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17 Blink-and-You'll-Miss-Them Dinners for Unplanned Guests

Published: Nov 20, 2024 by Lara Clevenger, Registered Dietitian This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Friends at the door and an empty fridge? No sweat! Check out these 17 speedy recipes to impress your surprise guests in a flash!

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken tater tot casserole with a spoon in a casserole dish ready to be served.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is quick to make in less than an hour and is the ideal comfort food for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

nstant Pot Carnitas Tacos

Three tacos filled with shredded meat, slices of avocado, radishes, and other vegetables on a wooden board, garnished with lime wedges and served alongside a bowl of corn salsa.
Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

Spice up Taco Tuesday with these easy Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos! In just an hour, garlic and citrus-infused pulled pork creates some of the most flavorful tacos you’ll ever taste.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Bowl of pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and drizzled with a dark sauce. A fork is in the bowl, making it one of the top 10 instant pot recipes for quick and delicious meals.
Instant Pot BBQ Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

Try something new at your next cookout with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in your Instant Pot! This easy 30-minute recipe combines cheesy pasta and leftover grilled chicken for a flavorful twist.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Mac and Cheese

One Pot Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of a pot of beef stroganoff with wide egg noodles being scooped by a spoon, showcasing one of our 14 easy dinner recipes. The dish is garnished with parsley.
One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this One Pot Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff! Packed with fresh mushrooms, lean ground beef, and egg noodles, it has all the classic flavors—no canned soup needed!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Ground Beef Strogano

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp with cilantro lime dressing and parsley on a white plate.
Air Fryer Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Need a quick, tasty treat for surprise guests? Try air fryer panko shrimp—it's fast, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for unexpected company.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans in a white bowl with a fork.
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Whipping up Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans isn't just about flavor—it's about ease. With minimal cleanup and ready in under 20 minutes, it's the ultimate lifesaver for impromptu guests!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Shredded Chicken Thighs in Instant Pot with thyme.
Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

In a pinch for a quick, delicious dinner? Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs to the rescue! Ready in under 30 minutes, it's your secret weapon for unexpected guests or busy weeknights. Bonus: perfect for meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Thighs

Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch with cauliflower, cheese, and parsley in a white casserole dish with a wooden spoon.
Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Try this yummy Keto chicken bacon ranch casserole! It's cheesy goodness everyone adores, perfect for those unexpected guests. Easy and quick!
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Teriyaki Chicken on the Blackstone Griddle

Teriyaki Chicken with asparagus on a white plate with a fork.
Teriyaki Chicken on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Experience the juicy perfection of Teriyaki Chicken Thighs on the Blackstone Griddle! With just 2 ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, it's your go-to for impressing unexpected guests or prepping meals hassle-free!
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken on the Blackstone Griddle

Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked Chicken Wings on a light blue plate.
Smoked Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Fall for these tender Smoked Chicken Wings—ideal for any surprise gathering! Simple to whip up and bursting with flavor, they're guaranteed to delight your unexpected guests!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Wings

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Sheet Pan Salmon Asparagus on a parchment paper lined sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Elevate your weeknight dinner with Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus—a lifesaver for unexpected gatherings! With minimal prep and less than 25 minutes in the oven, enjoy perfectly flaky salmon and delectable asparagus for an effortless yet impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak with rice, butter and thyme on a white plate.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Savor the magic of Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steaks—ideal for those impromptu gatherings! Ready in a flash, these juicy delights promise to dazzle your guests with flavor, making every bite an unforgettable experience!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak

Instant Pot and Chicken and Potatoes

Instant Pot Chicken and potatoes with parsley on a white plate.
Instant Pot and Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Introducing Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes—the ultimate lifesaver for surprise soirées! Delight in succulent chicken and tender potatoes, ready in under 40 minutes with minimal effort. It's the go-to solution for hosting unexpected guests with flair!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot and Chicken and Potatoes

Keto Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

Keto Zucchini with Ground Beef in a casserole dish with a spoon.
Keto Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Try this tasty Keto Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole! It's easy to make and perfect for surprise visits. Cheesy and delicious for any night!
Get the Recipe: Keto Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

Lemon Garlic Shrimp on the Blackstone Griddle

Lemon Garlic Shrimp on the Blackstone Griddle on a white plate with lemon and parsley.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Impress with Shrimp on the Blackstone Griddle—a breeze to whip up, ideal for those unexpected arrivals! With zesty lemon and garlic, it's a flavor-packed delight done in under 5 minutes, ensuring you're always ready for surprise guests!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Shrimp on the Blackstone Griddle

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs in a cast iron skillet with basil.
Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Try these juicy Cast Iron Meatballs! Quick and homemade, they're perfect for surprise visits. Ready in under 30 minutes on the stove top!
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs Low Carb, Gluten-Free on foil with a basting brush and bbq sauce.
Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Introducing your new go-to: Instant Pot Ribs! Whip up mouthwatering goodness in minutes, not hours, with your trusty pressure cooker. Perfect for those spontaneous gatherings, these ribs will have your unexpected guests singing your praises!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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