12 Store-Bought Hacks Every Busy Cook Needs for Dinner Tonight
When life gets busy, dinner often feels like the hardest task of the day — but it doesn’t have to be. With a few clever store-bought hacks, you can put together meals that are quick, comforting, and downright delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. From ready-made shortcuts to simple add-ins that taste homemade, these tricks are every busy cook’s secret weapon. Here are 12 dinners that prove store-bought can be the smartest ingredient on your table tonight.
Stuffing Stuffed Pork Chops
Stuffing stuffed pork chops are an easy dinner made with boneless pork chops and a tasty Stove Top stuffing filling with optional celery and cranberries. This quick 45-minute pork chop recipe creates juicy, tender chops with a seasoned stuffing center. Serve with your favorite sides for a hearty meal that’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for a holiday dinner.
Chicken Pillows
Busy weeknight dinners need to be not only family-friendly, but also quick and easy and these Chicken Pillows are just the ticket. The whole recipe goes from ingredients to the dinner table in 30 minutes.
Chipotle Chicken Pasta
A copycat for Cheesecake Factory’s famous dish, Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner since it’s made in one pot. It has a creamy sauce and is loaded with bell pepper, peas and asparagus.
30 Minute Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup recipe is full of savory vegetables, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi (potato dumplings) in a rich, creamy broth. You’ll save money by making it at home, and it only takes 30 minutes to make! (And it’s just as delicious made with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving!)
Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
This Crock Pot Salsa Chicken is slow-cooked in a flavorful and creamy salsa blend until it is tender and juicy and packed with fresh Mexican flavors! It can be served with tacos, rice, burritos, or your favorite Mexican dish.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Club Crescent Roll Ring
This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Club Crescent Roll Ring is the perfect party food that features classic chicken club flavors with a delicious cheesy twist!
Trader Joe’s Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
An easy, 3 ingredient, one pan meal, that takes less than 20 minutes start to finish?! You think I’m kidding, but this Trader Joe’s Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry checks all the boxes and tastes just like the Chinese takeout version.
Tempeh Tacos
Full of flavor and quick to make, these vegan tempeh tacos are a delicious meat-free alternative. Load them with your favorite toppings.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Comfort food is at its best with this chicken pot pie soup recipe. It’s creamy, loaded with veggies, and cooks on the stovetop.
Black Bean Chicken Chili
This black bean chicken chili with quinoa is a healthy meal for dinner or lunch. It is made in one pot and loaded with proteins and fiber.
Oven Baked Chicken and Gravy
An easy to make casserole for busy weeknights! Oven Baked Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect with potatoes or rice.
Baked Salsa Chicken
If you are looking for a great tasting weeknight dinner, this Baked Salsa Chicken is it. Salsa, cheese and cilantro make for an easy meal with only 15 minutes prep.
