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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Set It and Forget It Summer Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 17, 2025, updated July 15, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer evenings can be hectic, but with these 21 easy dinners, you can enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes are perfect for setting up ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy your evenings while still serving up satisfying dishes. From sicy chicken to summery soups, these meals will simplify your weeknight routine.

    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken

    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe adds a flavorful twist to your chicken thighs with a special homemade jerk seasoning. It's a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for summer dinners, this dish brings a taste of the Caribbean right to your table.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is a simple way to enjoy delicious, tender pulled pork without needing a smoker. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop beautifully, resulting in juicy meat that's perfect for any meal. This dish is great for summer dinners when you want something easy and satisfying.

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    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious mix of sweet and spicy flavors, and it's incredibly easy to prepare. With just four ingredients, this chicken dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's a budget-friendly option that takes minimal effort, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Dizzy Cook.

    BBQ chicken thighs are simple to prepare, as everything goes into the slow cooker. You can serve the chicken thighs whole or shred them for delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches. This is a great option for weeknight dinners when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Sheet Pan Steak & Potatoes

    Sheet pan steak and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This sheet pan version of a classic meal is all about simplicity. Roast the potatoes until they're nice and tender, then pop everything under the broiler for a quick golden brown finish. Sheet Pan Steak and Potatoes offers hearty comfort food with minimal cleanup, making it a great choice for any night.

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    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This Chicken Thigh Tray Bake is an easy meal full of flavor. Juicy chicken thighs and colorful vegetables roast together on a single sheet pan, which makes cleaning up quick and simple.

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    Slow Cooker Rosemary Ranch Chicken and Noodles

    Slow Cooker Rosemary Ranch Chicken and Noodles.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    This one-pot meal features tender chicken cooked in a delicious rosemary ranch sauce, combined with fresh pasta. It's a simple and satisfying option for a weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort. Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

    Apricot Chicken Slow Cooker.
    Photo Credit: Peters Food Adventures.

    Apricot Chicken in the slow cooker is a great choice for summer dinners. It's simple to prepare with fresh apricots and uses ingredients you can easily recognize. The Sweet Thai Chili Sauce adds a nice flavor that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for those warm evenings when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken brings together all the flavors of pizza in a simple meal. With pepperoni and your choice of toppings, this dish is sure to please the whole family. It's an easy way to enjoy a pizza-inspired dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it prepped in about five minutes and on the table in under forty. It's perfect for those warm summer evenings when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal offers a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking. The lamb chops roast in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that’s full of flavor. It’s a great option for a relaxed dinner, allowing you to focus on other things while it cooks.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let it cook on its own while you take care of other things. It combines chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Crockpot Mexican Chicken

    Crockpot Mexican Chicken.
    Photo Credit: I heart Naptime.

    Crockpot Mexican chicken is an easy dish that simmers in the slow cooker with black beans, corn, and salsa. The chicken turns out tender and can be shredded easily, making it versatile for different meals. Serve it over rice, in burrito bowls, or in tacos. This is a solid choice for busy nights when you want something tasty without much effort. It's a meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Baked Salmon with Black Rice

    Salmon with black rice.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Salmon and black rice go really well together and you'll find yourself wanting to make this dish again and again. It's a simple meal that brings great flavors without taking up too much of your time. Perfect for those warm summer evenings when you want something satisfying but easy to prepare.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

    Sheet pan chicken and vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables offers a straightforward way to whip up a healthy and filling meal. It's ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need something quick and tasty. Just toss everything on a sheet pan, and let the oven do the work.

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    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This Corn Chowder captures the taste of summer whether you use fresh or frozen corn kernels. Top this rich, creamy chowder with bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese.

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    BBQ Chicken Sliders

    BBQ Chicken Sliders.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Slow cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders are an easy and delicious option for summer dinners. The chicken is cooked slowly in barbecue sauce until it's tender and easy to shred. Topped with creamy coleslaw, these sliders are a great choice for a backyard barbecue or a casual meal with friends.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken cacciatore is easy to make in a slow cooker. The sauce is a tasty mix of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, onions, and Italian spices. This dish is great for summer evenings when you want a filling meal without spending hours cooking. Just prepare the ingredients and let the slow cooker handle the rest. It’s a comforting dinner that brings a bit of Italian flavor to your table.

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    Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Homemade Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches are a simple and delicious option for dinner. You can set everything up in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day. When it's time to eat, you'll have tender, flavorful beef ready to pile onto buns. This is a great meal for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Mexican Steak Bites

    Mexican Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Steak adds a rich flavor to any meal, and these steak bites take it up a notch. Seasoned with taco spices, they are perfect for a quick and tasty dinner. Paired with a creamy queso sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Air Fryer Roast Beef is a simple and delicious dinner option that takes only 50 minutes to prepare. The outside has a flavorful herby crust, while the inside stays juicy and tender. With just a handful of easy ingredients, this dish is perfect for a family meal.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Crockpot Magic: 21 Hearty Dishes That Will Change Up Your Routine
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      21 Quick and Easy Pasta Dinners for the Whole Family
    • This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
      21 Grandma Approved Casseroles That Are Perfect for Weeknights

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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