21 Lazy Wednesday Dinner Ideas for When You’re Way Too Exhausted

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Silas & Grace

Two enchiladas on a plate.

Picture this: it’s Wednesday night, you’re way too exhausted, and the last thing you want is to be spending a ton of time in the kitchen for a 45-minute recipe that just isn’t worth it.

You’re craving something good, and you just want to kick back.

Enter these 21 Wednesday dinner ideas – they’re the easy and tasty solution to your midweek cravings.

Because who’s got time for gourmet stress on a Wednesday, right?

Let’s keep it simple and delicious. You deserve it!

1. Air Fryer Bagel Bites

Hand picking up an Air Fryer Bagel Bite.
Photo Credit: Erhardts Eat

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 5 Minutes

5 minutes on your feet, 10 minutes in total, and you have cheesy savory goodness ready for your dinner.

Recipe: Homemade Air Fryer Bagel Bites

2. Quick & Easy Lobster Ravioli Sauce

Quick & Easy Lobster Ravioli Sauce in a pan.
Photo Credit: Garlic and Zest

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

I don’t know about you, but I would eat this in seconds!

The sauce made with ingredients like cream and Vermouth sounds (and looks) incredible, and you’re just using pre-made lobster ravioli.

It doesn’t get more easy or tasty than this!

Recipe: Quick & Easy Lobster Ravioli Sauce

3. Sweet and Spicy Noodles

Chopsticks picking up Sweet and Spicy Noodles.
Photo Credit: Served from Scratch

Time: Ready in 20 Minutes

If you’re feeling noodles (because noodles are just so satisfyingly delicious), then this 20-minute (total) dish is for you and your lazy night in.

Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Noodles

4. 8-Minute Gochujang Noodles (One Pan)

Chopsticks picking up Gochujang Noodles.
Photo Credit: Greedy Girl Gourmet

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 1 Minute

Cook Time: 7 Minutes

I don’t think I’ve ever had a dinner that was just 1 minute of prep time, but I’m here for it!

Also, if you’re not sure what gochujong is, it’s a Korean sauce that tastes so good!

Mix it with the other ingredients in the list and you’re gonna have a super tasty dinner.

Recipe: 8-Minute Gochujang Noodles (One Pan)

5. Puff Pastry Pizza

Puff Pastry Pizza on a baking sheet.
Photo Credit: Living Lou

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

I know I just did a pizza recipe, but can you blame me?

It’s puff pastry with cheesy yumminess. Also, you’re just spending 10 minutes on your feet, so it’s a complete win.

Recipe: Puff Pastry Pizza

6. Quick and Easy Sriracha Noodles Recipe (Dragon Noodles)

Quick and Easy Sriracha Noodles in black bowls.
Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Total Time Until Eating: 10 Minutes

I love sriracha, so I’m not so sure why I haven’t had it in noodles yet!

For this recipe, the noodles cook quickly, and you have plenty of tasty ingredients that’ll give you a dinner that might just be better than takeout.

Recipe: Quick and Easy Sriracha Noodles Recipe (Dragon Noodles)

7. Honey Chicken

Honey Chicken in a bowl with rice.
Photo Credit: Modern Honey

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

If you’re craving that Asian takeout goodness, then you’re probably going to wanna grab this recipe, make it, and enjoy it while you watch a good movie.

Recipe: Honey Chicken

8. Taco Bowls

Taco Bowls in two bowls.
Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday

With the Instant Pot doing the majority of the work for you by cooking the rice and sweet potatoes at the same time, this recipe is worth it.

Also, if you want to be more healthy, then this is a great dinner to try if you want something flavorful!

Recipe: Taco Bowls

9. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Modern Honey

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 6 Hours

Just 10 minutes on your feet and then you let the slow cooker soup fill up your home with incredible smells for 6 hours straight.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

10. Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Two Ground Beef Enchiladas on a plate.
Photo Credit: Casserole Crissy

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Is this authentic Mexican food?

No.

Is it probably quick and easy and super delicious? Yes.

Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

11. Cacio e Pepe

Tongs picking up Cacio e Pepe.
Photo Credit: Served from Scratch

Time: Ready in 20 Minutes

I’ve made it before and when you’re essentially just adding tasty cheeses, black pepper, and olive oil, you’re gonna have one of the easiest and tastiest Italian dishes ever.

Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

12. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in a pan.
Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Chicken and broccoli stir fry is super satisfying, and I think you need to make it this Wednesday. I have a feeling it might just hit the spot.

Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

13. The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta)

The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta on a plate.
Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

I’m already married, but with cream, cheese, spices, and thick noodles, I’d be happy to make it.

Recipe: The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

14. Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops in a pan.
Photo Credit: Busy Day Dinners

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 40 Minutes

A recipe for when you want really good down-home cooking. Pair it with some buttery mashed potatoes, and you’re all set!

Recipe: Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

15. Southwest Skillet Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe

Southwest Skillet Ground Beef and Sweet Potato in a bowl.
Photo Credit: A Paige of Positivity

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes

If you want a 5-minute prep time dinner and want to smell delicious spices wafting around the house as the dinner cooks, then this is your recipe.

Recipe: Southwest Skillet Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe

16. Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs with a Cayenne Kick

Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs on a plate.
Photo Credit: Kim Schob

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

I’m sorry, but slow cooker BBQ peach chicken just sounds too good to leave off the list. In fact, pairing it with some mac and cheese might be one of the best ideas ever.

Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs

17. Healthy Baked Ziti

Healthy Baked Ziti in a baking pan.
Photo Credit: A Paige of Positivity

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

If you want something that’s a bit more healthy, but you also want quick and delicious, then here’s a cheesy noodle dinner that you and your family probably need.

Recipe: Healthy Baked Ziti

18. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Chicken Fajitas on a sheet pan.
Photo Credit: Foxes Love Lemons

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Fajitas are so good, but they’re even better when the prep time is low.

Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

19. 5-Ingredient No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole

5-Ingredient No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole in a baking dish.
Photo Credit: Simply Five Ingredients

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 Hour

Place the rice, chicken, and other tasty ingredients all in one bake dish, and you’re set for this dinner.

Recipe: 5-Ingredient No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole

20. Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Zoomed-in closeup of Pepper Steak Stir Fry with green and red peppers.
Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

This is the kind of Wednesday dinner you make when you’re craving Asian comfort food served with a bowl of steaming hot white rice.

Recipe: Pepper Steak Stir Fry

21. Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Easy Sheet Pan Dinner)

Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks in two bowls.
Photo Credit: My Chefs Apron

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 45 Minutes

I love sheet pan dinners, and when you pair chicken with sweet potatoes, I’m always going to be happy.

Recipe: Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Easy Sheet Pan Dinner)

This post originally appeared on Chasing Foxes.

19 Tasty Copycat Recipes That Look Ridiculously Satisfying

Chicken cooking on a skillet.
PHOTO CREDIT: SUGAR AND SOUL

If you’re not in the mood to head out to a restaurant tonight, but you’re also craving your favorite dish, then this list might just have you covered!

Get the Recipes Here: 19 Tasty Copycat Recipes That Look Ridiculously Satisfying

30 Copycat Starbucks Recipes So You Can Enjoy Your Favorite Drinks Any Time of Year

Starbucks coffee copycat.
PHOTO CREDIT: SPOONFUL OF FLAVOR

If you’re craving your favorite Starbucks drink, but you want to save money and time, then these copycat recipes are your new best friend.

Get the Recipes: 18 Winter Dinner Recipes to Really Satisfy Your Comfort Food Cravings

ishes That Are Perfect

41 Traditional Chinese Dishes That Are Incredibly Delicious

Chinese buns on a white plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHASING FOXES

If you want to impress your friends like you’re the next Martha Stewart cooking genius, then here’s a list of truly authentic Chinese recipes.

PS – There are also some on the list that you probably thought were America-Chinese, but actually come from China!

Get the Recipes: 41 Traditional Chinese Dishes That Are Incredibly Delicious

65 Authentic Greek Dishes You Need (Immediately)

A greek recipe on a plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: ANNA MENTE/CANVA

Greek cuisine has to have some of the most flavorful dishes.

So if you want to something really satisfying, then grab a recipe from this (authentic and traditional) list, and enjoy a bite of hot perfectly delicious Greek food.

Get the recipes here: Greek Food: 65 Authentic Dishes You Need Immediately

Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.

Food Food & Drink

Silas & Grace

Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.

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