Quick and Tasty: 10-Minute Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights
When time is tight and dinner needs to be on the table fast, simple recipes that still deliver great flavor are a lifesaver. These quick and tasty 10-minute dinner ideas are perfect for busy nights, offering easy preparation and minimal cleanup. Many of these can be made using an air fryer, making the process even faster and more convenient.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of pre-cooked rice or quinoa (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the chicken cooks, quickly sauté cherry tomatoes and baby spinach in a pan with a little olive oil until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Once the chicken is done, top each breast with shredded mozzarella cheese and return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve the chicken on a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with the sautéed vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and enjoy your quick meal.
Tips or Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for salmon fillets or pork chops, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- Use frozen vegetables like broccoli or mixed peppers for even quicker prep; just steam or air fry alongside the protein.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, the chicken can be cooked in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpea patties and follow similar cooking steps.
