6 Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Dinner Recipes

For those evenings when time is short but a flavorful meal is desired, these six dinner recipes—each requiring only three ingredients—offer a practical solution. Designed for simplicity and speed, they cater to a variety of tastes while maintaining ease of preparation. Below, you’ll find detailed instructions and serving ideas for each dish.

Recipe 1: Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

This dish features a harmonious blend of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard, creating a flavorful glaze over tender chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey and Dijon mustard until fully blended.
3. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.
4. Evenly spread the honey mustard mixture over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
6. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestion:

Pair with steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe 2: Pesto Zucchini Noodles

A light, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, this recipe combines zucchini with the rich flavor of pesto.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) pesto sauce
• 25 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Spiralize the zucchini into noodles, or use a vegetable peeler for thin strips.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until just tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the pesto sauce until evenly distributed.
5. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread for added texture.

Recipe 3: Coconut Curry Chickpeas

This warm and mildly spiced dish offers a creamy texture, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (425 g/15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (400 ml/14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the chickpeas, coconut milk, and curry powder.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Serve hot.

Serving Suggestion:

Accompany with rice or flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Recipe 4: Honey Sriracha Tofu

A vegetarian option with a bold sweet-and-spicy profile, this tofu dish is both crispy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 block (400 g/14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the tofu into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix the honey and sriracha sauce.
4. Toss the tofu cubes in the mixture until well coated.
5. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve over steamed vegetables or rice for a complete dish.

Recipe 5: Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts

This recipe transforms Brussels sprouts with the savory addition of bacon and a touch of balsamic sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 450 g (1 pound) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, bacon, and balsamic vinegar.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the sprouts are tender and the bacon is crisp.
5. Serve warm.

Serving Suggestion:

Enjoy as a standalone dish or alongside a protein of your choice.

Recipe 6: Peanut Butter Banana Quesadillas

A quick and unconventional dinner option, blending sweet and savory flavors in a warm tortilla.

Ingredients:

• 4 flour tortillas
• 120 g (1/2 cup) peanut butter
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter evenly on one side of each tortilla.
2. Place banana slices over the peanut butter on two tortillas.
3. Top with the remaining tortillas, peanut butter side down, to form quesadillas.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
6. Cut into wedges and serve warm.

Serving Suggestion:

Drizzle with honey or serve with a dollop of yogurt for extra richness.

Conclusion

These six recipes demonstrate that a delicious dinner need not be complicated or time-consuming. Requiring only three ingredients each, they are accessible to cooks of all skill levels and adaptable to various preferences. Experiment with these dishes to suit your taste, and enjoy the convenience of quick, flavorful meals.