Here are 19 spring dinner recipes for you. My line up is fresh, easy to make, and perfect for families juggling busy days and hungry kids! From Baja fish tacos, to grilled miso chicken, air fryer chicken recipes, I have so many good ones to share with you and I know you will love them all.
Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
These recipes are for those spring nights when you want simple dinners, maybe an air fryer chicken recipe, and something quick and easy that doesn't turn into a whole production. Scroll through, save a few, and make dinnertime feel lighter this season. Enjoy!
Baja Fish Tacos
Spring dinners feel more fun with tacos on the table. These are fresh, colorful, and easy to adjust for kids. The fish stays light, especially with simple toppings. They're perfect for relaxed family nights. A great way to keep dinner fresh and exciting.
Ingredients:
For the Tacos:
12Â small corn tortillas
1 lb sea bass (you can use halibut, or cod)
2 tablespoon flour (optional, for light coating)
2 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (secret to classic Mexican flavor!)
Avocado oil for pan frying
For the Coleslaw
2 cups coleslaw mix
2 tablespoon mayo
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sweetener agave, honey, or sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Black pepper to taste
Baja Sauce for Fish Tacos
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoon chipotle chiles in adobo canned
1 tablespoon lime juice
Optional: water to thin out the sauce
Optional Toppings
Pico de Gallo or salsa
Fresh cilantro
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken (Air Fryer or Grill)
Lemongrass Chicken is one of those chicken recipes you'll crave time and time again. Perfect for a weeknight meal or your next backyard BBQ. Air fry, grill it, or bake it - whatever works for you!
Ingredients:
2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, about 10 pieces)
½ white onion
3Â garlic cloves
¼ cup grapeseed oil or any neutral oil
¼ cup minced lemongrass (frozen or fresh)
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoon fish sauce
2 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon black pepper
Grilled Miso ChickenÂ
Spring weather calls for grilling. The miso adds a deep, savory flavor without being too strong. It feels a little fancy but is still easy enough for a weeknight. Kids usually enjoy it with rice or simple sides. A nice way to change up regular grilled chicken.
Ingredients:
2 lbs chicken thighs (I used boneless with skin on - optional, use skinless if preferred)
2 tablespoon white miso paste
2 tablespoon chili crisps
2 tablespoon avocado oil
4 tablespoon rice vinegar
4 tablespoon mirin
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cloves garlic minced
1 inch fresh ginger grated
Easy One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice with Chorizo
This is one of those dinners that just makes sense in spring. It feels cozy but not heavy, which is perfect when the weather starts to warm up. You can make it on a busy night because everything cooks together in one pan. Families love it because it's filling without being fussy. Kids usually enjoy the soft rice and tender chicken.
Ingredients:
6 chicken thighs bone-in skin on
2 chorizo sausages casing removed
1 cup of long-grain white rice rinsed
2 cups of chicken broth or bone broth, or water
1 red bell pepper julienned
1 pint of cherry tomatoes halved
½ red onions minced
5 cloves of garlic minced
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (I used Hy's Seasoning Salt)
1 lime wedged
2 tablespoons of neutral oil (I used grapeseed oil)
Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken and PotatoesÂ
Light, fresh, and super dependable, this is a classic spring dinner for a reason. The lemon keeps it bright while the potatoes make it family friendly. It's great for early evenings when you want something simple but still homemade. Kids love the roasted potatoes, and adults love how easy it is.
Ingredients:
8 chicken thighs (bone-in / skin-on)
4 white potatoes quartered
1 red bell pepper cut into pieces
1 onion cut into pieces
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cloves garlic minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken
This is one of the easiest and tastiest chicken thighs you will ever have. I love cooking this is the air fryer but if you need to feed a crowd, just cook the chicken in the oven. Easy peasy!
Ingedients:
8 bone-in chicken thighsyou can use boneless
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
STICKY GLAZE
½ cup sweet chili sauce
3 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice
It's great for cooler nights when you still want comfort food. The creamy sauce makes it kid-approved, especially with rice. It's also a good option when everyone wants something warm and filling for spring. Simple ingredients, big comfort.
Ingredients:
1 lbs chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil
½ red onion diced
16 oz mixed mushrooms (cremini, oyster, shiitake, king oyster, sliced)
1 tablespoon garlic minced
2 cups water
1 tablespoon chicken bouillonÂ
1 cup jasmine rice
4Â sprigs fresh thymeÂ
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup Parmesan cheeseÂ
1 teaspoon salt
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Extra virgin olive oil
One Pot Garlic Chicken And Rice
Garlic Chicken and Rice are a hearty, flavorful, and one-pot wonder perfect for any day of the week. This rice casserole is easily one of my favorite family meals. Enjoy the savory combination of juicy chicken thighs and garlicky white rice in every bite!
Ingredients:
6 boneless chicken thighs (remove the bone for faster cooking)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8 cloves garlic minced
½ onion finely chopped
2 tablespoon butter
1 cup long grain rice rinsed
1⅓ cup chicken bone broth (or water)
Cilantro (green onion, and chili crisp for garnish)
Sheet Pan Sweet Chili Chicken with VeggiesÂ
Minimal effort, big payoff. Perfect for nights when you want dinner fast but still colorful and fresh. The sweet chili flavor is gentle, not too spicy, and kids usually love it. Everything roasts together, which keeps things easy. It's great for spring when veggies start to shine.
