Recipes • September 9, 2026

Seven Easy Family Dinners, One Delicious Dessert and a Complete Grocery List to Make Planning This Week’s Meals a Little Simpler

by Ronda Swanson

Seven-day family meal plan with a full grocery list featuring Parmesan chicken, roasted potatoes and broccoli.

Seven Easy Family Dinners, One Delicious Dessert and a Complete Grocery List to Make Planning This Week’s Meals a Little Simpler

Some weeks, the hardest part of making dinner is simply deciding what to make.

That’s why I’ve gathered seven easy, family-friendly dinners for the week—plus a simple lemon dessert and one complete grocery list to make shopping a little easier.

This week includes comforting slow-cooker meals, quick Instant Pot recipes, an easy one-pot dinner and two simple oven meals. There’s a little something for every kind of evening.

Click any underlined recipe title to go directly to the complete recipe.

This Week’s Meal Plan: 7 Easy Dinners + Something Sweet

Does anyone else feel like figuring out what’s for dinner is half the battle?

Instead of standing in front of the refrigerator at 5:30 wondering what sounds good, here are seven dinners already planned for you—plus something sweet.

Choose the meals that work best for your family, rearrange the days if needed and check your kitchen before shopping. You may already have many of the pantry staples on the grocery list.

Click any underlined recipe title to go directly to the complete recipe.

Monday: Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Let’s make Monday as easy as possible with a comforting crock-pot dinner.

Tender chicken and baby potatoes slowly cook in a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce. Everything cooks together, giving the potatoes plenty of time to soak up all that delicious flavor.

Add steamed green beans, roasted carrots or a simple salad for an easy meal the whole family can enjoy.

Tuesday: Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

Tuesday’s dinner is creamy, comforting and made almost entirely in the Instant Pot.

Chicken and rice cook together with garlic, broth and seasonings before Parmesan and cream are stirred in to make everything rich and flavorful.

Serve it with broccoli, peas or a simple green salad. It’s an especially good option for a busy evening when you want something filling without using several different pans.

Wednesday: Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken & Cheesy Potatoes

Wednesday gets an easy oven dinner filled with familiar, family-friendly flavors.

Juicy chicken is coated in barbecue sauce and baked alongside seasoned potatoes topped with melted cheese. It’s simple, satisfying and requires very little hands-on preparation.

Add corn, green beans, coleslaw or a fresh salad to round out the meal.

Thursday: One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Thursday calls for a quick one-pot dinner.

Seasoned ground beef and macaroni cook together in a savory tomato-based sauce before everything is finished with plenty of melted cheddar cheese. It has all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in an easy pasta dinner.

Serve it with steamed vegetables, sliced fruit or a salad—and enjoy having only one pot to wash afterward.

Friday: Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing

Friday’s dinner is cozy, comforting and incredibly easy to prepare.

Chicken cooks slowly beneath a creamy layer of seasoned stuffing, creating a meal that feels a little like Thanksgiving dinner without all the extra work.

Serve it with green beans, carrots, cranberry sauce or a simple salad. It’s an easy way to end the workweek with something warm and satisfying.

Saturday: Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Saturday gets classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tender beef, mushrooms and egg noodles cook in a rich, savory sauce before sour cream is added for that familiar creamy stroganoff finish.

Serve it with roasted broccoli, green beans or a simple salad. It tastes like a slow-cooked meal but comes together much more quickly with the help of the Instant Pot.

Sunday: Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken, Potatoes & Broccoli

Let’s finish the week with an easy dinner that cooks together on one pan.

Chicken tenderloins, baby potatoes and broccoli are seasoned with garlic, Italian seasoning and paprika before being topped with Parmesan and roasted until golden.

You get your protein, potatoes and vegetables all in one meal—with fewer dishes waiting for you afterward.

And Now for Something Sweet

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

These lemon cream cheese bars are bright, creamy and just sweet enough.

A buttery crust is topped with a smooth lemon cream cheese filling and baked until set. The refreshing lemon flavor makes these bars a welcome change from heavier chocolate desserts.

