36 Back To School Lunch & Dinner Recipes
Remember those first-day-of-school jitters?
Now imagine adding “What’s for dinner?” to that mix. Ugh. I’ve totally been there, juggling schedules and trying to make a meal that doesn’t involve takeout.
That’s why I’m sharing my go-to back-to-school lunch & dinner recipes – they’re easy, tasty, and will make everyone at the table happy (including you!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Yummy Dishes: Even picky eaters will clean their plates.
- Budget-Friendly: Delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with veggies and whole grains.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.
- Make-Ahead Options: Perfect for busy weeknights.
Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that’s loved by people all over the world. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, and the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Pros: Flavorful, easy to make, great for meal prep, restaurant quality
- Tips: Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor. Use full-fat cream for a richer sauce.
Chana Masala Curry
This chickpea curry is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and it’s easy to make ahead of time.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, great for meal prep
- Tips: Soak the chickpeas overnight to reduce cooking time. Use canned chickpeas for a quicker meal.
Paneer Tikka Masala
Paneer tikka masala is a vegetarian version of chicken tikka masala that’s made with paneer (Indian cheese) instead of chicken. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, and the paneer is cooked to perfection.
- Pros: Vegetarian, flavorful, easy to make, great for meal prep
- Tips: Use fresh paneer for the best flavor. If you can’t find paneer, you can use tofu instead.
Indian Mouthwatering Chicken Curry
This chicken curry is perfect for those nights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. It’s made with simple ingredients, and it’s ready in under 30 to 40 minutes.
- Pros: Quick, easy, flavorful, great for weeknight meals
- Tips: Use pre-cooked chicken for an even quicker meal. Add your favorite veggies to the curry.
Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cheese Curry)
Palak paneer is a classic Indian dish that’s made with spinach, paneer (Indian cheese), and a blend of spices. It’s a healthy and flavorful vegetarian option that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, easy to make
- Tips: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor. If you can’t find paneer, you can use tofu instead.
Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
Aloo gobi is another classic Indian dish that’s made with potatoes, cauliflower, and a blend of spices. It’s a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option that’s perfect for a cold night.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, easy to make
- Tips: Use waxy potatoes, so they don’t fall apart in the curry. Don’t overcook the cauliflower, or it’ll get mushy.
Chickpeas Tikka Masala
This is my vegetarian twist on the classic tikka masala, swapping chicken for protein-packed chickpeas. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, and the chickpeas are cooked to perfection.
- Pros: Flavorful, easy to make, great for meal prep, vegetarian
- Tips: Use canned chickpeas for convenience. Add a dollop of yogurt for extra richness.
Vegetable Biryani
This biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that’s packed with vegetables. It’s a great way to get your veggies in, and it’s perfect for a vegetarian meal.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, easy to make
- Tips: Use basmati rice for the best flavor and texture. Soak the rice for 30 minutes before cooking to reduce cooking time.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Sweet and savory in every bite, this chicken is a total crowd-pleaser. The honey garlic sauce gets sticky and caramelized in the oven, making the chicken super flavorful. My family loves how easy this is for a busy weeknight.
- Pros: Easy, fast, kid-friendly, few dishes to wash
- Tips: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juicy chicken. Add broccoli or your favorite veggies to the pan.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
This dish is pure comfort food! The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is amazing with the tender chicken and spinach. It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night.
- Pros: One-pan meal, full of flavor, healthy-ish, leftovers are great
- Tips: Don’t overcook the chicken, or it’ll get dry. Use pre-washed spinach to save time.
Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burgers
These veggie burgers are a total game-changer! They’re packed with flavor, and the sweet potato adds a natural sweetness that balances the spices. Serve them on buns or in lettuce wraps for a healthier option.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, customizable, great for grilling
- Tips: Make sure the patties are well-formed, so they don’t fall apart. Top with avocado or your favorite burger toppings.
Chicken Tikka Masala
This is my go-to Indian takeout fake-out! The creamy tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, and the chicken is perfectly tender. Serve it with rice and naan for a complete meal.
