Hate dishes almost as much as you love dinner? Same here. We rounded up 17 one-pan meat dinners that deliver big flavor without leaving your sink looking like a crime scene. We keep the technique simple, the ingredients strong, and the cleanup firmly in check. With our picks, you get bold meals that respect your time and your sanity.
Sheet Pan Chicken
High heat browns the chicken while the veggies roast tender alongside. The single-pan setup keeps timing tight and cleanup minimal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken
A hot skillet sears the chicken before the garlic sauce turns silky. We use quick heat here to keep everything juicy and fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Tennessee Whiskey Pork Chops
Whiskey glaze thickens over high heat for charred edges and a juicy center. The quick reduction keeps dinner moving without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Tennessee Whiskey Pork Chops
Shrimp Creole
A fast simmer builds bold heat while keeping the shrimp tender. The sauce thickens just enough to stay easy on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Creole
Pan-Seared Cod with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
A hot pan crisps the cod while the tomatoes burst into a light sauce. We let the fish rest to keep the flakes clean and delicate.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
Ground Turkey Stroganoff
Quick sautéing keeps the turkey tender before the sauce reduces creamy and smooth. The fast cook keeps weeknights under control.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stroganoff
Veal Meatballs
Searing the meatballs first locks in moisture before finishing in sauce. The technique gives you tender bite and steady flavor.
Get the Recipe: Veal Meatballs
Cast Iron Chicken with Cherry Sauce
Cast iron builds deep browning while the cherries cook down glossy and sharp. The pan’s steady heat keeps the chicken juicy.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken with Cherry Sauce
Leftover Ham and Gnocchi Skillet
A single skillet crisps the ham and softens the gnocchi in minutes. We rely on steady heat here for fast, reliable texture.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Ham and Gnocchi Skillet
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
A quick sear forms a light crust before the sauce coats everything evenly. The method keeps the meatballs tender without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs
Hot oven heat caramelizes the cider while the thighs stay juicy below. The cook stays predictable thanks to the forgiving cut.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Thighs
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp
High heat hits the shrimp fast, giving you a clean snap and rich butter flavor. The quick cook makes timing effortless.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon Recipe
A hot skillet crisps the skin while the flesh stays bright and tender. We keep the heat steady so the salmon cooks evenly end to end.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon Recipe
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes
Lemons char, potatoes soften, and thighs stay juicy in one even roast. The sheet pan keeps everything finishing at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes
Skillet Lemon Chicken
Quick searing locks moisture in before the lemon sauce reduces sharp and bright. The pan handles the timing with zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lemon Chicken
Cornmeal Coated Skillet Pork Chops
Cornmeal forms a crisp crust while the chops stay tender inside. We use medium heat to keep the coating golden, not burned.
Get the Recipe: Cornmeal Coated Skillet Pork Chops
One Pan Chicken and Veggies
Everything roasts together so the chicken browns and the veggies soften evenly. The single-pan method keeps busy nights under control.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken and Veggies