Serve them chilled with a light dusting of powdered sugar. They’re easy enough for a family dessert but pretty enough to bring to a gathering or potluck.

Your Grocery List

Before heading to the store, check your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. You probably already have quite a few of these ingredients.

Produce

4–5 pounds baby potatoes
2 heads or approximately 6 cups broccoli florets
1 medium onion
1 small onion
8–10 cloves garlic
8 ounces mushrooms
2–3 lemons
Green beans, carrots, corn or salad greens for optional side dishes
Fresh fruit, optional
Fresh parsley, optional for garnish

Meat

Approximately 8 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins
1 pound ground beef
1½ pounds stew meat or thinly sliced beef

Dairy & Refrigerated

1½–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Approximately 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese
1 container sour cream
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 pound butter
2 eggs
Milk

Bread, Rice & Pasta

1 cup long-grain white rice
8 ounces elbow macaroni
12 ounces egg noodles
1 box seasoned stuffing mix

Sauces, Soups & Canned Goods

Barbecue sauce
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup or tomato sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup
Chicken broth
Beef broth
Cranberry sauce, optional

Baking Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar
Honey
Cornstarch
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice, if not using fresh lemons

Pantry & Seasonings

Olive oil or cooking oil
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Dried parsley
Salt
Black pepper

Dinner Is Planned

There you go.

Seven easy dinners. One refreshing dessert. One complete grocery list.

Hopefully, that means a little less time figuring out what to make this week and a little more time enjoying dinner with the people you love.

Save this meal plan before heading to the store, and send it to a friend who could use a few easy dinner ideas too.

And while I’m helping make dinner a little easier, I’m always happy to make Spokane real estate a little easier too.

If you’re wondering what your home might be worth, thinking about making a move or simply curious about what’s happening in your Spokane neighborhood, reach out anytime.

I’m always happy to be a resource, and I’m never too busy for a phone call.

509.979.5894

Ronda

Recipes • September 5, 2026

Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken, Potatoes & Broccoli

by Ronda Swanson

Sheet pan Parmesan chicken with roasted baby potatoes and broccoli, an easy one-pan family dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken, Potatoes & Broccoli

If you love dinners that are easy to make and even easier to clean up, this Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken, Potatoes & Broccoli is a great recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation.

Tender chicken, golden baby potatoes, and roasted broccoli are seasoned with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan, then baked together on one pan. You get your protein, potatoes, and vegetables all in one meal without juggling several pots and pans.

With just 15 minutes of prep, this is an easy family dinner for those nights when you want something homemade without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients

1½ lbs chicken tenderloins
1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
3 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a large sheet pan or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Add the halved baby potatoes to the sheet pan. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and about half of the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes. Giving the potatoes a head start helps them become tender and golden by the time the chicken is finished.
While the potatoes are baking, add the chicken tenderloins and broccoli florets to a large bowl.
Toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and the rest of the seasonings until everything is evenly coated.
Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Add the seasoned chicken and broccoli alongside the partially cooked potatoes.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken, potatoes, and broccoli.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Serve warm with a little extra Parmesan on top, if desired.

A Complete Dinner on One Pan

The best part about sheet pan dinners is their simplicity. Instead of preparing a main dish and two separate sides, everything cooks together on one pan.

The potatoes become golden around the edges, the broccoli roasts instead of becoming soggy, and the Parmesan adds a savory finish to the chicken and vegetables.

And when dinner is over, there’s only one main pan to clean!

Why the Potatoes Cook First

Potatoes need a little more time in the oven than chicken tenderloins and broccoli, so giving them a 15-minute head start helps everything finish cooking at about the same time.

Cutting your baby potatoes in half also helps them cook faster. If your potatoes are especially large, cut them into smaller pieces so they’re tender by the end of the cooking time.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

This recipe is easy to customize with what you have on hand. Swap the broccoli for green beans, asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require slightly different cooking times.