- Pros: Flavorful, easy to make, great for meal prep, restaurant quality
- Tips: Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor. Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer sauce.
Lemon Herb Chicken Kabobs with Grilled Vegetables
These kabobs are perfect for summer grilling! The chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the veggies get a nice char on the grill. They’re a light and healthy meal that’s sure to impress.
- Pros: Healthy, fun to eat, customizable, great for entertaining
- Tips: Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Grill the veggies separately from the chicken, so they cook evenly.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This recipe elevates plain chicken breasts! The stuffing is full of flavor, and the chicken stays juicy and tender. It’s a simple way to make a weeknight meal feel special.
- Pros: Easy to make, elegant, healthy, leftovers are great
- Tips: Don’t overstuff the chicken breasts, or they won’t cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These zucchini boats are a fun and healthy twist on tacos! They’re packed with all your favorite taco fillings, and the zucchini makes them extra nutritious.
- Pros: Low-carb, gluten-free, customizable, fun for kids
- Tips: Don’t overcook the zucchini, or it’ll get mushy. Top with your favorite taco toppings.
Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Potatoes
Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver on busy nights! This one is full of flavor, and the chicken and potatoes are cooked together for easy cleanup.
- Pros: One-pan meal, easy, flavorful, minimal cleanup
- Tips: Cut the potatoes into small pieces, so they cook through. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken won’t brown properly.
Turkey and Zucchini Skillet with Corn Salsa
This skillet is a healthy and delicious way to use up leftover turkey (or chicken!). The corn salsa adds a fresh and flavorful touch.
- Pros: Healthy, easy, quick, great for using leftovers
- Tips: Use pre-cooked turkey or chicken to save time. Add black beans or your favorite veggies to the skillet.
Creamy Pesto Tortellini Soup
This soup is so creamy and comforting! The pesto adds a ton of flavor, and the tortellini makes it hearty and filling. It’s a perfect meal for a chilly night.
- Pros: Easy, flavorful, vegetarian, can be made ahead of time
- Tips: Use store-bought pesto to save time. Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
This classic Italian dish is always a hit! The chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the sauce is rich and cheesy. It’s a perfect meal for a special occasion or a weeknight treat.
- Pros: Classic, flavorful, family-friendly, can be made ahead of time
- Tips: Don’t overcook the chicken, or it’ll get dry. Use fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This is another great way to elevate plain chicken breasts. The spinach and feta stuffing is flavorful and healthy, and the chicken stays juicy and tender.
- Pros: Easy, healthy, elegant, leftovers are great
- Tips: Don’t overstuff the chicken breasts, or they won’t cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Marinade
These skewers are a great way to enjoy the flavors of India without a lot of fuss. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken moist and tender, and the tandoori spices give it a delicious smoky flavor.
- Pros: Easy, healthy, flavorful, great for grilling
- Tips: Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Grill the skewers over medium heat, turning frequently.
Tandoori Chicken Salad Wraps
These wraps are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy tandoori chicken. The chicken is flavorful and juicy, and the wraps are packed with fresh veggies.
- Pros: Healthy, easy, flavorful, great for lunch or a light dinner
- Tips: Use leftover tandoori chicken for a quicker meal. Add your favorite veggies to the wraps.
Dal Makhani (Creamy Lentil Curry)
Dal makhani is a rich and creamy lentil curry that’s slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a cold night. It’s also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Pros: Flavorful, hearty, vegetarian, great for meal prep
- Tips: Use brown or green lentils for a more nutritious meal. Add a dollop of yogurt or cream for extra richness.
Chicken Korma
Chicken korma is a mild and creamy Indian curry that’s perfect for those who don’t like spicy food. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful yogurt-based sauce with a blend of aromatic spices.
- Pros: Mildly spiced, creamy, flavorful, easy to make
- Tips: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.
