17 Real Family Dinners I’d Choose Over Delivery Any Day
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Dinner doesn’t have to come in a takeout box to feel easy, comforting, and completely delicious. These real family dinners are simple to make, packed with flavor, and way more affordable than ordering in. They save time, cut stress, and actually taste like something worth gathering around the table for.
Honey Glazed Pork Chops
These honey glazed pork chops hit the sweet and savory spot in the most delicious way. They cook up juicy in one pan, with a glossy glaze that makes it feel like a fancy meal even though it’s wildly easy. This is a weeknight dinner I lean on because it delivers way more flavor and comfort than anything I’d get in a takeout box.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Pork Chops
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan crusted chicken is my go-to for an easy dinner that still feels like something worth gathering around the table for. The crispy, cheesy crust locks in all the juicy goodness, and it tastes like something way more effortful than it actually is. I’ve yet to find a takeout meal that competes with how filling this one is, and trust me, I’ve looked.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Air Fryer Pork Chops
These air fryer pork chops come out so juicy and golden that no one misses fast food, not even the picky eaters. They cook up in under 10 minutes but still taste like a real, sit-down dinner that I’d proudly serve any night of the week. I keep going back to this recipe because it’s fast, foolproof, and honestly better than anything I could order from the drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops
Sheet Pan Chicken
Sheet pan chicken makes me feel like I’ve got dinner under control even when the day’s been chaotic. Everything cooks together in one pan, tender chicken, caramelized veggies, and a hint of seasoning that pulls it all together into something that tastes way more impressive than it looks. I’d rather have this on my plate than sit around waiting for lukewarm delivery that doesn’t even hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Honey Mustard Salmon
Honey mustard salmon is what I make when I want a dinner that feels a little extra without needing to work for it. The salmon always turns out tender and flaky, and that sticky-sweet glaze with a little tang makes every bite taste like a treat. It’s fast, flavorful, and one hundred percent better than any salmon I’ve ever had delivered.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon
Herb Crusted Chicken
Herb crusted chicken makes even a regular Wednesday night feel like something special without the extra effort. It’s got a crispy, flavorful crust, a juicy center, and enough bold seasoning to keep everyone at the table asking for seconds. If I had to choose between this and another bland restaurant chicken dinner, I’d go homemade every time without thinking twice.
Get the Recipe: Herb Crusted Chicken
Instant Pot Barbacoa
Instant Pot barbacoa is so packed with flavor, it tastes like it came from a restaurant, but it’s ready in about an hour at home. The beef is tender, juicy, and loaded with bold spices that make it perfect for tacos, bowls, or whatever the night calls for. I’d take this hearty, real dinner over takeout tacos every time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Barbacoa
One Pan Chicken Thighs
One pan chicken thighs are everything a hectic night needs, simple, filling, and full of flavor. The roasted veggies soak up all the seasoning from the chicken, making every bite count. I keep this one on repeat because it’s just that good, and no delivery can compete with how easy it is.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken Thighs
Rump Roast
This rump roast is a real family dinner that always feels worth the wait. It’s juicy, slow-cooked beef that’s full of flavor from herbs and spices, and it practically falls apart when you slice into it. I’ll pick this comforting, hearty roast over ordering in every single time because it tastes like something special without the restaurant bill.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast
Marry Me Chicken Skillet
Marry me chicken skillet is rich, creamy, and ridiculously good, but still fast enough for a weeknight win. It’s got that pan-seared, golden crust and a sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic that makes it feel way fancier than it is. Honestly, it blows any delivery pasta dish out of the water, and it only takes one pan to make it.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Skillet
Baby Back Ribs
These baby back ribs are so tender and flavorful that even the best BBQ takeout can’t compete. They’re coated in a sticky glaze and fall off the bone after slow cooking with almost no effort on my part. When I want something that tastes like a weekend feast but takes barely any prep, this is the family dinner I reach for.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Slow cooker apricot chicken is sweet, savory, and fall-apart tender, everything I want in a cozy homemade dinner. It’s one of those dump-and-go meals that turns out shockingly good every single time. Delivery doesn’t stand a chance when this is bubbling away in the slow cooker and making the kitchen smell amazing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Baked Shrimp
Baked shrimp is what I make when I’m tired but still want dinner that tastes like it came from a nice seafood spot. All it takes is a simple, easy toss with butter, garlic, and lemon before baking, and it comes out perfect every time. I’d much rather eat this fresh from my oven than pay for soggy takeout shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Baked Shrimp
Baked Chicken Wings
These baked chicken wings are crispy, garlicky, and full of parmesan flavor, exactly what I want when cravings hit. They’re easy enough to throw together anytime, and they always disappear fast at the dinner table. I skip the wing joint entirely because these homemade ones are honestly better.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Wings
Pork Chops and Applesauce
Pork chops and applesauce is one of those old-school dinners that just hit the spot. The chops come out juicy with a buttery sear, and the homemade applesauce on top adds that perfect balance of sweet and savory. I make this when I want something real and nostalgic that beats anything from a takeout box.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Slow-cooker honey mustard chicken is one of those truly family dinners that always beats takeout. The chicken turns out fall-apart tender in a creamy, tangy sauce that tastes like way more effort than it actually takes. I’ll always choose this cozy, flavorful dish over delivery because it feels like home on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken in the slow cooker is my go-to when I want something easy that still feels like a proper meal. The chicken turns out juicy, flavorful, and just spicy enough, plus it works for tacos, bowls, or whatever my family’s in the mood for. Delivery can’t compete with how versatile and hands-off this dinner is.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