You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon over everything just before serving for a bright finish.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

With chicken, vegetables, and potatoes all included, you really don’t need anything else to make this a complete dinner.

It’s a particularly good option when you want something simple, filling, and family-friendly without relying on a complicated recipe.

Quick Tip: Don’t overcrowd your sheet pan. Giving the chicken, potatoes, and broccoli a little space allows them to roast and brown instead of steaming.

Recipes • September 5, 2026

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

by Ronda Swanson

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

If you love classic comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff is an easy way to get a hearty homemade dinner on the table.

Tender pieces of beef, savory broth, egg noodles, and a creamy sour cream sauce come together right in the Instant Pot. With only 10 minutes of prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm, filling, and comforting without using a pile of dishes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: About 25 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients

1½ lbs stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
8 oz sliced mushrooms, optional
12 oz egg noodles
¾ cup sour cream
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add the beef and diced onion and cook for a few minutes, until the beef is lightly browned and the onion begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot well to loosen any browned bits.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, mushrooms if using, and salt and pepper to taste.
Secure the lid and pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow a 5-minute natural release. Carefully release the remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté and stir in the egg noodles.
Let the noodles simmer in the broth until tender, stirring occasionally. If they absorb the liquid too quickly, add a little extra beef broth as needed.
Once the noodles are tender, turn off the heat.
Stir in the sour cream until everything is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Classic Comfort Food Made Easier

Traditional beef stroganoff is already a favorite comfort food, but making it in the Instant Pot makes dinner even more convenient.

Pressure cooking helps turn the stew meat tender while allowing it to soak up the flavors of the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and paprika. Then the egg noodles cook right in the same pot, so there’s no need to boil them separately.

Finish everything with sour cream and you get that creamy, tangy sauce that makes beef stroganoff so good.

Mushrooms or No Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are completely optional in this recipe.

If your family loves them, add the sliced mushrooms before pressure cooking so they become tender and flavorful. If mushrooms aren’t a favorite at your house, simply leave them out. The stroganoff will still have plenty of flavor.

What to Serve With Beef Stroganoff

Since you’ve already got beef and noodles in one dish, you don’t need much on the side. Try serving it with green beans, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

A little chopped parsley on top also adds a nice finishing touch.

A Few Tips for Creamy Stroganoff

Make sure to turn off the heat before adding the sour cream. Adding it after cooking helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

It’s also a good idea to let the stroganoff sit for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Quick Tip: Egg noodles can absorb liquid quickly, so keep a little extra beef broth nearby. Add a splash at a time if the noodles need more liquid while they’re cooking.

Recipes • September 5, 2026

Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing

by Ronda Swanson

Crock Pot chicken and stuffing with tender chicken, savory stuffing, creamy sauce, and green beans, an easy slow cooker family dinner.

Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing

There’s something about chicken and stuffing that feels like a cozy Sunday dinner, but this Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing gives you all that comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tender chicken cooks underneath a creamy sauce and savory stuffing for an easy, hearty meal with only 10 minutes of prep. Add green beans right to the slow cooker, and you can make dinner even easier with your main dish and veggie cooking together.

This is a great recipe for busy weekdays, chilly evenings, or anytime you’re craving classic comfort food without all the work.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW
Serves: 6

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
1 box chicken stuffing mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen green beans, optional

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in an even layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until combined.
Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken.
Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the top. There’s no need to prepare the stuffing beforehand.
If you’re using frozen green beans, add them to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Before serving, gently fluff the stuffing with a fork.
Serve the chicken warm with plenty of the creamy stuffing spooned alongside or over the top.

Sunday Dinner Made Easy

This is one of those recipes that tastes like you put in much more effort than you actually did.

The chicken stays tender while the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and broth create a rich, savory sauce. The stuffing cooks right on top, soaking up all those flavors as everything slowly cooks together.

It’s especially good when you’re craving a homestyle chicken dinner but don’t want to prepare several different dishes.

Make It a Complete Meal

Adding frozen green beans is an easy way to turn this into an almost complete meal right in the Crock Pot.

