If you’re anything like me, dinner is your ultimate frenemy. I mean, it shows up every. single. night. No matter how hard you survived the day, somehow you still have to feed everyone — for the 58th time today — and somehow it has to be liked by everyone. And let’s be honest… some nights, I just do not have the energy.
Being a busy mom means there’s never enough time in the day, especially when it comes to dinner. Between juggling work, kids, home-school, and household chaos, cooking can feel downright impossible. That’s why I’ve rounded up quick 20-minute dinner ideas for busy moms — simple, tasty, and family-approved.
Tip: Stock your pantry with essentials like pasta, frozen veggies, canned beans, eggs, and rotisserie chicken. Having these staples makes quick meals even easier!
1. One-Pan Chicken and Veggies
Why it’s perfect: Minimal cleanup and only 20 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Frozen mixed veggies
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder, salt & pepper (any other tasty spices you have on hand that blend well)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Cook chicken until golden.
- Toss in frozen veggies, season, and cook 10 more minutes.
- Serve with rice or pasta if desired.
Pro Tip: My favorite pan for one-pot dinners makes this even easier — perfect for busy nights!
2. 10-Minute Veggie Stir-Fry
Why it’s perfect: Uses whatever veggies and protein you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- Frozen stir-fry vegetables
- Soy sauce
- Leftover rice (or quinoa)
- Optional: tofu (if that’s your thing) , ground beef, or chicken
Instructions:
- Heat a little oil in a skillet.
- Add veggies (and protein if using).
- Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes.
- Mix in rice and soy sauce — dinner is ready!
3. Cheesy Quesadillas
Why it’s perfect: Kids love them and they take almost no time.
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Canned beans
- Leftover chicken or veggies
Instructions:
- Place cheese and filling on tortilla.
- Fold in half and cook on skillet 3–4 minutes per side.
- Slice and serve with salsa, guacamole or sour cream.
4. Slow-Cooker Chicken Taquitos
Why it’s perfect: A little planning ahead makes dinner almost effortless — and your family will think you slaved over it!
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (3-6, depending on family size)
- Taco seasoning packet
- Cream cheese (1/2 packet for 3 breasts, whole packet for 6)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Tortillas
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- Optional: a little oil for baking, sour cream for dipping
Instructions:
- In the morning (or even around noon), put chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle on taco seasoning and cream cheese, and add 1 cup of water or chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Shred the chicken and mix in cheddar cheese.
- Roll up the chicken and cheese mixture in tortillas.
- Optional: Brush with a little oil and bake at 400°F for about 12 minutes for a crispy finish.
- Serve and watch everyone dig in!
Pro Tip: These are great for making ahead, prep in the morning and dinner basically cooks itself.
P.S. I make these Chicken Taquitos in my favorite slow cooker, the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, it’s a lifesaver for busy nights! For a more affordable option without the bells & whistles try this 7 Quart Simple Slow Cooker
Even with a busy schedule, you can serve quick, healthy dinners in 20 minutes or less. Stock your kitchen with a few key ingredients and make double batches for leftovers — it’s a lifesaver on hectic nights!
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