Quick Back-to-School Dinner Recipes

By Southern Living Editors

Updated July 01, 2021

Credit: Greg DuPree

We know back-to-school season is already a hassle, so we rounded up some kid-friendly recipes to help with meal prep. These quick back-to-school dinners will keep the whole family happy with delicious classics like grilled cheese and tomato soup or shrimp fried rice. We've even included a few recipes that have clever twists to please the grown-up palate like our Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Whatever your schedule is like, these quick back-to-school dinners can be ready in an hour or less. We've got your weeknight dinner menu covered with these quick recipes.

Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Chicken and Herbed Cornmeal Dumplings

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken and Herbed Cornmeal Dumplings

Move over chicken noodle soup, there's a new recipe in town. With only 40 minutes in total prep and cook time, this dish will be your new go-to dinner.

2 of 15

Shrimp Fried Rice

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Fresh green beans and shrimp combine for an easy weeknight dish. Store the leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch later on.

3 of 15

Grilled Chicken Tacos

Credit: Wynn Myers; Prop Styling: Lauren Smith Ford

Recipe: Grilled Chicken Tacos

Here's a delicious (and healthy) change of pace from the usual ground beef tacos.

4 of 15

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Credit: Beth Dreiling; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Recipe: Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Your kids will love this combo dish of their two favorite meals, and you'll love that you can make it ahead and store until it's time to dig in.

5 of 15

Chicken Fingers Coated With Cheesy Snack Crackers

Credit: Sheri Castle

Recipe: Chicken Fingers Coated With Cheesy Snack Crackers

You probably already have the ingredients for this recipe in your kitchen. After just 15 minutes in the oven, these chicken fingers are golden and oh-so delicious. Pro Tip: Let them cool for five minutes before serving.

6 of 15

Quick BBQ Chicken Pizzas

Credit: Jason Wallis; Styling: Cindy Barr

Recipe: Quick BBQ Chicken Pizzas

Pizza is always a family-favorite dish. Why not step it up a notch with sautéed veggies and BBQ chicken?

7 of 15

Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Recipe: Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

If your kids like breakfast, then they'll love this twist on waffles for dinner. These bite-sized chicken and waffles are an easy meal to prepare when you're craving something sweet and salty.