If you’d rather serve your vegetables separately, pair the chicken and stuffing with green beans, roasted carrots, corn, broccoli, or a simple side salad.

And if you’re going for the full Sunday-dinner experience, mashed potatoes would fit right in.

A Few Tips

Try to arrange the chicken in a single layer so it cooks evenly. If your chicken breasts are especially large or thick, cooking time may vary, so always check that the thickest part reaches 165°F.

For softer stuffing, you can gently press some of the stuffing into the creamy mixture before cooking. If you prefer more texture, leave the stuffing sitting loosely on top.

Quick Tip: Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid while dinner is cooking. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain the heat needed for even cooking.

Recipes • September 5, 2026

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

by Ronda Swanson

One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

If you’re looking for a quick, hearty dinner the whole family can enjoy, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni is an easy one to add to your weeknight rotation.

Ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese come together in one pot for a homemade version of a classic comfort food. Even better, everything cooks together, which means less cleanup at the end of the night.

With just 10 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes of cooking, dinner can be on the table in around 35 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet or pot. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and elbow macaroni.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Once the macaroni is tender, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

An Easy One-Pot Family Dinner

There’s something especially convenient about a dinner that can be made entirely in one skillet or pot. You don’t have to boil the pasta separately—the macaroni cooks right in the beef broth and tomato mixture, soaking up all that savory flavor along the way.

Once you stir in the cheddar cheese, everything comes together into a creamy, cheesy dinner that’s somewhere between homemade Hamburger Helper and a cheeseburger-inspired mac and cheese.

It’s simple comfort food that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

Make It Your Own

This is an easy recipe to customize depending on what you already have in the refrigerator.

Try adding chopped bell peppers with the onion, stirring in a little extra cheese, or topping each bowl with diced green onions. If your family likes a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

You could even add some classic cheeseburger toppings after cooking, like diced pickles or a small drizzle of ketchup or mustard.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Macaroni

Since this is a hearty dinner on its own, simple sides work best. Serve it with steamed broccoli, green beans, a garden salad, or roasted vegetables.

And if you’re feeding hungry kids, a little garlic bread on the side probably won’t get any complaints either!

Quick Tip: Check the pasta a few minutes before the end of the cooking time. If it needs longer but most of the liquid has been absorbed, add a small splash of beef broth and continue simmering until the macaroni is tender.

Recipes • September 5, 2026

Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken & Cheesy Potatoes

by Ronda Swanson

Oven-baked BBQ chicken with cheesy roasted potatoes and green onions, an easy one-pan family dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken & Cheesy Potatoes

If you’re looking for an easy family dinner with plenty of flavor and minimal cleanup, this Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken & Cheesy Potatoes recipe is one to save.

Tender BBQ chicken and seasoned potatoes bake together in one dish before the potatoes get covered with melted cheddar cheese. It’s simple, hearty, and made with ingredients you can easily find at the grocery store.

With just 15 minutes of prep, this is a great dinner for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without making several different dishes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients

1½ lbs chicken breasts or thighs
1½ lbs potatoes, cut into small cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
¾ cup BBQ sauce
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Sliced green onions, optional

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cut the potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes. Add them to a bowl and toss with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Bake the potatoes for 20 minutes. Giving them a head start helps ensure they’re tender by the time the chicken is finished cooking.
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the chicken to the dish and generously brush each piece with BBQ sauce.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
Return the dish to the oven for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top, if desired, and serve warm.

An Easy Dinner in One Dish

There’s a lot to love about a dinner that combines the main dish and side dish in one pan. The potatoes get crispy around the edges while staying tender inside, and the melted cheddar cheese makes them even better.

Pair them with juicy chicken covered in your favorite BBQ sauce, and you’ve got a simple dinner that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated steps.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs?

You can use either boneless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.

Chicken thighs tend to stay especially juicy in the oven, while chicken breasts are a great option if that’s what your family prefers. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken, so use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Make It Your Own

One of the easiest ways to change up this recipe is by using a different BBQ sauce. Try something sweet and smoky, honey BBQ, spicy, or tangy depending on what your family likes.

