Friday Night Dinner Ideas Faster than Takeout

After a long week, Friday asks for a simple meal you can whip up faster than you can get takeout delivered.
The recipes below are crave-worthy, effortless meals that check the boxes! Browse and click through to print or save the recipe for later!

Delicious Meals for Friday Night Dinner

With these flavorful recipes, the last day of the week will be a feast! This list of simple recipes includes easy meals you cook fast in the skillet or bake in the oven with very little work.

A hearty chili or fun tacos? Pasta recipes, fish, or chicken? Try one of these Friday night dinner ideas, and then you’ll want to try them ALL!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

5 from 31 votes

Tangy lemon and garlic sauce generously coats the tender chicken and pasta in this zesty, vibrant, and utterly satisfying homemade meal. The perfect way to end the week!

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Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls

5 from 30 votes

If you love those burrito bowls from Chipotle, you’re in for a treat with this easy and delicious copycat dish. This recipe is a fiesta in a bowl, combining chipotle-seasoned chicken, rice, beans, olives, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and veggies!

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Grilled Fish Tacos With Creamy Sriracha Sauce

5 from 13 votes

Delicate grilled fish is nestled in warm tortillas with a creamy sriracha kick and crunchy slaw. These tacos seriously redefine seafood indulgence that can easily be made in the comfort of your home.

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full skillet of rice, peas, peppers and six cooked chicken breasts with crispy skins

Spanish Chicken and Rice

5 from 28 votes

Arroz con Pollo, or Spanish Chicken and Rice, is a one-pan wonder featuring savory Spanish-inspired chicken and rice, tossed with veggies and loaded with aromatic flavors.

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Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

4.82 from 22 votes

Transform simple ramen into a gourmet stir-fry by combining tender chicken, vibrant veggies, homemade sauce, and savory noodles. Easily turn take-out night into a nutritious family meal.

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Sheet Pan Salmon Broccoli and Potatoes

5 from 25 votes

Sheet pan meals can be some of the easiest and most rewarding homemade meals. This recipe provides a level of elegance to your weeknight family dinner, showcasing flaky salmon, roasted broccoli, and golden potatoes.

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Cheesy Beef Taco Skillet

4.98 from 35 votes

If you’re rushed for time, these irresistible cheesy beef tacos cooked in a skillet offer a quick and flavorful twist on a beloved classic that you can have ready for the family in 15 minutes!

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one chicken breast on a white plate with sliced vegetables to the side.

Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Recipe

5 from 25 votes

Winner-winner chicken dinner is what you’ll get with this juicy, tender chicken that truly melts in your mouth. Combine it with your favorite side of veggies for a balanced and nutritious Friday meal.

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Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

5 from 14 votes

Ground turkey shepherd’s pie is a comforting yet lighter take on classic shepherd's pie, sauteed veggies, ground turkey, light gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s even better the next day!

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Ground Chicken Chili with No Beans

5 from 28 votes

This hearty chili without the beans is one that everyone will love. It melds together lean ground chicken with vegetables, tomato puree, and chili spices.

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Which dinner recipe are you going to make this Friday?

Love dinner ideas themed by night? Check out these Saturday Dinner Ideas, Sunday Dinners, Monday Family Recipes, Tuesday Dinner ideas, Recipes for Wednesday Nights, Thursday Dinners for families, Friday Night Dinners.

by Laura Fuentes

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