5-Day Dinner Plan: Delicious Weeknight Recipes for Busy Evenings

Easy-to-make recipes using wholesome ingredients, many adaptable to fit dietary needs. EACH RECIPE INCLUDES A GROCERY LIST!

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Day 1-

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Spicy Pork Chops with Mango-Lime Salsa
Bone-in pork chops seasoned with warm spices, grilled to a perfect crust and finished with a bright mango-lime salsa. Bold, fresh flavors that come together quickly for a weeknight favorite.

Check out this recipe

Grocery Items for Spicy Pork Chops:

  • Bone-in pork chops (4, ¼–½ inch thick)
  • Ripe mango (1)
  • Roma tomatoes (2)
  • Red onion (2 tbsp, finely chopped)
  • Green onion (1)
  • Orange (1)
  • Lime (1)
  • Jalapeño (1)
  • Fresh cilantro

Pantry Items:

  • Olive oil
  • Butter (1 tbsp)
  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Ground coriander
  • Dried chipotle chile pepper or smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Day 2-

2

French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake
A comforting one-dish meal with chicken, French onion dip, cream of chicken soup, cheddar, rice, and crispy French fried onions. Ready in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients.

Check out this recipe

Grocery Items For French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake:

  • Instant white rice
  • Cooked chicken, chopped (about 2 cups; use ½ rotisserie chicken)
  • Refrigerated sour cream French onion dip (1 cup)
  • Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.75 oz)
  • Cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded)
  • French fried onions (½ cup)

Day 3-

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Layered Green Salad
A classic layered green salad: crisp iceberg lettuce topped with veggies, shredded cheese, bacon, peas, and a creamy ranch-style dressing. A potluck favorite that’s simple, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing.

Check out this recipe

Grocery Items For Layered Green Salad:

  • Iceberg lettuce (about 6 cups chopped)
  • Carrots (3 large, grated)
  • English cucumber (1, sliced)
  • Tomatoes (2 medium, chopped)
  • Cheddar cheese (1½ cups shredded)
  • Frozen peas (1½ cups, thawed)
  • Bacon (slices, cooked and crumbled)
  • Green onions (2, sliced)
  • Light sour cream (¾ cup)
  • Mayonnaise (¼ cup)
  • Fresh parsley
  • Low-fat milk (¼ cup)

Pantry Items:

  • Dried dill
  • Ranch seasoning mix (1 tbsp)
  • White vinegar
  • Ground black pepper

Day 4-

4

Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini
A one-pan Tex-Mex dish with chicken, zucchini, bell peppers, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and melted cheese. Low-carb, quick, and great for busy weeknights.

Check out this recipe

Grocery Items For Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
  • Zucchini (2 large)
  • Bell peppers (2 medium)
  • Yellow onion (1)
  • Garlic cloves (2)
  • Frozen or fresh corn (1 cup)
  • Low-sodium black beans (1 can, 14 oz)
  • Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz)
  • Taco seasoning (1 tsp)
  • Colby Jack or Mexican cheese (1 cup shredded)
  • Green onions (3)
  • Fresh cilantro (½ cup)

Pantry Items:

  • Olive oil
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper

Day 5-

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Marinated Grilled Chicken
Flavorful chicken thighs and drumsticks marinated in lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire, olive oil, and a blend of herbs and spices—perfect for grilling and full of bright, savory flavor.

Check out this recipe

Grocery Items For Marinated Grilled Chicken:

  • Boneless chicken thighs (4 pieces)
  • Chicken drumsticks (4–5 pieces)
  • Lime (2)

Pantry Items:

  • Olive oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Multi-purpose seasoning (e.g., Johnny’s chicken or steak seasoning)
  • Dried parsley
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper

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