You can also switch up the cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a cheddar blend would all work well.

For a little extra flavor, finish everything with sliced green onions just before serving.

What to Serve With BBQ Chicken & Cheesy Potatoes

Since you’ve already got chicken and potatoes in one dish, you don’t need much else. Add a simple vegetable like green beans, corn, broccoli, or a side salad and dinner is done.

Quick Tip: Keep your potato cubes fairly small and uniform. Larger pieces may take longer to become tender, while evenly sized pieces will cook at about the same rate.

Recipes • September 5, 2026

Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

by Ronda Swanson

Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and rice with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, an easy Instant Pot dinner for busy weeknights.

Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice

If you need a quick, comforting dinner that doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes, this Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Rice is one to save.

Tender chicken and fluffy rice cook together with garlic and Italian seasoning before everything gets finished with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The result is a creamy, savory dinner the whole family can enjoy—and it’s ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: About 20 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients

1½ lbs chicken breast, cubed
1½ cups long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add the cubed chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for a few minutes until lightly browned. The chicken doesn’t need to be completely cooked through at this point.
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Stir and cook briefly until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot well to loosen any browned bits. This is an important step to help prevent a burn warning while pressure cooking.
Sprinkle the long-grain white rice evenly over the chicken and broth. Gently press down any rice that isn’t touching the liquid, but do not stir.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 6 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Stir the chicken and rice together.
Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and everything becomes creamy and well combined.
Taste and add additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm with a little extra Parmesan on top, if desired.

A Quick One-Pot Dinner

The Instant Pot makes this recipe especially convenient because the chicken and rice cook together in the same pot. Instead of juggling several pans and side dishes, you get a hearty dinner with minimal cleanup.

The garlic and Parmesan give it plenty of savory flavor, while the cream transforms the rice into something rich and comforting without requiring a separate sauce.

It’s a great recipe for busy weeknights, back-to-school season, or those evenings when you just don’t feel like cooking something complicated.

What to Serve With It

Since the chicken and rice make this a pretty hearty meal on their own, keep the sides simple. Try serving it with steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.

You can also add a little chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving.

A Few Tips for the Best Chicken & Rice

For this recipe, stick with long-grain white rice since different varieties of rice can require different amounts of liquid and cooking time.

Also, don’t skip scraping the bottom of the Instant Pot after browning your chicken. Getting those browned pieces off the bottom helps prevent the dreaded burn notice.

Finally, the rice may look a little loose immediately after adding the cream and Parmesan. Give it a couple of minutes to sit and it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Quick Tip: For an even creamier finish, add the Parmesan gradually while stirring so it melts smoothly into the hot rice.

Recipes • September 5, 2026

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Potatoes

by Ronda Swanson

Crock Pot honey garlic chicken with baby potatoes and carrots in a sweet and savory sauce, an easy slow cooker dinner for busy weeknights.

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Potatoes

Busy days call for dinners that are easy, filling, and don’t require spending all evening in the kitchen. This Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Potatoes checks all the boxes.

Tender chicken, baby potatoes, and carrots cook together in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce for a complete meal made right in your slow cooker. With only 10 minutes of prep, you can get everything going in the morning and have dinner waiting for you later.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Serves: 6

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
1½ lbs baby potatoes
3 carrots, chopped
⅓ cup honey
⅓ cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Add the chicken to the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the baby potatoes and chopped carrots around the chicken.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Before serving, spoon some of the warm honey garlic sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the chicken and vegetables.
Serve warm and enjoy!

A Complete Dinner in One Pot

One of the best things about this recipe is that you don’t have to worry about making several different side dishes. You’ve already got chicken, potatoes, and carrots cooking together in one pot.

The honey adds just enough sweetness while the soy sauce and garlic balance everything with a rich, savory flavor. As everything slowly cooks, the potatoes and carrots soak up some of that honey garlic sauce too.

