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70 Skillet Recipes You Can Make From Morning Til' Night

Less pans = less stress!

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Parker Feierbach

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If the idea of a mountain of dishes is turning you off of cooking, we've got you. Don't just succumb to ordering takeout—make one of these skillet recipes instead. With easy clean-up plus quick cook times, these single pan recipes have your back. With these recipes, you can make your favorite pasta, shrimp, and chicken meals, not to mention dips, breakfasts, desserts, and more, in your trusty skillet.

And don’t think just because you’re using less dishes, these dinners are any less spectacular. This list includes impressive dishes like our chicken Alfredo, our blackened honey-glazed salmon bites, or our garlic-Parm gnocchi that look (and taste!) like they're from a restaurant. It’s also got nostalgic recipes, featuring hacks to make your nights that much easier: check out our skillet eggplant Parm, our skillet chicken pot pie, or our skillet chicken cacciatore to see what we mean.

When you’re only cooking in one pan, it’s got to be the best. Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you! Here are our favorites, from the best cast iron skillets to the top dutch ovens. Thinking of splurging on a Le Creuset? Check out our list of things to know before you buy. Not convinced on this whole one pan thing? Clean up is still a breeze with a non-stick cookware set.

These one pan dinner recipes are pretty meat- and pasta-forward— want to add more veggies to your meal without a lot more dishes? Roast them in the oven! Speaking of the oven, check out our one sheet pan dinners for even more meals with less clean up.

1

Chicken Fajitas

chicken fajitas on a steaming plate with peppers and onions
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

When a sizzling plate of fajitas goes by you, it’s impossible to ignore. The signature smell, the trail of steam—this classic Tex-Mex dish is a showstopper. As iconic as they are when ordered out, fajitas are ridiculously easy to make at home, just how you like them.

Get the Chicken Fajitas recipe.

2

Skillet Texas Sheet Cake

skillet texas sheet cake

For a traditional Texas sheet cake, the batter and the icing are prepared separately on the stovetop. Using a skillet eliminates a dish and makes things way more fun. Especially when everyone digs in while it's still warm... with tons of ice cream on top.

Get the Skillet Texas Sheet Cake recipe.

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3

Sweet Corn Shrimp & Rice Skillet

rice skillet topped with shrimp and sweet corn
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: LAURA REGE

This light but satisfying dinner starts with a vibrant sauce made with some of our favorite sunny, bright flavors: sweet bell peppers, nutty white miso, and earthy turmeric, along with plenty of garlic and ginger. Topped with garlicky sautéed shrimp, this meal comes complete with protein, carb, and plenty of veg.

Get the Sweet Corn Shrimp & Rice Skillet recipe.

4

Cast-Iron Skillet Steak

castiron skillet steak delish

Think you have to go to a fancy restaurant to eat a really great steak? Nah. You can cook a restaurant-quality steak in 15 minutes (sometimes even less) at home. The key: making sure your skillet is super hot, and your steak super dry and well-seasoned before the searing starts.

Get the Cast-Iron Skillet Steak recipe.

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5

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

creamy tuscan chicken with tomatoes and spinach in a black cast iron
EMILY HLAVAC GREEN

When it comes to chicken breast recipes, it's hard to beat this one. The sauce is simple but so flavorful thanks to garlic, tomatoes, and most importantly, cream. It's bright and easy and just as good in the summer as it is in the winter, whether you're craving comfort food or a dinner fancy enough for guests.

Get the Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe.

6

Mexican Beef 'N' Rice Skillet

mexican beef 'n rice skillet topped with melty cheese and cilantro
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Is there anything better than a one-skillet meal? We don’t think so, particularly if it’s as family-friendly and quick as this one, featuring spiced ground beef, flavorful rice, hearty beans, and lots of cheese. It all comes together in just 40 minutes with minimal prep too!

Get the Mexican Beef 'N' Rice Skillet recipe.

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7

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

honey garlic glazed salmon
ETHAN CALABRESE

This savory-sweet salmon is quick and easy enough for weeknights (ready in under 30 minutes), but is also fancy enough for special occasions. If you’re a seafood novice, don’t sweat it: Searing fish might seem intimidating, but with our top tips, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Get the Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe.

8

Skillet Cornbread

skillet cornbread with honey butter
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

There’s a reason you’re filled with a wave of feel-good vibes when skillet cornbread comes around. Not only does this cornbread involve less cleanup, but it promotes the ideal texture of crackly crust around moist, decadent corn cake.

Get the Skillet Cornbread recipe.