Ingredients:
1Â half of purple cabbage
2Â carrots
1Â red bell pepper
½ red onion
5 cloves of garlic smashed
1 tablespoon avocado oil
Sweet Chili Sauce
3 tablespoon pf sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
Juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Easy Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Light but still filling, making it great for spring. You can customize it easily for picky eaters. It works well for both early dinners and relaxed evenings. Kids love the rice and chicken combo, especially with simple sauces. It feels fresh and fun without being complicated.
Ingredients:
4 chicken breast bone-in skin on
3 stalks of green onions white and green part separated
4 cloves of garlic smashed
2 tablespoon avocado oil
Sesame Sticky Sauce:
4 tablespoon water
2 tablespoon sweet thai chili sauce
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Serve with rice and vegetables.
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
The sweet teriyaki sauce makes it kid-approved right away. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and easy. You can add veggies or keep it simple. Either way, it fits right into a spring dinner rotation.
Ingredients:
6 - 8 pieces of chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
¼ cup of soy sauce
3 tablespoons of sugar
2 tablespoon mirin
2 tablespoons sake (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoon water cornstarch slurry
4 pieces of smashed garlic
1 inch of sliced ginger
2 tablespoons of avocado oil
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
Garnish with green onions
Cashew Chicken Recipe - Better Than Takeout
Great when you're craving takeout but want something homemade. It's lighter than restaurant versions and still full of flavor. It's a nice option for late dinners when everyone wants something fun. Familiar, comforting, and easy to love.
Ingredients:
Chicken:
2 chicken breasts cubed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 tablespoons of water
1 cup roasted cashews
1 red bell pepper julienned
4 garlic cloves minced
3 green onions (white and green parts separated)
Cashew Chicken Sauce:
½ cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Chicken Cashew and Broccoli Stir FryÂ
A little lighter and veggie-forward, perfect for spring nights. The broccoli adds color and balance without being boring. It's quick to cook, which helps on busy days. Kids often enjoy the chicken and sauce, even with the veggies mixed in.
Ingredients:
6 chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white pepper 1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 cups broccoli cut into small bite-size pieces
2 tablespoon neutral oil
Stir Fry Sauce:
½ cup chicken broth or water
2 tablespoon light soy sauce
2 tablespoon honey1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 cup of roasted cashews
Â
Maple Glazed Salmon
The maple glaze makes salmon more approachable for kids. It's great for early evenings when you want something quick but still healthy. Pair it with veggies or rice for a complete meal. Simple and always crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients:
2 lb salmon fillet
½ cup maple syrup
4 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chili crisp
1 lemon zested and cut into slices
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Roasted Vegetables:
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups zucchini sliced into 2-inch pieces
Spicy Salmon Rice Bowl
If you love spicy food then you will enjoy this spicy salmon rice bowl. This spicy salmon bowl is crispy (but tender inside), juicy pan-fried salmon bites coated in sesame seeds, served over a bed of fluffy rice, and topped with the best gochujang sauce. Make this salmon rice bowl your new go-to weeknight dinner in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
8 oz salmon cut into cubes
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon gochujang paste
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 tablespoon white sesame seeds
2 tablespoon black sesame seeds
2 tablespoon avocado oil for frying
Sauce:
1 tablespoon gochujang paste
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon Kewpie mayo
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Prawns Stir Fry - Easy 8 minute recipe
Quick and easy spring dinner you can rely on. The prawns cook quickly and keep the meal light, which feels perfect for spring. It works well on warmer nights when heavy food just doesn't sound good. Kids usually enjoy it served with rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
12 large prawns (about 1 pound, peeled and deveined)
1 stalk of green onions (white and green part separated)
2 cloves of garlic minced
1 tablespoon of vegetarian oyster sauce gluten free
1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon of chili crisp
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons of sesame oil
Handful of roasted cashews (optional)
Chicken Satay Bowl
Bowls like this are perfect for busy spring days. The chicken keeps it filling while the peanut sauce adds comfort. It doesn't feel too heavy, which works well as the weather warms up. An easy dinner that still feels cozy.
Ingredients:
8 chicken thighs boneless skinless
1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon fish sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Peanut Satay sauce:
1Â can coconut milk 7 oz
2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons of red Thai curry paste
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of ½ of lime
Cherry Tomato Pasta
Bright flavors make this pasta shine in spring. The tomatoes keep things fresh while the noodles keep it familiar for kids. It's great for early dinners when you want something simple and delicious. No heavy sauces needed.
Ingredients:
6 bacon strips cut into small pieces
3 cloves garlic minced
1 shallot minced
4 cups cherry tomatoes about 2 pints
¼ cup white wine optional
8 oz penne pasta
2 cups water
4 cups spinach
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
2 tablespoons of cold butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish with chopped parsley
Simple Caramelized Onion Pasta Recipe
This works well for early spring when cozy meals still sound good. The onions add flavor without making it heavy. It's an easy dinner that feels comforting. Families like how filling it is.
Ingredients:
8 ounces of spaghetti pasta
2 shallots thinly sliced
1Â medium yellow onion
3 cloves of garlic minced
3 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of chili crisp
Breadcrumb Topping:
1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup of salted butter
½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
Pinch of salt and pepper
Â
Garnish:
Fresh parsley chopped
Chili crisp
Leave a Reply