It’s a great option for busy weekdays when you want a homemade dinner without a lot of hands-on cooking.

Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts?

Either will work! Chicken thighs tend to stay especially tender and juicy during the longer cooking time, while chicken breasts are a great option if that’s what your family prefers or what you already have on hand.

Whichever you choose, make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Easy Additions

This recipe is already a full meal, but you can easily add something green on the side. Try steamed broccoli, green beans, a simple salad, or roasted asparagus.

And don’t forget to spoon that extra sauce over everything before serving—it’s one of the best parts!

Quick Tip: If your baby potatoes are on the larger side, cut them in half so they’ll become tender at about the same time as the chicken and carrots.

Sunday Sweets • September 5, 2026

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cobbler

by Ronda Swanson

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cobbler

If a warm chocolate chip cookie and a gooey cobbler had a dessert together, this would be it. Chocolate Chip Cookie Cobbler is rich, buttery, loaded with chocolate chips, and surprisingly simple to make.

With just 10 minutes of prep, this is the kind of dessert you can throw together when you’re craving something sweet without spending all evening in the kitchen. As it bakes, the simple ingredients transform into a golden cookie-like topping with a warm, gooey sauce underneath.

And yes—a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is highly recommended!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients

½ cup butter, melted
1 cup flour
¾ cup brown sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup chocolate chips
½ cup brown sugar, for topping
1½ cups hot water

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Pour the melted butter into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ¾ cup brown sugar, and baking powder.
Stir in the milk and vanilla until a thick batter forms.
Spoon the batter evenly over the melted butter. Do not stir the batter into the butter.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the batter, followed by the remaining ½ cup of brown sugar.
Slowly pour 1½ cups of hot water over the entire dish. It might look a little strange, but that’s exactly what you want! Do not stir.
Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and the cobbler is bubbling around the edges.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon it into bowls while it’s still warm, making sure to get some of that gooey goodness from the bottom.

Don’t Skip the Ice Cream

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cobbler is delicious on its own, but it’s especially good served warm with vanilla ice cream.

The cold ice cream begins to melt over the warm cobbler, mixing with the buttery brown sugar sauce and melted chocolate chips underneath. It’s basically everything you love about a warm chocolate chip cookie—just a whole lot gooier.

For an extra-special dessert, you could also add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

An Easy Dessert for Sharing

This is a great recipe to keep around for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so it’s also perfect when you need a last-minute dessert.

There’s no rolling cookie dough, frosting, or complicated decorating. Mix, layer, pour, and bake.

Quick Tip: Don’t be tempted to stir after adding the hot water. Leaving everything layered is what helps create the cobbler’s soft, gooey texture as it bakes.

Sunday Sweets • September 5, 2026

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

by Ronda Swanson

Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

If you love bright lemon flavor and creamy desserts, these Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are an easy treat to add to your recipe collection. They have a soft, buttery lemon cake crust topped with a sweet cream cheese layer—and you only need a handful of ingredients to make them.

With just 10 minutes of prep, this is a great recipe for family gatherings, potlucks, summer get-togethers, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and lemony.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Serves: 12

Ingredients

1 box lemon cake mix
½ cup butter, melted
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until a thick dough forms.
Press the lemon mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, remaining egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the lemon crust.
Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes them much easier to slice.

Make Them Extra Pretty

Once the bars have completely cooled, add a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A few fresh lemon slices or a little lemon zest make a beautiful finishing touch, especially if you’re serving them for a shower, brunch, party, or summer gathering.

An Easy Dessert for Sharing

These Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are one of those recipes that look like you spent much more time in the kitchen than you actually did. Starting with a boxed lemon cake mix keeps the prep incredibly simple, while the homemade cream cheese layer makes them feel a little more special.

They’re also easy to cut into smaller squares when you’re feeding a crowd. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for a bright, creamy dessert that’s perfect any time of year.

Quick Tip: For the cleanest slices, let the bars cool completely and refrigerate them before cutting. Wipe your knife clean between cuts.