18 Skillet Dishes for When You Have No Time, No Patience, and No Idea

Cooking shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s cube on an empty stomach. These 18 skillet dishes are perfect for when you’re hungry, impatient, and slightly questioning your life choices. Just throw everything in a pan, pretend you know what you’re doing, and boom—dinner’s ready!

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

One skillet, one amazing meal! These Skillet Chicken Thighs with Bacon and Green Beans are perfect when you want something tasty and healthy—without a pile of dishes. Just toss everything in one pan, and in under 20 minutes, dinner is served!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Honey Lemon Pepper Thighs with parsley on a white plate. — Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

A little sweet, a little zesty, a little spicy! Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs check all the boxes for a simple yet flavor-packed meal. It’s the kind of dish that tastes fancy but comes together with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Cast Iron Chicken Thigh in Creamy Tomato Sauce with a spoon in a cast iron skillet. — Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

New favorite dinner alert! This Cast Iron Keto Chicken Thigh Recipe in Creamy Tomato Sauce is rich, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients the whole family will love. Bonus: It’s dairy-free and gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Juicy, easy, and ready in a flash! These Cast Iron Meatballs come together in under 30 minutes on the stovetop for a simple, homemade keto-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in a white bowl with red pepper flakes, a spoon, and a fork. — Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

The easiest way to love Brussels sprouts! Cooked in a cast iron skillet with crispy bacon, this 5-ingredient dish is packed with flavor and ready in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! This easy Alfredo steak pasta is the perfect go-to meal when you want something quick, satisfying, and seriously delicious.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Chicken Chop Suey

The best of both worlds! Chicken chop suey is a classic fusion of Chinese and American flavors, featuring tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory stir-fry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bold, peppery, and oh-so-easy! Master this black pepper chicken recipe and whip up a Chinese classic in no time, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Taco night just got better! These easy ground pork tacos are packed with savory goodness, featuring perfectly seasoned meat and fresh toppings for a flavor-packed bite.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Tofu and broccoli on a plate. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Veggies never tasted so good! This broccoli and tofu stir-fry is a simple, flavorful dish that proves vegetarian meals can be just as satisfying as any other!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy, creamy, and downright delicious! This skillet chicken breast recipe is smothered in rich cream cheese sauce, making it a no-fail dinner you’ll want on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes. — Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dinner in 20 minutes? Done! This easy taco rice skillet keeps it simple with just 8 ingredients but delivers big flavor the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot. — Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A better, healthier take on a classic! This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is like a grown-up Hamburger Helper—loaded with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar, all in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl. — Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Simple, flavorful, and fast! This garlicky shrimp bucatini with cherry tomatoes comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet. — Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One pan, 20 minutes, zero stress! These garlic chicken bites with mushrooms, onions, and red peppers come together fast with fresh herbs for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

General Tso Shrimp

Skip takeout, keep the flavor! This one-skillet General Tso’s shrimp is ready in just 10 minutes, coated in that sweet and spicy sticky sauce you crave.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Quick, easy, and packed with flavor! This ground beef pasta is ready in under 30 minutes and delivers that rich, slow-cooked taste—without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Simple, savory, and so good! This ground beef and cabbage skillet has all the flavors of an Asian stir-fry, plus amazing texture and a light, savory sauce—ready in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet