These easy skillet dinners bring together comforting chicken, cheesy ground beef, and a roast that feels special enough for company.
Start with the chicken dinners or jump to the beef dinners. Some cook entirely on the stovetop; others finish in the oven, so check the equipment note before you start.
Chicken Skillet Dinners
Skillet Greek Chicken Thighs with Artichokes and Olives
Time: about 20 minutes. Boneless chicken thighs simmer with jarred artichoke hearts, two kinds of olives, oregano, thyme, and lemon. Serve with rice or crusty bread to make the most of the pan juices. Equipment: a large skillet with a lid; stovetop only.
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One-Skillet Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls
Time: about 30 minutes, using already-cooked chicken. Rice, peppers, corn, black beans, and tomatoes with green chiles make this a filling dinner in one pan. It is a handy choice when you have leftover shredded chicken to use. Equipment: a large skillet with a lid; stovetop only.
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Creamy Chicken, Pancetta & Rice One-Pan Skillet Dinner
Time: about 45 minutes. Crisp pancetta, tender chicken, rice, and peas come together in a creamy sauce. Choose this one when you want the vegetables and rice cooked right into dinner. Equipment: a large, deep skillet with a lid; stovetop only.
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One-Pan Caprese Skillet Chicken Thighs
Time: about 45 minutes, including the five-minute rest. Sear the chicken thighs, then finish them in the oven with cherry tomatoes, butter, and fresh mozzarella. Basil goes on at the end for a fresh finish. Equipment: a large oven-safe skillet.
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Skillet French Onion Chicken and Rice
Time: about 1 hour 15 minutes. Chicken and rice bake with French onion soup and beef consommé, then get a topping of onion sour cream, croutons, and provolone. This is the cozy choice when you have more oven time available. Equipment: a 10- to 12-inch oven-safe skillet with an oven-safe cover; the cheese finishes under the broiler.
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Beef Skillet Dinners
Easy Weeknight Taco Skillet
Time: about 20 minutes. Ground beef, peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and black beans cook with taco seasoning and a melted cheese topping. Set out tortillas or tortilla chips for serving if you like. Equipment: a large skillet with a lid; stovetop only.
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Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Skillet
Time: about 35 minutes. Corn tortilla pieces simmer directly in enchilada sauce with ground beef, black beans, peppers, and cheddar. You get the flavors of enchiladas without rolling individual tortillas. Equipment: a large skillet with a lid; stovetop only.
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Best Ever Skillet BBQ Meatballs
Time: about 20 minutes. Homemade ground beef meatballs bake first, then finish in a skillet with your favorite barbecue sauce. Pair them with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side. Equipment: a baking sheet and a skillet; this recipe uses two pans.
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Cast Iron Skillet Tri-Tip Roast
Time: about 50 minutes, including the five-minute rest. A rosemary and garlic rub seasons this roast before it is seared on the stovetop and finished in the oven. Slice it against the grain and add a vegetable side for a dinner that works for guests, too. Equipment: a large cast iron skillet.
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A Few Helpful Skillet Dinner Tips
Do I need a cast iron skillet?
Only the tri-tip recipe specifically calls for cast iron. For the other dinners, follow the linked recipe’s pan instructions. The Caprese chicken and French onion chicken need an oven-safe skillet; also check that any lid and handle can tolerate the temperature being used.
Which dinners are quickest?
The Greek chicken, taco skillet, and BBQ meatballs list about 20 minutes for prep and cooking. The Southwest bowls take about 30 minutes when you start with cooked chicken. Allow extra time if you need to cook chicken first or prepare separate sides.
Are these all complete one-pan meals?
The rice dishes and enchilada skillet include a starch in the pan. The Greek chicken, Caprese chicken, meatballs, and tri-tip work well with a separate side. The BBQ meatballs also need a baking sheet, so choose a different option if keeping cleanup to one pan is your priority.
Round Out Your Dinner
Find a salad, roasted vegetable, or comforting potato dish in our Side Dishes and Salads collection. For more ideas beyond the skillet, browse Easy Dinner Recipes.
Times are based on the linked recipe cards, with resting time added where noted. They do not include separate sides, and cooking times can vary with your pan, stove, and ingredient size.
