19 Lazy-Chef Meals That Impress Literally Everyone

Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Whole Chicken and Vegetables

A whole chicken on a platter with potatoes, vegetables and fresh herbs. — Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Whole Chicken and Vegetables. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

Simplify your Thanksgiving meal this year by cooking a whole chicken with vegetables and all the fixings right in your crockpot! This slow cooker Thanksgiving chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy, thanks to the extended cooking time, and it frees up your oven for baking sides and desserts. Plus, it's an easy, hands-off way to prepare a delicious holiday main dish!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Whole Chicken and Vegetables

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala made in the slow cooker served over rice and topped with extra sauce, sour cream and cilantro. — Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: 100 Days of Real Food.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe captures the flavors of an authentic Indian meal, inspired by a restaurant in Charlotte. The rich and flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with brown rice, making for an easy and delicious dinner option. After many adjustments, this version closely mirrors the Tikka Masala enjoyed at a local Indian restaurant, introduced by Vani. The slow cooker method ensures the chicken is tender, while the spices blend seamlessly into a hearty and aromatic dish. It's a comforting and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Made with tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this easy-to-make Baked Rigatoni Pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this baked pasta recipe is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Haddock En Papillote (Fish in Parchment Paper)

Haddock en papillote served on a plate with fork and lemon slices. — Haddock En Papillote (Fish in Parchment Paper). Photo credit: Garlic All Day.

Haddock En Papillote is a simple yet elegant way to cook haddock fillets using the French technique of baking fish in parchment paper. This hands-off method is similar to the Salmon Al Cartoccio recipe, but with firm white haddock instead of salmon. It may sound fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Haddock En Papillote (Fish in Parchment Paper)

Sirloin Tip Roast in Slow Cooker with Vegetables

Slow-cooked sirloin tip roast with a variety of vegetables. — Sirloin Tip Roast in Slow Cooker with Vegetables. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A flavorful Sirloin Tip Roast made in the slow cooker with vegetables. This recipe for sirloin tip roast is slow-cooked with vegetables for a meal that’s both tender and flavorful. It’s an easy way to make a comforting dinner for your family.
Get the Recipe: Sirloin Tip Roast in Slow Cooker with Vegetables

Turkey Reuben Sliders

These easy baked Turkey Reuben Sliders are a flavorful take on the classic sandwich, featuring buttery rolls filled with savory turkey, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese. Perfect as a meal or a festive appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Reuben Sliders

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender seasoned chicken, fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and pasta, all tossed in a delicious balsamic glaze.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl. — Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Perfectly homemade and super easy Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican ground beef made out of wholesome ingredients will be your go-to dinner for every single Taco Tuesday. Entirely gluten-free, grain-free, low carb, and perfect for diabetics, our edible salad bowl is just a little extra touch to the already healthy taco salad you have been craving for.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Five Spice Chicken Stir Fry

This Five Spice Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs infused with fragrant five spice powder, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce. Cooked in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce with hints of honey, garlic, and oyster sauce, it delivers a perfect balance of bold and aromatic flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s best served over jasmine rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delicious, easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Five Spice Chicken Stir Fry

Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a white serving bowl with gold salad servers sitting below the bowl. — Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

Indulge in this Creamy Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad—a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warmer days! This salad is packed with tender asparagus, flaky canned or fresh salmon, hearty pasta, and hard-boiled eggs, all coated in a luscious lemon dill dressing. It’s incredibly easy to make, absolutely delicious, and guaranteed to be a new go-to for spring and summer gatherings. Serve it chilled for a light yet satisfying meal!
Get the Recipe: Salmon Asparagus Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Low angle shot of korean fried chicken with a hand holding a piece of the chicken. — Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken is crispy, crunchy, spicy, and sweet. It's easy to make and you won't be able to stop eating it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken

Coconut Pan-Fried Salmon

A quick and easy recipe for crispy coconut pan-fried salmon that's paleo-, keto-, and Whole30-friendly. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this flavorful dish is perfect for a family dinner and is sure to be a hit—even with picky eaters!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pan-Fried Salmon

Crispy Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef is one of my favorite Chinese restaurant dishes—strips of tender beef are fried until crispy and then tossed in a sticky, sweet, spicy sauce. It’s easy to make at home, and no deep fryer is needed!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak

These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steaks come out incredibly juicy! They cook in less than 15 minutes. Perfect for when you want a quick and easy low carb dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak

Red Lobster Pina Colada Coconut Shrimp Sauce

Red Lobster Pina Colada Dipping Sauce is perfect for fried coconut shrimp. See how easy it is to make at home with this copycat recipe.
Get the Recipe: Red Lobster Pina Colada Coconut Shrimp Sauce

Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi

Sausage, gnocchi, broccoli and mushrooms on a sheet pan. — Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pumpkin 'N Spice.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi is a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. It features smoky sausage, soft gnocchi, broccoli, and mushrooms, all seasoned and baked to perfection. It’s a flavorful, fuss-free dinner the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked butter fish on a plate with green beans. — Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try this easy-to-make baked lemon butter fish. Deliciously tender and succulent white fish fillets are cooked in a tangy lemon butter sauce.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Easy Bruschetta Salmon

Elevate your dinner with this easy bruschetta salmon recipe, featuring succulent salmon fillets topped with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze, creating a flavorful and elegant dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This simple yet impressive recipe promises to delight your taste buds with the fresh flavors of Italian cuisine, offering a delicious and nutritious meal that's ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bruschetta Salmon

Eggs Benedict Casserole

This Eggs Benedict Casserole transforms the classic brunch favorite into an easy, crowd-pleasing bake. Cubed English muffins and Canadian bacon are soaked in a seasoned egg mixture, then topped with a rich, velvety homemade hollandaise sauce for all the traditional flavors—no poaching required!
Get the Recipe: Eggs Benedict Casserole