image Credit: Happi Homemade.

Crispy battered fish fillets are fried in the air fryer and stacked on a tostada shell with guacamole. Easy substitutions make this gluten-free or dairy-free so it’s perfect for everyone!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tostadas

 

Read More:

Close up Thoughtful Young Woman Eating Healthy Soup cozy winter soup at Home with Eyes Close and Happy Facial Expression.

Image Credit: stockfour/Shutterstock.

Looking for more good food? Check out these awesome recipes!

Like this:  14 Soups We Want to Make Every Single Day This Winter

And This: 10 of Grandma’s Best Cake Recipes

And This: 20 Japanese Dishes You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Now!)

 

Get the recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

A buffalo chicken wrap, cut in half with chips.
Photo Credit: Lauren Fit Foodie.

These wraps are just so good! For a saucy, protein-packed meal, you can make them in just ten minutes. You can also prep them and freeze them for homemade fast food on busy nights. Pair with ranch dip and celery sticks for a complete meal.

Get the recipe: Buffalo chicken wrap

Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken

Sliced chicken breast over pasta.
Photo Credit: Cuisine and Travel.

This baked chicken dish only takes 15 minutes to prepare. It is bursting with parmesan and garlic flavor in each bite. Serve it over pasta or seared veggies for a wholesome meal that will be ready in a flash. 

Get the recipe: Garlic parmesan baked chicken

Crab Salad Sandwiches

A platter of crab salad sandwiches.
Photo Credit: Glue Sticks and Gumdrops.

Why not skip cooking on a busy night and settle for a cold crab salad sandwich? These are so good and pair well with coleslaw, potato salad, or chips on the side. This recipe will be a family favorite for a quick meal. 

Get the recipe: Crab salad sandwiches

Air Fryer Steak Bites

A plate of steak bites with a fork.
Photo Credit: Love From the Oven.

On a very busy night, why not surprise your family with steak for dinner? This recipe makes the most tender and tasty steak bites in your air fryer in a matter of minutes. Serve with potatoes in any form and a veggie for a fast and filling dinner.

Get the recipe:  Air fryer steak bites

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets 

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets (10 Minute Recipe).

Image Credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

You can prepare these Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets in under 10 minutes. Bold and spicy flavors transform tender chicken into a fiery, savory dish.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets 

Chickpea Avocado Salad

Chickpea Avocado Salad.

Image Credit: Flavorful Eats.

This Chickpea Avocado Salad is a fresh and healthy salad filled with tender chickpeas, red bell pepper, and creamy avocado with fresh lime juice and cilantro. This wholesome recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prepping!

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Avocado Salad

Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken 

Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken (10 Minutes!).

Image Credit: Cookrita.

If you have an air fryer, you can quickly make these vegetables with chicken! It’s super easy to prepare, you can make it ahead of time, and best of all, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Vegetables With Chicken (10 Minutes!)

Air Fryer Fish Tostadas

Air Fryer Fish Tostadas.

Image Credit: Happi Homemade.

Crispy battered fish fillets are fried in the air fryer and stacked on a tostada shell with guacamole. Easy substitutions make this gluten-free or dairy-free so it’s perfect for everyone!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tostadas

 

Read More:

Close up Thoughtful Young Woman Eating Healthy Soup cozy winter soup at Home with Eyes Close and Happy Facial Expression.

Image Credit: stockfour/Shutterstock.

Looking for more good food? Check out these awesome recipes!

Like this:  14 Soups We Want to Make Every Single Day This Winter

And This: 10 of Grandma’s Best Cake Recipes

And This: 20 Japanese Dishes You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Now!)

 

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