We all hit that point where dinner needs to be done before the energy runs out. That’s when cooking that respects time and effort actually matters. We lean on smart timing, simple setups, and methods that lock in juicy results without babysitting the stove. Expect golden edges, tender centers, and dinners that wrap up fast enough to shut the kitchen down early.

A plate of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a casserole mixture, sliced almonds, green onions, and served with round crackers on the side.
Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Thick air fryer pork chops golden brown sliced to show juicy center.
Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer cook in about 18 minutes with simple seasoning and olive oil. They turn juicy inside with crisp edges and almost no cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer

Honey Garlic Chicken in the Air Fryer

Air fryer honey garlic chicken coated in sticky glaze with crisp caramelized edges.
Honey Garlic Chicken in the Air Fryer. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Honey Garlic Chicken in the Air Fryer is done in around 20 minutes using chicken thighs, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. It tastes sweet, savory, and just sticky enough to feel like real dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken in the Air Fryer

Sheet Pan Chicken

Sheet pan chicken roasted with simple seasoning for crispy edges.
Sheet Pan Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sheet Pan Chicken bakes in about 35 minutes with chicken breasts, potatoes, and mixed vegetables. It comes out lightly roasted with soft centers and browned edges.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air fryer bang bang shrimp tossed in spicy creamy sauce.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp finishes in about 15 minutes with shrimp and creamy chili sauce. The flavor is crisp, sweet, and gently spicy without a greasy mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Boneless turkey breast slow cooked until juicy with simple seasoning.
Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast takes about 4 hours with turkey breast, broth, and herbs. It slices tender and mild without needing constant attention.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp cooked quickly in a skillet with browned edges.
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp cooks in about 12 minutes with shrimp, butter, and garlic. The taste stays rich and simple with barely any dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fryer chicken legs with browned skin arranged neatly for serving.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs are ready in around 22 minutes using drumsticks and pantry spices. They come out juicy with crisp skin and no splatter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air fryer orange chicken coated in sticky orange glaze with lightly crisped edges.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken takes about 20 minutes with chicken pieces and citrus sauce. It tastes sweet, tangy, and cleaner than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker Cranberry Short Ribs

Braised meat with gravy, fresh cranberries, and herbs served over mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Short Ribs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Short Ribs cook for about 6 hours with beef ribs and cranberry sauce. The meat turns fork-tender with a sweet savory finish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Short Ribs

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air fryer steak bites coated in garlic butter served hot with crispy browned edges.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites are done in 10 minutes using sirloin and butter. They stay juicy with bold beef flavor and no skillet cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Air fryer pork chops browned with juicy centers served beside fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air Fryer Pork Chops cook in about 15 minutes with boneless chops and seasoning. They taste lightly crisp outside and tender inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops

Paleo Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Slow cooker bolognese simmered into a thick, hearty meat sauce.
Paleo Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Paleo Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce simmers for about 6 hours with ground beef and crushed tomatoes. The flavor stays rich and steady without standing over a pot.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Air fryer bang bang chicken bites coated in creamy spicy sauce on a serving plate.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites take 18 minutes with chicken breast and creamy chili sauce. They taste sweet, lightly spicy, and snackable enough to count as dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

A ladle of beef stew with carrots, potatoes, and parsley in a rich brown sauce.
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon cooks in about 7 hours with beef, mushrooms, and red wine. It tastes deep and savory without hovering over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

One Pan Chicken and Veggies

Chicken and vegetables cooked together in one pan until lightly browned.
One Pan Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

One Pan Chicken and Veggies bakes in about 30 minutes using chicken thighs and mixed vegetables. Everything comes out roasted with almost nothing left to clean.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken and Veggies

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and barley soup slow cooked with short ribs and vegetables.
Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup takes about 6 hours with beef chunks, barley, and vegetables. It tastes hearty and filling with no extra prep later.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders crunchy and golden arranged beside dipping sauce.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders finish in 15 minutes with chicken strips and breadcrumbs. They stay crisp without a fryer basket full of grease.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with tender beef and vegetables in rich broth.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast cooks for about 8 hours with chuck roast, potatoes, and carrots. The meat falls apart and the kitchen stays calm.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Air fryer garlic parmesan wings crisp with cheese and garlic coating.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings are ready in 20 minutes with wings, butter, and parmesan. They taste salty, rich, and never clutter the sink.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes

Sheet pan chicken thighs roasted with lemons and potatoes until crisp.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes bake in about 40 minutes using chicken thighs, lemon slices, and potatoes. The flavor stays bright and comforting in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs crisped golden with visible seasoning across the skin.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs cook in about 18 minutes with bone-in thighs and seasoning. They come out juicy with crisp skin and no oven heat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy garlic chicken cooked in one pan with a rich, smooth sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is done in about 30 minutes with chicken breasts, cream, and garlic. It tastes rich without dragging the night out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Peppers

Italian stuffed peppers slow cooked until the filling is tender and rich.
Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Peppers take about 5 hours with bell peppers, ground beef, and marinara. They turn soft and savory with hands-off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Peppers

Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken

Plate of creamy chicken casserole topped with sliced almonds and green onions, served with crackers.
Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken cooks in about 4 hours with chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. It tastes creamy and comforting with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Neiman Marcus Chicken

Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Slow cooked beef shanks simmered until the meat slips off the bone.
Slow Cooker Beef Shanks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow Cooker Beef Shanks simmer for about 7 hours with beef shanks and broth. The flavor turns deep and rich while you forget the kitchen exists.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivore®, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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