Vegetable Samosas
These samosas are a delicious and popular Indian snack. They’re made with a flaky pastry dough that’s filled with a spiced potato and pea filling.
- Pros: Vegetarian, flavorful, fun to eat, great for appetizers
- Tips: Use store-bought puff pastry dough to save time. Fry the samosas until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Vegetable Pulao
Vegetable pulao is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that’s packed with vegetables. It’s a great way to get your veggies in, and it’s perfect for a vegetarian meal.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, easy to make
- Tips: Use basmati rice for the best flavor and texture. Soak the rice for 30 minutes before cooking to reduce cooking time.
Easy Chicken Tikka Kebabs
These kebabs are a great way to enjoy the flavors of India without a lot of fuss. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken moist and tender, and the tandoori spices give it a delicious smoky flavor.
- Pros: Easy, healthy, flavorful, great for grilling
- Tips: Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Grill the skewers over medium heat, turning frequently.
Matar Paneer (Peas and Cheese Curry)
Matar paneer is a classic Indian dish that’s made with peas, paneer (Indian cheese), and a blend of spices. It’s a healthy and flavorful vegetarian option that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, easy to make
- Tips: Use fresh peas for the best flavor. If you can’t find paneer, you can use tofu instead.
Honey-Sriracha Glazed Chicken with Pineapple
This chicken dish is a sweet and spicy flavor explosion! The honey-sriracha glaze is finger-licking good, and the pineapple adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the heat. It’s a simple weeknight meal that will make you feel like you’re on vacation.
- Pros: Flavorful, easy to make, kid-friendly, great for meal prep
- Tips: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juicy chicken. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas with Avocado Salsa
These quesadillas are a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The black beans and corn filling is hearty and satisfying, and the avocado salsa adds a creamy and refreshing touch.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, customizable, great for a quick meal
- Tips: Use pre-cooked black beans and corn to save time. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet before filling to prevent them from getting soggy.
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Hummus Dressing
These bowls are a healthy and flavorful way to get your veggies in. The quinoa is a good source of protein and fiber, and the hummus dressing is creamy and delicious.
- Pros: Healthy, flavorful, customizable, great for meal prep
- Tips: Use pre-cooked quinoa to save time. Add your favorite veggies to the bowls.
Baked Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
These tacos are a healthy and satisfying vegetarian option. The sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, and the black beans add a hearty and flavorful touch.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, customizable, easy to make
- Tips: Use pre-cooked sweet potatoes to save time. Top the tacos with your favorite toppings.
Spicy Peanut Noodles
These noodles are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish. The peanut sauce is creamy and spicy, and the edamame adds a boost of protein.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, easy to make
- Tips: Use soba noodles for a gluten-free option. Add your favorite veggies to the noodles.
Italian Sausage and Vegetable Skillet with White Beans
This skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The sausage is cooked with a variety of vegetables and white beans, and it’s all simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce.
- Pros: Easy, one-pan meal, flavorful, hearty
- Tips: Use your favorite type of Italian sausage. Add your favorite veggies to the skillet.
Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
This soup is a creamy and flavorful vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a cold night. The coconut milk adds richness and creaminess, and the curry spices give it a warm and inviting flavor.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, easy to make
- Tips: Use red lentils for a quicker cooking time. Add your favorite veggies to the soup.
Buffalo Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These stuffed sweet potatoes are a healthy and satisfying vegetarian meal. The chickpeas are coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce, and the sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection.
- Pros: Vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, easy to make
- Tips: Use canned chickpeas for a quicker meal. Top the sweet potatoes with your favorite toppings.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a ton of tasty dinner ideas, perfect for those busy back-to-school nights! No more staring blankly into the fridge wondering what to cook.
Hit that save button on this article so it’s right there on your phone or computer when you’re planning meals.
- And if you found this helpful, don’t be shy – share it with your friends and family who could use some dinner inspiration!
I’m curious – which recipe are you most excited to try first?
Do you have any secret family recipes that get you through the back-to-school rush? Let me know in the comments!