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9

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet

chicken in a skillet covered in cheese with jalapeños
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

If you’re looking for ways to jazz up your average rotisserie chicken and get your family excited about mealtime, look no further than this skillet recipe. With all the flavors of the beloved bar appetizer, it can take a boring roasted bird to new levels of deliciousness.

Get the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skillet recipe.

10

Perfect Chicken Alfredo

creamy alfredo with chicken breast and fresh parsley
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPEN

With a creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken breasts, this is the pasta dish we turn to time and time again when we're craving the ultimate comfort meal. If you've never made pasta sauce from scratch before—this is where you should start. Fair warning: No jarred pasta sauce may compare after you've made this.

Get the Perfect Chicken Alfredo recipe.

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11

Blueberry Skillet Crumb Cake

blueberry cake in a skillet topped with a crumble
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Have you ever eaten a blueberry muffin and thought, If only this was 4 times the size? This breakfast cake is full of fresh blueberries, topped with an almond-flecked crumb, and served straight from a buttery skillet it's baked in.

Get the Blueberry Skillet Crumb Cake recipe.

12

Primavera Baked Orzo

primavera baked orzo with red pepper flakes and herbs
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

It turns out that the creamy, subtly sweet flavor of fresh mozzarella plays very nicely with similarly delicate spring produce like shallots, sugar snap peas, and oyster mushrooms. Paired with al dente orzo and a light cream sauce, this hearty dinner is the perfect way to celebrate the return of longer days and warmer temperatures.

Get the Primavera Baked Orzo recipe.

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13

Chicken Stir-Fry

chicken stir fry with broccoli, cashews, and red pepper
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

You can practically throw any combination of protein, veggies, and sauce in a pan and call it good, but sometimes it’s helpful to have a basic formula to go off of. Enter: our chicken stir-fry recipe. Make it as is, or use it as a jumping-off point to create your own.

Get the Chicken Stir-Fry recipe.

14

Socca

a golden brown mediterranean chickpea flatbread in a cast iron skillet with crispy edges and fresh herbs sprinkled on top
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANI

Socca, also known as farinata, is a chickpea flatbread popular in the Mediterranean. This deceptively simple dish is traditionally made with a short list of ingredients: chickpea flour, water, salt, and olive oil. The chickpea flour allows for a crispy exterior and soft center. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free!

Get the Socca recipe.

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15

Creamy Tuscan Butter White Bean Skillet

cast iron skillet filled with creamy tuscan white beans topped with basil, with toast alongside
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Creamy Tuscan anything is a cult classic here at Delish, but this vegetarian version might be our new favorite. Featuring white beans and spinach swimming in a luxurious tomato cream sauce, this hearty skillet dinner is so comforting and satisfying, you’ll never miss the chicken.

Get the Creamy Tuscan Butter White Bean Skillet recipe.

16

Skillet Eggplant Parm

skillet eggplant parm
Andrew bui

This dish has all the eggplant Parm flavors you love—including sliced rounds of tender eggplant, tangy marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese. Instead of breading each slice of eggplant, though, you'll top the entire skillet with panko bread crumbs, making it easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Get the Skillet Eggplant Parm recipe.

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17

Chicken Piccata

chicken piccata in a skillet with lemon butter caper sauce
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

The combination of extremely flavorful + minimal effort is a must when we’re searching for weeknight dinner go-tos, and this dish passes the test with flying colors. A classic recipe, chicken piccata combines thin and delicate chicken breasts with a tart caper, white wine, lemon juice, and creamy buttery sauce topped with briny capers.

Get the Chicken Piccata recipe.

18

Strawberry Pop-Tart Skillet Pie

flaky pastry in a pie dish filled with strawberry filling and topped with icing and sprinkles
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Pop-Tarts may be a go-to quick and easy breakfast, but in this recipe, we decided to transform them into a centerpiece dessert (or extra-sweet breakfast!) to share. You’ll never have to fight over the last Pop-Tart in the package again, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Get the Strawberry Pop-Tart Skillet Pie recipe.

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19

Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza

bbq chicken skillet pizza
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

If you can't get enough of the flavor combo of saucy BBQ, tender chicken and creamy ranch, then you'll go crazy for this homemade version. Our twist? We bake the pizza in an oven-safe skillet, resulting in an extra-crispy crust.

Get the Copycat California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe.

20

Refried Pinto Beans

refried pinto beans
LUCY SCHAEFFER

Mastering this classic Mexican staple takes a little bit of time, a lot of pork fat, and a few helpful hints (like how to speed up soaking your homemade beans!). Trust us, the effort is worth it for the best refried beans you'll ever have.

Get the Refried Pinto Beans recipe.

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